https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ncn_1hSmXps When we are weary, anxious, hopeless, or looking for satisfaction we often don't want to admit it. It feels week to name those things in our hearts, which is why I love when songs give us the opportunity to do that by putting those words in our mouths. It becomes a heart check that... Continue Reading →
CLICK HERE to listen to this song on our church playlist on SpotifyCLICK HERE for our Apple Music Playlist The Heidelberg Catechism begins with this question: Question 1: What is your only comfort in life and in death? Answer: That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior,... Continue Reading →
One of the greatest benedictions in the scriptures comes at the end of the Epistle to the Hebrews. After a number of dense arguments around the superiority of the New Covenant, a call to hold fast to those promises, warnings for not doing so, and some practical out-workings of those truths, we receive the author’s... Continue Reading →
"Thanks for leading us into God’s presence”, is a comment I’ve received throughout the years as a worship leader. It sounds good at first, and resonates with certain experiences we have during corporate worship. Upon closer reflection however, the description of corporate worship as “entering into God’s presence", or "his throne room” makes too much... Continue Reading →
Originally written by Augustus Toplady (who also wrote “Rock of Ages”) in 1772, Sovereign Grace’s Doug Plank wrote the music, chorus and bridge, and modernized some words for the text “Now Why This Fear” (Click for Video). Toplady’s care for his flock was evident as you read these words. This text speaks to those who... Continue Reading →
As we begin our Psalms series we'll be looking at how the Psalmists display a wide variety of emotions and theological topics, but a few themes can be seen throughout. Things like depending on God, praising him for what he is done, finding satisfaction in God, overcoming fear, and longing for ultimate deliverance are just... Continue Reading →
"When We See Your Face" (click for lyric video) is a new song for us by Bob and Jordan Kauflin over at Sovereign Grace Music. It's a song about longing and hope in the midst of suffering as we await the day we see Jesus face to face. I appreciate the candid nature of the... Continue Reading →
“My Worth Is Not In What I Own” is a new song for us, written by the Gettys and Graham Kendrick. There are great arrangements by both the Gettys (with Fernando Ortega) and by Shane and Shane (which is closer to what we play in church). This song seeks to hold in tension two truths... Continue Reading →
Why do this? By posting the liturgy of the week I hope to help our congregation understand why we do what we do. I shared this information with the worship leaders each week for a while, but I realized that this is not secret information! My prayer is that it aids in the making and... Continue Reading →
[A liturgy is simply an order of service that tells a story that forms and shapes us as we interact with it. CLICK HERE for an explanation on why we use the word "liturgy", why we do more than just sing, and how this is a corporate discipline that shapes us] CLICK HERE for the... Continue Reading →
Paul Tripp explains the dangers of idolatry in a talk at a worship conference a few years ago, and I found it quite compelling. You can listen to the whole thing here. He starts out with this phrase..."The danger of idolatry is never more present than in moments of supposed worship." Dang. Let that sink in... Continue Reading →
0:00-26:36 Biblical references for the Spirit's work 26:36-34:10 Characteristics of Spirit-Led worship 34:10-49:31 Reflection on our ministry 49:31-1:09:00 Discussion questions followed by funny video. (sorry I screwed up the power point slide for this section!) Here is the link to the slides I used. This past week we discussed the role of the Holy Spirit in... Continue Reading →
Here is a condensed outline of elements for planning a service I gleaned from Bob Kauflin's workshop on service planning. I try to keep these in mind no matter what the order or theme is for any given Sunday. I don't necessarily think each of these elements needs to have it's own specific place (like... Continue Reading →
I have the privilege of leading in corporate worship almost every week, and I know how easy it is to forget what we're there for and what we're supposed to be pointing to. We can get lost in the shuffle of arrangements, keys, transitions, and intros that we forget that these are all means to... Continue Reading →
Why Benedictions? What exactly is a benediction? A benediction is a short, concise blessing from scripture that can be a challenge, an assurance, a promise, or principle to live by. It can also pronounce protection, comfort, abundance, or some other word of assurance. It represents a joyful call to unity, faith, patience in trial, and faithful practice for the church based on... Continue Reading →
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Exploring a life of worship in light of the resurrection
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Exploring a life of worship in light of the resurrection
Exploring a life of worship in light of the resurrection
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