Thought Quotient

The first single (‘Wonder’) from Melissa’s new solo CD is currently playing on Christian radio. Be listening for it.

Here’s some background info:

Best known as a member of the award-winning group Avalon, Melissa Greene recently announced that she will release a new solo album, aptly titled Next Step, through KOCH Records on March 10, 2009. Greene assures her fans that this does not mark a departure from Avalon but rather an opportunity to share a musical side of her that they have not yet seen. “I’m so excited for people to really get to hear the real me,” enthuses Greene.

Produced by Bernie Herms (Natalie Grant, Avalon), one of the clear messages Greene presents with this sincere new collection of songs is that God will help us take the next step — whatever that step may be — even when we feel too paralyzed with pain to move. Greene speaks to this miraculously encouraging characteristic of God through the songs on her new album, which were greatly influenced by the struggle and heartbreak she faced when she and her family found out her brother-in-law, who was only 32, was diagnosed with stage-four cancer. “I think every one of the songs I ended up choosing, and then later ended up writing, were all out of going through this struggle,” shares Greene. Sadly, Greene’s brother-in-law succumbed to cancer in September, 2007.

Despite the heavy inspiration behind the album, Greene creatively combines a deep spiritual truth with a fun musical backing. Next Step is filled with spiritual determination and also an entirely different musical color for the singer/songwriter, primarily because it’s driven by gritty, electric guitar grooves and danceable licks.

The good news is Jesus Christ! When folks talk about ‘Good News’ or the Gospel, it is found in Christ. In Him alone we find life, salvation, righteousness, forgiveness … there is no sugar coating it: we deserve death and hell for our sins. But …

to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness - Romans 4:5

God came in the flesh, to live the perfect life in the flesh - and die on the cross for our sins. The wages of sin are death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord! All glory to God!

Our sin no longer has to separate us from God. God has made a way for us - in Christ Jesus!

Related Links:

• One path to God - that’s good news!

At every stage of your life in this ‘Disneyland’ called America there are powerful forces angling to get you to waste your lives. It will take a massive work of grace to rescue you from the clutches of this culture. For many of you are totally enslaved - and I pray on the way to being set free.

- John Piper

Related Links:

• Read ‘Don’t Waste Your Life’ on your iPhone

COMATOSE COMES ALIVE features songs from their 2006 Lava/Atlantic/Ardent/INO release COMATOSE, which has become their best-selling project to date, with sales over 400,000 units, along with their 2003 best-selling CD COLLIDE, and more.

The CD of COMATOSE COMES ALIVE includes the full live concert audio plus six enhanced acoustic versions and bonus tracks, while the DVD, recorded in 5.1 surround sound audio, includes the full live concert plus four music videos and a photo gallery of live shots. To catch a clip of the DVD now, go here.

You can purchase the new SKILLET CD/DVD here.

Here’s the latest from Ben:

“We are right at the beginning of working on a new record. The record will be called… jk. We have no idea what it’s gonna be called (I dunno why I think it’s funny to make those jokes.. ) Anyways! Please be praying for us, it’s a long process that we are just beginning. John’s been working very hard at preparing the songs. We’ve spent a while working on pre-production demoing the songs out so we can get a rough idea of what the songs will be like. It’s coming along. I’m very excited to record. It’s been almost 3 years for us!

One of the things that we will be introducing that we’re REALLY excited about is the Skillet Live Webcam. THAT’S RIGHT! You will be able to watch and listen in to us making the record…. as we make it! I don’t think I’ve heard of any other bands doing this. Very cool! Check it out!”

-Ben

The Bible has survived the attacks of its enemies; the question is, can it survive the neglect of its friends?

- Woodrow Kroll, Back to the Bible

Ouch! That hurts, but it’s true…

“You may fear that the Lord has passed you by, but it is not so: He who counts the stars, and calls them by their names, is in no danger of forgetting His own children. He knows your case as thoroughly as if you were the only creature He ever made, or the only saint He ever loved. Approach Him and be at peace.”

- Charles Spurgeon

Related Links:
Commentary on Isaiah 49