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!