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December 26- Authentic Faith
December 19- Twice Amazed (Mary)
December 12- Commissioned- A Story To Tell
November 28- The Resurrection
November 21- The Death of God
November 7- Keeping Watch
October 31- Poured Out For Many
All Because Of Jesus- Fee
Nothing but The Blood- Redman
Remembrance- Maher
How He Loves- Crowder
Remembrance is a word we’re familiar with but it’s not one that is commonly used in everyday conversation, so when you hear it used, you’ll probably jump to the act it most often refers to. Communion. This week we’re studying Jesus Passover meal with the disciples and the institution of what we call the Lord’s supper. I’ve recently been reading about Communion as it is incorporated as an act of worship and have been challenged immensely so I thought I would share a couple thoughts. First is that our understanding of Remembrance is vastly different than our ancient Hebrew families understood it. Back then, to remember was literally to “make present” something that had happened before. So instead of just remembering the original Passover dinner in Egypt, they were placing themselves immediately inside that time and place by re-enacting it. Essentially reliving it. Today, we need to recapture the significance of communion by no longer just viewing it as a reminder of what Christ did, but more of a reality in which Jesus is actually with us in that moment participating in worship where Jesus is presenting this meal to us. The second challenge is that we can’t simply focus on remembrance but must balance it with anticipation. Too often we have boiled communion down to the solemn recall of Jesus death for our sins. This is only half the story, because Jesus in that same meal says that he will not eat this bread or drink of the fruit of the vine until I drink it again in the Kingdom. He’s saying, this time doesn’t just speak of the cross but also of the final heavenly kingdom. Your sins are forgiven. He has done what we couldn’t do for ourselves. That is what we remember and anticipate. I hope this enriches your worship through communion as it has for me. Here are some of the lyrics from Remembrance that we will be singing this Sunday as well for encouragement.
Oh, how could it be
That my God would welcome me into this mystery
Say take this bread, take this wine
Now the simple made divine for any to receive
By Your mercy, we come to Your table
By Your grace, You are making us faithful
Lord, we remember You
And remembrance leads us to worship
And as we worship You
Our worship leads to communion
We respond to Your invitation, we remember You
See His body, His blood
Know that He has overcome every trial we will face
None too lost to be saved
None too broken or ashamed, all are welcome in this place
Wanna Read More? Here's a link
http://www.worshipleader.com/index.cfm?tdc=dsp&page=articles_previous_detail&aid=193
October 24- Wasted on Jesus
Not To Us- Tomlin
Came To My Rescue- Hillsong
I Surrender All- Boswell
Mighty To Save- Hillsong
Let The Praises Ring- Brewster
October 17- Prelude to the End
October 10- Extreme Generousity
October 3- Questioning Authority
September 26- Cleaning House
September 19- Small Group Worship
In Christ Alone- Townend
Hosanna- Hillsong
O Praise Him- Crowder
Our God Reigns- Tomlin
Say So- Gungor
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph. 5:19-20) The fall is a season of change and at Lakeside there are a number of ways we are changing as well. One of those ways is in what our Community Groups do during their time together. In the past, we have done a great job of digging into God’s word and searching for the best way to apply it to our everday lives. Now, in addition to our time of study, we’re incorporating some more intentional ways to grow as disciples such as musical worship, evangelism, and prayer. We’re excited about how this can impact our Community Groups for a number of reasons. In particular, I’d like to dig a little deeper into the musical worship life of our groups. First, this is a very biblical approach to the life of believers. In the scripture above, Paul is giving instructions to the early church who tended to meet in houses primarily about the importance of singing. He said to “speak to one another” through this music because he understood that worshipping through music plays a vital role in spiritual formation. It is memorable and makes truth easier to remember. It is also one of the few instruments that can engage both emotion and mind.
We are used to singing on Sunday mornings as a Church body and it seems very normal because we have made a habit of it. We also acknowledge that it might be a little awkward venturing into this together in our Community Groups because for the very same reason, it isn’t a habit and so naturally, it won’t feel natural. However, much like brushing your teeth is a healthy physical habit that has long term positive ramifications, we know that making worshipping in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs a habit will have a major impact on our lives as followers of Jesus. There is often a false divide between what happens at the “church” building and in the lives of the “Church” the rest of the week and we know that incorporating singing into our normal lives is one way to help break down those barriers. During the time of John Wesley, it was said that at night there could be heard the sound of hymns ringing through the neighborhoods as people integrated singing naturally into their lives and it affected everyone around them. People were curious and wanted to find out more.
We know there are innumerable ways that our lives can be enriched by musical worship and these are just a few. However, we believe in experiencing it for yourselves so the next time you are in your Community Group and they begin to sing, remember the same God that you are singing about and to on Sunday morning is the very same God who is near and listening in that living room, kitchen, classroom, or backyard. So sing like you know He’s there and is worthy of praise.
September 12- Amazing Grace and Human Interruptions
Our God- Tomlin
You Hold Me Now- Hillsong
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)- Tomlin
God You Reign- Brewster
Solution- Hillsong
I am a very one track minded person. I don’t multi-task very well at well. However, if I do something, I usually throw myself at it with intense concentration and dedication. This is a great trait because it usually helps me do what I’m setting out to do with excellence and I don’t like to stop until I’m done so things get done as well. However, since sin is usually something good taken to the extreme, this can also tend to be a major character flaw as well. For example, if I have my head down and my office door half open, and I’m furiously typing away on something and in walks someone who has a problem, or maybe they just want to chat. . . I get irritated. Doesn’t the world know that I’m meeting deadlines and solving my own problems? Why do they come to me? And bang, a good thing morphs into selfish preoccupation with tasks and not people.
I don’t like admitting that I act or feel this way but I have to be honest about it. I often am more concerned with the task of ministry than the relationships that drive ministry. I read a book called “Wild Goose Chase” that talks about what life is like when we follow the Holy Spirit. The guy who wrote it talked about the story of the blind man who kept persistently calling out to Jesus even though his disciples were set on shutting him up and out. They were trying to protect Jesus time as they were headed on a mission to Jerusalem. However, the man ignored their attempts to shun him and called out even more brashly for Jesus’ attention.
You’ve met these people haven’t you, no matter how much you try to avoid or discourage, they keep showing up in your pathway. The Human interruptions if you will. When it comes right down to it, there are two ways to react to them. You can be like the crowd and disciples and blow them off or tell them to shove off, or like Jesus you stop and meet the needs that God placed directly in front of you. The reality is, people are not interruptions. They are opportunities. To show the kind of love that we have been shown. They are the reason Jesus came. God purposefully brings people into our lives to test our generosity, hospitality, and compassion and how we deal with them indicates our level of appreciation for what God has done for us.
I’m also struck by another aspect to this story. How often do we ask God for something once, and then quit. I think sometimes, we should be more like the Blind man and keep calling out over and over again. If you read the psalms, when David was in trouble or in need, it doesn’t take long just reading a couple in a row, that David consistently and repeatedly asks for God’s help and comfort.
Wherever you find yourself today, I want to encourage you. Pray that God will remove the blindness that keeps us from seeing others in need or as interruptions. And if you are in need of help and comfort, pray, pray, pray like your life depended on it, and find someone around you who will take time to listen and join you in prayer.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
September 5- Who would ever want to be King?
Revelation Song - Gateway Church
God Is Alive - Steve Fee
At the Cross (Live) - Hillsong
In Christ Alone - Townend
Happy Day - Hughes
I was listening to coldplay this past week and was struck by the lyrics of the song “Viva La Vida”. The song is sung from the perspective of an overthrown ruler. He recalls that he is now sweeping the streets that he used to own. As he is reminiscing, the story unfolds about how he used to be an average commoner that was brought to power after a revolution that got rid of the previous King. Then as time goes on, people get angry at him because he’s become just like his predecessor. The clincher for me is the line “o who would ever want to be King”. That was fascinating, because it is such a simple way of communicating the futility of seeking power. No matter how good or bad you are at wielding that power, there will always be someone affected by that power that will not want to be under your control. No one really wants to be a servant; we all want to be king! This is where everything falls apart, because we can’t all be kings. In order to rule, there must be people to rule over. We look around and see the power structures around us and want to either overthrow them or join them depending on what will fulfill our own sense of value. Think about it, the French revolution, the American Revolution. And even though a lot less bloody but still pertinent, the election season is upon us. Republican vs. Democrat, and so on. It’s no different today. It even manifests itself in trivial ways like being King over the Cubicles, or the popular kids in school.
A couple of the disciples following Jesus were used to seeing the power of the Romans and had heard their whole lives about the Kingdom of the old days when David and Solomon ruled. They wanted more than anything for Jesus to be the fulfillment of the prophecies and the one who would restore that kingdom to the Hebrews. Not only that, but they wanted to be part of the revolution and ultimately get to rule side by side with Jesus. James and John wanted their very own thrones.
The problem with being king is that every earthly kingdom that rises will eventually fall. Babylon, Assyria, Rome, and every other empire that we now only acknowledge as historical powers have come and gone. Someone or something will overtake and subdue or destroy what has come before it. One day America too will probably go the same way. However, we have been promised an imperishable unshakable kingdom as long as we follow in the footsteps of the only King.
Unfortunately, I have to confess that this has always been an issue I’ve struggled with. Working in ministry has not exempted me, and in some cases, has probably become more subtly dangerous. We live in a day and age that tends to idealize the big, successful, innovative, or cool and that goes for the church also. Deep down, a lot of us are trying to be the next Willow Creek, Saddleback, Elevation Church, Chris Tomlin, Steve Fee, Hillsong United; the rock stars of the church realm. It’s scary because it can look like we’re pursuing God’s glory when we’re really hunting after our own. We’re looking for our own thrones under the guise of “ministry”. Even if I did build my own little “church kingdom” over the next 30 years it too would fade as time marches on. The kingdom of Jesus is the only permanent structure and therefore, the only one worth giving our time, talents, and treasure to pursue. God help us all to look at the castles and kingdom we’re building on our own power is as coldplay so eloquently puts it “built on pillars of salt and pillars of sand” and ultimately are worthless in comparison to what Christ offers to those who would willing serve him and others around us.
July 18th- Gonna Have to Serve Somebody
Say So- Gungor
Here I Am to Worship (Call Upon)- Tim Hughes/Hillsong
I Surrender All- Littrell
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus- (Nic Cook adaptation and Chorus)
There’s a Bob Dylan son named “you gotta serve somebody” that I’ve run across in the last couple of years and I’m fascinated by the lyrics. He basically names every single social class, high and low: ambassadors, socialites, rock stars, doctors, chiefs, TV stars, poor, blind, immigrants, construction workers, and pretty much everything in between. In the middle of all these titles he keeps repeating the refrain, you’re gonna have to serve somebody, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you’re gonna have to serve somebody. The message is that no matter who you are, where you fall on in the rank of things, you will always end up with a master. The truth is either we claim Jesus is Lord or someone or something else is.
If someone doesn’t claim to serve God, then the someone or something we’re serving becomes a little harder to identify but are dangerous master’s regardless. If our concern is for our reputation, then we’re serving pride. If everything we do is to get approval then we’re serving peer pressure. If everything we say and do is about getting more stuff then we’re serving greed. If our whole life revolves around getting ahead then ambition is our master.
Even if we do claim Jesus is Lord, it’s in our nature to go back to the old desires of our flesh. Just like the Jewish people who wanted to go back to Egypt after being released from slavery. They were more comfortable being slaves than they were being free to follow and serve God.
Phil. 2 says “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Jesus set the example of serving God and following his will alone, and because of that it says that every knee will bow and confess his name. One way or another, everyone will acknowledge God’s sovereignty over our lives and creation, the only question is, are we going to choose to follow him and serve him freely? Once again, Jesus set the example of doing it willingly. God gives us a choice, and the reward is more precious than any other master could offer. You’re gonna have to serve somebody, why not the creator who loves us and knows what’s best for us and has purchased us with blood and freed us in grace through faith. All other masters lead to slavery.
Solution- Hillsong
Say Say- Stanfill
Faithful- Stanfill
Enough- Tomlin
Devotion by Eric Daily
In Mark 8:1-10 we find Jesus miraculously feeding thousands with just seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. The crowd had come from near and far and had been listening to Jesus teach for three days. They probably had brought provisions with them, but now they had run out and some may have been fasting. Jesus knows of their situation and is moved with compassion to meet their physical needs.
What is striking about this passage is that this crowd had sacrificed physically in order to be near Jesus and be fed by his word. Their priority was Jesus, not themselves. Three days had passed, and Mark gives us no indication that the people were leaving or grumbling because they were hungry and had no food. The Lord was filled with compassion for these people – they were sheep without a shepherd, who were giving up their needs to hear Jesus teach – and the Lord took care of their needs.
Are we like that crowd? Are we willing to give up our comfort and our needs to just be with Jesus and to do the Father’s will? Is Jesus, and nothing else, our priority? Or do we hold back a bit, saving a little bit to devote to the meeting of our personal needs? Though it may not be a conscious decision, maybe we just don’t trust God enough to meet all of our needs, so we don’t give Him all of ourselves and hold some back so we have something to spend on getting our needs met. For some of us, maybe it is a conscious decision. Maybe we have some trust issues. Maybe we find it hard to stop trying to be self-sufficient. After all, the ways of Jesus run contrary to the ways of this world, and we may not be aware of how much of the world is actually in us.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:25a, 32-33)
God knows our needs, and He cares about them all, even the physical ones. As we see in Mark 8, Jesus was genuinely concerned that the people needed to eat. God will supply. He wants to. Frankly, I think it gives Him great pleasure to provide us with what we need when we are fully devoted to Him. I can just hear God say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Here is that sandwich that you need and that cup of water that you need. I will always take care of you. Just keep doing My will, and you won’t have to worry about a thing.”
July 4th- Let The Praises Ring
Let The Praises Ring- Brewster
You Hold Me Now- Hillsong
Mighty To Save- Hillsong
Our God- Tomlin
In the gospels, Jesus has a phrase that he repeats often when people are crowding around him as he teaches. The phrase is “he who has ears to hear, listen”. This week we’re talking about Jesus healing the deaf man. So far this year we’ve heard about the lame, sick, diseased, outcast, and demon-possessed get healed. So what’s the big deal about a deaf and mute guy getting healed. I’m not deaf (at least the loud music hasn’t gotten to me just yet, except maybe when the TV is on and someone is trying to talk to me) and I’m certainly not mute. A lot of people like to take the miracles of Jesus and write them off as metaphorical for spiritual miracles and didn’t actually and that’s not what I’m saying. I believe Jesus did what the bible says he did, but I do want to use this particular miracle to highlight what I believe to be a spiritual reality in addition to the actual miracle of healing.
I think we have ears to hear, and just don’t use them. Spiritually speaking, it seems like we’re walking around deaf and dumb. We’re so busy checking e-mail, facebook, twitter, foxnews, voicemail to communicate with God. We’re running around from meetings, to ball games, to school events, to movies, to family events, to work, until the only thing left to do is crash into bed at night and start it all over again the next day. We all say we want to hear from God, but when was the last time that we actually sought that out. When was the last time you unplugged, tuned out the noise, and purposefully pursued a conversation with God?
I think that we not only have neglected our spiritual ears, but have become spiritually mute as well. In the story of Jesus healing the deaf and mute man, he tells him not to run back out and start telling people what just happened to him. You know what he did? He couldn’t help himself, Jesus had done something amazing in his life and he didn’t have it in him to keep quiet. He hadn’t been able to communicate well for years and now that he had been changed he wasn’t going to remain silent. When’s the last time we told somebody about the miracle that Jesus has done in our own lives? Isn’t it funny how Jesus told him to keep quiet and he didn’t, and he as told us to tell the world, and we don’t?
He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Our songs were never meant to be just songs, but prayers of faith. Let the praises of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ be on our lips as we live each day to his glory to spread his Kingdom to those around us. May we listen to the Spirit of God and respond accordingly.
In You In You I find my peace
In You In You I find my strength
In You I live and move and breathe
Let everything I say and do
Be founded by my faith in You
I lift up holy hands and sing
Let the praises ring
Solution- Hillsong United
Say Say- Kristian Stanfill
Jesus Paid It All- Kristian Stanfill
Came To My Rescue- Hillsong
From the moment we are born human nature seems intent on helping us find our place in the hierarchy of society. We want to measure worth on a measurable scale and find out where we fit in relationship to others. We give labels to people that describe how high or low they fall in human value. Are you pretty or ugly +1 or -1 in value. Strong or weak, smart or dull, athletic or uncoordinated. We even like the labels such as Christian or Muslim, Republican or Democrat, Conservative or Liberal. All of these help us evaluate whether we’re better than someone else and if you fall below the yellow line, we can toss you from the proverbial boat because you are of lower value to society.
This is the case in Mark 7:24-30. Jesus had just jumped all over the Pharisees for his disciples not living up to their expectations of religion. They too were making rules for who’s in the boat and who’s gonna burn in judgement. He then turns around and takes his disciples out of Jewish territory and into the “pagan half-breed” area. While they are there they encounter a Samaritan woman who begs for Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Now this passage has always puzzeled me by Jesus response. He kind of ignores her at first and then say’s He’s called to the Jews and can’t rob them to tend to the “dogs”. Do you notice all of the labels? Dog, Samaritan, Woman. (even though the term Jesus used wasn't the derogatory term usually used by the Jews to mean "scavenger", the term that meant "house pet" wasn't really much more flattering even if it meant the loveable family dog.) All of these terms might have defined her worth as a person. Dog: not human. Samaritan: not a jew. Woman: not a man. This doesn’t seem to fit with our understanding of Jesus. A friend of mine recently gave me his insight and it really makes sense to me now. Jesus was probably saying this and voicing what his disciples were thinking and looking out of the corner of his eye to see if they would agree with him. This was a teaching moment.
It is the sin of comparison. As long as we’re better than someone else, we’re allowed to hold our prejudice. Prejudice is the act of pre- judging people based on their labels. The only problem with this logic is that we all share one giant label. SINNER. No matter where we fall in comparison we are all sinners and that is the great equalizer of humanity. Labels mean nothing to Jesus only people. Jesus did show not only compassion to the Samaritan woman, but ultimately to all of mankind by tearing away our most shameful shared label and replacing it with “child of God” and “forgiven”. Who have you labeled recently? Who do you have a prejudice against? Where do you need Jesus to take you to confront your sinful attitude about others? We have been blessed to be a blessing, so let’s stop labeling and start loving.
“Hey now, fill our hearts with Your compassion, Hey now, as we hold to our confession”
Nothing But The Blood- Nic Cook
Say So- Gungor
You Alone Can Rescue- Redman
From The Inside Out- Hillsong
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)- Tomlin
Tradition. It’s something that plays a big role in our lives. It has the power to unify some and at the same time to cause division in others. Some people are quick to throw it out without a second though, while others are content to let it go on unceasingly and unexamined. Tradition can offer a sense of foundation and roots in the midst of a never ending tidal wave of change. It can also be the source of frustration when change is healthy and the status quo isn’t cutting it any longer. We see this dichotomy is played out dramatically in just about any arena that involves more than 1 person; Science, Politics, Religion, Entertainment, Food, Fashion, and innumerable others. While all of these particular areas have significance and different priorities, I want to focus on what I believe to be the most important issue affected by tradition; worship.
The contemporary worship movement as we are aware of it today began in the 70’s and has continued ever since. To give a crude and simple fly-over, basically when hippies started experiencing the grace and love of Jesus and growing in a relationship with him, they began to respond with gratitude in whatever way was natural to them at the time. This included writing and playing their own music on guitars, drums, and everyday language. Exciting right? Yes and No. To those being saved it was an honest expression of hearts that were filled with the wonder of being brought into the family of God. For those more “seasoned” in the faith, both young and old were shocked that the newbies didn’t like to sing in old English or rock out with a good ol’ Wesley tune without distorted leslie cabinets. (sorry for the slang. Charles Wesley wrote “O For A Thousand Tongues” and a leslie is the speaker cabinet on organs and in rock settings was driven till it distorted)
So what happened when these two groups met? The same thing that is still happening today, they started fighting over the packaging of worship. On one side they felt like this new style was irreverent, shallow, and inappropriate. On the other side they were complaining that they couldn’t relate to a style that was so out of date or irrelevant. One is tempted to think this is a relatively new debate in the church but the truth is it’s been going on for a long time. There was a time when pipe organs were disdained because it was thought the power of the instrument would overpower peoples voices and make them pay more attention to it than to God. Even further back, the use of anything other than melody was considered too “racey” and might make people feel too sexy while singing harmonies.
So what’s the message here? It seems often times we are more interested how worship is done, than why it’s done. Many traditions are born out of a heartfelt desire to worship God. Many innovations are done out of that same heartfelt desire. As long as it glorifies Him, it doesn’t matter how old or new the approach may be. The package of worship isn’t what’s important, the message that we are saved by the grace of Jesus and the power of his blood is. Everything else is negotiable! Our hearts lie at the center of this issue. Is our heart set on it’s own satisfaction, or on pleasing God? Do we have to sing our favorite song and have it done a certain way to be able to worship, or is God still worthy regardless of my preference? May it never be said of us that we “worship (Jesus) in vain; (our) teachings are but rules taught by men.' (we) have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." Both tradition and innovation must be examined in light of God’s word and done in the spirit of unity and love.
We must never worship the idol of personal preference. The moment it becomes about us, it ceases to be true worship. Worship is not about us, it’s about God. Pure worship always unites, and just as we have been united with Christ, let us sing new songs and cherish the rich heritage that has been handed down to us as we fix our eyes on the one who has saved us. Help us to lose ourselves in praise to You God!
The art of losing myself, In bringing You praise
Say So- Gungor
Our God- Tomlin
I Need Thee- Lavik
Today Is The Day- Brewster
God Of This City- Bluetree
How big is your God? This is a question that I came across recently as I was reading a book called “In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day” by Mark Batterson. He said most of us never chase after big opportunities because we purposefully avoid things that scare us. For some it’s fear of looking foolish, or the fear of failure, or the fear of rejection. Whatever the reason, it tends to paralyze us and keep us from taking challenges head on.
Now, what about when those challenges we face are purposefully placed in our path by God? What then? Do we stare them down and turn and run? One of the funny things about the way God likes to work is He intentionally places seemingly overwhelming obstacles in our path. We often feel unqualified, uneducated, too weak, or write it off as impossible to do anything about. Ultimately, our fear comes down to whether we think God knows what He’s doing by setting this opportunity in our lives and whether He’s capable of handling it. Suddenly, our God seems too small! Our fear looms larger than our God does. He can’t possibly do this or that. Worse yet is the lies of the evil one saying, “you’re too insignificant for God to pay attention to you, and you can’t do it, so why even try.”
The truth however is that the very same God who spoke creation out of nothingness, who shaped the heavens and earth, who spun the stars into the cosmos, who made every living breathing thing, down to the smallest micron, cares about us. It says he knows every hair on our heads, and that he knit us together in the womb. It also says that he has plans for us. We love that idea. Wow, God has a plan for me and for you. That’s exciting. We just want to make sure there’s no bumps or pitfalls in that journey. Just get us to the other side of life with no scrapes or scars.
The overwhelming problem with that scenario is that it robs God of glory. We don’t tend to depend on him and come to him expectantly to do what he does best; amazing impossible things through ordinary nobody’s. He takes our 2 fish and 5 loaves and multiplies it. He takes our staff and uses it to shame pharaoh and part seas. He takes our sling and stone, and kills giants. All He asks from us is “give Me what you have, and let me work through it.” How big is God for you today? Do you believe in the same God who made 2 + 5= over 5,000? God gets the glory when we get the guts to trust him and take on the challenge before us.
“Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God You are higher than any other. Our God is healer, awesome is power our God, our God. And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us? And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?”
SETLIST:
You Hold Me Now- Hillsong United
Say Say- Kristian Stanfill
The Old Rugged Cross- Jeff Johnson
Everlasting God- Lincoln Brewster
God Is Alive- Fee
I always look forward to hearing new albums. It's sort of an addiction for me and thanks to websites like new release tuesday.com I can find out what's coming soon and make a note to buy my favorite artists and albums on I-tunes the day they come out. Hillsong and Hillsong United are among two of my more most watched groups. Once I buy the album and furiously listen to it about 20 times in the first week trying to see if there is anything that I feel like can really be effective in our congregation.
One of the songs we are introducing came out last year and it's called "You Hold Me Now". Since we are discussing the death of John the Baptist, which is not one of the more enjoyable topics, I felt like this song puts things in perspective a little better. Imagine spending your whole life knowing that your mission was to prepare the way for the Annointed One of the Jewish people. Then just when it seems like the time is drawing near for the new kingdom you have been preaching about, you get thrown in jail for telling a King it's not cool to get divorced so you can marry your brother's sister. To make a long story short John never got to see God's plan played out on earth the way he expected. He was killed. If that were the end of the story it would be depressing. Not only for John, but for all of us. We all have known of lives that got cut short too soon or of unrealized potential ending in death. However, for John, the moment his eyes closed to this world, they opened to Heaven. That to me is incredible.
I once heard someone say that it's almost impossible to say what heaven "is" like, but it's incredibly easy to describe what it "isn't" like. All we really know is that there is no more "phone calls in the middle of the night, lost jobs, stillbirth children, painful radiation treatments, sons and daughters in foreign lands fighting" or anything else that breaks our heart and our Father's. The lyrics of You hold me know say it so well!
No weeping, no hurt or pain
No suffering You hold me now, You hold me now
No darkness no sickening
No hiding You hold me now, You hold me now
For eternity
All my heart will give
All the glory to Your name
We hope in the "glorious unseen" as the lyric from Say Say declares, waiting for the "risen and returning King". We can boldly proclaim that there is more than this life to cling to, a hope that endures and a Savior that is "RISEN AND REIGNING".
The theme for this Sunday and our truth to hold on to is that we have strength and hope. As Paul says in Phillipians "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Send Us Out- Fee
Sing, Sing, Sing- Chris Tomlin
Mighty To Save- Hillsong
Kingdom- Kristian Stanfill
Say So- Micheal Gungor
Well, this is the first installment of the thoughts and setlist entries. We decided to start putting the names of the songs we do on a regular basis online because we believe in resourcing our congregation to worship in music outside of the Sunday morning gatherings. Plus, we get a lot of people coming up after the service and asking, "what was the name of the second song you sang this morning?" While we love talking to everybody, sometimes people are too shy to ask or they walk out humming the song and later decide they want to know what they're humming exactly. So here it is. The list says the name of the song, the artist who does it and if you decide to click on a title, it will take you directly to I-tunes to purchase it. Quick-N-EZ. Also, we want to encourage you to make the most out of your experience on Sundays corporately by checking out the music early so you can sing your lungs out as a body of believers, so we'll be posting the music a week ahead. So this is the music for this week and just below this entry is next weeks. Happy downloading!
In addition to giving the name of the songs we will be singinng, we'll be giving some additional insight into lyrics, short devotions, and answering some frequently asked questions.
This weeks sermon is on Jesus sending out the 12 disciples to heal and spread the good news and it also just happens to be youth sunday. So most of the music has to do with us being sent today much like the disciples of Jesus on his mission. One particular song, which was suggested by our youth is the song "Say So" by Gungor. The starting lines say
"What does it mean to be saved?
Isn't it more than just a prayer to pray?
More than just a way to heaven?
What does it mean to be His?
To be formed in his likeness?
Know that we have a purpose.
To be salt and light in the world, in the world.
To be salt and light in the world."
It's easy to sing a song, and much harder to put hands and feet on being salt and light. What seems even harder is that we tend to get conflicting messeges about what it means to be salt and light. Some streams of Christianity say it's all about serving the poor, the widow, the alien. Justice for the least of these. Still others seem more interested in getting people to confess sin and say a prayer to make sure they go to heaven.
The beauty of our mission is that neither one of these approaches are mutually exclusive but neither one is sufficient by themself either. There is a saying that goes, the sociel gospel divorced from a call to repentence and forgiveness is a zombie, and the gospel of personal salvation apart from caring for the least of this is a ghost. One without the other results in a sort of living dead. When you combine them, only then do you have the living, breathing, worshipping gospel of Jesus.
We have been forgiven, so we must go!
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