Quote to Ponder!

"We do not go to church as individuals to worship God; we go as a body to encourage one another. We all have a vital part to play." [See Colossians 3:15-16]

Vaughan Roberts, from True Worship

Reflecting on Sunday, 10/30/11

 Happy Reformation Day!

If you're feeling nostalgic, here's what happened in church last year on Reformation Day. Also in Reformation Day spirit, here's a great quote from Martin Luther about music: "[After] the word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world."

Ok, so first of all I want to dispel any rumors that there was something wrong yesterday morning. Tim Plaster and I planned about a month ago for him to lead music on a week that I was actually around. I'd get a break from leading and planning the set, but still get to play in the band. This gave Tim and I a chance to talk after Thursday night's rehearsal, and after this morning at church, and share feedback with each other. Moving forward, it's my plan to do this every so often. I never want things to center around me (or anyone else), being the personality that has to be the one leading or things can't get done. The goal is always to have a few guys who can switch off with leading music, give one another breaks, and help one another grow and sharpen what we're doing.

In many ways, this isn't too different from the main preaching pastor giving away a Sunday once in a while, to faithful guys who can also preach. But no, nothing was wrong with me, or with anything else.

All that to say, I think yesterday morning was great. The congregation sang really well - we could really hear the upswell of voices on the stage. Also, I had an awesome time just playing in the band and singin' backup. It was super fun to play over by Jeff on the stage, and sing along with the congregation.

I'm coming back to lead with a vengeance next Sunday, so get ready to sing well, and loud.

We sang the following songs this week:
1. Our God
2. How Can I Keep From Singing (This was a new one we introduced, and it just might make its 2nd appearance next Sunday)
3. The Old Rugged Cross
4. 10,000 Reasons

Preparing for Sunday, 10/16/11

We'll be taking bread and cup communion together this Sunday morning, so you especially don't want to miss it. Be there on-time to sing with us at 9:00, and to take communion right after announcements/offering. To prepare for this Sunday, here's a quote by Rick Holland on taking the elements of communion as a gathered church:

" Communion is the best safeguard against doctrinal error, the best defense against apathy and lethargy, the best motivation for love and excitement for the Redeemer, and the best window into the depth and accessibility of gospel truth...God understands we forget. That's why He put Communion in our path...How do you uneclipse Jesus? You hold precious His death and remember His greatness. How do you hold that He is precious? By examining your life and seeing your sinfulness and loving His sacrifice on the cross on your behalf."

We do all these things as we take communion together. It will be a sweet time as we gather and remind ourselves and each other of the greatness of our Savior. Again, don't miss out!

Jordan will be preaching a sermon, entitled "David: From Desperation to Hope," from 1 Samuel 21 and Psalm 34. Read the passages over and be thinking through them ahead of time.

We'll sing songs that focus on the glory of Jesus and of what He accomplished on the Cross. The order will go as follows:

1. Open the Eyes of My Heart
This is a "call to worship" song, where we make it our prayer first-of-all for God to reveal his greatness to us as we gather to worship Him together. My challenge for us all (myself included!) is to not just sing this song through because it's familiar, but to sing with real affections. I hope we pray earnestly as we sing that God really will renew our view of His worth and greatness.

2. The Glories of Calvary
We introduced this song a few months ago, and it became a new favorite among us I think. A lot of songs that really focus on the cross are slower and contemplative (which is great). This one is bigger and more up-tempo, which is also obviously appropriate as we celebrate our salvation in Jesus. The 2nd verse correctly proclaims, "Sinners find eternal joy in the triumph of Your wounds!"

3. All I Have Is Christ
This tune is a great "narrative" song of what God did when he saved us. Verse 2 says,

But as I ran my hell-bound race, indifferent to the cost

You looked upon my helpless state and led me to the cross

And I beheld God's love displayed - You suffered in my place

You bore the wrath reserved for me; now all I know is grace!

I hope this helps you prepare for Sunday morning. Lookin' forward to seeing all of you there!

Reflecting On This Past Sunday, 10/9/11

Hey everyone,
Here are a couple notes on this last Sunday in the way of reflection. Again, it's valuable at times to reflect back on our corporate gatherings as a church, because we want our corporate times of worship to affect our day-to-day living. We meet to equip one another and encourage one another to go on believing in Christ, and resting in Him another week. So here goes:

1. Baby dedications. 
What a great thing to be a part of. We had 2 families, the Foys and Kosters, dedicate themselves to godly parenting of the hearts of their kids. Jordan said something very significant, about a baby dedication being a time of accountability, where we as a church commit to praying for, and encouraging, and building up these new parents to raise these kids in the knowledge of the Lord. Again, what a great thing for us all to be a part of corporately.

2. Singing.
Because baby dedications took a little bit longer than expected, we cut our last song from the set and I called Jordan up to preach. This is OK! Sometimes we may spend some extra time on something that is just as much a part of our corporate worship and encouragement as the music, so I'd like to always keep this as an option if we have a couple of baby dedications, baptisms, or anything else. We tailor a service as the Spirit may lead.

I was a little sad that we didn't sing the last song, which was "Jesus Paid it All." But then I thought about it in retrospect, and we got the real meat of the song list even so. Our last song ended up being "How Great is Our God," which speaks about aspects of the 3-person, triune God we worship ("The Godhead, three in one/Father, Spirit, Son/The Lion and the Lamb). This is the life that we are brought into, to participate in, when we are born-again in Christ.

I do think we need to sing more songs that speak of the Trinitarian nature of God for many reasons, and I'm glad we got this one in on Sunday. More to come on this "Trinity" stuff later.

3. Preaching.
Jordan preached from 1 Samuel, chapters 18 and 19, drawing out the main point of these chapters, which is a contrast between Saul's self-reliance, and David's dependence on God. David was truly ready to be king of Israel once God had stripped him of his comforts and securities, forcing David to depend on God alone. Really good preaching, and really good take-away for us.

A Quote to Ponder

"The goal of music in the [corporate worship] gathering isn't great sound or even great music. It's a church gathered and united in song."


Mike Cosper, Director of Worship and Arts at Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, Kentucky


This quote is from an article Cosper wrote for The Gospel Coalition. Read it here.