Great article (food for thought) by Kevin Twit on hymns vs. choruses that I found on www.blog.worship.com. When I grow up :), I want to write stuff this well-thought-out.
My Grandmother Saved It, My Mother Threw It Away, and Now I’m Buying It Back: Why Young People Are Returning to Old Hymn Texts
In popular usage, the word hymn can refer to the text only (typical in England), to text and tune only, or to the whole combination of text and music. In this article, the desire to return to old hymns is to return to the older texts, sometimes also the tunes, but definitely not the sounds of traditional hymns. Old hymn texts are finding new life in contemporary musical settings.
Not too long ago I saw a sign in an antique store: "My grandmother saved it, my mother threw it away, and now I’m buying it back!" That little sign captures the story of church music in the last fifty years. In my work as a pastor with college students, I have been taking note of what feels like the beginning of a movement.
There is most definitely a hunger and longing among the emerging generations, college students and twenty-somethings, to connect with something real and solid rather than the faddish and ephemeral. Books like Robert Webber’s The Younger Evangelicals (Baker, 2002) and Colleen Carroll’s The New Faithful (Loyola Press, 2002) well document this phenomenon.
Recently a college student posted this letter on a website in response to an article on hymns.
"Coming from a typical praise chorusreliant high school youth group . . .I didn’t understand a lot of the poetic and imagery-driven lyrics, and the word hymn automatically meant boring music. But I found myself falling in love with the old hymns. . . . The words are so profound and full of truth one can’t help but be broken. Singing hymns has seriously changed my life and freed me from feeling frustrated by surface lyrics that focus on how I feel about God, which is always changing. Hymns have allowed me to center my worship on the Gospel, which in turn compels me to love the God I am prone to hate and wander from."
What thrills me is to see how her discovery of hymns has affected even the way she expresses what she finds in her heart—"Come Thou Fount" has helped orient her to a richer view of what the Christian life actually feels like! For many, the church’s hymn tradition has become a treasured resource; students around the country are scouting out used bookstores for antique hymnals, searching for gems that have fallen out of use and yet resonate with their faith and longing to connect with God in a deeper way. Across the country there’s been an explosion of interest in writing new tunes for old hymns. Grassroots-produced CDs like Indelible Grace (see RW 66, p. 42) as well as recent projects by artists including Amy Grant (Legacy) and Caedmon’s Call (In The Company of Angels) have featured old hymns, many of them set to new tunes in keeping with the musical cultures of emerging generations.
It is worth pondering why hymns are connecting with young people. Few would have predicted this when baby boomers were throwing out anything "old-fashioned" or traditional. But we still need hymns in a postmodern world! In fact, the hymn tradition has tremendous things to offer the emerging generations—things they are really longing for and that are frequently lacking in the praise and chorus music so often marketed as "college worship." What’s going on? Why do we still need hymns in a postmodern world? Here are several reasons:
Because Worship Is Formative
Worship shapes and molds us. Our hearts are drawn from other "treasures"
as our eyes are opened to see Jesus for who he really is. Thomas Chalmers
(nineteenth-century Scottish Presbyterian), called this the "expulsive power of a new affection." In worship we seek to have Jesus become more beautiful and believable to us. Anne Steele (eighteenth century) captures this in a hymn text: "Thou lovely Source of true delight, whom I unseen adore; unveil thy beauties to my heart, that I might love thee more!" Worship restores our sanity so that we can live in line with the truth of the gospel rather than with the fantasy world in which we must earn God’s favor. Hymns are wonderful for doing this.
Because of the Longing to Experience God
Postmoderns long for experience with God, and hymns are some of the richest expression of Christian experience we have. They are a doorway into sensing the truth in our hearts rather than just "knowing" it in our heads. Wesley’s text "Arise, my soul, arise, shake off thy guilty fears; the bleeding sacrifice on my behalf appears" is a great example of crying out to God to sense what we confess.
Because Hymns Help Us Grow Up
Hymns teach us the rich theology we really need. If we have a limited view of who God is and what the gospel is, our experience of it will be limited as well. Paul writes the longest explanation of the gospel to people who are (literally) world-famous for their faith (Rom. 1:8) because, as Luther said, we leak the gospel and it needs to be beat into our heads over and over again! Hymns really stretch us. Why is Henry Lyte’s "Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken" one of my students’ favorite hymns? Probably because it offers us orientation to what the Christian life is really all about and doesn’t sugarcoat the gospel at all:
Jesus, I my cross have taken,
all to leave and follow thee.
Destitute, despised, forsaken,
thou from hence my all shall be.
Perish every fond ambition,
all I’ve sought or hoped or known.
Yet how rich is my condition!
God and heaven are still my own.
Let the world despise and leave me;
they have left my Savior too.
Human hearts and looks deceive me;
thou art not, like them, untrue.
O while thou dost smile upon me,
God of wisdom, love, and might,
foes may hate and friends disown me,
show thy face and all is bright.
Because Hymns Are Mini-meditations on the "Paradoxes" of the Gospel That Drive Us to Worship
C. H. Spurgeon said, "When I cannot understand anything in the Bible, it seems as though God had set a chair there for me, at which to kneel and worship; and that the mysteries are intended to be an altar of devotion." Hymns are an opportunity to sit in a mystery—like Charles Wesley’s "And can it be that thou my God shouldst die for me?"—until it begins to melt our hearts.
Because Hymns Can Teach Us the Art of Meditation on Scripture
This is an art we desperately need to relearn. Hymns help us take a theme and turn it over; they let us gaze on it from different angles. And they suggest (though by no means do they ever exhaust) ways in which this truth should change our lives. In this way they model how to meditate upon Scripture and the truths of the gospel.
Because Hymns Remind Us That We Can Only Approach God Through the Blood of Jesus (1 Pet. 2:5)
The idea that we only approach God as Christians through the blood of Christ is too rarely mentioned in most modern choruses. We need deeper, richer, and longer looks at the cross and all that it means. As Luther advised, "For every one look you take at your sin, take ten looks at the cross!"
Because Hymns Focus Us on God’s Promises More Than on Ours
We grow by feeding on God’s character revealed and by feasting on God’s promises. We need to recall Augustus Toplady’s hymn "Rock of Ages" (originally titled "A living and dying prayer for the holiest believer on earth"; see p. 25): "Could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow, all for sin could not atone, thou must save and thou alone!"
Here is another set of reasons to sing hymns rather than only choruses:
• Hymns offer a fuller emotional range of expression. Hymns help us work through emotions and they cover a wider range of emotions than many modern choruses do. Although we may associate hymns with a lack of emotion and modern choruses with emotional excess at times, careful study reveals that the emotional range touched on by modern choruses is rather narrow.
• Hymns tend to engage our imagination, intellect, and will together. Good hymns give us rich language and images that require us to think and imagine as the way to stir the passions. While praise choruses do use imagery, they sometimes get stuck in clichés that no longer engage our imaginations. The Scriptures are full of diverse images; our songs should reflect this creativity too.
• Hymns tell a story and walk us through the gospel. Some choruses are often more like "images" that flash on the television screen for a moment. They stir us, but they don’t take us anywhere. In a good hymn, the writer offers her story and invites you to try it on and see if it might be your story too.
• Hymns remind us that the church is bigger than the people we know, or even those who are alive today. Through hymns we connect with believers who lived centuries before us. We can have "mystic sweet communion, with those whose rest is won" ("The Church’s One Foundation" by Stone). When I introduce people to Anne Steele’s hymns, they are struck by the powerful way she dealt with her immense suffering. They find that her cries can become their cries, her tears can elicit their tears, and her faith can encourage their faith. Seeing that we can connect with an English woman who lived in a small village 300 years ago and feel what she felt is powerful. All of the sudden the kingdom of God looks much bigger!
First published at "Reformed Worship." Republished at worship.com by permission of Kevin Twit and Indelible Grace Music.
(ktwit@ruf.org) is campus minister at Reformed University Fellowship, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee, and is the founder of Indelible Grace Music (www.igracemusic.com).
Monday, December 18, 2006
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Proud of our Church Family
I'm proud to be a part of the FXCC family.
It's 11:15 pm on Saturday night, and I'm just thinking of all the great people in our church family who:
+ helped with David Callarman's celebration service last week
+ helped with Sarah Bergquist's celebration service this week
+ who shine the light of Christ in the shadow of death
+ raked leaves for 3/4 hours last Sunday afternoon
+ have been rehearsing for 3 months to bring encouragement and peace to others (and tonight's Christmas performance really showed it)
+ started a ministry to chaplains in the military
+ gather for prayer on Wed nights, and Tuesday mornings, and Friday mornings, and every other possible time...
+ came to share their hurts & frustrations & encouragements with our church leaders these past few weeks
I could go on and on...
What an awesome church to be a part of...Thank you, God!
It's 11:15 pm on Saturday night, and I'm just thinking of all the great people in our church family who:
+ helped with David Callarman's celebration service last week
+ helped with Sarah Bergquist's celebration service this week
+ who shine the light of Christ in the shadow of death
+ raked leaves for 3/4 hours last Sunday afternoon
+ have been rehearsing for 3 months to bring encouragement and peace to others (and tonight's Christmas performance really showed it)
+ started a ministry to chaplains in the military
+ gather for prayer on Wed nights, and Tuesday mornings, and Friday mornings, and every other possible time...
+ came to share their hurts & frustrations & encouragements with our church leaders these past few weeks
I could go on and on...
What an awesome church to be a part of...Thank you, God!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Looking forward to a GIANT celebration
Tommorrow night at 7 pm will be the absolute largest celebration service I have ever been too, without a doubt. I am looking forward to it more than I am anxious about the sadness/grief that will no doubt be a part of it. I just had to post this from Scott Bergquist...it's on Sarah's caringbridge site, but some may not have seen it...his words and all the greetings posted on that site have been an immense source of encouragement, to put it mildly.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2006 03:16 PM, CST
I want everyone to take heart.
This afternoon Sarah slipped away through the great divide that separates our world from God’s kingdom in Heaven. Sarah loved the Lord more than anyone I have ever known. And she loved everything about the life that God entrusted her with. A few weeks ago when Sarah was whispering to me she said the following while gesturing about the immediate world around her, "It’s more than about this. It’s not just about this." When I asked her what she meant she said, "Life was not just about this physical body, and the physical world in which we live." Sarah and I both believe this with all of our hearts. My children believe it too and know they can one day see her again in Heaven….but - only by putting their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Please read on:
Romans 10
9that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
11For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."
Hebrews 11
11. With respect to the promise of God, she did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God
Revelation 21
4And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
5And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new " And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."
6Then He said to me, "It is done I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.
7"She who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be her God and she will be My daughter.
God has definitely been glorified through Sarah’s life and even in her death. I want you to know that she never wavered in her love and devotion for her family, and especially for God!
For those who would like to attend, there will be a "Celebration" Service this Thursday evening, December 14th, 2006 at 7:00p.m. at the Fairfax Church of Christ.
3901 Rugby Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22033
(703) 631-2100
I ask that you please continue to pray for Sarah’s family and especially for our four little children; Hannah, Noah, Jonah and Rachel.
Still your humble friend and brother - Scott
2 Corinthians 4:7
7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2006 03:16 PM, CST
I want everyone to take heart.
This afternoon Sarah slipped away through the great divide that separates our world from God’s kingdom in Heaven. Sarah loved the Lord more than anyone I have ever known. And she loved everything about the life that God entrusted her with. A few weeks ago when Sarah was whispering to me she said the following while gesturing about the immediate world around her, "It’s more than about this. It’s not just about this." When I asked her what she meant she said, "Life was not just about this physical body, and the physical world in which we live." Sarah and I both believe this with all of our hearts. My children believe it too and know they can one day see her again in Heaven….but - only by putting their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Please read on:
Romans 10
9that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
10for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
11For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."
Hebrews 11
11. With respect to the promise of God, she did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God
Revelation 21
4And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
5And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new " And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."
6Then He said to me, "It is done I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.
7"She who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be her God and she will be My daughter.
God has definitely been glorified through Sarah’s life and even in her death. I want you to know that she never wavered in her love and devotion for her family, and especially for God!
For those who would like to attend, there will be a "Celebration" Service this Thursday evening, December 14th, 2006 at 7:00p.m. at the Fairfax Church of Christ.
3901 Rugby Road
Fairfax, Virginia 22033
(703) 631-2100
I ask that you please continue to pray for Sarah’s family and especially for our four little children; Hannah, Noah, Jonah and Rachel.
Still your humble friend and brother - Scott
2 Corinthians 4:7
7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.
Monday, December 11, 2006
On a road marked with suffering
Jesus, please tell sweet Sarah that we love her, and that we'll always miss her, and never forget her smile. One day, help us understand the incredible joy, pain and suffering we can feel all at the same time.
Blessed be Your name when the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name when the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out...I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord, still I will say:
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord blessed be Your name
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Funnel our energies to a dying world
Thanks everyone for the meaningful comments. I'm sure there'll be more discussion of this topic in the future, which will be fine, but hopefully the discussion will take it's rightful place...
For example, I'd love for this issue to be discussed on the bus as we go up to Allenwood, PA next month to sing at the prison where Neal works now...visiting the prison...now that's the work of Christ. Discussing worship styles/forms, now that's just filler time discussion. I'm not bragging on those of you who are planning to make the trip, I'm just saying, THAT is what I want my life to be about, not a silly guitar/piano/set of mics. I want to be known for lifting up the fallen, visiting the sick, bringing hope to those in prison. I want Jesus' mission statement to be my mission statement. Even Jesus doesn't mention specifics on worship...He's WAY too focused on the work the Father sent Him to earth for.
Thank You, Father God, for the enduring example of your Son, Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, for being the Way, Truth & Life, and for bearing with us when we fret and worry about trivial things. But grow us up, Lord. Help us get past ourselves and help us to funnel all of this energy to show Christ to a lost world.
For example, I'd love for this issue to be discussed on the bus as we go up to Allenwood, PA next month to sing at the prison where Neal works now...visiting the prison...now that's the work of Christ. Discussing worship styles/forms, now that's just filler time discussion. I'm not bragging on those of you who are planning to make the trip, I'm just saying, THAT is what I want my life to be about, not a silly guitar/piano/set of mics. I want to be known for lifting up the fallen, visiting the sick, bringing hope to those in prison. I want Jesus' mission statement to be my mission statement. Even Jesus doesn't mention specifics on worship...He's WAY too focused on the work the Father sent Him to earth for.
Thank You, Father God, for the enduring example of your Son, Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, for being the Way, Truth & Life, and for bearing with us when we fret and worry about trivial things. But grow us up, Lord. Help us get past ourselves and help us to funnel all of this energy to show Christ to a lost world.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Very interesting...
I have really benefitted by reading the post & comments on Mike Cope's blog about the decision of the elders at the Richland Hills church of Christ to add an instrumental service on Sunday morning to their schedule. www.preachermike.com LOTS of viewpoints are represented, and I was forced to think through my approach to this issue.
Understanding that our elders have been very clear to our church about how we will worship God (solely a cappella) what are some of your reflections? I love a cappella music, and I'm thankful for our elders' clarity about how our church will express praise to God. But I also long for the day when we can articulate our practice with scriptural integrity (not making the Word say something it doesn't) and openness without a judgmental tone.
Understanding that our elders have been very clear to our church about how we will worship God (solely a cappella) what are some of your reflections? I love a cappella music, and I'm thankful for our elders' clarity about how our church will express praise to God. But I also long for the day when we can articulate our practice with scriptural integrity (not making the Word say something it doesn't) and openness without a judgmental tone.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Be Thou My Vision
What an exciting time for our church as we go through this Vision/Mission/Values process. Our consultant, Dr. Randy Willingham, www.randywillingham.com, warned us that there would be speed bumps along the way. Wow! Randy also has been encouraging us to have holy conversations (there's a book by that title which he highly recommends) and there have been a lot of those in the last week.
God is good, all the time, and He is guiding our church. He is providing for us all along the way. We must remained focused on worshipping God and sharing Christ with others.
True, our enemy will always throw up distractions along the way, and we must not underestimate nor overestimate his power or abilities. He is a deceiver and his native language is lies. We must be on guard against half-truths and/or deceitful behavior, both in ourselves and in our community. God, give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your Name!
Our great commission from Jesus, our Visioneer:
Matthew 28...
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
God is good, all the time, and He is guiding our church. He is providing for us all along the way. We must remained focused on worshipping God and sharing Christ with others.
True, our enemy will always throw up distractions along the way, and we must not underestimate nor overestimate his power or abilities. He is a deceiver and his native language is lies. We must be on guard against half-truths and/or deceitful behavior, both in ourselves and in our community. God, give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your Name!
Our great commission from Jesus, our Visioneer:
Matthew 28...
19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Great Scripture from the Elders today
"I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." I Cor 9:22
The elders made an important annoucement at the end of services today, ending with this verse from the Word. The entire announcement will most likely be posted in the Membernet section of our website, www.fxcc.org really soon. It's a must-read.
Let's move forward with our focus on saving lost souls! That's the important thing here. May we invest our best energies in showing Christ to the world.
The elders made an important annoucement at the end of services today, ending with this verse from the Word. The entire announcement will most likely be posted in the Membernet section of our website, www.fxcc.org really soon. It's a must-read.
Let's move forward with our focus on saving lost souls! That's the important thing here. May we invest our best energies in showing Christ to the world.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
The Heart of Worship
What a week! Matt Redman penned these words years ago, and we sang this for the 1st time last Sunday, Nov 19th. Only the Holy Spirit knew how terribly appropriate they were for our church for the week ahead. Loving God, help us to find our hearts of worship & give them completely to You!
When the music fades, all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself is not what You have required
You search much deeper within - through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
All about You Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
All about You Jesus
King of endless worth
No one could express how much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor - all I have is Yours
Ev'ry single breath
I'll bring you more than a song,
for a song in itself is not what You have required
You search much deeper within, through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart!
Monday, November 20, 2006
THE PURPOSE DRIVEN DECLARATION
I got this from Rick Warren's website, www.purposedriven.com
He has been such an inspiration to me in ministry! This is called "The Purpose Driven Declaration" and it seems appropriate for this week, if not every day.
Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering, I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back now!
I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me,” character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.
I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose driven, and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything God entrusts to me.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say, "However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes, Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I’ll hear you say, 'Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!'"
He has been such an inspiration to me in ministry! This is called "The Purpose Driven Declaration" and it seems appropriate for this week, if not every day.
Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering, I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back now!
I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me,” character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.
I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose driven, and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything God entrusts to me.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say, "However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes, Lord; whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I’ll hear you say, 'Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!'"
Friday, November 17, 2006
"Lord, teach us to...suffer"
As a church family, we must be able to put down our happy faces long enough to engage one another. To meet each other where we really are.
As a worship planner/leader, I hereby confess & repent of my past efforts to keep it all upbeat and positive and encouraging and happy and "ending on a positive note". That's just not reality. For too long, we have relegated songs of lament and despair to funeral services. Sure, we occasionally sing "It is Well with My Soul"...one of my all-time favorite hymns. But even it ends on upbeat thought toward Heaven. Nothing wrong with that. But some days we would be better served/better expressed by singing a song that goes, "Lord, I'm angry and confused, hurt and broken. Where are you in my pain?"
We must learn how to suffer with and alongside one another. We must learn how to face life's issues with integrity, honesty, authenticity.
Our refusal to mourn more often in our public services has kept people from having the voice they needed to cry out to God...in anger, in sorrow, in confusion, in doubt. Oh sure, they've still cried out, but they had to do it somewhere else...at home alone or away from a community of faith (aka shiny happy people).
Let's strive together to give ourselves permission to hurt, to be confused, to bring every emotion into the assembly. Our God is able to deal with it, I'm 100% confident. But we must learn to deal with it as well.
As a worship planner/leader, I hereby confess & repent of my past efforts to keep it all upbeat and positive and encouraging and happy and "ending on a positive note". That's just not reality. For too long, we have relegated songs of lament and despair to funeral services. Sure, we occasionally sing "It is Well with My Soul"...one of my all-time favorite hymns. But even it ends on upbeat thought toward Heaven. Nothing wrong with that. But some days we would be better served/better expressed by singing a song that goes, "Lord, I'm angry and confused, hurt and broken. Where are you in my pain?"
We must learn how to suffer with and alongside one another. We must learn how to face life's issues with integrity, honesty, authenticity.
Our refusal to mourn more often in our public services has kept people from having the voice they needed to cry out to God...in anger, in sorrow, in confusion, in doubt. Oh sure, they've still cried out, but they had to do it somewhere else...at home alone or away from a community of faith (aka shiny happy people).
Let's strive together to give ourselves permission to hurt, to be confused, to bring every emotion into the assembly. Our God is able to deal with it, I'm 100% confident. But we must learn to deal with it as well.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
33 Months Ago Today
On February 14, 2004, Jaime & I said "I do" for a lifetime. (This pic was taken in November of 2003 when we first moved to Virginia. And no, we didn't shack up before we were married...Jaime lived in the house while our dear friends Ivan & Patricia let me live in their basement until the wedding.)
Without a doubt, these have been the best 33 months of my life, and I can't wait for the next 333 months and then some.
I love my wife dearly, and count her the most beautiful and special gift that God has ever given me, outside of my salvation in Christ. Faithy ranks right up there after Jaime & Jesus.
May the Lord continue to bless our marriage, and may He give me the humility and courage to love Jaime as Jesus loved the church. And many thanks to my small group leader, Sam, who is guiding our group through an excellent study of the book Sacred Marriage. Incredible! (J & J, the lesson Sunday night and your transparency were soooo helpful.)
Hmmm...I think I'll agree to change 2 diapers per week instead of just 1 as a special anniversary gift to Jaime. Kidding!
Comfort in Community
These are some rough days for the Fairfax congregation.
Among our many members who are fighting illness, we have 3 families who are in a full-fledged battle with cancer. In addition to the 3 loving spouses, there are 9 precious children in these 3 families.
My hope is that we will continue on this road of suffering with authenticity. We welcome those who cry and have unending questions. We embrace those who need a shoulder to cry on. We weep with those who weep. We pray with diligence, night & day, for healing and peace. We count every day, even every moment of life a gift, and are committed more than ever to enjoying every minute of it.
We constantly seek to bring glory to God, claiming the promise of John 11:4, "When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."
I continue to be GREATLY ENCOURAGED by my brothers & sisters who come on Wednesday nights to PRAY from 7:00 pm to 7:25 pm. There is a spirit of desperation there that is permeated completely with HOPE. Let us continue to cry out to the living God for more of Him, more of His perspective, more of His presence, more obedience to Him.
If you attend FXCC, please consider joining us on Wednesday nights for the "pre-Bible class prayer session". We have a great opportunity there to edify one another on this dark road.
Among our many members who are fighting illness, we have 3 families who are in a full-fledged battle with cancer. In addition to the 3 loving spouses, there are 9 precious children in these 3 families.
My hope is that we will continue on this road of suffering with authenticity. We welcome those who cry and have unending questions. We embrace those who need a shoulder to cry on. We weep with those who weep. We pray with diligence, night & day, for healing and peace. We count every day, even every moment of life a gift, and are committed more than ever to enjoying every minute of it.
We constantly seek to bring glory to God, claiming the promise of John 11:4, "When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."
I continue to be GREATLY ENCOURAGED by my brothers & sisters who come on Wednesday nights to PRAY from 7:00 pm to 7:25 pm. There is a spirit of desperation there that is permeated completely with HOPE. Let us continue to cry out to the living God for more of Him, more of His perspective, more of His presence, more obedience to Him.
If you attend FXCC, please consider joining us on Wednesday nights for the "pre-Bible class prayer session". We have a great opportunity there to edify one another on this dark road.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Worship Fun
Thanks to a new friend from church, I submit to you a new idea for worship teams.
We're always trying to think of new ideas and creative approaches. Well, this is the solution I think we've all been looking for...
http://larknews.com/april_2004/secondary.php?page=2
Happy Friday!
God is good,
Murray
We're always trying to think of new ideas and creative approaches. Well, this is the solution I think we've all been looking for...
http://larknews.com/april_2004/secondary.php?page=2
Happy Friday!
God is good,
Murray
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
The Prayer of the Righteous
For our FXCC family...
Wow, Bob's & Sarah's situations have me reeling. Both are in a battle-for-life against cancer, and have experienced very rough times in the last 24 hours.
What I hold on to in situations like this...God, my loved ones, my church family, that's all we have. And 2 out of 3 may not be there for me when I reach out to them, because this life is completely unguaranteed.
Oh God, help us to hold on to you when we cannot find hope for the next 5 minutes. Remind us that our prayers, because of the power in Jesus' Name, are powerful and effective, and they availeth much.
Remind us that NOTHING is impossible with you, God.
And get us ready for the great wedding when Your only Son returns for us.
In JESUS' NAME we boldly ask for complete healing and restoration of Sarah & Bob!
Amen, and let it be so!
Wow, Bob's & Sarah's situations have me reeling. Both are in a battle-for-life against cancer, and have experienced very rough times in the last 24 hours.
What I hold on to in situations like this...God, my loved ones, my church family, that's all we have. And 2 out of 3 may not be there for me when I reach out to them, because this life is completely unguaranteed.
Oh God, help us to hold on to you when we cannot find hope for the next 5 minutes. Remind us that our prayers, because of the power in Jesus' Name, are powerful and effective, and they availeth much.
Remind us that NOTHING is impossible with you, God.
And get us ready for the great wedding when Your only Son returns for us.
In JESUS' NAME we boldly ask for complete healing and restoration of Sarah & Bob!
Amen, and let it be so!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Psalm 133:1 Weekend
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
We had a great men's retreat this past weekend at Camp Wamava with Dr. Lynn Anderson. I've known Lynn since the mid-80's and he has shaped my life in so many ways.
His teaching on the retreat was powerful, and obviously stemmed from a life filled with passion, purpose, and pursuit of the Lord.
The singing during the retreat was absolutely incredible...thank you Lane Lawrence for leading. To hear 57 men singing the praises of God LOUDLY in full harmony is quite stirring.
Thank you, my brothers, for a great weekend of sharing, bonfire-ing, snoring, laughing, cooking (Ed, you outdid yourself once again, the bread pudding is the envy of Martha Stewart), singing and growing together. How good it is when brothers enjoy a weekend of unity together!
Two questions: who stayed up until the bonfire went out? And what WAS that screeching in the near distance?
PS: Bob, we missed you greatly.
We had a great men's retreat this past weekend at Camp Wamava with Dr. Lynn Anderson. I've known Lynn since the mid-80's and he has shaped my life in so many ways.
His teaching on the retreat was powerful, and obviously stemmed from a life filled with passion, purpose, and pursuit of the Lord.
The singing during the retreat was absolutely incredible...thank you Lane Lawrence for leading. To hear 57 men singing the praises of God LOUDLY in full harmony is quite stirring.
Thank you, my brothers, for a great weekend of sharing, bonfire-ing, snoring, laughing, cooking (Ed, you outdid yourself once again, the bread pudding is the envy of Martha Stewart), singing and growing together. How good it is when brothers enjoy a weekend of unity together!
Two questions: who stayed up until the bonfire went out? And what WAS that screeching in the near distance?
PS: Bob, we missed you greatly.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Raking in the Sheaves!
Remember the old hymn, Bringing in the Sheaves? What a great song, but what in the world was it talking about? All I knew was that we would be very happy to bring in the sheaves.
Well, this Sunday, that song will make a comeback...except it will be "Raking in the Leaves, Raking in the Leaves, We will come rejoicing raking in the leaves."
I'm so excited about our service project this Sunday...we ARE the sermon! St. Augustine once said, "Preach the gospel; use words if necessary." Well, this Sunday, after an abbreviated worship service, we will preach the gospel with smiles, handshakes, rakes and gloves. Our entire church will experience a one day Diaspora...we'll be scattered about our immediate neighborhood in groups of 10 or so, raking people's leaves.
Come Sunday at 8:55 am (singing begins early!) and be dressed, ready to serve, ready to rake for Jesus. It's going to be great.
Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour Saturday night (Fall back, Spring forward)!
Anyone else have any good leaf-raking-inspiring songs?
I can think of some secular songs that might fit...
Rake it up baby now (Twist & Shout)
Raking it to the Streets (thank you Doobie Brothers)
Raking Up is hard to do
Rake a Leaf at me now (Take a look at me now, Phil Collins)
Well, this Sunday, that song will make a comeback...except it will be "Raking in the Leaves, Raking in the Leaves, We will come rejoicing raking in the leaves."
I'm so excited about our service project this Sunday...we ARE the sermon! St. Augustine once said, "Preach the gospel; use words if necessary." Well, this Sunday, after an abbreviated worship service, we will preach the gospel with smiles, handshakes, rakes and gloves. Our entire church will experience a one day Diaspora...we'll be scattered about our immediate neighborhood in groups of 10 or so, raking people's leaves.
Come Sunday at 8:55 am (singing begins early!) and be dressed, ready to serve, ready to rake for Jesus. It's going to be great.
Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour Saturday night (Fall back, Spring forward)!
Anyone else have any good leaf-raking-inspiring songs?
I can think of some secular songs that might fit...
Rake it up baby now (Twist & Shout)
Raking it to the Streets (thank you Doobie Brothers)
Raking Up is hard to do
Rake a Leaf at me now (Take a look at me now, Phil Collins)
Thursday, October 19, 2006
So what is worship ministry? You decide...
Is worship ministry about:
a. worship leaders vs. song leaders, worship teams, microphones, rehearsals, tuning, pitchpipes, presentational songs, solos, stamps-baxter, classic hymns, traditional, contemporary, clapping, lifting hands, creative dramatic sketches, banners, new songs, old songs, notes-on-the-screen, singing schools, 4-part harmony, a cappella, instrumental, rules taught by men...
or
b. seeking the kingdom first daily, letting justice break in, pursuing right-being/living, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, lifting up the poor, visiting the sick, hugging the lonely, opening the Word, engaging the heart, living the Word, including the outcast, embracing the diseased, fasting and praying in the Spirit, imitating the Savior...
There is a right answer.
Let's pursue true worship, in spirit and in truth, with an undying passion.
Check out what one ministry in Dallas is doing to live worship out...
www.larryjamesurbandaily.blogspot.com
(tried to hyperlink that...sorry)
a. worship leaders vs. song leaders, worship teams, microphones, rehearsals, tuning, pitchpipes, presentational songs, solos, stamps-baxter, classic hymns, traditional, contemporary, clapping, lifting hands, creative dramatic sketches, banners, new songs, old songs, notes-on-the-screen, singing schools, 4-part harmony, a cappella, instrumental, rules taught by men...
or
b. seeking the kingdom first daily, letting justice break in, pursuing right-being/living, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, lifting up the poor, visiting the sick, hugging the lonely, opening the Word, engaging the heart, living the Word, including the outcast, embracing the diseased, fasting and praying in the Spirit, imitating the Savior...
There is a right answer.
Let's pursue true worship, in spirit and in truth, with an undying passion.
Check out what one ministry in Dallas is doing to live worship out...
www.larryjamesurbandaily.blogspot.com
(tried to hyperlink that...sorry)
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Members of One Body
I recently attended the ZOE Group Worship Conference in Nashville, TN. It was a wonderful weekend. One of my “take aways” was a scriptural insight from a class taught by Brandon Scott Thomas, worship leader at Otter Creek Church in Nashville.
www.brandonscottthomas.blogspot.com
During one of his sessions, he walked us through the verses surrounding the oft-quoted passage Colossians 3:16:
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
For years this passage has served as one of our movement’s main supports for our use of exclusive vocal worship music. It is with great regret that I admit that. Look at what is really being dealt with in this passage…the way we treat one another in the body of Christ. There is a long list of attributes describing the beautiful ways of relating we have in the body, and to think we have focused on “in your hearts” as instruction for worship is truly a shame.
I hereby repent of my false handling of this text, and will strive to uphold Paul’s admonitions to do my part as one person in the body of Christ. We are members of ONE body, not many. Those who worship with a guitar are my brothers & sisters, not my enemies. We may worship different ways, but we are members of one body. May God help us all as we strive to live as God’s chosen people. And may we have the self-discipline to refrain from proof-texting our preferences and traditions.
www.brandonscottthomas.blogspot.com
During one of his sessions, he walked us through the verses surrounding the oft-quoted passage Colossians 3:16:
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
For years this passage has served as one of our movement’s main supports for our use of exclusive vocal worship music. It is with great regret that I admit that. Look at what is really being dealt with in this passage…the way we treat one another in the body of Christ. There is a long list of attributes describing the beautiful ways of relating we have in the body, and to think we have focused on “in your hearts” as instruction for worship is truly a shame.
I hereby repent of my false handling of this text, and will strive to uphold Paul’s admonitions to do my part as one person in the body of Christ. We are members of ONE body, not many. Those who worship with a guitar are my brothers & sisters, not my enemies. We may worship different ways, but we are members of one body. May God help us all as we strive to live as God’s chosen people. And may we have the self-discipline to refrain from proof-texting our preferences and traditions.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Worship Amos-style
From Amos, chapter 5...
21 "I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies.
23 Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.
24 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!
This scripture (made famous in our time by Martin Luther King, Jr.) above points to the fact that worship assemblies can be executed well in our eyes but leave God completely angry, if the assembled people do not leave the assembly with changed hearts, changed lives, more in tune with the Father's will.
This month at FXCC is a special time of service, of getting outside ourselves and being the hands & feet of Jesus to our community. May all of our actions & efforts not betray our corporate life of worship together...but may they be consistent with the truths we sing/pray/confess/learn on Sunday mornings together. May our corporate experience of God spill over to our daily walks, so that justice is doled out, and right-living is modeled by every FXCC attendee.
With us, this is impossible; with GOD, all things are possible.
I just spent the weekend in Nashville at the Zoe Worship Conference. www.zoegroup.org It was awesome! I'll be sharing some about it this week.
21 "I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies.
23 Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.
24 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!
This scripture (made famous in our time by Martin Luther King, Jr.) above points to the fact that worship assemblies can be executed well in our eyes but leave God completely angry, if the assembled people do not leave the assembly with changed hearts, changed lives, more in tune with the Father's will.
This month at FXCC is a special time of service, of getting outside ourselves and being the hands & feet of Jesus to our community. May all of our actions & efforts not betray our corporate life of worship together...but may they be consistent with the truths we sing/pray/confess/learn on Sunday mornings together. May our corporate experience of God spill over to our daily walks, so that justice is doled out, and right-living is modeled by every FXCC attendee.
With us, this is impossible; with GOD, all things are possible.
I just spent the weekend in Nashville at the Zoe Worship Conference. www.zoegroup.org It was awesome! I'll be sharing some about it this week.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Weekend with Ken Young & Hallal
Our church just had an incredible weekend of praise with Ken Young, the Hallal singers (www.hallalmusic.com) and No Less Days. No Less Days has a website on myspace, but I'm not smart enough to find it at present. Their own website will launch soon, so keep checking back.
Go to www.fxcc.org and look at pictures from the praise events Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
God was worshipped in a mighty way, because Ken & his team (and No Less Days on Saturday night) used their gifts to strengthen the church. It was straight from I Cor. 14:26...there was no sign of performance, entertainment, showmanship, ego, etc. From my experiences this weekend, it was incredibly obvious that each worship team member and the worship leader were focused on Jesus, and their role in the assembly was to help me focus on Him as well.
I was very blessed by their efforts, and feel it was an excellent example of the benefits of team leadership.
Other thoughts/impressions from our Hallal weekend?
Go to www.fxcc.org and look at pictures from the praise events Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
God was worshipped in a mighty way, because Ken & his team (and No Less Days on Saturday night) used their gifts to strengthen the church. It was straight from I Cor. 14:26...there was no sign of performance, entertainment, showmanship, ego, etc. From my experiences this weekend, it was incredibly obvious that each worship team member and the worship leader were focused on Jesus, and their role in the assembly was to help me focus on Him as well.
I was very blessed by their efforts, and feel it was an excellent example of the benefits of team leadership.
Other thoughts/impressions from our Hallal weekend?
Monday, October 02, 2006
Jesus on worship...
WWJD?
try this one...
HWJW? (How would Jesus worship?)
Yeah, I don't think it'll catch on either.
Jesus doesn't say a whole lot on the subject of worship. I wish he had said more.
One of his main teachings on worship emerges out of a conversation that culturally shouldn't have happened in the noonday sun with a woman at a well.
His closing statement from John 4:24...
"God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
In my life, I've invested a lot of time studying what the apostle Paul says about worship. Not a bad thing, I've just not given Jesus much air-time in how I've sought to understand worship. I plan to change that.
Father, thank you for seeking worshippers, and for helping us know what's important about the way we worship through Jesus. Thank you also for not spelling everything out (Leviticus) line by line; you know how we obsess and misinterpret and misapply...
Thank you for making us spiritual beings whose deepest longings are all met in you, a Father who is Spirit.
I don't understand it, but I love it! Come, Holy Spirit!
try this one...
HWJW? (How would Jesus worship?)
Yeah, I don't think it'll catch on either.
Jesus doesn't say a whole lot on the subject of worship. I wish he had said more.
One of his main teachings on worship emerges out of a conversation that culturally shouldn't have happened in the noonday sun with a woman at a well.
His closing statement from John 4:24...
"God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
In my life, I've invested a lot of time studying what the apostle Paul says about worship. Not a bad thing, I've just not given Jesus much air-time in how I've sought to understand worship. I plan to change that.
Father, thank you for seeking worshippers, and for helping us know what's important about the way we worship through Jesus. Thank you also for not spelling everything out (Leviticus) line by line; you know how we obsess and misinterpret and misapply...
Thank you for making us spiritual beings whose deepest longings are all met in you, a Father who is Spirit.
I don't understand it, but I love it! Come, Holy Spirit!
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