Leading Christian band, Phatfish, have just released In Jesus on CD and MP3 download.

Catch the band performing songs from their new album – plus all your favourite Phat hits too!

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Nathan and Lou Fellingham of Phatfish from Adrian Warnock on Vimeo.

This is an interview with Nathan and Lou Fellingham of Phatfish filmed at New Word Alive 2009. Louise was in a cheeky mood and we had a good time talking about their forthcoming albumn, what its like to be a mum and a member of a band, and how they both found New Word Alive. For more information about this wonderful family band, see the Phatfish website where you can buy CDs of their music or my interview with Nathan from last year.

This was the first talk I have been able to hear at New Word Alive this year. I got my book submitted on the 1st April as planned (at least by Chicago time, which is all that really counts!) Got here around lunchtime and already have lots of video but so far no way of uploading it. But be warned, when I do get to upload it, you will see all kinds of school boy errors of filming! I may have a fancy camera, but I am just learning how to use it. Anyway, Terry spoke tonight followed by a time of worship lead by Stuart Townend and Phatfish. The worship after the meeting itself had finished was very lively with much hand clapping, arm raising and enthusiasm in evidence.

Terry began by explaining that as Jesus popularity is growing, he is being questioned by Pharisees about the kind of people who he associates with. In this chapter we see three lost things – sheep, coin, person

Jesus was much closer to the ordinary people than the Pharisees thought teachers should. He was bringing God near.

When something that is precious is lost and then found you will be joyful. There is no agony like loosing someone, like for example a little child. Dickens said the prodigal son was the finest short story ever told. The man had two sons. The younger wanted to be distant from the Father, like Adam. The son wanted it all now. Not any sense of accumulating wealth. He wanted no restraint. The money that came easily, went easily. As did his friends. He came to the end of himself. He no longer wants to run away.

When we are vulnerable, and weak it is just us. We can no longer make excuses. Not “if only things had been different…” He thinks he cannot be a son. The story is a revelation of the heart of God. He had compassion for the son, rather than rejecting him. He felt compassion for him. The father puts aside all decorum and runs, then kissing him repeatedly. The boy is scooped up into the father’s heart.

The older brother is a tragic figure. Instead of celebrating there is the heart of a Pharisee. He says “I have slaved for you” (NEB). He has no idea of sonship. It’s his religion. There is a hatred of grace, and no real idea of the love the Father had for him. The religious man is trusting that his endeavor is going to be enough. If someone is asked if they are a Christian and they answer “Yes I always, or Yes I never,” then you know they are not saved. Its not about “I” its about trusting Jesus work. The beauty of the Father’s love. Jesus is teaching the Pharisees, and giving them another chance. Jesus is saying these tax collectors are your brothers, Pharisees.

of us don’t want the restrictions of being a Christian. But the father has better parties than you could ever attend. Jesus is actually addressing the Pharisees. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, the independent. People say “I know the Bible says, but I feel…” Jesus loves sinners, he calls us back and he sets us free. He calls us to abandon religious favour-seeking and throw ourselves onto God’s mercy. Eternal life is that you might know him.

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The family band called Phatfish have been together for fifteen years, and I have interviewed one of the band members, Nathan Fellingham, here. I love all their music, some of which is designed for worship services, but all of which has the effect of making the truth of God’s Word impact me on a deeply emotional and spiritual level.

There is no doubt in my mind that when Paul said, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:14), he intended us to understand that one of the key ways we can teach and admonish one another is by singing songs to one another, songs in which the Word richly dwells. You can listen to excerpts of Phatfish songs online, and I’m sure you’ll agree that this is music full of truth. You can also watch a video here.

I’m sure that many of my American readers won’t be familiar with Phatfish, but I’d be surprised if any of my British readers don’t at least know of them. To celebrate their fifteen-year anniversary they have released a two-CD compilation album with remastered tracks covering their entire career. I would encourage you to show your support of this fantastic band and buy a copy at a specially discounted price for readers of this blog. Many of the tracks are worship songs that we sing at Jubilee Church.

Christian musicians rely on our support to pay their bills, and it’s only right that we fund them in this way. It might surprise you to know that very few Christian musicians are employed by their churches, so these purchases quite literally put food on the table for members of bands like Phatfish. In this way those of us who are blessed by Christian bands can, in return, help them continue to write and produce new material.

Buying CDs also means that we too will benefit. I’m sure that this double album will be played repeatedly, and if you listen to the lyrics, you will find that God’s truth affects you. For centuries Christians have understood that good songs and hymns can educate us in God’s Word and help us understand, retain, and be changed by this wonderful gospel we all hold so dear.

Many readers of my blog will know of Lou Fellingham, and some will have been praying for the family situation she has been facing lately. Her mother, only 56, died yesterday.

The family would like people who knew her to be made aware of the fact that there will be a celebration service for her on Saturday, October 18th, at Jubilee Community Centre, Charlwood Road, East Grinstead, RH19 2HL with a 4 o’clock start. All are welcome. There will be tea, coffee, and cake afterwards. Should you wish to bring a cake, please do.

Please join me in praying for Lou and the whole family at this time. We grieve, but not in the same way as those who have no hope.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Regular long-time readers of my blog will be no stranger to the Fellinghams and Phatfish, and I have previously interviewed Nathan Fellingham.

I cannot commend them highly enough as possibly the premier examples of godly, humble, reformed, and charismatic musicians who for years have been in the business of helping the Church worship in a contemporary and yet biblical way. I can’t think of anyone else who has been around as long as they have who I would commend as highly. The following clip of a song showcases their songwriting and musical ability and quirky artistic style:

The good news is that you can now watch the entire video of “There is a Day That All Creation’s Waiting For” free online on a new website just launched.

The new site, Fishtankcreatives.com has a lot of other video and audio resources, as well as an online store which sells downloads and physical CDs. It’s the best way to purchase if you want to make sure as much of your hard-earned cash makes its way to the artist rather than a middle-man! You can, however, also purchase their music via these iTunes links for Phatfish and Lou Fellingham.

Here is a recent press release that identifies other aspects of what these guys are up to better than I can.

FishtankCreatives.com Launched – Win An iPod

Fishtank Creatives is a new initiative with a mission to encourage and facilitate Christian Music Ministry. We currently outwork this by looking after the management of Phatfish and Lou Fellingham.

Fishtankcreatives.com showcases all of the music, video and lyrics that have come from these artists over the years, and also includes training material for others involved in music and worship ministry. It is also the main source of information for new products and live events that Phatfish and Lou Fellingham are involved with, as well as handling all booking enquiries.

To celebrate the launch of the new web­site, Fishtank Creatives is giving away an iPod Touch loaded with the entire Phatfish and Lou Fellingham music catalogue. All you have to do to enter the draw is to sign up to the Fishtank Creatives e-mailing list and the winner will be drawn on October 17th.

www.fishtankcreatives.com

info@fishtankcreatives.com