TheChurchTools: Music and Media

HILLSONG CHAPEL - FOREVER REIGN NEW ALBUM (2012)

2012-08-15T09:04:00.014+09:30

Hillsong Chapel - Forever Reign (2012) will be release this year around 23 October 2012. This will be the second instalment of the 'Hillsong Chapel' album series. The Hillsong Chapel albums contains intimate and devotional collection of Hillsong songs by the Hillsong Live and United team. It's recorded at the Hills Campus of Hillsong based in Sydney. The songs are congregational songs, carefully rearranged to be more intimate and suitable for small gatherings. The objective of the Hillsong Chapel project is to help resource smaller congregations with the favourites from Hillsong Live and Hillsong United.

A higher quality album art has not been officially made available yet.

Hillsong Chapel - Forever Reign is an acoustic and devotional collection recorded live in March 2012. 'Forever Reign' is the second instalment in this organic contemplative expression of praise and worship. It contains song favourites such as; "With Everything", "Desert Song", "Cornerstone" & "Beautiful Exchange".

Download Hillsong Chapel - Forever Reign (2012)

Hillsong Chapel - Forever Reign (2012) TheChurchTools.blogspot.com by TheChurchTools on Grooveshark Track List:

1) God is Able

2) Hallelujah

3) Rhythms of Grace

4) You

5) Cornerstone

6) It is Well with My Soul

7) Forever Reign

8) Desert Song

9) His Glory Appears

10) The Lost are Found

11) Beautiful Exchange

12) With Everything

Videos

1) God is Able

2) You

3) Cornerstone

4) Forever Reign

5) His Glory Appears

6) The Lost are Found

7) With Everything

About two years ago we recorded our first Hillsong Chapel album: Yahweh. It captured our worship team leading in a smaller setting... our Hillsong Chapel. It has been a useful resource for our own teams and hopefully it has been helpful for many others. The goal of the first Chapel project was to think creatively and appropriately for our smaller services and contexts. At Hillsong Church, some of our extension services and regular gatherings would have less than 300 people attending. The songs we recorded sounded more intimate, more raw, more acoustic... appropriate for such services.

- Ben Fielding

Read More: Hillsong Collected

Pre-Order Hillsong Chapel - Forever Reign (2012) with our 15% discount coupon!

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TheChurchTools readers receive 15% discount on ANY Hillsong purchase(s). So if you're interested in purchasing Hillsong Conferece, Colour Conference, Men's Conference resources as well, be sure to use our coupon!

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HILLSONG LIVE - CORNERSTONE (2012) NEW ALBUM

2012-03-12T10:58:00.013+10:30

Hillsong Live has released its 21st album known as Cornerstone. Based on Ephesians 2:20 "Together, we are His house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself" (NLT).

The latest album was recorded last year at Allphones Arena in Sydney with Hillsong worship leaders including Reuben Morgan, Darlene Zchech, Joel Houston and Ben Fielding. In addition to the title, Hillsong Live has also released the cover art as shown above, as well as a tentative track listing of 14 songs, which includes the song "Love So High" co-written by Reuben Morgan, Matt Redman and Chris Tomlin. Check the music out below!

READ/LISTEN TO 2012 ALBUM SAMPLES: HILLSONG LIVE "TOGETHER AS ONE" 2012 ALBUM RECORDING

Download Hillsong Live - Cornerstone (2012)

Hillsong Live - Cornerstone (2012) TheChurchTools.blogspot.com by TheChurchTools on Grooveshark

Release Date: 2 July 2012

Tracklist:

1) Endless Light

2) Beneath The Waters (I Will Rise)

3) Cornerstone

4) I Surrender

5) All My Hope

6) Grace Abounds

7) Running

8) Children of the Light

9) Stand In Awe

10) Love Knows No End

11) Greater Than All

12) Love So High

13) I Desire Jesus

14) Praise Him

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HILLSONG UNITED - LIVE IN MIAMI (2012) REVIEW

2012-02-13T11:49:00.011+10:30

Whenever a new year comes around the corner, as people we tend to make new resolutions, kick old habits and establish healthy goals. The year 2012 has now arrived and we have the opportunity to kick start this year with a bang! The much anticipated, internationally recognized Hillsong United has released their latest album Hillsong United – Live in Miami (2012) February this year. Recorded live at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida in August 2011, this album captures 22 tracks of God-breathed and Christ centered worship with the united purposes of seeing people connecting with Christ Jesus.

Hillsong United – Live in Miami (2012) has creatively engineered to bring forth exciting music using both old and new songs. Fresh from last year’s release of the ‘Aftermath’ album, Live in Miami brings to front several tracks from the 2011 studio album to the ears of the beholder. Hillsong traditionally has had a reputation of bringing congregationally friendly and lyrically sound music to the global church. The release of ‘Aftermath’ surprised and exposed us to different tunes, musical arrangement and lyrics. It was an album with techno and electronics that separated itself from its predecessors. Live in Miami has really brought the lyrics and the heart behind the songs in such great finesse!

Hillsong United – Live in Miami (2012) starts off with a techno-robot voicing “Welcome to the Aftermath”. The crowd starts going wild as Matt Crocker takes the lead with the song ‘Go’. You can hear a loud declaration from the crowd singing, “We’re giving it all away, away. We’re giving it all to go your way~” before the drums and electric guitars kick in! The praise follows into ‘Break Free’ with JD (Jonathan Douglass) asking the people “Is anyone READY to break free in this placeeeeee!??” to which an overzealous crowds responds in cheers!

Throughout the album it felt as though as we were present at Miami attending the conference in person, experiencing the worship first-hand. Leading into the song ‘Mighty to Save’, Hillsong United’s frontman Joel Houston addresses the crowd, “It’s good we can hear ya. It’s a good thing ‘cos you know what tonight it’s more about your voice than it is ours. I don’t know how you came to be here but we’re grateful, we’re glad that you made it.” This reminds us that more important than an album recording, the conference in Miami was establish to connect the hearts of people to God. In response, the crowd sang in confidence to the song ‘Mighty to Save’, declaring God’s faithfulness aloud in unity. Before you know it, we are drawn into the powerful act of worshipping our God and King.

Listening through the album once, it is apparent that the drummer is high on ‘Jesus Juice’! Live in Miami has so many fantastic drum rolls and build-ups that it’s impossible not to give credit to Simon Kobler (Kobes) for his outstanding performance on drums! He comes in strong in Disc 2 starting with ‘Freedom is Here/Shout Unto God’. You can hear the impact and power associated with his drum playing as it elevates from the song ‘From the Inside Out’ through to ‘With Everything’. ‘From the Inside Out’ really touches the heart lyrically. The song engages the crowd to sing soulfully unto the Lord. It enters a powerful free worship session with catchy minor-chord progression known as ‘A Song to Sing’ where people really focus their energy and attention towards God Almighty. At the end of ‘A Song to Sing’, the people started singing “Woahhhh … Woa~aahhhh… Woaahhhhh” whilst the drums continue in momentum, driving the worship. We are slowly brought into the song ‘With Everything’ led by Joel Houston with more drums and free worship happening - a truly remarkable worship experience!

Hillsong United has really compiled a powerful worship CD. There’s especially a high interest within the community for these ‘tour-styled’ album ever since the release of ‘The I Heart Revolution – With Hearts as One’. Hillsong United – Live in Miami (2012) is not an album of newly written songs, rather its worship album that of songs collectively sung in the at a conference in Miami with the intention of drawing all hearts to God through His son Jesus Christ. To those that enjoy losing themselves in worship and love the songs written by Hillsong, then this album is a must! The mixture of loud drums, electric guitars, and a huge cohort of worshippers singing as one church has given this album a wonderful, electric feeling with huge lift!

“These songs that we’re singing are not just some random songs, some ideas, some religious idea of a God. We’re not singing tonight to a dead God, or a distant God, or a dormant God but tonight these songs are songs of life, songs of truth to the ever-lasting, the ever-faithful, the ever-present God”. – Joel Houston.

Memorable Tracks:

Mighty to Save

Bones

Rhythms of Grace

From the Inside Out

A Song to Sing

With Everything

Take it All

Read: HILLSONG UNITED - LIVE IN MIAMI (2012)

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HILLSONG UNITED - LIVE IN MIAMI (2012) NEW ALBUM

2012-01-19T08:00:00.011+10:30

Having led worship in churches, stadiums and open fields around the world, UNITED’s Live In Miami is the first live album from the band in four years and features 22-tracks all captured during the band’s sold out worship night in Miami. In 2011, best-selling modern worship band Hillsong UNITED brought a new and fresh approach to tours, visuals, songs and multimedia to the U.S. for the widely successful ‘Aftermath’ Tour. The tour logged sold out worship nights in venues across the country - from New York to Los Angeles (where the band became the first Christian band to sell out Staples Center) and back east to Miami where the CD and DVD were recorded.

In studio and out of studio, on tour or home at Hillsong Church, UNITED is committed to sharing songs that speak truth, create a unique sound, connects with churches, individuals and ultimately connects people everywhere with God. Born out of the Youth Movement of Australia’s Hillsong Church, UNITED is fronted by worship leaders Joel Houston, Jad Gillies, Jonathon “JD” Douglass and backed by an evolving collaboration of pastors, worship leaders, musicians and songwriters - all intentional about giving voice to a generation passionate about God.

Hillsong United's tour-type albums are definitely one to deserve much attention. Hillsong United - With Hearts As One album featured a list of familiar and classic songs from the Hillsong Church but arranged in a fresh and exciting that it really captures the attention of music lovers. In addition, the album contains approximately 20 tracks of music goodness that can't be compared to any standard album recording. Without a doubt, the live albums are the ones that attract positive feedbacks. As of today, Hillsong has released many songs that are sung in churches globally. Most congregations aim to replicate the sound and feel captured in the live albums. This becomes harder to attain with studio recording that utilize techno sounds and unique effects. Hillsong has recognized this great need to replicate the style of worship, and have subsequently release music tutorial videos for its recent Hillsong Live - God is Able album. Wouldn't it be great if Hillsong recorded their annual albums holding around 20 tracks of both old and new songs performed in a live setting? This allows us to experience the great classic music from ancient times, to the new ones that are creatively engineered yearly by the Hillsong team!

Read: HILLSONG UNITED - LIVE IN MIAMI (2012) REVIEW

Hillsong Music is taking orders for Hillsong United - Live in Miami new album

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Remember, TheChurchTools readers receive a 15% discount on any purchases including this pre-order using our coupon "TheChurchTools1"

Download Hillsong United - Live in Miami (2012):

Hillsong United - Live in Miami (2012) TheChurchTools.blogspot.com by TheChurchTools on Grooveshark

Release Date: February 14, 2012

Label: Sony EMI CMG Distribution

Tracklist:

01. Go

02. Break Free

03. You

04. Search My Heart

05. Mighty To Save

06. Hosanna

07. All I Need Is You

08. Bones

09. Nova

10. Aftermath

11. Freedom Is Here / Shout Unto God

12. Like An Avalanche

13. Rhythms Of Grace

14. Oh You Bring

15. The Stand

16. From The Inside Out

17. With Everything

18. Your Name High

19. Take It All

20. Yours Forever

21. Take Heart

Go + Break Free

You + Take it All

Search My Heart + Mighty To Save

Hosanna

All I Need is You

Bones

Nova

Aftermath

Freedom is Here + Shout Unto God

Like an Avalanche

Rhythms of Grace

Oh You Bring

The Stand

From The Inside Out + With Everything

With Everything

Your Name High + Yours Forever

Take Heart

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PASSION 2012 CONFERENCE

2012-01-11T11:56:00.008+10:30

At the heart of it all, Passion exists to see a generation stake their lives on what matters most. For us, that's the fame of the One who rescues and restores, and the privilege we have to fully leverage our lives by amplifying His name in everything we do.

Download Passion 2012 Conference:

Passion 2012 Conference (TheChurchTools.blogspot.com) by TheChurchTools on Grooveshark

Given the fact that the university landscape changes every fall with a rush of new freshman faces, Passion's mission is to continue to engage the "university moment," with the compelling message of Jesus and the story He is writing around the globe.

To that end, Passion 2012 is more than just another event, it's a beautiful part of a movement that's about finding true meaning as we take our place in a story so much bigger than ourselves. It's about trading small dreams for a grand epic that is shaping history and has no end. And it's about a rare chance for tens of thousands of university-aged young people to gather in celebration of their common faith purpose.

In years past we have hosted multiple venues at our Atlanta gathering, but in 2012 we are moving across the street into the Georgia Dome, a larger venue we are setting at half-house so we can all see each other's faces in one shared space.

Passion 2012 was a unique gathering, one that most likely will not be repeated in 2013. We want you to be there… and we are inviting you to join the movement for His renown!led worship in churches, stadiums and open fields around the world, UNITED’s Live In Miami is the first live album from the band in four years and features 22-tracks all captured during the band’s sold out worship night in Miami. In 2011, best-selling modern worship band Hillsong UNITED brought a new and fresh approach to tours, visuals, songs and multimedia to the U.S. for the widely successful ‘Aftermath’ Tour. The tour logged sold out worship nights in venues across the country - from New York to Los Angeles (where the band became the first Christian band to sell out Staples Center) and back east to Miami where the CD and DVD were recorded.

Tracklist:

01. Hillsong United - Intro + Go

02. Hillsong United - Search My Heart

03. Hillsong United - The Stand

04. Hillsong United - Take it All

05. Hillsong United - Mighty To Save

06. Hillsong United - Oh You Bring

07. Hillsong United - Like an Avalanche

08. Hillsong United - With Everything

09. Matt Redman Ft. LZ7 - 27 Million (Rise Up)

10. Kristian Stanfill - I'm Not Ashamed

11. David Crowder Band - All This Glory

12. Lecrae - Background (Ft. Tedashii & Canon)

13. Christy Nockels - Great God

14. Christy Nockels - How I Love You

15. Christy Nockels - Waiting Here For You

16. Chris Tomlin - Yahweh

17. Chris Tomlin - Lay Me Down

18. Chris Tomlin - Altar of our Praise

19. Chris Tomlin - You Are The One

20. Chris Tomlin - How Great Is Our God (World Edition)

21. Chris Tomlin - Our God

22. Chris Tomlin - I Have Decided

23. Chris Tomlin - White Flag

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CHRIS TOMLIN - HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD: THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION (2011)

2011-11-16T09:01:00.009+10:30

As one of the most-sung artists in the church, Chris Tomlin writes music that connects people to the heart of Jesus and leads them to a greater worship of him. His first-ever greatest hits collection features 14 songs of his greatest worship anthems, plus 3 all-new recordings of classic Tomlin songs. Included is a new recording of the #1 song "How Great Is Our God", which features guest appearances from renowned international worship leaders, singing parts of the song in their native language.

Download Chris Tomlin: How Great is Our God Essential Collection (2011):

Chris Tomlin: How Great is Our God - The Essential Collection (2011) TheChurchTools.blogspot.com by TheChurchTools on Grooveshark

Release Date: November 15, 2011

Label: Sixstepsrecords / Sparrow

Tracklist:

01. How Great Is Our God (World Edition)

02. Our God

03. Forever

04. The Wonderful Cross (With Matt Redman)

05. Famous One

06. We Fall Down

07. Indescribable

08. Holy Is The Lord

09. Enough

10. Made To Worship

11. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

12. Jesus Messiah

13. God Of This City (Live From Passion)

14. I Will Rise

15. How Great Is Our God

(Nashville, Tenn) September 1, 2011— According to TIME magazine over 40 million people sing the songs of Chris Tomlin each week, suggesting he is “likely the most often sung artist anywhere.” As a result, church congregations worldwide feel a connection with the lyrics and music Tomlin writes. Before the release of his new project, Tomlin will once again unite with friends Louie Giglio and Christy Nockels for the fall leg of his “And If Our God Is For Us…Tour.” Tomlin’s spring leg of the tour drew sold out crowds across the country. The event was in such high demand, second shows were added in Portland, Phoenix and Houston, and seats sold out shortly after they were announced. This season the tour will visit fans in Colorado Springs, Washington D.C., Indianapolis, St. Louis and more. See a full list of tour dates below. Tickets for all dates are currently on-sale now at www.christomlin.com.

Tomlin married his girlfriend, Lauren Bricken, on November 9, 2010. In May 2011, Tomlin announced to his hometown that he and Lauren are expecting their first child. He announced on Twitter that the couple's daughter, Ashlyn Alexandra Tomlin, was born in September 2011.

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HILLSONG - BORN IS THE KING (2011) CHRISTMAS EP

2011-11-12T19:57:00.011+10:30

Hillsong has released their third Christmas worship album composed of Christmas songs led by the Hillsong Church in the middle of November. Above is the official music video of 'Born is the King' from Hillsong - Born is the King (2011) Christmas EP album. This EP contains 8 tracks of classic Christmas songs arranged by Hillsong including two self-written songs 'Born is the King' and 'Emmanuel'.

Download Hillsong - Born is the King (2011) EP Christmas:

Hillsong - Born is the King (2011) Christmas EP TheChurchTools.blogspot.com by thechurch tools on Grooveshark

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Summer is well on its way. The days are warmer. There are late night swims in the pool. Cicadas are chirping on balmy nights and the smell of bbq’s cooking fill our neighbourhood. Saturdays are spent lying on the beach, we eat fish and chips watching the sun sink late into the night, the days are longer. And that can only mean one thing…..it's almost Christmas.

This week we launched our 'Born is the King' video clip on YouTube. My kids and our creative team had the pleasure of creating it for you to watch….there are forest scenes, a tree house, lots of kids, a 3 metre * 3 metre gift box and a treasure hunt… but….no snow.

For many of you I am sure that is unexpected. However for our family and for our Australian Church, for the first time in a long time…on the screen they see a scene that they love – a warm sunny day, summer Christmas, smiles all round, friends and family and the best reason of all to celebrate – Jesus.

This is Christmas Down under. We many not have weather in common. There may not be snow, we may not be singing “sleigh ride” or “chestnuts roasting by an open fire”….but we do share a common love for a baby born in a manger in obscurity in israel over 2000 years ago. God incarnate. God amongst us. The greatest reason to sing this year….sun or snow. And I know what we will be singing…..”dudu du du du du du…. Born is the King….It's Christmas time “….and we hope you will be joining us.

Cass Langton

(Hillsong Creative Department Head)

Article via HillsongCollected

HILLSONG LIVE "TOGETHER AS ONE" 2012 ALBUM RECORDING

2011-11-03T09:41:00.036+10:30

Hillsong LIVE has done yet another album recording, under the name 'Together As One'. The heart beat of this gathering is to be united under the name of Jesus Christ as one body, one church to deliver one song to God our Father, whom created all things and all things came into existence through Him. As usual, Hillsong Live's worship leaders including Reuben Morgan, Ben Fielding is joined alongside Hillsong United's Joel Houston, Jad Gilies and JD (Jonathan Douglass) with Darlene Zschech. This is for the much anticipated new Hillsong Live 2012 album that will be released as usual at Hillsong Conference 2012 during the July period! (Preview the new Hillsong Live 2012 album below!)

DATE: 30th October 2011

TIME: Doors open at 4PM for a 5PM start

LOCATION: Allphones Arena (previously Acer Arena), Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney Australia

Hillsong LIVE 2012 || Rough Set List || Album Title: Cornerstone

1. Endless Light (CD and DVD/Blu-Ray) performed by Jad Gillies

2. Running (CD and DVD/Blu-Ray) performed by JD

3. Under Your Name (CD and DVD/Blu-Ray) performed by Joel Houston

4. I Desire Jesus (CD and DVD/Blu-Ray) performed by Darlene Zschech

5. Grace Abounds (CD and DVD/Blu-Ray) performed by Dean Ussher

6. Love Knows No End (only DVD/Blu-Ray)

7. Surrender (CD and DVD/Blu-Ray) performed by Matt Crocker

8. Your Love So High (CD and DVD/Blu-Ray) performed by Matt Crocker

9. Praise Him (CD and DVD/Blu-Ray) performed by Matt Crocker

10. Soul Sings (CD and DVD/Blu-Ray) performed by Dave Ware

11. All My Hope (CD and DVD/Blu-Ray) performed by Annie Garratt

12. Better Than Life (CD and DVD/Blu-Ray) performed by Ben Fielding

13. Greater Than All (only DVD/Blu-Ray)

14. Towards You (CD and DVD/Blu-Ray) performed by Jad Gillies

15. All Of The Praise (ony CD)

16. Hope of The World (ony CD) performed by Reuben Morgan

17. Undivided

READ: HILLSONG LIVE - CORNERSTONE (2012) NEW ALBUM

When Christians get together to worship there’s always music. There’s choruses, songs, musical interludes, free-worship – psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Eph 5:19). In fact, musical worship is so ubiquitous and feels so “right” that we need to keep reminding ourselves that worship is more than the congregational singing we do in a church service. So, what is it about music that makes it so right for worship? This is a fascinating question.

Music, like language,is one of the few universal human cultural activities. Its use transcends religion, economics, social organisation and ethnicity. It is found in the most primitive isolated jungle tribes and the most advanced, wealthiest and congested cities. It’s woven into the everyday fabric of life of every human culture throughout history. Music is popular, but also powerful. Our most important personal, communal or national events nearly always employ the power of music – weddings, parties, celebrations and funerals. It is used in entertainment, sport, war … and in worship

Why?

Music is Emotional: Music aesthetics studies and explores what makes music “work” and what makes for “good” music. It suggests that music is powerful because it is emotional. This doesn’t mean that music is about emotions, but that it expresses and engages the emotional life. Psychology and neuroscience would agree, with studies showing both creating and listening to music engage the emotional centres of the brain. And it is not that music evokes the emotions it expresses (after all, why would we like sad songs if all they did was make us sad) but that it evokes a heightened emotional state. And as emotional creatures, we like that.

HILLSONG MUSIC 15% DISCOUNT SPECIAL

2011-09-28T23:33:00.009+09:30

Hillsong Music has recently revamped its flagship online store and has included online digital downloads as an additional purchase option for consumers. This allows consumers to quickly get their hands on the latest Hillsong music! Hillsong has generously offered a special discount of 15% on all purchases made at Hillsong Music. Simply enter the checkout code "TheChurchTools1" to receive your special 15% discount off ANY purchases. Hillsong Music has inspired individuals and churches worldwide to praise and worship our God and to bring Him glory. Hillsong's dynamic worship services is the original, contemporary music that continues to emerge from the church's musicians and writers. Hillsong Music collectively refers to the music produced by Hillsong Church and distributed around the world. Hillsong Church consists of a company of dedicated and devoted people that exists to bless the community, city and nation in which it is planted. Their influence on the global Church was recognized twice by the Gospel Music Association which presented "International Awards" to Hillsong Music and its modern worship band Hillsong United in recognition of their impact on the worldwide Church.

Hillsong Music currently has a limited 48 hour special for Hillsong Live and Hillsong United albums, where the purchase per album is only $8. **UPDATE: OFFER ENDED LATE SEPTEMBER 2011.

More information on Hillsong Music:

Hillsong Music has sold over 11 million units worldwide and achieved more than 30 gold and platinum sales awards - yet the purpose has remained the same - to build a strong and healthy local church, that resources the Body of Christ EVERYWHERE.

Through their music and resource, their goal is to:

- Enable people to enter into new dimension and atmosphere of praise and worship to the Lord.

- To empower people, ministries and churches through relevant, bible-based teaching, leadership and praise and worship.

- To share some of what God is doing here at Hillsong with other Christians around the world, as well as people outside of the Church.

Awards & Recognition - Australia

The 2009 Hillsong United album Tear Down the Walls , achieved #2 in the iTunes Top Albums charts in the US, Aus and NZ territories
The 2008 Hillsong Live Album This Is Our God debuted at number No.2 on the ARIA charts
The Hillsong United Album The I Heart Revolution /// With Hearts As One debuted at No.3 on the Australian Albums chart, and No.8 on the Top 50 Albums Chart.
To date, 18 CD s and 8 DVD s have been accredited with the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) Gold status in Australia. One live praise & worship album, People Just Like Us has achieved ARIA Platinum status.
Hillsong United album Look To You has achieved ARIA Gold status
Hillsong Kids DVD Jesus Is My Superhero has achieved ARIA Gold status
The latest Hillsong United album, All of the Above hit number six on the ARIA charts in 2007 and also reached number two on iTunes for the most downloaded album.
The album God He Reigns debuted at No. 2 on the ARIA charts in July 2005, with the DVD debuting at No. 1 on the ARIA Top 20 DVD charts.
The album For All You've Done debuted at No. 1 on the ARIA charts in July 2004 and remained in the Top 100 for 11 weeks. The DVD debuted at No. 4 on the ARIA Top 40 DVD charts.
In July 2003, Hope debuted at Number 3 on the ARIA Album charts and the DVD of Hope debuted at number 1 on the ARIA Top 40 DVDs.
In July 2002, Blessed debuted at Number 4 on the ARIA Top 100 Album charts. The DVD debuted at number 2 on the ARIA Top 40 DVD charts. Blessed became the number 2 best-selling Christian album in the USA on its release in September 2002.

Awards & Recognition - International

2009 Hillsong United album Tear Down the Walls, achieved #2 in the iTunes Top Albums charts, in the US, Aus and NZ territories
The Compilation Album Shout To The Lord Platinum Collection Vol 1 hit Gold status in USA in 2009
2009 Dove Award presented for Worship Song Mighty To Save at the Gospel Music Awards in Nashville, USA
Over 30 gold and platinum sales awards achieved worldwide
The Hillsong United album, All of the Above debuted at the number one spot in three US Billboard charts; the Contemporary Christian Album chart, top Praise and Worship Album and the Digital Christian/Gospel Album chart. It also entered at number 60 on Billboard s Top 200 Chart. Additionally, it debuted in the Canadian Christian Retail Chart at number one.
In 2007, United was awarded an International Impact Dove Award for Christian Artists, which was presented in Nashville at the Gospel Music Awards.
Blessed received a nomination for the Dove Awards 'Praise & Worship Album of the Year' at the Gospel Music Awards in Nashville, USA.
Blessed became the No. 2 best-selling Christian album in the USA on its release in September 2002.
You Are My World received a nomination for the 2002 Dove Awards 'Praise & Worship Album of the Year' at the Gospel Music Awards in Nashville, USA.
By Your Side received a nomination for the 2001 Dove Awards 'Praise & Worship Album of the Year' at the Gospel Music Awards in Nashville, USA.
The song Shout to the Lord written by Darlene Zschech was nominated for the 1998 Dove Awards 'Song of the Year' category at the Gospel Music Awards in Nashville, USA.
The song My Hope written by Darlene Zschech was nominated for the 2004 Dove Awards 'Inspirational Song of the Year' at the Gospel Music Awards in Nashville, USA.

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HILLSONG LIVE: GOD IS ABLE (2011)

2011-05-26T10:50:00.040+09:30

Hillsong LIVE returns with an all-new album entitled God Is Able. Recorded at Hillsong Church in Sydney, the album delivers 11 brand new songs inspired by the of God of our here and now. Songs include “Rise” (Joel Houston), “The Cry of the Broken,” (Darlene Zschech) and “God Is Able,” (Reuben Morgan). Another standout song is “The Lost Are Found” which is sure to become a anthemic chorus for the church. Hillsong LIVE will support the album with a U.S. tour in November 2011 as well as several online live stream events.

Download Hillsong Live: God is Able (2011) album:

Download Hillsong Live: God is Able [Acoustic] (2011) album:

Listen on iPhone : Hillsong Live: God is Able [Acoustic] (2011) New Album by thechurchtools

Click here to download Hillsong Live: God is Able [Acoustic] (2011) New Album

Learn Hillsong Live - God is Able Album:

Hillsong Live Youtube Channel for More Tutorials

TRACK LISTING:

- "Rise" (Joel Houston and Reuben Morgan) - Worship Leader: Joel Houston

- "With Us" (Reuben Morgan) - Worship Leader: Jad Gillies

- "Unending Love" (Jill Mccloghry and Sam Knock) - Worship Leader: Annie Garratt, Jad Gillies

- "The Lost Are Found" (Sam Knock & Ben Fielding) - Worship Leader: Ben Fielding Darlene Zschech, Reuben Morgan & Joel Houston

- "God Is Able" (Reuben Morgan and Ben Fielding) - Worship Leaders: Reuben Morgan, Darlene Zschech

- "The Difference" (Reuben Morgan) - Worship Leader: Jonathan Douglass (JD)

- "Alive In Us" (Reuben Morgan) - Worship Leader: Darlene Zschech

- "You Are More" (Reuben Morgan) - Worship Leader: Darlene Zschech, Reuben Morgan

- "Narrow Road" (Braden Lang) - Worship Leader: Dave Ware, Darlene Zschech

- "My Heart Is Overwhelmed" (Reuben Morgan and Ben Fielding) - Worship Leader: Ben Fielding, Darlene Zschech

- "Cry Of The Broken" (Darlene Zschech & Reuben Morgan) - Worship Leader: Darlene Zschech (Solo by Darlene Zschech with Piano Accompaniment)

GOD IS ABLE (DVD CONTENT):

01. Rise

02. The Difference

03. With Us

04. Unending Love

05. Alive In Us

06. Narrow Road

07. My Heart Is Overwhelmed

08. Cry Of The Broken

09. Awakening

10. God In Everything

11. You Are More

12. The Lost Are Found

13. God Is Able

14. Go

15. Yours Forever

GOD IS ABLE (ACOUSTIC SONGS):

1. God Is Able (Acoustic) (DVD)

2. The Lost Are Found (Acoustic) (DVD)

3. My Heart Is Overwhelmed (Acoustic) (DVD)

GOD IS ABLE - INTERVIEWS:

1. Rise - Songwriter Interview (DVD)

2. With Us - Songwriter Interview (DVD)

3. The Lost Are Found - Songwriter Interview (DVD)

4. God Is Able - Songwriter Interview (DVD)

5. The Difference - Songwriter Interview (DVD)

6. Alive In Us - Songwriter Interview (DVD)

7. Cry Of The Broken - Songwriter Interview (DVD)

8. Awakening - Songwriter Interview (DVD)

Website | iTunes | Facebook | Amazon | Hillsong Music

PASSION: HERE FOR YOU (2011)

2011-03-10T20:22:00.009+10:30

Passion: Here For You was recorded live at Passion 2011 with more than 20,000 university-aged students in Atlanta, GA January 1-4, 2011. The much-anticipated collection of new songs will feature sixstepsrecords artists Chris Tomlin, David Crowder*Band, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels and Kristian Stanfill. The album and new song offerings reflects the desire of a generation to lay down their lives to live for the renown of Christ.

Download Passion: Here For You Album (2011):

Passion Conferences is a Christian organization (also referred to as the 268 Generation, originally named Choice Ministries), founded by Louie Giglio and Jeff Lewis in 1997, known for their annual spiritual awakening gatherings of young adults, more specifically college students. The organization is also responsible for sixstepsrecords, the Passion Worship CDs, and the OneDay gatherings. The first conference was Passion 97 in Austin, Texas, and the headquarters are now in Alpharetta, Georgia. The organization lists its purpose as "...uniting students in worship and prayer for spiritual awakening in this generation," using Isaiah 26:8 as their theme verse: "Yes Lord, walking in the way of Your truth we wait eagerly for You, for Your name and renown are the desire of our souls."

Passion Conferences planned to go international in 2008, as reported in Christian Today: "For the first time, the national Passion conference is making a global tour in 2008 after years of drawing tens of thousands of students to one national venue. Next year's plan is to visit 20 cities across 15 nations in an estimated $4 million (£2 million) tour." The conferences actually took place in 17 cities worldwide on all six inhabited continents, kicking off in Kiev and finishing in Sydney.

Track Listing:

1. Here For You - Chris Tomlin

2. Symphony - Chris Tomlin

3. Waiting Here For You - Christy Nockels

4. All My Fountains - Chris Tomlin

5. Shadows - David Crowder*Band (Feat. Lecrae)

6. Lord, I Need You - Chris Tomlin

7. Set Free - Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman

8. Forever Reign - Kristian Stanfill

9. Sometimes - David Crowder*Band

10. Always - Kristian Stanfill

11. Carry Your Name - Christy Nockels

12. Spirit Fall - Chris Tomlin

GENERATION UNLEASHED: SAVING POWER (2010)

2011-02-28T11:02:00.004+10:30

Recorded live at the Generation Unleashed conference in Portland OR, thousands of young people were united in passion for Jesus Christ and boldly declared His saving power. Overflowing with compassion, joy and praise for the Savior?s transforming power, this album will come alive and inspire you to proclaim the work He is doing in you and through you.

Download Generation Unleashed: Saving Power (2010):

Generation Unleashed hails from the great Northwest’s city of Portland, Oregon. Sonically, the guitar-driven group, often compared to Hillsong United, is known for their passionate songwriting style, intimate worship moments and aggressive, loud musical stylings.

More than a band, GU represents a movement that annually hosts over 8,000 teenagers to their worship and lifestyle conference held in January and February, making the gathering one of the nation’s largest of its kind. Spearheaded by pastor Doug Lasit and worship leaders Donna Lasit, Jeremy Scott and Jordan Filip; Generation Unleashed is an outreach of Portland’s City Bible Church which impacts the city at 3 separate church sites in addition to a weekly service with Portland State University.

Created in 1993 out of a smaller youth conference called “Conquest,” Generation Unleashed has since developed from those early days of meeting in a church gymnasium to two conferences that host over 8,000 students each year. The conferences consist of general sessions and breakout sessions with age specific workshops for junior high, high school, college and youth pastors. The aim of the GU conferences is to connect with youth and youth leaders alike – guiding them through an inspiring and refreshing worship experience.

Generation Unleashed’s ministry expands beyond their annual conferences. GU leads weekly “Worship Workshops” that teach students the foundation of worship ministry. The “Worship Workshops” help these young musicians and worship leaders learn how to lead worship, write set lists and gives instruction on how to avoid the typical pitfalls of a worship service.

Generation Unleashed is now set to broaden the call of their worship movement to reach beyond conferences and weekly services and into hands of listeners everywhere with the release of their self-titled project. Marking the group’s first-ever national release, this debut project, recorded live, features 14 innovative worship tracks including an incredible new interpretation of the Maranatha! Music classic, “I Love You Lord” and powerful worship anthems “Always,” “Saved My Soul” and “All Things Through Christ.” At the production helm, Adam Watts and Andy Dodd, best known for their work on Jeremy Camp, High School Musical, and the Hannah Montana albums, receive credit for mixing Generation Unleashed.

Experience worship unleashed from Generation Unleashed.

WHO IS BEHIND GENERATION UNLEASHED?

Donna Lasit (vocals, keys/ songwriter)

Donna Lasit describes worship as her everything. “It’s the thing that gets me out of bed,” explains Donna. “It changes my perspective. It leads me in everything in life. Worship is a blessing that we get to bring before God.”

Donna started writing worship songs when she was 16 years old. The first songs she wrote were, in her words, “love songs to God.” These songs, over one thousand, were intimate expressions of her deepest desire to know her creator.

Now, along with her husband Doug, Donna leads Generation Ministries at City Bible Church. Her number one passion is for young people to find their source of strength and understanding from God and not become driven by culture or outside sources. She encourages young people to be innovative. “I love seeing young people write songs that are true originals – songs and melodies that come from God,” notes Donna.

This is an attitude that rings true in Donna’s own writing. Over the years, writing has always been a channel that helps her express what is in, and weighing heavy on, her heart. Donna hopes that the music she writes provides a way to bring worshippers closer to God. She describes Generation Unleashed as worship that is fueled by a passion for God and the Church – in many ways similar to the same passion that drove her to write those first, private ‘love songs to God’ so many years ago.

Jeremy Scott (vocals, guitar/ songwriter)

Jeremy Scott has a passion to see young people led to the Lord. “I love to see younger musicians and worshippers getting raised up in the church,” notes Jeremy. “I believe that God is raising up young people through the nation to do something special in worship today and for the future.” With this in mind then, it’s no surprise that Jeremy was young when he first felt the call to lead worship.

At age 15, he began playing drums and piano for his youth group. After being told he was “too loud,” Jeremy moved to playing the electric guitar. Still too loud, according to his youth pastor, Jeremy eventually found his way to leading worship with an acoustic guitar.

Jeremy draws inspiration in his writing directly from God’s Word and being in His presence. “When the presence of God hits me – that is when I feel inspired to write,” explains Jeremy. “Most of the time a song will begin out of my own devotional time.” He feels his motivation to write and his inspiration to worship are innately connected. “Worship to me means complete surrender,” says Jeremy. “It’s an opportunity to put everything else aside and put 100% focus on God – to lift him up for who He is and what He’s done.”

Jordan Flip (vocals/ songwriter)

Jordan Flip came to a turning point in his worship ministry about three years ago while attending a conference at City Bible Church. Up until that time, his goal was to deliver an excellent worship service.

While at the conference, God spoke to him about inspiring worshippers to excellent worship. “Teaching a new generation of worshippers, musicians and worship leaders how to invite the presence of God in to the local church became my focus,” says Jordan.

The passion to raise up leaders among the youth of this generation is a core motivation behind Generation Unleashed and why Jordan is a part of the ministry. The leadership team lives out their passion for worship as a lifestyle. “Worship to me is a lifestyle of living before God. I want everything I do on a daily basis to honor and praise Him,” says Jordan. “It is out of the overflow of that lifestyle that I give God worship through music.”

Seeing people moved by God and lives changed from passionate worship fuels this worship leader’s heart. Jordan draws his inspiration to lead from the way he sees the Lord move in the crowd. “We would rather have the right heart and attitude behind the music then to have amazing music with no depth,” he remarks. That fervor for genuine, passionate worship is a signature of Generation Unleashed and the songs on their self-titled debut national release.

Track Listing:

1. Intro

2. Sing

3. Standard

4. Our God Reigns

5. I Am Alive

6. I Will Praise You

7. By The Cross

8. Never Looking Back

9. He Lives

10. Anthem

11. Holding On

12. Saving Power

FREE VIDEO: RISEN. (YOUTH SERVICE)

2011-02-28T10:30:00.002+10:30

Download: Here

BETHEL LIVE: BE LIFTED HIGH (2011)

2011-02-21T16:30:00.005+10:30

Bethel Music is proud to present their latest live album “Be Lifted High” – a sonically and lyrically refreshing work where God is exalted and His love is on display. This album was created with excellence in mind and combines anointed worship and quality production to create a truly epic album. “Be Lifted High” sets the stage for God to move through these original songs and moments of prophetic worship where you’ll find your passion rises and hunger for the Lord is stirred. This album features Bethel Music artists: Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Riddle, William Matthews, Amanda Falk, and Steffany Frizzell. Accompanied with the album is a live DVD featuring interviews on worship with Bethel Music Artists with special guests: Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton.

Download Bethel Live: Be Lifted High album (2011):

Features Worship Leaders Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Riddle, William Matthews, Amanda Falk, Steffany Frizzell Brian Johnson Reveals For the First Time How He Was Freed from Years of Torment.

Bethel Live releases its all new, full-length recording Be Lifted High Feb. 15, 2011 on Kingsway as a special CD/DVD Digipak combo. Recorded live at Bethel Church in Redding, CA, the album features worship leaders Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Riddle, William Matthews, Amanda Falk and Steffany Frizzell. Be Lifted High picks up where Here Is Love (Nov. 2010) left off and is being distributed in the US through EMI CMG Distribution.

Be Lifted High includes 13 songs recorded live over a series of Bethel Church worship services and features the passionate, genuine and spontaneous worship of the church. The songs capture the heart of a growing movement as the bonus DVD features interviews on worship with Bill Johnson, Bethel Church sr. pastor; Kris Vallotton, Bethel Church sr. associate pastor; Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Riddle and other Bethel Music artists. The DVD also includes personal stories from the artists of how worship has changed their lives, including Brian Johnson sharing in detail for the first time the story of how the power of praise freed him from years of spiritual torment.

“There are moments in worship where the power of God invades so strongly through the creative medium of music that a deep connection between us and our heavenly Father is born,” says Brian Johnson, who along with his wife Jenn are the senior worship pastors at Bethel Church and oversee the Bethel School of worship. “Our desire is to pursue and capture these moments so that believers across the globe can enter into that experience and encounter Him.”

“God is really pouring out during our corporate worship times at Bethel this much deeper understanding of his love; just how passionate He is for His people. God’s love is furious; it’s like no other force,” says Jeremy Riddle, known for his hit single “Sweetly Broken” that was No. 1 on the K-LOVE Radio Network for over 40 weeks in 2007 and who has toured with Rebecca St. James, Big Daddy Weave and Brenton Brown. Quoting the song “Furious” from Be Lifted High, Riddle continues, “We’ve only glimpsed His vast affections, heard whispers of His heart and His passion. That kind of revelation of His love, that is what changes people, that is what brings people to repentance. That is what transforms nations, cities and neighborhoods.”

Review:

“Be Lifted High” from Bethel Music is the worship ministry at Bethel Church in Redding, California. Bethel Music is also the home of Jesus Culture: Kim Walker-Smith, Chris Qualia. This CD features original music from well known worship leaders- Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Riddle (“Sweetly Broken”); as well as, lesser known- worship leaders- Stephanie Frizzel and William Matthews. The CD opens up with the Hillsong-esque “You Are Good”. This song has been on previous Bethel projects- but has been retooled and revamped to a completely new song. Next up, “One Thing Remains” is an amazing song with one of the catchiest choruses I’ve heard in a long time in a worship song “Your love never fails/ never gives up/ never runs out on me…” (This song was also featured on Jesus Culture’s newest album- Come Away.) This version is a little more congregation accessible. I will tell you from experience- you will be singing this song all the time. “Furious” brings in Jeremy Riddle in a straight up rock track that is so good- you will instantly fall in love with it.

“God I look to You” and “I Will Exalt” are some of the female-fronted songs and they are beautiful, especially the latter song. William Matthew’s “Hope Anthem” and “Deep Cries Out To Deep” are awesome songs to worship to whether it’s in a personal time of worship or teaching to a corporate body. “Deep Cries out to deep” is probably one of my favorite songs on the record- the melody is just instantly catchy. “God of the Redeemed” brings Jeremy Riddle back for a slower track that would fit perfectly in any Sunday morning set list. The album closes with “One Thirst and Hunger”- co-led by the vocally talented, Stephanie Frizzel and Jeremy Riddle. It really is a heart cry. So powerful- You get swept up into the worship as they push through the song and finally sing the bridge: “We wait for you to come and show your Glory here today…” It is a powerful time of worship and the listener knows it- they can feel it. Needless to say- I’m a huge fan of this album. I think that it has gems that both worship leaders and worshippers can find in it. It’s such a powerful album! Happy worshiping!” – MusicMan

Track Listing:

1. You Are Good

2. One Thing Remains

3. Furious

4. Be Lifted High

5. God I Look to You

6. I Will Exalt

7. What Would I Have Done

8. Hopes Anthem

9. Love Came Down

10. Deep Cries Out

11. God of the Redeemed

12. Forever and a Day

13. One Thirst

HILLSONG UNITED: AFTERMATH (FEB 2011)

2011-02-15T01:34:00.013+10:30

Best-selling modern worship band Hillsong UNITED returns in 2011 with twelve new songs recorded in a studio to inspire a generation to embrace the hope of the gospel. The release of AFTERMATH follows a sold out US Tour in 2010 and is the most recent album in a line that is fast approaching 800,000 units sold over the past six years. Additionally, the band will be back to tour the US in February and March 2011 playing the AC single "Search My Heart" and other hits off the new album.

Hillsong UNITED has always pushed the boundaries of what is considered "worship music," and on AFTERMATH the band stays true to form again stretching themselves lyrically and sonically. The songs on AFTERMATH explore the life-changes and hopefulness in the 'aftermath' of an encounter with Christ. Longtime fans of the band and those who appreciate progressive worship music will not be disappointed.

Download Hillsong United: AFTERMATH (2011)

Album Photos (Click to ENLARGE:)

The track listing for the new album “Aftermath” is as follows:

1. Take Heart

2. Go

3. Like An Avalanche

4. Rhythms Of Grace

5. Aftermath

6. B.E. (interlude)

7. Bones

8. Father

9. Nova

10. Light Will Shine

11. Search My Heart

12. Awakening

BONUS: Search My Heart Radio Version

*** HILLSONG UNITED - OFFICIAL MUSIC CHORDS AND LYRICS ***

Download Hillsong United - Aftermath (2011) album:

Hillsong United - Aftermath (2011)

Hillsong United - Take Heart (2011)

Hillsong United - Light Will Shine (2011)

Hillsong United - Like an Avalanche (2011)

The album will come in the standard edition CD, Deluxe Edition CD which includes a bonus CD-Rom that includes 4 short videos, lyrics, Lyric Chord Charts, song descriptions, slideshow. It will also be released as Paper Music Book and Music Book CD-Rom for those interested in teaching it to their local church.

Joel Houston has blogged the meaning and vision behind the album title. You can read it as follows:

>> HILLSONG UNITED - MEANING BEHIND 'AFTERMATH'

>> HILLSONG UNITED - AFTERMATH (COMPOSER'S THOUGHTS)

An early pre-sale for iTunes customers will begin on 25th January 2011.

Marty Sampson is back this UNITED album singing the album title 'AFTERMATH'.

Over the last few years, Hillsong UNITED has evolved as a band, but never lost focus of their one purpose and passion: Worship.

Creative, diverse and not limited to any one demographic, the heart of Hillsong UNITED is to create music that reveals the truth of who Jesus is. The faces remain the same - fronted by worship leaders Joel Houston, Jad Gillies and JD, but the team is an evolving collaboration of pastors, worship leaders, musicians and songwriters - all intentional about giving voice to a generation passionate about God.

In studio and out of the studio, on tour or home at Hillsong Church, UNITED is committed to writing songs that speak truth, create a unique sound, connects with churches, individuals and ultimately connects people everywhere with God.

This year, they are taking a new and a fresh approach to their tours, visuals, songs and multimedia while still keeping it as simple as possible.

“There is a real sense of perseverance within our team, not performance,” says Creative Director Joel Houston. “In 2011 we are pushing the boundaries and stretching ourselves; musically, lyrically and believing that God is going to do things He has never done before.”

After releasing the full length I Heart film in November 4th 2009, Hillsong UNITED took some time away from their hectic schedules for a season of rest in their local church – much needed time that has inevitably breathed new life into their songs.

In 2011, the release of their newest album AFTERMATH is a thoughtful collaboration that reflects every season of life. Songs that come from deep places, the highs and lows of the Christian journey.

“The message of Jesus Christ is eternal, yet He continues to reveal Himself in new ways...giving us what we need to be followers and disciples of Christ for this time in history,” says Joel. “Life with God is fun, its an adventure, it is grace, freedom, peace and everything in between. Whether you are listening to our newest album or our very first, our prayer and passion is that you are empowered to live life with God, encouraged to stay on the course and excited about all that He has for your future.”

One thing is certain, the Hillsong UNITED team recognises the incredible opportunity in front of them…and they are determined to make the most of it…

TOUR DATES:

Wed, Feb 23, 2011	Vancouver, BC	Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre
Thu, Feb 24,2011	Seattle, WA	ShoWare Center Kent
Sat, Feb 26, 2011	San Francisco, CA	The Warfield Theatre
Sun, Feb 27, 2011	Sacramento, CA	Memorial Auditorium
Tue, Mar 1, 2011	Los Angeles, CA	Staples Center
Wed, Mar 2, 2011	Phoenix, AZ	US Airways Center
Fri, Mar 4, 2011	Houston, TX	Berry Center
Sat, Mar 5, 2011	Dallas, TX	Music Hall
Mon, Mar 7, 2011	Atlanta, GA	Gwinnett Center
Tue, Mar 8, 2011	Birmingham, AL	BJCC
Thu, Mar 10, 2011	New York, NY	Hammerstein Ballroom
Fri, Mar 11, 2011	Boston, MA, 7 PM	Orpheum Theatre
Fri, Mar 11, 2011	Boston, MA, 10 PM	Orpheum Theatre, Part II

Hillsong United: AFTERMATH (2011) Deluxe Videos:

Website | iTunes | Facebook | Amazon | Hillsong Music

HILLSONG UNITED: AFTERMATH MUSIC + LYRICS

2011-02-14T19:38:00.001+10:30

Download: Here

HILLSONG UNITED: THE ART OF VISUAL SEMANTICS

2011-02-14T16:09:00.020+10:30

Sometimes you have to laugh at yourself.. Hahaha.!!

Cause all this time I have assured myself that when it comes to cover-art, our creative story-telling genius is as clear as day for all the world to see; communicating the timeless message of Christ in such grandeur clarity and relevance that it’s impossible not to find redemption simply by looking at the front cover of our albums; graphical design so deep and complex that it speaks eternal truths to the soul through the iris’s of all who are privileged enough to set eyes upon such visual masterpieces. HA! Think about it; 2004; “MORE THAN LIFE” - a clip-art-extravaganza which involved hundreds of meticulous hours spent cutting out images of people in our youth ministry and zoo animals and other random objects that represented all that life entailed to us at the time.. And above it all we blasted the word “UNITED’ and had some random images of musicians worshipping our God, so as if to visually declare “ohhh I looove yoouu.. Moooooore than liiiiiife”.

I mean for real.. It was brilliant!! And yet, in response, all we got was a hundred angry emails about how in amongst the plethora of layered images there was a particular image of MGC (Michael Guy Chislett) making a symbol that apparently represented the devil!!!

Now while I can see how that conclusion has been derived, and it was probably a blight on our behalf to leave it in there knowing the vast chasm that exists in regard to what is culturally acceptable around the world, i was still taken aback, cause honestly; are we really that religious?? i mean, is the devil even worthy of that measure of credence?? I don’t know.. I reckon the devil is a tool, and not worth the effort it takes to make a 2 fingered salute.. (perhaps a single digit salute is more suffice.. Haha)! but still, some people were unhappy, and so we apologized to all whom we offended, and did our best to clarify that in the context of our culture the symbol in question simply refers to the idea of ‘rock and roll’ - and less the 80’s inspired back-masking-subliminal-evil-messages-snake-head-biting kinda rock and roll.. But more the hug-your-mate-shrug-off-the-shackles-of-scrupulous-religious-nitpicking kinda rock and roll.. i know i may have just offended more people, but pleaase.. hear my heart. bigger fish to fry I reckon...

Then there was 2005; "LOOK TO YOU’ - got to deadline day and realized the artwork was less than satisfactory. Came up with the bright idea to paint the artwork on a blank wall in the community youth service; time lapse it; tell a story within the booklet pointing toward what it means to ‘look to God’ in the midst of all the distractions of a world consumed with itself. At the time spray paint was all the rage. So in an 11th hour contingency effort we raided the local hardware store; printed live images on gridded A3 sheets; stocked up on red bulls and krispy kreme’s and painted the night away, and as the sun began to creep over the horizon we sat back and marveled at our ‘mona lisa’. It was beautiful. Less for the quality of artwork, and more for the experience. But did anyone really notice.? I just remember getting jibes about the fact that it was called ‘look to you’ yet everyone was looking down?? Eyes to the sky people. apparently that's where God is..?

The year 2006; UNITED WE STAND was a shift away from torn paper layers, spray paint and handwritten blah-blahs towards a clean, photo-based approach. But not the classic picture of the passionate worship leader appropriately poised mid praise-move (made famous in the 1990’s and unfortunately continued all too often 20 years later). No this was about capturing the heart of OUR PEOPLE. Not just the few involved in playing an instrument or singing the song way up on that wonderful platform we so crave called the stage. No, it was about positioning the minor-christian-pseudo-celebrities such as my tall-lanky-self where we belong; in and behind the real heroes; the crew who are doin it week in, week out, unseen, unsung. it was a response to struggling with the contradictory nature of being a 'church-based-worship-band' passionate about pointing people toward God and dealing a little too often with the awkward nature of photographs and autographs and fan-mail and realizing that some people are perhaps focusing a lil' too much on us. So reactively we positioned ourselves in and amongst and behind our crew at large. All of us together, united, making a stand. Even made it so the cover was black, making it hard for the conventional sharpie to make it’s mark. All was going to plan till we found ourselves at a christian book store in orange county doing a CD signing with, wait for it... silver sharpies!!! huh? Didn’t everyone get it? Did anyone get it? Did our management even get it? Did we get it?? Of course i'll smile awkwardly for a photo, or sign a CD or t-shirt or shoe if asked at the appropriate time - kinda rude not to, but still i wonder if anyone, anywhere got the symbolic message wrapped up within the artwork. I don't know if even we did. Brooke put it best while recently being bombarded mid-worship set with budding photographers.. "we're not golden calves people.." I had to laugh.. heavy.. but frighteningly appropriate none-the-less.

So given this was a perpetuating issue we continued the theme with ALL OF THE ABOVE; a simple little play on words, taking a leaf from feedback gleaned from 'look to you' assuming that God is only up above us (as opposed to the idea He is perhaps everywhere, being omnipresent and all?), and given that we're all about all that He is about, we thought it novel to capture once again our crew-at-large adorning t-shirts blasted with sharpie, and this time not signatures, but rather core-value-statement-words; FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, TRUTH, PEACE, OTHERS ETC.... so much as to say that these are the things that we're about. inside we had pics and statements of some of our crew, one of which caused particular controversy because he was revealing his ink; praying hands across his left pectoral. again there were letters questioning whether we were truly following Christ if we were endorsing such a thing..... hmm... don't get me started.. either way, seems the point was lost... or was it.?? i really don't know.. perhaps all along we're making a point.? But is anyone getting it...?

After 2008 spawned the first installment of the i-heart journey;"WITH HEARTS AS ONE", once again the letters flooded in. This time regarding our use of the 'Christ the redeemer' statue in rio de janeiro; a statue that for many (in brazil most notably) represents idolatry and even forms of paganism, which is intriguing given the magnificent statement the statue makes to a visitor such as myself. the "i-heart" made out of images wasn't supposed to represent our christian worldview of the world as much as it was simply supposed to portray the diversity of the world in full. But having read into it, i do have to agree that Jesus didn't come to earth and die a criminal's death upon a cross meant for us, and rise again so that we would view Him 2000 odd years later as a statue.. but like anything, you choose to make of things what you wanna make of things.. the point is; are we lost in our visual semantics, or is it possible there's a point to all of this??

Cause it's 2009 and finally i'm holding a finished, printed, real-life copy of our new project, dual title and all; a CROSS // the EARTH : TEAR DOWN THE WALLS. it has no cover.

And already we’re receiving the letters. "i didn't receive the booklet", "did the recession bite your production budget?", "how am i supposed to open it?" etc....

And i have to laugh.. cause in my mind i thought it was obvious.. i thought it was genius.. no cover... a wall adorned with bill posters representing the EARTH... four triangles (representing worship nights) revealing a CROSS.. all of which revealed without a cover; representing transparency; the walls removed; nothing to hide; just as we are; but by the grace of God etc.. and for added effect we'd wrap it in a paper sticker that you literally have to 'tear' to get into the album... But obviously not so obvious.. And apparently less than being anything close to genius.. cause here i am spelling it out for everyone... i definitely underestimated the significance of a booklet... and here is my promise, next album.. we're goin all out with the booklet.. (recycled paper of course).. It’ll be how people choose to define ‘booklet’ in years to come.. taking it back to the 'ENDS OF THE EARTH' days, where we literally cut our teeth with no idea of what we were doing, experimenting the limits of photoshop, and spending weeks on end trying to make the booklet work (we spent four day working out how to crop..), whatever it took to redeem UNITED and it's tagline "radical worship" from KING OF MAJESTY.. hahaha..

So our disclaimer (aka pride-mechanism) is that this was before we had any creative control.. In fact it was in dissatisfied response to this that we got involved in the art in the first place.. But have we done any better.?? Or are we kidding ourselves? I reckon it's arguable at best.. And only time will really tell.. one thing is for sure; everything dates, and what we think is cool or rad or dope or whatever is more than likely – not.. and at the end of the day, our art is simply a donkey.. Just like the one that carried Jesus.. just a donkey, who’s purpose was to carry the Savior.. The same goes for all our creative expression; our music; our photography; our design; our talents and gifts etc. whatever it is, our challenge above all else is to make sure it carries HIM. That it serves to carry the life giving message of Christ. We get that right, and it'll do the job..

if you got this far, thanks for reading.

Love.

Jth.

And if you have further complaints, please send them to: iprobablywontreadthem@betterthingstodo.com

(An old Hillsong United blog post)

The AFTERMATH of the AFTERMATH

Jay Argaet from Hillsong Creative writes:

"It has been one of the largest projects in terms of artwork to pull off. The initial brief was to capture young people ‘doing life’ with the aspect that Jesus lives inside of us, not just on Sunday but in the everyday --- So we set out to do photo-shoots of people having fun - just doing life. We shot in over 13 locations across Sydney, one of the locations was down in Sydney’s south coast in an ocean pool – the particular shot we were after consisted of some girls running and jumping into an ocean pool, but in reality – we were shooting at the end of a cold winter and the water was freezing! (Thankfully, we had some brave friends who were up for it.) That particular image was awesome and we ended up using it on the album cover. At the end of the project we ended up with just over 3000 photos, however we only used about 15 photos for the actual album artwork and the rest have been used in the artwork pieces on welcometotheaftermath.com"

When collaborating as a team – we wanted to fit together with Joel’s initial concept of the paradox of the aftermath, before the death of Christ / after the death of Christ and what that represents for us in terms of the hope and grace we have found through the cross. We considered this in several ways – the use of photos upside down trying to represent parallel worlds, a paradox with the use of 2 colours in the main artwork. In Australia, we printed the album cover with pantones only and no CYMK (sorry - print technical wording)— this was a first for us and our printers... and ‘pioneering’ this we didn’t quite get the colours right, when printing the red pantone over the yellow it ended up making the red a fluro orange – but it actually ended up looking amazing — and it’s only available in Australia!! Although this is an unplanned aspect, which we had to run with – it worked – and to me it looked better than the original plan for the red.

It’s funny how mistakes sometimes bring out the best --- I guess that is true with God --- He can take what was a mistake and turn it into something that is better than you could imagine.

I am so pumped with the finished album and if anyone is questioning why are the photos and lyrics upside down? Or say “I think there is a printing error with my album” send them a link to this blog :)

MUCH LOVE

J ---

via Hillsong Collected

HENRY SEELEY - FIND A WAY EP (2011)

2011-02-11T23:27:00.012+10:30

Planetshakers is a Melbourne based Christian church that started as a Christian youth movement turned into an international ministry. It started out of Paradise Community Church in Adelaide, South Australia where under the leadership of senior pastor Russell Evans the church has expanded to Melbourne, Australia in 2004. Pastor Russell Evans and his brother Ashley Evans (senior pastor of Paradise Community Church) recently saw their mother graduated to heaven to be with Jesus early this week.

Download Henry Seeley - Find a Way EP (2011) album:

Henry Seeley is the worship leader and creative song writer for Planetshakers known for songs such as Beautiful Saviour and Open Up the Gates. He has released an album 'Henry Seeley - Find a Way EP (2011)'. It has been recognized that just after 7 days of Henry’s debut solo EP “Find A Way” was released its success on iTunes around the world has shown. The iTunes Chart Peak positions:

AUSTRALIA

#1 Christian (Inspo) Album

#8 Mainstream / overall chart

NEW ZEALAND

#1 Christian (Inspo) Album

#6 Mainstream / overall chart

USA

#29 Christian & Gospel Album

Tracks:

1. Somewhere in the Unseen

2. Go

3. Find a Way

4. Open Up the Gates

5. Glorious

6. Sweet Surrender

The album features a remake of the song 'Open the Eyes' followed by some new songs written by Henry. It sounds fresh and inviting, especially when sung by Henry's unparalleled vocal chords that breaks the limitation of standard male vocal range. Don't believe me? Have a listen below! Visit Henry Seeley's homepage to view his tour itinerary.

WE HAVE SUBSCRIPTION & RSS!

2011-02-09T12:46:00.012+10:30

What's happening people!?

We've added a new NAVIGATION button on top which will allow viewers to quickly access all posts related to the label within. In this example we clicked Hillsong United, and the result would be: all posts related to Hillsong United easily accessed in a single mouse click! Similarly the CHURCH VIDEOS button will bring viewers to our video page. If you like to return to our homepage, then just click our HOME button directly.

You may already know that there's Subscription and RSS Feed options to this web log - so now you can can be the first to get fresh content as soon as it's published. It's simple! Either go to the navigation bar and let your mouse hover over HOME > RSS. Alternatively at the right side bar under 'CONNECT: RSS/EMAIL' click the feed button. Please note that we have changed our RSS feed URL!

Our new RSS Feed URL is: http://feeds.feedburner.com/thechurchtoolsblog

By clicking either RSS like the first picture or Atom on the second image-example brings you to a webpage that displays my whole post collections in a go.

If you guys wanna share with your friends some content from this blog, use the SHARE THIS Button - it's very simple! Very quick and no hassle!

Please don't republish full posts without my direct permission. Feel free to quote anything from this blog within reason [ie - a paragraph or two is normal] with a link to it as a source, but keep in mind this is copyrighted material. Thanks.

What is RSS and Why should I Care?

Good standard questions! Here's why you should care.

Unlike getting any website updates by email, RSS feeds give you absolute, 100% complete control over the situation. You don't have to reveal your email address. If you want to stop receiving content, no need to request to be taken off the list if you find that a hassle. Nevertheless, THECHURCHTOOLS' email subscribers are only allowed information posted on this weblog to your email address. It will never share, trade, sell, deliever, reveal. publicize or market your email address in any way, shape, or form - guaranteed no spam whatsoever.

Basically if you don't like the content, of the site you receive your feed, you can make it disappear as fast as you change a TV channel: just one click, and poof... subscription is gone. Convenient isn't it?

What is RSS?

RSS is simply an Internet technology standard that allows busy people to receive updates to web-based content of interest. You might have figured that much by now. But basically, that's the essence of an RSS feed - you subscribe and then receive new content automatically in your feed reader. If you want to read more on how it works, click here.

What is a feed reader?

You may be already using a form of feed reader and not even realize it. If you use personalized home page services like My Yahoo or My MSN, you've got RSS capabilities built in. That's how syndicated content like news, weather and stock quotes appear on your personal page. You can also add content from any blog or other site that uses RSS to provide updates.

If you use Firefox browser, you can also receive RSS feeds from your tool bar by using the Live Bookmarks function. Internet Explorer 8 has this ability as well. Google Chrome has some extension add-ons that are free to download.

Lastly, there's desktop-based feed readers like Newsgator and Feed Demon which function like an email program for feeds.

There we have it, a quick walk-through of RSS.

FREE VIDEO: WORSHIP ELEMENTS TRUE LOVE

2011-02-09T10:30:00.004+10:30

Download: Here

HILLSONG LIVE: IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL (SINGLE)

2011-01-25T11:28:00.022+10:30

Before talking about the Hillsong Live: It is Well with My Soul (Single), let's take time to understand the background meaning behind the release of this single. Now Brisbane Australia experienced major flooding in 1893 and 1974 as a result of heavy precipitation caused by Tropical Cyclone Tasha combined with La Niña weather patterns. December 2010 was Queensland's wettest record where isolated flooding started across parts of the state in early December. By 30th December, vast areas of Southern and Central Queensland were aftected by the flood. This resulted in 300 closed roads including nine major highways, caol railways and numerous mine sites render useless due to the flood. The condition also led to a large influx of snakes in Rockhampton area as well as some crocodiles. Below are images taken from the recent 2010-2011 flooding in Queensland Australia.

Before:

After:

Live video of the flooding in Toowomba Australia:

As of 14 January 2011, there has been 30 confirmed deaths attributed to the floods, 15 of which are from Queensland's Toowomba and Lockyer Valley area. Additional 14 people are listed as missing after the catastrophic flash flood struck Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley, Brisbane and Ipswich. 13 year old Jordan Rice gave his life so that his 10 year old brother be saved from the flood waters, and has been dubbed by the public as an Australian hero.

Another before and after shot:

Currently there are more than 55,000 volunteers registered to help clean up Brisbane streets, with thousands more unregistered volunteers wandering the muddy streets with boots and mops. This was commended as tremendous 'Aussie spirit' by Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard.

The day before the 2011 Australian Open, a number of players took part in the Rally for Relief which was held at Rod Laver Arena and attended by 15,000 people, which raised A$750,000. Players who took part included Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Lleyton Hewitt, Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick.

Queensland Trasurer Andrew Fraser estimated the flood will cost the Australian economy at least A$10 billion with floods costing supermarket chains 10's of millions of dollars. Some communities isolated by floodwaters experienced food shortages, and a rise in the cost of fruits and vegetables was recorded shortly after.

Hillsong Live released a version of the song "It Is Well With My Soul" which was recorded in response to the devastating floods of January 2011 in Queensland, Australia. Recorded by the Hillsong team, it features a newly written chorus by Reuben Morgan and Ben Fielding where the proceeds will go directly to Queensland Premier's (Governor for those living in the USA) Disaster Relief Appeal. The song took 3 studio days to complete.

Download Hillsong Live - It is Well with My Soul (SINGLE):

iTunes US | iTunes AUS | Facebook | Hillsong Music

HILLSONG UNITED: MEANING BEHIND 'AFTERMATH'

2011-01-12T00:44:00.007+10:30

Album Inspired by ‘Aftermath’ Paradox of the Crucifixion of Jesus

Best-selling modern worship band Hillsong UNITED offers its highly anticipated, 11th full-length album and second ever studio recording, AFTERMATH, Feb. 15, 2011 on Sparrow Records. Having its pulse consistently in tune with the heart cry of congregations across the globe and a fresh, forward-thinking soundtrack to match, Hillsong UNITED has been the veritable gold standard of modern worship music for the past decade and counting. The album follows a string of 2010 sold-out events in the US and around the world, and is its first new recording in the alliance announced last year with EMI Christian Music Group.

AFTERMATH is also the first new album from Hillsong UNITED in over two years. The band members took the time to challenge themselves musically and lyrically. Not willing to be bound by what’s considered “worship,” nor willing to rest on their past laurels, Hillsong UNITED offers an unabashedly creative collection of new songs that celebrates the One who saves, redeems and is the true representation of Hope in a world where hopelessness abounds.

“I think we just wanted to create an album that didn’t follow all the rules and that we ourselves would want to worship to, whether we’re in the car driving home, on the train on the way to work or wherever we happen to be. We didn’t want to rely on what feels familiar,” says Hillsong UNITED’s Joel Houston. “So we sat back and asked ourselves the tough questions, namely what are we trying to achieve, and why did we even start doing this in the first place.”

As Houston and Hillsong UNITED’s team of songwriters penned and recorded the tracks for AFTERMATH, the theme of genuine, paradoxical hope in the wake of the apparent tragedy of the Cross emerged in track after track. The imaginative opener, “Take Heart,” sets the stage for the conversation as the stadium-friendly rock anthem “Go” reminds believers to be ready for whatever plans God has in mind, while “Search My Heart,” the first radio single from the album, is a pulsing, urgent cry to be used by God for His – not simply our own – purposes.

“Normally ‘aftermath’ has a negative, even traumatic, connotation,” Houston says. “At the same time, when I look at the Crucifixion as an event, it paints an extraordinarily negative and horrific picture. But the aftermath of the Cross is hope for all mankind. It’s grace, freedom, peace, life and everything that is good about God. I absolutely love that picture.”

Creative, diverse and not limited to any one demographic, the heart of Hillsong UNITED is to create music that reveals the truth of who Jesus is. Fronted by worship leaders Joel Houston, Jad Gillies and Jonathon "JD" Douglass, the UNITED team is also an evolving collaboration of pastors, worship leaders, musicians and songwriters - all intentional about giving voice to a generation passionate about God.

HILLSONG UNITED: AFTERMATH (COMPOSER'S THOUGHTS)

2011-01-10T15:22:00.008+10:30

1) Take Heart

Words and Music by Joel Houston

I wrote this song on vacation in January of 2009 amidst the doomsday predictions in the aftermath of the global economic crisis, and being bed-bound after a foot injury preventing me from surfing. It seemed like an appropriate time to write a song about hope. I love in John 16:33 where Jesus states, 'in this life, you will have trouble...' He makes no illusions of the fact that being a Christ-follower in no way excludes us from the realities of trial and troubles. But He doesn't end there, '... but take heart, for I have overcome the world.' Because of the cross, all our troubles, our trials and pain, our fear and failure are overcome. We live in a different kind of aftermath - one where we can cling to the light and hope of an empty cross. – Joel Houston

2) Go

Words and Music by Matt Crocker

This is a song of prayer crying out for more of God and asking Him to reveal more of Himself. Unless God takes control of my life, I'm just going to crash and burn so when writing this song it was just me pouring my heart out to God and giving Him the reins. - Matt Crocker

3) Like An Avalanche

Words and Music by Joel Houston and Dylan Thomas

On the first of our writing days for this record we were back and forth on a number of ideas that were going nowhere. Then when all was said and done and we were calling it a day Dylan started playing a guitar part under our conversation. I stopped talking and started tapping on the window. Before we knew it we had a song - a confession and picture of God's relentless grace sweeping over our foolishness and pride, and in response not trying to struggle or fight against it in pursuit of righteousness in and of ourselves, but rather a choice to let go and go with it; completely overtaken. Surrendered. – Joel Houston

4) Rhythms Of Grace

Words and Music by Chris Davenport and Dean Ussher

For the longest time Chris and I wanted to write a God centered song based around a clear biblical thought. At the time I was stuck on Isaiah 45 and the extent that God goes to teach His people that He is the only God. The process in writing this song was our natural response to this thought... shaping several ideas, or images used in the passage to make it more personal. For me it's a challenging confession. You can't hear or sing these lyrics without asking if it's true of you. 'Rhythms of Grace' is more or less a song about putting God in His rightful place, and keeping Him there. - Dean Ussher

5) Aftermath

Words and Music by Joel Houston

The cross is a paradox. What was a symbol of failure and death is now established forever as a symbol of life and victory. The crucifixion was a gruesome and traumatic event and at the moment of surrender as the storm clouds gathered and the skies went to darkness it would have seemed to all who were witnesses, especially His followers, that all hope was lost - the so called 'Son of God' humiliated and tortured, dying as He hung upon a cross. But unlike any historical event that has ever taken place before or after, this moment would change everything - Forever. Because of the cross we no longer have to live entangled in the fallout and the wreckage of our lives, or the worst the world can throw at us. We have been lifted out of the ashes and into the LIGHT of the aftermath. We find hope, peace, freedom, and life, and we can know with assurance that He is with us no matter what comes our way. – Joel Houston

6) Bones

Words and Music by Joel Houston and Jill McCloughry

It had been no more than 5 minutes since the moment I felt for the first time a clear picture of what this project needed to say, when Jill came into the studio and showed me the bones of what would become this song. She sung the first two lines and it all started coming together - not just this song, but the entire purpose and message of this project. I had been thinking a lot about the empowerment of Isaiah 61, echoed and fulfilled in Luke 4 when Jesus got up and read it in the temple; 'The spirit is upon me, to bring good news to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to bring freedom to the captives and to announce the day of the Lord's favour' but then He goes on and adds to it; 'today, the scripture is fulfilled in your presence', and the beautiful thing is that in the aftermath of the cross, the same Spirit that was upon Him is now ALIVE IN US: empowering us to do all that for which it was upon Jesus to do.

7) Father

Words and Music by Joel Houston

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” 1 John 3:1

While writing this song, some close friends of mine were in the process of adoption. My friend himself had been adopted at birth and he and his wife were now looking to offer the same gift to a child who somewhere for whatever reason found themselves abandoned. I'd been thinking about how beautiful that picture is when it comes to our Father. The gift of love we have in Christ means that no matter who we are, where we're from, what we've done or what's happened to us, we are co-heirs with Christ, through the Father's grace, and entitled to share in His inheritance. But it doesn't end there. The reason is not so we can live lavish lives like trust-fund kids squandering our Father’s riches, but rather, that we in turn would give our lives to lavish this love given to us upon others; for every-ONE: His grace enough, forever this means LOVE. – Joel Houston

8) Nova

Words and Music by Matt Crocker, Michael Guy Chislett and Joel Houston

Description: This is one of those large sounding songs that you have to cry out as loud as you can. It's an 'everything and everyone' praise song. Sometimes all you want to do is be a part of a large crowd of people who are like-minded and declare of His glory. As God's glory collides with our hearts and the earth lives can't help but be changed by it. – Matt Crocker

9) Light Will Shine

Words and Music by Matt Crocker and Marty Sampson

Description: This song actually feels light-filled. It's amazing how many times 'light' is mentioned in God's word. The fact is, God is light and His light has the ability to turn the hardest heart from even the darkest of places back to the truth. The song is but a small glimpse of what happens when God's light intervenes, no matter how grim or bad we think the situation might be. – Matt Crocker

10) Search My Heart

Words and Music by Matt Crocker and Joel Houston

Description: This is a song of prayer crying out for more of God and asking Him to reveal more of Himself. Unless God takes control of my life, I'm just going to crash and burn so when writing this song it was just me pouring my heart out to God and giving Him the reins. – Matt Crocker

HILLSONG CHRISTMAS SPECATACULAR (2010)

2011-01-05T11:15:00.008+10:30

Hey it's been a while since I last blogged. Let me share with you what happened last month: mid-December 2010 I found myself climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a day right before Oprah did the very same climb for her 'Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure'. As I'm plain scared of heights, it was terrifying initially. Literally you see everyone as small as ants and the fear of 'what-if' I fall and hit the pavement was running continuously in my mind. Sweaty palms didn't make this climbing experience any better. But once you climbed up the ladder, walking over the arch of the bridge was like walking up a flight of staircases, only not with an amazing, spectacular view! My brother, his girlfriend and myself along with one other friend took the 6.30pm climb but only began climbing approximately 40 minutes after because there's some house-keeping rules and basic climbing strategies to go through prior to climbing. Right now, Australia's having it's summer season and the sun goes down completely around 8pm mark. Give and take!

Will Smith is one of the many celebrities that have climbed the Bridge.

One of the experienced climbers who's worked there for 3 years informed us the view we saw that evening was ranked among his top 3 views over the time he's been working there. And I couldn't agree more, it was truly magnificent. Unfortunately pictures are with my brother so trust me on this. Once we're up at the peak of the summit, the sun was just about to completely set and gave this nice orange glaze across Sydney - remarkable for a $AUD290 bridge-climb price tag! It was at this time my brother got down on his knees and proposed to his girlfriend! Other climbers were making jubilant noises everywhere on the Harbour Bridge. Truly historic.

The afternoon before the proposal happened, we attended Hillsong Christmas Spectacular 2010 at the City Campus. It was fantastic. Musical + live music + drama and video all packaged up in a 2 hour session. Hillsong's Christmas Spectacular was entitled: Who Stole the Star?

Now, Christmas productions are actually quite hard to deliver. There's only so much baby Jesus you'd want to present to the viewers every year and this can quickly lose its 'WOW-FACTOR' impact. It's obvious much thought went into this years Christmas production. They've included characters such as Mr. Incredible, Gingerbread Man, Tooth-fairy, Batman and Superman along with Santa Clause to present to us the meaning and message of Christmas - that Jesus was God's present from God to us.

Plot

The story began showing and telling us the magnificence of a beautiful Star that is annually locked away after Christmas by 4 key holders. The Star is important in Christmas as it powers Santa Clause's sleigh and enables him to deliver presents to the children. Unfortunately, this one Christmas the Star was stolen from its regular resting place before the usual lock-up. And so time goes by with musicals commemorating events that happen throughout the year before approaching Christmas once again. Finally Christmas has approached, and just before Santa Clause and his elves were going to deliver the presents for the children, they found out that the Star is missing! Without the Star, Christmas will be ruined for everyone as no one can get presents from Santa Clause! This throws everything to disarray and it was believed that the culprit was one of the 4 key holders. A little boy who is visibly concerned about the situation asked his Dad about the the importance of the Star. The father revealed that the Star was given by God to direct the wise men to Jesus, and that Jesus was reason we celebrate Christmas today. One night the child prayed to God before sleeping, and subsequently after prayer a bright light interrupted his routine. He investigated it and found that the Tooth-fairy had stolen the Star because he felt that he was not acknowledged or cared for. The drama concluded with acts of forgiveness and Christmas was saved through further acts of love.

The drama ran in 3 parts. Hillsong's City Campus pastor would come on stage whilst set changes are being done behind the curtains. She would welcome the audience, initiate tithes and offerings and lead a prayer of acceptance to know and Jesus as God. The transitions were smooth from set to set and many people who wanted to know more about Jesus were given a Hillsong welcome pack that includes a bible and a small message in a CD from Hillsong senior pastor Brian Houston.

And if you're planning to fly down to Sydney, you may find yourself living in affordable accommodation! Like $1 per night near the airport anyone? This is especially affordable as you can literally find $1 on the streets if you pay a bit of attention.

Note: I will be uploading a short Christmas Spectacular video onto Youtube shortly after.

Gateway Worship - God Be Praised (2010)

2010-11-09T12:25:00.013+10:30

Just acquired hands on this NEW Gateway Worship - God Be Praised album that was just released today. I love the style of music they did with its previous album Wake up The World. The doxology opening from that album was just mind-blowing. Gateway worship has that congregational worship 'feel' that is attractive - makes it teachable for local churches across the earth. This is a new band that I may be starting to follow in addition to those listed on my Youtube Channel in addition to Hillsong, Planetshakers, Passion and Desperation Band!

Artist: Gateway Worship

Album: God Be Praised

Release Date: November 9th, 2010

Style: Praise & Worship / Contemporary

Label: Integrity Music

Location: United Kingdom

Recorded LIVE, God Be Praised emanates passionate worship from Gateway Church in Southlake (Dallas), Texas. Led by Thomas Miller and the Gateway Worship team, energetic praise gives way to intimate worship as the church comes together in one voice to glorify the name of Jesus and give thanks for all He’s done.

Track Listing:

1. God Is With Us Now

2. Praise Him

3. Victory

4. For A Thousand

5. Stay Amazed

6. The Blood

7. I Hear The Lord Passing By

8. One Single Drop Of Blood

9. By The Grace Of God

10. How To Worship A King

11. Praise Is The Offering

12. Glorify You Alone

13. Faithful God

14. You Are For Me

15. God Be Praised

From the team that Brought You Revelation Song, No Sweeter Name and Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King. Recorded Live, God Be Praised emanates passionate worship from Gateway Church. Led by Thomas Miller, Walker Beach, Kari Jobe and the entire Gateway Worship team, energetic praise gives way to intimate worship as the church comes together in one voice to glorify the name of Jesus and give thanks for all He’s done. Available in CD, DVD, CD Trax, Songbook and Digital Songbook along with sheet music that’s transposable into any key. DVD/Blu-Ray coming February 2011!

Download Gateway Worship - God Be Praised (2010) Album:

Website | iTunes | Facebook | Amazon | Gateway Store