May 9, 2012
I found this message very helpful. It's all too easy take for granted the gifts that we have...common with other Americans...with which God has lavishly blessed us. Think about it:
transportation
communication
education
entertainment
this list goes on...
In this series called "The Pursuit", Darrin Patrick continues in the book of Ecclesiates. They stop in chapter 5 where Soloman is indicating that it is right and good enjoy the things worked for and given by God. It's not a sin to enjoy the good things in this life to the fullest. We must stay away, though, from the idolatry of this world that elevates the gift above the Giver.
May 3, 2012
You know you know it...but then again, maybe you don't.
I had the great opportunity to check out The Explicit Gospel Tour stop in Orlando, FL a few weeks ago. I've been making my way through Matt Chandler's new book by the same title and was freshly reminded and astounded by what Jesus Christ did for us through his perfect life and substitutionary death.
It's a great thing to see a return of "gospel-centeredness" in evangelical language. But we must be very wary of the potential, and I think reality, that the "gospel" has just become another Christianese buzz word. Think about it...do you even know what you're referring to when you use the word? Has it become another Sunday School term....like God, Jesus and the Bible? Because when the Gospel, the good news of the accomplishments of Jesus Christ, has truly taken root....it affects the WAY in which we live. Not the just the jargon with which we speak...but our lives change as a result.
I hope this message challenges where you are...wherever that may be in your walk. Let's not presume "we got it"...let's dig in, asking the Spirit of God to do what He does....reveal Jesus Christ.
Apr 2, 2012
The Bono Effect and Corporate Worship from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.
As Christians who serve in ministry, it is important, make that critical, to make every effort to keep truth at the forefront. But oftentimes we limit the ways we can do this to a particular style, order or general asthetic. We live in a day that churches and worship teams are more interested modeling one style or even worship leader, rather than exploring expressions of their own God-given creativity in context of making music and art available to their congregation.
I found this dialogue between some seasoned worship leaders/producers very helpful and informing as they discuss the common trends within churches, but also a call to pursue glorfiying God with the talents God has given them.
Here are a few others from the same series:
Idolatry of Youth Culture in Worship
Old Hymns for Our Day
Mar 29, 2012
Matt Chandler
Mar 2, 2012
Jan 12, 2012
Everyone needs inspiration. Everyone needs examples. A spark. Something that springs forth imagination and creativity to do what you do better, faster, smarter, etc. Whether it is for your job, school, relationship, serving – having creativity makes a great difference in what you do.
Though inspiration and creativity are not the sum and substance of what we do, they do craft how we do something. Guitarists simply don’t think of styles or progressions typically on their own…they are most often influenced by The Edge, Clapton, Marley, etc. Computer programmers model Steve Jobs and Bill Gates as they develop the latest app that earns millions…99 cents at a time.
Inspired Creativity is a powerful thing.
For Christians…understanding these two things is critical and shouldn’t be considered with half of a heart. Why say that? Because inspiration, creativity, artistic expression…like anything else…can become more than just a vehicle, it can become the destination itself. Instead of using these things to draw attention to God and his glory…they can tend, if not watched, to become the forefront. So, instead using creativity to worship God, we use it creativity worship creativity.
I think the psalmist gets it in Psalm 33. He says in the first three verses:
Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous!
Praise befits the upright.
Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;
make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
In this picture of praising God, we see creativity that is inspired by God himself. And it has many facets. Here the people of God are being exhorted to worship God loudly. We see that those playing have sweet gear…10 string harp and lyre. They sing with a freshness of heart. And they play skillfully before the Lord.
Jump ahead to Romans and you see Paul crying out to the church, saying:
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God,
to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God,
which is your spiritual worship.
(Romans 12:1 ESV)
What motivates God's people, Paul is saying, is God's mercy. Offer EVERYTHING! That is inspired creativity! Because of the mercy of God…go, do, be, act. One of the greatest tragedies in my mind in our day is when Christians take a false humble approach to being creative and sit back as if that were more holy…yet miss the opportunity to magnify the God that inspires you.
What's holding you back? Are you uninspired? Might I suggest something to might get you thinking creatively…God.
(Photo Credit: Wikipedia, keyword "galaxy")
Jan 5, 2012
It's hard to think of a time when churches have not been singing songs that come out of the Hillsong music movement. I remember being young, middle school age to be exact, when "Shout to the Lord" came out. Since then Hillsong has pumped out songs like a factory. But what's been most encouraging to me is what I've observed over the last few years. It's not the amount of songs produced, albums recorded, shows played - but the fact that the rich truths of the Gospel have been more present in the majority of their newer songs. It's important for our generation to be discerning and wise. Why? Because we sing what we believe. And when we have the opportunity to lead others in praising God through song, we want to sing what God's Word has shown to be true.
Songs like Mighty to Save, Stronger, Open My Eyes, and The Greatness of Our God have served me personally in private worship, as well as the church I serve in a corporate context because they have directed our attention to the truth of God's Word. As a whole, Hillsong Live's newest album, God is Able, reminds me of Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
(Psalm 121:1-2 ESV)
This past November I had the opportunity to see the touring Hillsong Live crew. I have to be honest...I was a little skeptical. Not so much that we wouldn't encounter God, but that it would be more a show than anything else. I was wrong. Without over-exaggerating, it was one of the most meaningful corporate experiences of singing praise to God that I've had. Reuben Morgan led from the start with the title track, God is Able - which comes out of a meditation on Ephesians 3:20.
In a day like the one in which we live, it's helpful to draw people's hearts toward the truth that God can and will deliver. He has the power to orchestrate "all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose". God is Able!
Enjoy listening, learning and singing.
Dec 19, 2011
Here's a video from a man I've respected most of my life, Terry Virgo, and a guy I've grown to appreciate and respect in the last few years, Mark Driscoll. Here they talk about the link between pursuing truth in God's Word while embracing God's manifold presence in the context of the local church.
Thanks for stopping by.
I hope this site proves to be a great resource for you.
Sam Storms. bridgewaychurch.com
