Today's Corporate Worship, 9-11-11

Today we gathered for corporate worship on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. It seems surreal (to me at least) that it's been 10 years. I thought today was great, in that we really did take time to reflect together on the significance of the profoundly tragic event. And Pastor Tim and Pastor Jordan led us in doing that biblically.

Jordan mentioned Luke 13, where Jesus says,

"I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."

Jesus talks about a tragic event (the falling of a tower in Siloam, no less) where eighteen people perished. The falling of the tower was not necessarily a judgment, but it is an opportunity for repentance for those left behind. 

God is so gracious, and He remains good through horrible and tragic circumstances. And those of us who are spared in this life have more opportunities to repent and draw near to Christ. And to take the life-giving message of the Gospel to those who haven't heard.

Jordan preached this morning from John 17:20-26, as Christ continues to pray for his disciples (including us - "also for those who will believe in Me"). Christ prays that we, the Church, will be unified, just as Christ and the Father are unified. And Jordan added that, "The purpose of unity is to convince the world that Jesus was sent by God."

Along with the preaching, we sang together this morning of the greatness of God and His sovereignty in salvation (Mighty To Save, How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art), of the secure hope we have in Christ (In Christ Alone), and of the amazing love and grace of God shown us in the Gospel (Because of Your Love, Amazing Grace). 

All in all, it felt like a very unified morning, by the grace of God. The congregation's singing was loud and done well (I had to step away from the mic a few times and just let the congregation go - that's the best), and good fellowship abounded. 

Hope you're encouraged to head out into your week like I am, to the praise of His glorious grace. See you guys next week.

Josh