So... I'm still alive... but it has been a while since I've visited the blog world. Well, here I am. Something has been on my mind today, so I thought I would take a minute and let you (assuming someone actually ever reads this) hear about it.
As a child, I would often ask my dad if I could go up onto the "stage" at church. He would always reply, "first of all, it's the 'platform,' and no you may not." It seemed at the time like an insignificant point, but as I've grown, I've learned what a valuable lesson it was. We live in a society of "America's Got Talent," and "American Idol," and that thinking so easily infiltrates our times devoted to worshiping God. We've become so accustom to people "taking the stage" and using their talents to entertain us in secular settings that we allow that same thinking to carry over into our churches and worship times. May it never be the case at Elkin Valley that we exalt the creation over the Creator! I've heard from more than one musician in my lifetime, "God has given me this talent [vocally and instrumentally] and I just know He would want me to use it." I could not agree more. However, I believe the Bible teaches that the gifts were given to not only encourage the church but to give praise to and point to Christ. In fact, everything we do[especially during our times of corporate worship] should praise, honor, and exalt Christ.
On a personal note, that's one of the criteria for the selection of songs and hymns I use in planning the times of worship. Do the songs praise, glorify and/or exalt God/Christ? or are they merely "feel-good" or "man-centered" songs/hymns?
Ok, back to my earlier topic... As one of my professors said in seminary, "It's my humble but accurate opinion" that pride, arrogance, and self-centered motives from anyone "leading" in worship is a stinch to God. In fact, when Jesus saw the temple being misused, He turned the tables over and drove the people out! Now that would be a terrifying experience.
It's my desire, and I hope it's yours, that our sanctuary be a place that welcomes God, where God's people gather to confess their sins fervently, lay down their lives humbly, and praise their Creator whole-heartedly. It's also my desire that our platform be used not as a stage to perform with our talents, but instead to use our talents humbly to offer our praise to our Creator, to spur God's people to worship in reckless abandon, and to exalt God's Word high as He speaks to us each week.
If I have come across strong, it's because I'm passionate about my/our worship of God... and I think He is too. Think about it next time you catch yourself using the word "stage." Is it simply a trivial substitution, or are you allowing a "worldly" view to infiltrate your worship of our Savior? I know that I'm constantly having to evaluate my motives and want to encourage you to do the same.
6.06.2008
4.12.2008
Coming Up
To my few... oh so few... blog readers, I'm gonna give you a sneak peek at our upcoming WWE series...
(drum roll)
MYTHBUSTERS!
Our Worship Wednesday Evenings are gonna be going through a bit of a makeover... beginning on April 30th. You DO NOT want to miss it.
(drum roll)
MYTHBUSTERS!
Our Worship Wednesday Evenings are gonna be going through a bit of a makeover... beginning on April 30th. You DO NOT want to miss it.
4.03.2008
Sunday
As we prepare for worship this Sunday, and for the opportunity we have to celebrate the Lord's supper, these words came to mind:
He was pierced for our transgressions
He was crushed for our sins
The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him
And by His wounds, by His wounds we are healed
We are healed by Your sacrifice and the life that You gave
We are healed for You paid the price
And by Your grace, we are saved
We are saved
What can wash away my sins
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
I also wanted to let everyone know... or like the 2 people who will even read this... about an awesomely incredible sermon series we have coming up in a few weeks for WWE. I can't tell you anymore than that right now, but I promise you that you do not want to miss it. You be hearing more about it in the upcoming days and weeks.
He was pierced for our transgressions
He was crushed for our sins
The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him
And by His wounds, by His wounds we are healed
We are healed by Your sacrifice and the life that You gave
We are healed for You paid the price
And by Your grace, we are saved
We are saved
What can wash away my sins
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
I also wanted to let everyone know... or like the 2 people who will even read this... about an awesomely incredible sermon series we have coming up in a few weeks for WWE. I can't tell you anymore than that right now, but I promise you that you do not want to miss it. You be hearing more about it in the upcoming days and weeks.
3.28.2008
Lifestyle of Worship
So, this past week while Erin and I were in our car heading towards downtown, we witnessed something that at the time was actually laugh out loud humorous. Almost as soon as we noticed that the vehicle in front of us actually had a sticker of the ten commandments on it's rear (almost exactly like the one posted below), we watched them run the red light right in front of us! Ha! I couldn't believe it.
While it was quite humorous at the time for us in our car, it actually proves a very vaulable lesson. As believers, we are called to worship our Creator and Savior. I think a too often misconception is that worship is merely a heading in a church bulletin and a brief time of singing. Worship should be a lifestyle! In fact, our lives should be such perpetual worship that those around us can't help but notice it. After all, you never know who's behind you at the stoplight.
3.21.2008
3.06.2008
God is Just God is Love
Hey Guys (and Gals)
I am very excited about our upcoming Easter worship celebration. What an awesome time of celebrating God's love, sacrifice, and victory over death!
In light of this time, let's take a look at what we know. First, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). In fact, Romans 1:18-20 indicates that God's invisible attributes displayed in creation scream to fact that there is a higher Being so that even the most remote and distant people and tribes are without excuse. The Bible also reveals to us that there is only one name that brings salvation, and that is Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). We also know that no one comes to the Father except through Christ Jesus (John 14:6). Our God is a just God. By His very character He must punish sin and disobedience. But our God is a God of love. What does this imply? Does it imply that God will turn His head from sin? Absolutely not! It means that He has provided a way for us to be made into a right relationship with Him. John 3:17 tells us that God sent His Son, not condemn the world, but THROUGH HIM we might be saved. All those around us who get up, go to work, and live a "good" life, are on a path to certain destruction... UNLESS, and only unless, someone shares the gospel of Jesus Christ with them, and they in response turn from their sin and trust in Him.
Now, the Bible seems to clearly show that people who have never heard of Christ are still on a path to destruction. However, it does seem to make a distinction between those who either reject God or never hear and fail to turn to Christ, and those who are children and not able to comprehend the effects and magnitude of sin. In 2 Samuel 12:23, David implies that while his recently deceased child can not come to him, he will one day go to him. Traditionally, this has been termed the "age of accountability." This is merely the fact that young and newborn children can't yet fully understand that they have a choice between right and wrong, and that their wrong choice is sin and offends a holy God.
So, what does this mean to us? It means that we have a responsibility to tell all those around us about God's amazing love. You will have a great opportunity to do this this very Easter. Our worship team will be presenting the gospel through media and song. Don't miss this opportunity to invite everyone you know to this celebration! Pick up an invite card either in the choir room or in the back of the sanctuary this Sunday. Let's pack our building out this Easter as we gather to lift up, praise, and exalt God and our Savior Jesus Christ.
I am very excited about our upcoming Easter worship celebration. What an awesome time of celebrating God's love, sacrifice, and victory over death!
In light of this time, let's take a look at what we know. First, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). In fact, Romans 1:18-20 indicates that God's invisible attributes displayed in creation scream to fact that there is a higher Being so that even the most remote and distant people and tribes are without excuse. The Bible also reveals to us that there is only one name that brings salvation, and that is Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). We also know that no one comes to the Father except through Christ Jesus (John 14:6). Our God is a just God. By His very character He must punish sin and disobedience. But our God is a God of love. What does this imply? Does it imply that God will turn His head from sin? Absolutely not! It means that He has provided a way for us to be made into a right relationship with Him. John 3:17 tells us that God sent His Son, not condemn the world, but THROUGH HIM we might be saved. All those around us who get up, go to work, and live a "good" life, are on a path to certain destruction... UNLESS, and only unless, someone shares the gospel of Jesus Christ with them, and they in response turn from their sin and trust in Him.
Now, the Bible seems to clearly show that people who have never heard of Christ are still on a path to destruction. However, it does seem to make a distinction between those who either reject God or never hear and fail to turn to Christ, and those who are children and not able to comprehend the effects and magnitude of sin. In 2 Samuel 12:23, David implies that while his recently deceased child can not come to him, he will one day go to him. Traditionally, this has been termed the "age of accountability." This is merely the fact that young and newborn children can't yet fully understand that they have a choice between right and wrong, and that their wrong choice is sin and offends a holy God.
So, what does this mean to us? It means that we have a responsibility to tell all those around us about God's amazing love. You will have a great opportunity to do this this very Easter. Our worship team will be presenting the gospel through media and song. Don't miss this opportunity to invite everyone you know to this celebration! Pick up an invite card either in the choir room or in the back of the sanctuary this Sunday. Let's pack our building out this Easter as we gather to lift up, praise, and exalt God and our Savior Jesus Christ.
2.16.2008
Holy Holy Holy
As I'm thinking about the songs we will use tomorrow to worship our God, the theme of God's holiness seems to be prevalent...
Pour out Your pow'r and love
as we sing Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy, Holy
I want to see You
Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God Almighty
Early in the morning
Our song shall rise to Thee
And we cry Holy, Holy, Holy
is the Lamb
Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
Highest praises, honor, and glory
Be unto Your name
I can't help but think about the prophet Isaiah...
[read Isaiah 6:1-8 right now... I'm serious... read it]
What an awesome picture of worship! And it all begins with the holiness of God. When we come to the place that we realize God's holiness... and then our own sinfulness... the outcome should be brokenness and worship. When Isaiah found himself in the presence of God, it was serious business. He wasn't concerned about what the person beside him was wearing, what style of music was playing in the background, or even when he was going to leave and eat lunch [ouch].
You know, God gathers among his people during corporate worship in a very unique way. Not sometimes... not when the music is just right... everytime we gather, God is with us. Let's exalted and lift Him up this Sunday as the holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty.
2.02.2008
To sing? Or not to sing?
(musical style)
Music in the church has been a subject of debate for almost two-thousand years. Can music be classified as sacred or secular? And if it can, is some music appropriate for worship and some not?
The fact is that music, apart from text or the idea of a text, is neither sacred nor secular. To illustrate this truth, I think of the desk upon which I am currently writing. I don’t know who made this desk. I don’t know their spiritual condition or even their intentions in the making of this desk. I don’t even know where this desk was made. For all I know, this desk could have been made for use in some cultic ritual. However, I do know that despite whatever the carpenter’s intentions, this desk is useful in assisting me in accomplishing the purposes and tasks to which I have been called. In the same way, despite some of it’s wicked uses, music in and of itself is neither sacred nor secular. Music is merely a tool or a vehicle for expression.
Music is such an incredible tool! Not only can we use it to enforce and proclaim our doctrine to all peoples (Ps. 96:1-3), but we can also use it to express our personal thoughts and feelings directly to our Creator (Ps. 147:1). In fact, the Scriptures are filled with examples, and even commands to sing and play instruments in worship to our God (Ps. 149:1-3; Ps. 150; Acts 16:25; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). It is even recorded that our Lord sang (Mt. 26:30).
This being true, which musical styles are appropriate for corporate worship? There are two basic criteria. Since music is merely a vehicle for expressing a text, the text must be clearly and easily understood/communicated. Secondly, the musical style must be one that relates to and is easily understood by the listener/singer. I can not tell you what a privilege it is to serve within a congregation who understands these principles. It is such a joy of mine for us to be able to worship together and blend great hymns of our faith with contemporary songs of praise, realizing that the same Holy Spirit which led writers to pen texts hundreds of years ago, still inspires His Church in writing the songs of our day. It is my hope and prayer that you look forward each week, as I do, to our blended worship services with much anticipation to see how God is going to move and stir His people.
Music in the church has been a subject of debate for almost two-thousand years. Can music be classified as sacred or secular? And if it can, is some music appropriate for worship and some not?
The fact is that music, apart from text or the idea of a text, is neither sacred nor secular. To illustrate this truth, I think of the desk upon which I am currently writing. I don’t know who made this desk. I don’t know their spiritual condition or even their intentions in the making of this desk. I don’t even know where this desk was made. For all I know, this desk could have been made for use in some cultic ritual. However, I do know that despite whatever the carpenter’s intentions, this desk is useful in assisting me in accomplishing the purposes and tasks to which I have been called. In the same way, despite some of it’s wicked uses, music in and of itself is neither sacred nor secular. Music is merely a tool or a vehicle for expression.
Music is such an incredible tool! Not only can we use it to enforce and proclaim our doctrine to all peoples (Ps. 96:1-3), but we can also use it to express our personal thoughts and feelings directly to our Creator (Ps. 147:1). In fact, the Scriptures are filled with examples, and even commands to sing and play instruments in worship to our God (Ps. 149:1-3; Ps. 150; Acts 16:25; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). It is even recorded that our Lord sang (Mt. 26:30).
This being true, which musical styles are appropriate for corporate worship? There are two basic criteria. Since music is merely a vehicle for expressing a text, the text must be clearly and easily understood/communicated. Secondly, the musical style must be one that relates to and is easily understood by the listener/singer. I can not tell you what a privilege it is to serve within a congregation who understands these principles. It is such a joy of mine for us to be able to worship together and blend great hymns of our faith with contemporary songs of praise, realizing that the same Holy Spirit which led writers to pen texts hundreds of years ago, still inspires His Church in writing the songs of our day. It is my hope and prayer that you look forward each week, as I do, to our blended worship services with much anticipation to see how God is going to move and stir His people.
1.23.2008
As We Worship...
I'm tradin' my sorrows
I'm tradin' my shame
I'm layin' them down
for the joy of the Lord
I'm tradin' my sickness
I'm tradin' my pain
I'm layin' them down
for the joy of the Lord
I am pressed but not crushed
Persecuted, not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I am blessed beyond the curse
for His promise will endure
that His joy's gonna be my strength
Though the sorrow
may last for the night
His joy comes in the mornin'
What an exciting song of celebration for what Christ has done in our lives! What a great trade! In fact, you'd be a fool not to make that trade right? Let's remember as we gather on Sunday to worship, that there are those among us who have "scales" covering the eyes of their heart, and who haven't experience the joy and salvation that Christ brings. So, let's sing out in worship with all of our hearts, not only to our Savior and Creator, but also as a testimony of God's faithfulness to those around us.
1.15.2008
Sunday Worship
"O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be
Let Thy goodness like a fetter
Bind my wand'ring heart to Thee"
Daily I'm constrained to be
Let Thy goodness like a fetter
Bind my wand'ring heart to Thee"
I just love the words to that old hymn. The stanza continues,
"Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.
Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above."
How true! Despite God's amazing mercy and grace, I daily feel my heart wandering and straying from my Maker. As we come together to corporately worship our Lord this Sunday, may we do so with tuned hearts and clean hands. May it be our goal this Sunday to enter our time of worship together with the attitude of the prophet:
"O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You and Praise Your name,
for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things,
things planned long ago." Isaiah 25:1
Consider the words to this chorus:
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
Amazing love, now flowing down
From hands and feet that were nailed to the tree
As grace flows down and covers me
It covers me
It covers me
It covers me
It covers me
Remember to pray this week for our pastor as he studies and prepares, that the words he speaks Sunday will not be his own, but be the very word of our Lord.
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