Thursday, May 19, 2011

"Engaging with God" in Worship

David Peterson wrote a great book (that I have yet to read in full), on Biblical worship and its implications for us in the New Testament "Church Age." His book is considered one of the best out there on the subject of worship (why have I not read it yet?). Kevin DeYoung quotes some of his thoughts on worship here, which is where the following quote is from. Good stuff! Hope it encourages you and prepares you a little bit for Sunday.

Why would we not sing deep, solid songs about the Gospel every single Sunday?

[T]rue worship is gospel-centered. The gospel–Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection–is what makes worship possible. The gospel is what we proclaim in worship. The gospel is what we sing in worship. The gospel is what calls a people together in worship, arouses a people to praise in worship, and sends a people out in a life of worship. Some churches ignore the gospel. Others reject the gospel. Many churches only touch the gospel tangentially, focusing on nebulous truths like relationships or connecting with God or acceptance or love. But in the best churches, never does a Sunday go by when God’s people don’t sing about the cross or glory in our Redeemer or marvel at substitutionary atonement (emphasis added).

Friday, May 13, 2011

Preparing for Sunday, 5-15-11

It's been a few weeks since I've posted, which is due in-part to Jenny and I entering into the Fost-Adopt program a month ago. As many of you know, we've been busy but super blessed at the same time with the 2 kids God has brought into our home.

But it's time for a "Preparing for Sunday" post once again!

This Sunday Pastor John will be preaching on Colossians 3:15-17, on letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, and letting the word of Christ dwell in us. This passage is also one of those defining places in Scripture for corporate worship gatherings, and for church music (and what its purpose is). I've been learning that the New Testament talks about music as a means of teaching, admonishing and encouraging amongst the gathered church (and not as much about our individual "worship experiences"). Think about that for a little bit - that the music we sing in church is supposed to be done with everyone else in mind, and how we're encouraging and teaching one another through the songs we're singing together! Good stuff.

We also have 2 baptisms this Sunday, so make sure you're on time to take part in that time of celebration and recognition of how God has been drawing hearts to Himself.

Our songs will respond to, and rejoice in God's mighty work of Salvation this Sunday. The list will go as follows:

1. Forever - A great up-tempo tune about God's enduring faithfulness to His people, and that we can have confidence in His faithfulness to do good to us.

2. Mighty to Save - This one doesn't need much explanation, other than it's a song of joy in God's mighty work of Salvation, and His power to keep our salvation secure. The bridge of this song also talks about us taking the light God has produced in our hearts (2 Cor. 4:6), and bringing the light of the Gospel to a dark world.

3. How Great is Our God - A familiar song rejoicing in the majesty of God, and his Lordship even over the powers of darkness. The song says that "darkness tries to hide" from God, which is cause for great rejoicing on our part as we fight our sin and the temptations of the evil one.

4. It is Well - A song about the peace that rules in the heart of a believer, because sin has been paid for in Jesus, we have eternal life secured by Jesus' death and resurrection, and through Jesus we've been reconciled to a holy God. And if you have a few minutes, definitely check out the version of It is Well posted below - it's my favorite.

Hope this helps you in preparing for Sunday morning!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Another quote for the pondering!

The following is from Bob Kauflin, via Twitter. We often need a good word of wisdom like this, that will keep our motivations for planning Sunday mornings on the right track:

Life is too short and eternity too long to lead Sunday meetings that fail to exalt Christ in the power of His Spirit.