,
69 tweets,
38 min read
Read on Twitter
Inspired by (the always inspiring) @holland_tom here are the 66 books of the Bible each represented by a song. Rules: no bad songs, no church songs, no repeated artists, and nothing too obscure as to be no fun. 
@holland_tom GENESIS
Man Gave Names To All The Animals, Bob Dylan
There are SO MANY options for Genesis-songs, mainly super-serious. Dylan at his love-him-or-hate-him best starts us off on a different footing, reimagining Genesis 2:19-20.
dailymotion.com/video/x2g79kj
Man Gave Names To All The Animals, Bob Dylan
There are SO MANY options for Genesis-songs, mainly super-serious. Dylan at his love-him-or-hate-him best starts us off on a different footing, reimagining Genesis 2:19-20.
dailymotion.com/video/x2g79kj
@holland_tom EXODUS
Israelites, Desmond Dekker
The temptation is to skip straight to the actual exodus – the Hebrews' escape from Egypt – but Dekker’s tribute to a poverty-ridden life ‘slaving for bread’ roots the great emancipation in its horrendous bondage.
Israelites, Desmond Dekker
The temptation is to skip straight to the actual exodus – the Hebrews' escape from Egypt – but Dekker’s tribute to a poverty-ridden life ‘slaving for bread’ roots the great emancipation in its horrendous bondage.
@holland_tom LEVITICUS
Jubilee, Alison Krauss
Jubilee: the concept everyone loves from the book no one reads. This song’s use in the movie ‘Paper Clips’ (about kids collecting a single paper clip for each victim of the Holocaust) adds to its graceful gravitas.
Jubilee, Alison Krauss
Jubilee: the concept everyone loves from the book no one reads. This song’s use in the movie ‘Paper Clips’ (about kids collecting a single paper clip for each victim of the Holocaust) adds to its graceful gravitas.
@holland_tom NUMBERS
Thunder Road, Bruce Springsteen
The Israelites have escaped slavery, received the Torah, and lived in miraculous provision. What’s next? ‘Oh oh, come take my hand – we're riding out tonight, to case the promised land.’
Thunder Road, Bruce Springsteen
The Israelites have escaped slavery, received the Torah, and lived in miraculous provision. What’s next? ‘Oh oh, come take my hand – we're riding out tonight, to case the promised land.’
@holland_tom DEUTERONOMY
Border Song (Holy Moses), Elton John
‘Now the wind has changed direction and I'll have to leave’ – the great liberating leader, Holy Moses, has been barred from entering the Land. He’s stuck at the border, preaching to the people.
Border Song (Holy Moses), Elton John
‘Now the wind has changed direction and I'll have to leave’ – the great liberating leader, Holy Moses, has been barred from entering the Land. He’s stuck at the border, preaching to the people.
@holland_tom JOSHUA
Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho, Mahalia Jackson
A token Gospel song, because you’ve got to break your own rules. The regal Mahalia Jackson's context for singing was to sound the trumpet for more contemporary societal walls to come tumbling down.
Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho, Mahalia Jackson
A token Gospel song, because you’ve got to break your own rules. The regal Mahalia Jackson's context for singing was to sound the trumpet for more contemporary societal walls to come tumbling down.
@holland_tom JUDGES
Delilah, Tom Jones
‘I could see that girl was no good for me; but I was lost like a slave that no man could free.’ Poor Samson, all those years ago, in such a familiar predicament.
Delilah, Tom Jones
‘I could see that girl was no good for me; but I was lost like a slave that no man could free.’ Poor Samson, all those years ago, in such a familiar predicament.
@holland_tom RUTH
If You Go, I’ll Follow You, Dolly Parton & Porter Wagoner
There is more to Ruth than the hero’s vow, but it is its poetic highpoint. Ironically, this duet – between a 50 year-old and his 22 year-old protégée – is more Ruth-Boaz than Ruth-Deborah.
If You Go, I’ll Follow You, Dolly Parton & Porter Wagoner
There is more to Ruth than the hero’s vow, but it is its poetic highpoint. Ironically, this duet – between a 50 year-old and his 22 year-old protégée – is more Ruth-Boaz than Ruth-Deborah.
@holland_tom 1 SAMUEL
Goliath, The Mars Volta
The image of the child David fighting the giant Goliath looms large over the contemporary imagination. This song is named after the Mars Volta's Ouija board, buried after their sessions turned frightening and oppressive.
Goliath, The Mars Volta
The image of the child David fighting the giant Goliath looms large over the contemporary imagination. This song is named after the Mars Volta's Ouija board, buried after their sessions turned frightening and oppressive.
@holland_tom 2 SAMUEL
Hallelujah, Jeff Buckley
David & Bathsheba – a story of rape, murder, deceit, and infant death – is more stark than Leonard Cohen’s words on Buckley’s choirboy vocal chords, but no other song comes close. It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah.
Hallelujah, Jeff Buckley
David & Bathsheba – a story of rape, murder, deceit, and infant death – is more stark than Leonard Cohen’s words on Buckley’s choirboy vocal chords, but no other song comes close. It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah.
@holland_tom 1 KINGS
Zadok the Priest, GF Handel
Composed for the coronation of George II, and sung at every British coronation since, Handel’s anthem (based on 1 Kings 1:38-40) is a piece of history in and of itself. And it’s an absolute beast of a tune.
Zadok the Priest, GF Handel
Composed for the coronation of George II, and sung at every British coronation since, Handel’s anthem (based on 1 Kings 1:38-40) is a piece of history in and of itself. And it’s an absolute beast of a tune.
@holland_tom 2 KINGS
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, the Twickenham crowd
The story of Elijah being taken up into Heaven became, in the mouths of black American slaves, a prayer for escape. The song’s adoption by England rugby fans is incongruous, but stirring.
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, the Twickenham crowd
The story of Elijah being taken up into Heaven became, in the mouths of black American slaves, a prayer for escape. The song’s adoption by England rugby fans is incongruous, but stirring.
@holland_tom 1 CHRONICLES
We Are Family, Sister Sledge
1 Chronicles begins with 9 chapters of genealogies. Completely unreadable/unfathomable, until you realise how central family is to middle-eastern identity. Sister Sledge are ‘giving love in a family dose’.
We Are Family, Sister Sledge
1 Chronicles begins with 9 chapters of genealogies. Completely unreadable/unfathomable, until you realise how central family is to middle-eastern identity. Sister Sledge are ‘giving love in a family dose’.
@holland_tom 2 CHRONICLES
Your Cheatin' Heart, Hank Williams
Starting with the Golden Age of Israel, we see the descent of God's people through civil war, defeat, humiliation, and exile in Babylon. Hank Williams' heartbroken masterpiece mirrors the people's infidelity.
Your Cheatin' Heart, Hank Williams
Starting with the Golden Age of Israel, we see the descent of God's people through civil war, defeat, humiliation, and exile in Babylon. Hank Williams' heartbroken masterpiece mirrors the people's infidelity.
@holland_tom EZRA
The Second Time Around, Frank Sinatra
'Love is lovelier, the second time around' – well, perhaps. In Ezra, the 2nd Temple is about to be built, but at the sight of the new foundation the old men – those who remember its predecessor – burst into tears.
The Second Time Around, Frank Sinatra
'Love is lovelier, the second time around' – well, perhaps. In Ezra, the 2nd Temple is about to be built, but at the sight of the new foundation the old men – those who remember its predecessor – burst into tears.
@holland_tom NEHEMIAH
Nina Simone, I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free
'Though I'm way overdue, I'd be starting anew.' King Artaxerxes' cupbearer oversees the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and we see a traumatised community struggling towards freedom.
dailymotion.com/video/x31ens7
Nina Simone, I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free
'Though I'm way overdue, I'd be starting anew.' King Artaxerxes' cupbearer oversees the rebuilding of Jerusalem, and we see a traumatised community struggling towards freedom.
dailymotion.com/video/x31ens7
@holland_tom ESTHER
The Most Beautiful Girl In The World, Prince
A beauty contest winner saves the Jews from obliteration! The plot is livid and vivid: from drunken royal carousing and the Queen's deposition to an imperial order to slaughter all the Jews in the Empire.
The Most Beautiful Girl In The World, Prince
A beauty contest winner saves the Jews from obliteration! The plot is livid and vivid: from drunken royal carousing and the Queen's deposition to an imperial order to slaughter all the Jews in the Empire.
@holland_tom JOB
The Sire of Sorrow, Joni Mitchell
Why do bad things happen to good people? Job is driven to despair, in spite of doing all the right things. Joni Mitchell's visceral version of his complaint begins 'Let me spit out my bitterness' and does exactly that.
The Sire of Sorrow, Joni Mitchell
Why do bad things happen to good people? Job is driven to despair, in spite of doing all the right things. Joni Mitchell's visceral version of his complaint begins 'Let me spit out my bitterness' and does exactly that.
@holland_tom PSALMS
Rivers Of Babylon, Boney M
'The psalms train us in honest prayer,' said Eugene Peterson, and there is no psalm more brutal in its honesty than Psalm 137. And yet it became an international super-hit, without shying away from the Biblical text.
Rivers Of Babylon, Boney M
'The psalms train us in honest prayer,' said Eugene Peterson, and there is no psalm more brutal in its honesty than Psalm 137. And yet it became an international super-hit, without shying away from the Biblical text.
@holland_tom PROVERBS
Stiff Necked Fools, Bob Marley
The biblical richness in reggae music makes 'The lips of the righteous teach many, but fools die for want of wisdom' a legitimate lyric. Stiff Necked Fools rebukes the arrogant rich, using quotes from Proverbs 10.
Stiff Necked Fools, Bob Marley
The biblical richness in reggae music makes 'The lips of the righteous teach many, but fools die for want of wisdom' a legitimate lyric. Stiff Necked Fools rebukes the arrogant rich, using quotes from Proverbs 10.
@holland_tom ECCLESIASTES
Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want, The Smiths
The Preacher's sad search for The Good Life matches the weary wisdom and boredom in Morrissey's vocal, while Johnny Marr's mandolin line is fittingly left hanging, unresolved, at the end.
Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want, The Smiths
The Preacher's sad search for The Good Life matches the weary wisdom and boredom in Morrissey's vocal, while Johnny Marr's mandolin line is fittingly left hanging, unresolved, at the end.
@holland_tom SONG OF SONGS
The Way Young Lovers Do, Van Morrison
Even the driest, dustiest biblical scholars blush at the Song of Songs' erotic beauty. Van Morrison's heart-thumping rush of young love almost does it justice.
The Way Young Lovers Do, Van Morrison
Even the driest, dustiest biblical scholars blush at the Song of Songs' erotic beauty. Van Morrison's heart-thumping rush of young love almost does it justice.
@holland_tom ISAIAH
All Along The Watchtower, Jimi Hendrix
The prophetic books are full of eye-opening, apocalyptic imagery. Hendrix takes Bob Dylan's lyrics, written from references in Isaiah 21, and turns them into a howling scream.
All Along The Watchtower, Jimi Hendrix
The prophetic books are full of eye-opening, apocalyptic imagery. Hendrix takes Bob Dylan's lyrics, written from references in Isaiah 21, and turns them into a howling scream.
@holland_tom JEREMIAH
Beware Of Darkness, George Harrison
Israel's history is at its lowest ebb. 'Say all these words,' God says, 'but they will not listen... truth has perished.' The Temple, God's dwelling place on Earth, is destroyed. Darkness envelopes the Kingdom.
Beware Of Darkness, George Harrison
Israel's history is at its lowest ebb. 'Say all these words,' God says, 'but they will not listen... truth has perished.' The Temple, God's dwelling place on Earth, is destroyed. Darkness envelopes the Kingdom.
@holland_tom LAMENTATIONS
99 Problems, Jay-Z
'Girl problems' would be a light relief. Lamentations is an avalanche of anguish: the city of God is devastated, the Temple desecrated, and those few not dragged into exile are so poor that mothers eat their own children.
99 Problems, Jay-Z
'Girl problems' would be a light relief. Lamentations is an avalanche of anguish: the city of God is devastated, the Temple desecrated, and those few not dragged into exile are so poor that mothers eat their own children.
@holland_tom EZEKIEL
Dem Bones, Delta Rhythm Boys
'The hand of the Lord came upon me... and set me down in the midst of the valley; it was full of bones. They were very dry. He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.”'
Dem Bones, Delta Rhythm Boys
'The hand of the Lord came upon me... and set me down in the midst of the valley; it was full of bones. They were very dry. He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.”'
@holland_tom DANIEL
Loose Booty, Sly & The Family Stone
No one is quite sure why the hook-line of Loose Booty is, 'Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego!' though it's reasonable to think that, on escaping the fiery furnace, those three Babylonian Jews got their funk on.
Loose Booty, Sly & The Family Stone
No one is quite sure why the hook-line of Loose Booty is, 'Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego!' though it's reasonable to think that, on escaping the fiery furnace, those three Babylonian Jews got their funk on.
@holland_tom HOSEA
With Or Without You, U2
To be a prophet is one thing, but to enact the broken relationship between God & Israel (taking a wife who is both a prostitute and rampantly unfaithful) is another level. 'You give, and you give, and you give yourself away.'
With Or Without You, U2
To be a prophet is one thing, but to enact the broken relationship between God & Israel (taking a wife who is both a prostitute and rampantly unfaithful) is another level. 'You give, and you give, and you give yourself away.'
@holland_tom JOEL
Locust, Machine Head
The nation has been decimated by a plague of locusts, foreshadowing the 'Day of the Lord'. Machine Head nail the implications: 'Down they come, the swarm of locusts; Tear the veil, the lies derail... The charade comes down.'
Locust, Machine Head
The nation has been decimated by a plague of locusts, foreshadowing the 'Day of the Lord'. Machine Head nail the implications: 'Down they come, the swarm of locusts; Tear the veil, the lies derail... The charade comes down.'
@holland_tom AMOS
(Don’t Fear) The Reaper, Blue Oyster Cult
The Grim Reaper originates in this prophecy of a future Kingdom so fruitful that seasons become confused: 'the ploughman shall overtake the reaper'. But this is nothing to be scared of. Don't fear the reaper.
(Don’t Fear) The Reaper, Blue Oyster Cult
The Grim Reaper originates in this prophecy of a future Kingdom so fruitful that seasons become confused: 'the ploughman shall overtake the reaper'. But this is nothing to be scared of. Don't fear the reaper.
@holland_tom OBADIAH
Hammer To Fall, Queen
This is no one's favourite book, but at the time it would have been pretty popular. Why? Because Obadiah's judgement is not on Israel, but their hated neighbour, Edom. They'd been waiting for the hammer to fall, now it would.
Hammer To Fall, Queen
This is no one's favourite book, but at the time it would have been pretty popular. Why? Because Obadiah's judgement is not on Israel, but their hated neighbour, Edom. They'd been waiting for the hammer to fall, now it would.
@holland_tom JONAH
Shanty Town, Mr Scruff
It's a whale, it's a whale, it's a whale... No matter than it's the most tightly crafted plot in all Scripture – and of course please ignore that big anti-racist subplot – just focus on the unlikely rescuer, the Big Fish.
Shanty Town, Mr Scruff
It's a whale, it's a whale, it's a whale... No matter than it's the most tightly crafted plot in all Scripture – and of course please ignore that big anti-racist subplot – just focus on the unlikely rescuer, the Big Fish.
@holland_tom MICAH
Eve Of Destruction, Barry McGuire
Micah's issues the judgement of the Great Judge: evidence is brought, the verdict reached, and the sentence: destruction. 'If the button is pushed, there's no running away; no one to save with the world in a grave.'
Eve Of Destruction, Barry McGuire
Micah's issues the judgement of the Great Judge: evidence is brought, the verdict reached, and the sentence: destruction. 'If the button is pushed, there's no running away; no one to save with the world in a grave.'
@holland_tom NAHUM
Pictures Of A City, King Crimson
Nineveh was the greatest city on Earth. Nahum prophesied its doom. Pictures of a City paints the scene as the cocky metropolis brought low: 'Concrete dream-flesh, broken shell; lost soul, lost trace, lost in hell.' dailymotion.com/video/x2sf5jo
Pictures Of A City, King Crimson
Nineveh was the greatest city on Earth. Nahum prophesied its doom. Pictures of a City paints the scene as the cocky metropolis brought low: 'Concrete dream-flesh, broken shell; lost soul, lost trace, lost in hell.' dailymotion.com/video/x2sf5jo
@holland_tom HABAKKUK
We Call Upon The Author, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
The uniqueness of Habakkuk is that it is a dialogue: the prophet calls on God and receives direct replies. Nick Cave's lyrics – a wild, careering litany of complaints – demand a similar hearing.
We Call Upon The Author, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
The uniqueness of Habakkuk is that it is a dialogue: the prophet calls on God and receives direct replies. Nick Cave's lyrics – a wild, careering litany of complaints – demand a similar hearing.
@holland_tom ZEPHANIAH
Welcome To The Terrordome, Public Enemy
'Subordinate terror, kicking off an era' thunders Chuck D. The Kingdom of Judah is on borrowed time, and the subordinate terror of Babylon is on its way. Welcome to the Terrordome.
Welcome To The Terrordome, Public Enemy
'Subordinate terror, kicking off an era' thunders Chuck D. The Kingdom of Judah is on borrowed time, and the subordinate terror of Babylon is on its way. Welcome to the Terrordome.
@holland_tom HAGGAI
Our House, Madness
The exiles have returned to ruined Jerusalem, but instead of rebuilding God's house, they are focusing on how plush they can make their own. 'Our mum is so house-proud...' etc.
Our House, Madness
The exiles have returned to ruined Jerusalem, but instead of rebuilding God's house, they are focusing on how plush they can make their own. 'Our mum is so house-proud...' etc.
@holland_tom ZECHARIAH
Gimme Shelter, The Rolling Stones
'Rape! Murder! It's just a shot away!' The Day of the Lord is coming, and it'll be terrifying. A fiery bloodbath, rape, plunder, desperate escape, the ground tearing itself to pieces, and then the Lord will come.
Gimme Shelter, The Rolling Stones
'Rape! Murder! It's just a shot away!' The Day of the Lord is coming, and it'll be terrifying. A fiery bloodbath, rape, plunder, desperate escape, the ground tearing itself to pieces, and then the Lord will come.
@holland_tom MALACHI
A Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke
In Christian Bibles the Old Testament's finale is a great "Behold!" full of hope. The Day is coming, the Messenger is coming, Elijah is coming, and the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.
A Change Is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke
In Christian Bibles the Old Testament's finale is a great "Behold!" full of hope. The Day is coming, the Messenger is coming, Elijah is coming, and the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.
@holland_tom MATTHEW
Let Your Yeah Be Yeah, Jimmy Cliff/Pioneers
There's something pretty special about taking one of Jesus' ethical teachings (from Matthew 5:33-37), and putting it in a frustrated love song. Well played, Jimmy Cliff.
Let Your Yeah Be Yeah, Jimmy Cliff/Pioneers
There's something pretty special about taking one of Jesus' ethical teachings (from Matthew 5:33-37), and putting it in a frustrated love song. Well played, Jimmy Cliff.
@holland_tom MARK
Both Sides Now, Joni Mitchell
Mark is split in two. Jesus begins as Super-Jesus: healings, exorcism, crowds, success. Then it's Troubling Jesus: predicting the woe to come, then going through it. By the end, we've looked at Christ from both sides now.
Both Sides Now, Joni Mitchell
Mark is split in two. Jesus begins as Super-Jesus: healings, exorcism, crowds, success. Then it's Troubling Jesus: predicting the woe to come, then going through it. By the end, we've looked at Christ from both sides now.
@holland_tom LUKE
Prodigal Son, Rolling Stones
In a gospel full of parables, the Prodigal Son stands out: the ungrateful child, wasting his inheritance; the heartbroken father, waiting and waiting, then rejoicing; and the older brother, bitter and graceless.
Prodigal Son, Rolling Stones
In a gospel full of parables, the Prodigal Son stands out: the ungrateful child, wasting his inheritance; the heartbroken father, waiting and waiting, then rejoicing; and the older brother, bitter and graceless.
@holland_tom JOHN
I Am The Resurrection, Stone Roses
"I believe he will rise again," says Martha of her dead brother Lazarus, "at the Resurrection." "I am the Resurrection!" says Jesus. "I am the Life!"
I Am The Resurrection, Stone Roses
"I believe he will rise again," says Martha of her dead brother Lazarus, "at the Resurrection." "I am the Resurrection!" says Jesus. "I am the Life!"
@holland_tom ACTS
Blinded By The Light, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
Fresh from the stoning of Stephen and seizing Christians door-to-door, Saul takes his crusade to Damascus. But on the way, 'a sudden light from heaven flashed around'. He was blind, but now he could see.
Blinded By The Light, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
Fresh from the stoning of Stephen and seizing Christians door-to-door, Saul takes his crusade to Damascus. But on the way, 'a sudden light from heaven flashed around'. He was blind, but now he could see.
@holland_tom ROMANS
I Fought The Law And The Law Won, The Clash
'All have sinned & fallen short' writes Saul (Paul to Greek-speakers) to the Church in Rome, describing the Law's unkeepable demands. 'What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?'
I Fought The Law And The Law Won, The Clash
'All have sinned & fallen short' writes Saul (Paul to Greek-speakers) to the Church in Rome, describing the Law's unkeepable demands. 'What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?'
@holland_tom 1 CORINTHIANS
The Power of Love, Huey Lewis & the News
'Let me show you the most excellent way,' writes Paul, in words read at a thousand weddings a weekend. "If I spoke with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am just a clanging gong."
The Power of Love, Huey Lewis & the News
'Let me show you the most excellent way,' writes Paul, in words read at a thousand weddings a weekend. "If I spoke with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am just a clanging gong."
@holland_tom 2 CORINTHIANS
Fire and Rain, James Taylor
'Look down upon me, Jesus; You've got to help me make a stand.' Paul has been through fire and rain, but yet 'our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.'
Fire and Rain, James Taylor
'Look down upon me, Jesus; You've got to help me make a stand.' Paul has been through fire and rain, but yet 'our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.'
@holland_tom GALATIANS
Black or White, Michael Jackson
'There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.' An utterly revolutionary concept, and one that is still waiting to be lived up to.
Black or White, Michael Jackson
'There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.' An utterly revolutionary concept, and one that is still waiting to be lived up to.
@holland_tom EPHESIANS
Picture of Jesus, Ben Harper
Harper's song tricks you: initially it's about Christ, but then it is MLK Jr who is a 'picture of Jesus'. 'Be imitators of God' writes Paul to the Ephesians, encouraging them to lay down their lives for each other.
Picture of Jesus, Ben Harper
Harper's song tricks you: initially it's about Christ, but then it is MLK Jr who is a 'picture of Jesus'. 'Be imitators of God' writes Paul to the Ephesians, encouraging them to lay down their lives for each other.
@holland_tom PHILIPPIANS
That's The Way God Planned It, Billy Preston
The crux of Philippians is an early Christian hymn, quote by Paul in chapter 2, describing the colossal humility of Jesus. 'Why can't we be humble?' sings Preston. That's the way God planned it.
dailymotion.com/video/x16q6b9
That's The Way God Planned It, Billy Preston
The crux of Philippians is an early Christian hymn, quote by Paul in chapter 2, describing the colossal humility of Jesus. 'Why can't we be humble?' sings Preston. That's the way God planned it.
dailymotion.com/video/x16q6b9
@holland_tom COLOSSIANS
Jesus Walks, Kanye West
Paul tells the church in Colossae about the mystery of the faith, 'which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.' God isn't 'up there' or 'out there', He's 'in here'. Jesus walks with me.
Jesus Walks, Kanye West
Paul tells the church in Colossae about the mystery of the faith, 'which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.' God isn't 'up there' or 'out there', He's 'in here'. Jesus walks with me.
@holland_tom 1 THESSALONIANS
People Get Ready, Eva Cassidy
There is a sense of urgency in Thessalonians: Jesus is coming back. There's no time to play games or be caught unawares. In the words of Curtis Mayfield, 'there's a train coming'. People get ready.
People Get Ready, Eva Cassidy
There is a sense of urgency in Thessalonians: Jesus is coming back. There's no time to play games or be caught unawares. In the words of Curtis Mayfield, 'there's a train coming'. People get ready.
@holland_tom 2 THESSALONIANS
9 to 5, Dolly Parton
Some of the Christians have given up working, since Jesus will be coming back soon. Paul reminds them that he works 'night and day, labouring and toiling' and commands them to 'settle down and earn the bread you eat'.
9 to 5, Dolly Parton
Some of the Christians have given up working, since Jesus will be coming back soon. Paul reminds them that he works 'night and day, labouring and toiling' and commands them to 'settle down and earn the bread you eat'.
@holland_tom 1 TIMOTHY
The Flying Lizards, Money (That's What I Want)
'The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil', Paul warns his protégé TImothy, but its power now is stronger than ever.
The Flying Lizards, Money (That's What I Want)
'The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil', Paul warns his protégé TImothy, but its power now is stronger than ever.
@holland_tom 2 TIMOTHY
We'll Meet Again, Vera Lynn
2 Timothy is Paul's farewell. 'The time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race'. But, just as Vera Lynn sang in heart-wrenching wartime, death is not the end. We'll meet again.
We'll Meet Again, Vera Lynn
2 Timothy is Paul's farewell. 'The time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race'. But, just as Vera Lynn sang in heart-wrenching wartime, death is not the end. We'll meet again.
@holland_tom TITUS
Gimme Some Truth, John Lennon
'Cretans are always liars', says Paul (quoting the Cretan philosopher Epimenides). Not quite 'uptight short-sighted narrow-minded hypocritics', but Lennon's anger at falsehood points the same way.
Gimme Some Truth, John Lennon
'Cretans are always liars', says Paul (quoting the Cretan philosopher Epimenides). Not quite 'uptight short-sighted narrow-minded hypocritics', but Lennon's anger at falsehood points the same way.
@holland_tom PHILEMON
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother, The Hollies
Onesimus, a runaway slave befriended by Paul, is being sent back to his master. But Paul (in a far-reaching and radical step) asks that he be received 'no longer as a slave, but... as a dear brother.'
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother, The Hollies
Onesimus, a runaway slave befriended by Paul, is being sent back to his master. But Paul (in a far-reaching and radical step) asks that he be received 'no longer as a slave, but... as a dear brother.'
@holland_tom HEBREWS
Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet, Gavin Bryars
No one knows who wrote Hebrews, and no one knows who the homeless man was whom Gavin Bryars' recorded. But the message is the same: Jesus blood never fails.
Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet, Gavin Bryars
No one knows who wrote Hebrews, and no one knows who the homeless man was whom Gavin Bryars' recorded. But the message is the same: Jesus blood never fails.
@holland_tom JAMES
Man In The Mirror, Michael Jackson
Jesus' brother James wants believers to take a good look at themselves: hypocrisy, boasting, oppression, and empty words. 'If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change.'
Man In The Mirror, Michael Jackson
Jesus' brother James wants believers to take a good look at themselves: hypocrisy, boasting, oppression, and empty words. 'If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change.'
@holland_tom 1 PETER
Don’t Give Up, Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush
By the time Peter was writing, Christians had started to receive intense persecution. Don't give up, he implores; if we are to suffer, at least let it be for doing good, sharing in the sufferings of Christ.
Don’t Give Up, Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush
By the time Peter was writing, Christians had started to receive intense persecution. Don't give up, he implores; if we are to suffer, at least let it be for doing good, sharing in the sufferings of Christ.
@holland_tom 2 PETER
My Opinionation, Dr John
Jesus is coming back, but when? Well, since 'with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day', predicting the future is not worth it. But it'll be alright. The Son is gonna surely shine.
My Opinionation, Dr John
Jesus is coming back, but when? Well, since 'with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day', predicting the future is not worth it. But it'll be alright. The Son is gonna surely shine.
@holland_tom 1 JOHN
Let There Be Love, Nat King Cole
'Love one another' is John's constant refrain. But this isn't a soft, sappy, fluffy love.'This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives'. That's love.
Let There Be Love, Nat King Cole
'Love one another' is John's constant refrain. But this isn't a soft, sappy, fluffy love.'This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives'. That's love.
@holland_tom 2 JOHN
All You Need Is Love, The Beatles
Yep, John is still talking about love. Or 'Love, love, love; love, love, love; love, love, love' as the Beatles have it.
vimeo.com/262481000
All You Need Is Love, The Beatles
Yep, John is still talking about love. Or 'Love, love, love; love, love, love; love, love, love' as the Beatles have it.
vimeo.com/262481000
@holland_tom 3 JOHN
Strangers, The Kinks
The 3rd of John's letters is a personal one, thanking a believer called Gaius for welcoming strangers and treating them as friends. This hospitality enacts the unity of the Church, where 'We are not two, we are one.'
Strangers, The Kinks
The 3rd of John's letters is a personal one, thanking a believer called Gaius for welcoming strangers and treating them as friends. This hospitality enacts the unity of the Church, where 'We are not two, we are one.'
@holland_tom JUDE
Perseverance, Terrorvision
Like 1 Peter, the message of Jude is for persecuted Christians, clinging on to their hope in Christ in a world that hates them. What they need is perseverance.
Perseverance, Terrorvision
Like 1 Peter, the message of Jude is for persecuted Christians, clinging on to their hope in Christ in a world that hates them. What they need is perseverance.
@holland_tom REVELATION
Supper’s Ready, Genesis
Supper's Ready brims with the Apocalypse: 666, Magog, the 7 trumpets, dragons, a blood-red moon, fire from the skies, an angel standing in the sun, the King of Kings, the New Jerusalem, and the supper of the Mighty One.
Supper’s Ready, Genesis
Supper's Ready brims with the Apocalypse: 666, Magog, the 7 trumpets, dragons, a blood-red moon, fire from the skies, an angel standing in the sun, the King of Kings, the New Jerusalem, and the supper of the Mighty One.
@holland_tom Right, all done. And I think I managed to break all my rules. Good good. Thanks for your company...
Oh yeah, and that should have been Naomi, not Deborah, receiving the vow in the Book of Ruth. Not sure how I screwed that one up. Ah well. Mistakes make us humble...
