Books & CDs from Mark & Elisabeth Sooy

Dr. Mark Sooy explores the interesting and intriguing world of Luther's thought about music and its place in the life of the church. From its biblical foundation beginning with the creation story to its comfort and joy in the life of the Christian, Luther recognizes music as a true gift from the hand of God.

In 1530 Luther wrote: "I am not ashamed to confess publicly that next to theology there is no art which is the equal of music, for she alone, after theology, can do what otherwise only theology can accomplish, namely, quiet and cheer up the soul of man, which is clear evidence that the devil, the originator of depressing worries and troubled thoughts, flees from the voice of music just as he flees from the words of theology. For this very reason the prophets cultivated no art so much as music in that they attached their theology not to geometry, nor to arithmetic, nor to astronomy, but to music, speaking the truth through psalms and hymns."

Given Luther’s familiarity with the technical aspects of music, as well as his apparent abilities and gifts in performing and composing, there is little doubt that he saw the entire redemptive story (creation, fall and redemption) inherent within this great gift of God. He noted the reflection of creation in the order and structure of the music itself. He may have also recognized a representation of the fall in the dissonant aspects of music, which add tension and disharmony to it and cry for resolution (i.e., redemption?). Undoubtedly, Luther’s heart and soul responded exuberantly to the redemptive aspect of music as it resolved tension and became a thing of beauty – lifting the heart and soul toward heaven – as does the redemptive work of Christ. The story of creation, fall and redemption, as broad categories of theology, also find their place in God’s beautiful gift of music.

When God’s voice falls silent…what then?

When you pray and plead—yet receive no answer.

When you beg for help—and hear no reply.

When you wait and wonder—and still wait.

What do you do when the silence of God overshadows your life?

We groan. We sigh. We, too, become silent. We search for words to pray, but they do not come. We seek for thoughts to express our feelings, but our thoughts are scattered.

In this book, Dr. Mark Sooy considers the silence sometimes experienced by God’s people. By exploring the range of emotions and feelings one might encounter as God remains silent, we can discover how common it is and what we might learn from it.

We can learn the “lessons” God has for us within the silence…

Dr. Mark Sooy builds a holistic approach to worship. The modern discussion about what is called “worship” tends to focus quite narrowly on only one aspect of the larger picture of worship – that of corporate worship. This book fills the gap this narrow focus leaves and expands the discussion to demonstrate the breadth of life that worship is to include.

Beginning with a consideration of some of the key Biblical texts regarding worship, Part I of this book builds the Biblical foundation, or framework, for worship as a whole. Out of this Biblical foundation we learn the importance of internal thoughts and belief systems. The theology behind worship must be all-encompassing and complete, for out of this flows the reality of worship in daily life. The actions of worship, whether individual or corporate, are the result of the ideas and theology of worship. If the foundation is weak, the structure will be weak as well. If the foundation for worship is strong and solid, an effective life of worship will follow.

Part II is a concentrated discussion of how the internal beliefs become external actions in real life, in other words, worship as a life-style. Centered on “renewing the mind” and the use of spiritual gifts, the author shows a balanced view of what a life of worship entails. The life of worship culminates in a life of love and service in which the Christian responds to God by serving his or her neighbor.

Part III considers the implications of Parts I and II, and how they might apply in the realm of corporate worship. The daily life of worship and the corporate worship event are distinguishable, yet entirely intertwined. Successful and effective corporate worship is the directly linked to the individual service of each Christian in the Body of Christ.

At a very basic level the fear, love, and trust of God gives us perspective. In fact, it gives us a balanced perspective in every area of life. When we truly understand who God is, how He cares for His people, how He loves and provides for us – we also begin to understand who we are as His children. We are entirely dependent upon Him for all good things and owe Him our gratitude, our service, our livelihood. In this balanced perspective, the response of worship encompasses our entire lifestyle – so that work, play, love for family and friends, corporate worship services, everything – becomes an interwoven tapestry of worship and declaration of God’s glory. This balanced approach is to be the goal of each individual Christian, so that as a corporate body our lives weave together to create an even more complex and beautiful tapestry.

Day-by-day and week-by-week, the work of a leader is a shifting maze of decision-making, training, coaching, and tackling a growing pile of work that threatens to overwhelm.

"Weekday Wisdom: Daily Reflections for Leaders and Administrators" is written with you in mind. Whether you work in a Christian organization or serve as a Christian in the world of business, academics, or government, these devotional reflections will encourage and challenge you each day of the work week.

Start your day by focusing on your walk with Christ in these daily readings.