Choosing Music for Corporate Worship

Ever wonder what kind of thought process goes into selecting the music we sing in corporate worship? The other day I wrote out some things that went into my decision for the set list we used this past Sunday. You can check it out here.

I’m always thankful for the opportunity to lead our congregation in singing praise to our God, but am even more thankful that the man who does this most weeks consistently models a thoughtful approach to worship leading and song selection. Robert will be back this Sunday!

Fall Kickoff – August 3 at 6p.

Spring Book Reviews

My reading from the last few months has included some really great books! Here are some short summaries. If you see something that interests you, click on over for a full review. As always, if you come across any good books, let me know about them!

“Here’s Looking at Euclid: A Surprising Excursion Through the Astonishing World of Math” by Alex Bellos

I’ll be honest: I bought this book based on the title alone. I don’t really like math, and was shocked to discover that the genre of “recreational math books” actually existed. However, this ended up being a really fun and interesting book of math-related stories and a pure joy to read! A very pleasant surprise!

Recommended for: People who love numbers and/or short stories. Even if you hate math, you’d probably still like this book. Read the full review.

“The Family Worship Book: A Resource for Family Devotions” by Terry L. Johnson

The title pretty much describes this one. It is a resource book to aid husbands and fathers to carry out our mandate to lead our families in worship in the home. In addition to several helpful and encouraging practical considerations, it contains a hymnal, a ten year Bible reading schedule, Scripture memory aids, two catechisms, and some historical writings on family worship. It has been a huge benefit to my family; Nate loves to go grab the book off the shelf every night!

Recommended for: Husbands and dads. Read the full review.

“Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God for the Purpose of God” by David Platt

This is the sequel to David Platt’s runaway success, Radical. I’ve been encouraged to see many from our church reading the first book, and hope that this one will prove to be as popular! I actually found it to be more helpful than the first one, though I don’t think one should read it without having first read Radical. The first book has transformed the way many Christians think about their faith; its sequel aims to do the same for the church. After all, individual Christians can only do so much to change the world around them. It is the Church through whom God has promised to bring His purposes to completion before Christ returns!

Recommended for: Everyone who read and enjoyed Radical. Read the full review.

“Saving Leonardo: A Call to Resist the Secular Assault on Mind, Morals, and Meaning” by Nancy Pearcey

At the year’s halfway point, this is holding steady as my favorite book of 2011. Nancy Pearcey was a student of Francis Schaeffer, and continues his work in the field of apologetics and worldview studies. This is absolutely the best book I’ve ever read (and I’ve read quite a few!) on the impact of art, music, and literature on our culture, and the Christian’s role in shaping the culture and resisting the “secular assault”.

Recommended for: Those with an interest in pop culture and the arts, or who wish to advance the cause of Christ in our culture. Read the full review.

“Money, Greed, and God: Why Capitalism is the Solution and Not the Problem” by Jay W. Richards

Despite the cheesy subtitle, this is a very good book that corrects what the author identifies as eight economic myths which are commonly believed by both proponents and opponents of capitalism. He makes a very strong case for a free-market economy being the best available option, though tempers our expectations by reminding us that there can be no “perfect” economy this side of the Lord’s return because all men and all systems are tainted by sin. He also contrasts Biblical ethics with the philosophies of capitalists Ayn Rand and F.A. Hayek.

Recommended for: Those with an interest in politics and/or economics, regardless of your views on capitalism. Read the full review.

“George Müller: Delighted in God” by Roger Steer

George Müller’s legacy is one of prayer and great faithfulness. A 19th-century playboy-turned-preacher, he is most known for the orphanages he founded, which cared for over 10,000 children during his lifetime. He also kept a remarkable prayer journal, in which he recorded well over 50,000 answers to prayer! As if that weren’t enough, he also began a new career as a traveling evangelist when he was in his 70′s, and still managed to preach in 42 countries (many multiple times) without the benefit of high speed travel. This biography was an incredible encouragement to me, and a boon to my prayer life.

Recommended for: Fans of biographies, orphans, and/or prayer. Read the full review here.

“Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices” by Mosab Hassan Yousef

This is the New York Times bestselling autobiography of the son of the head of the Hamas terror organization, who joined an Israeli counter-terrorism espionage force and eventually became a Christian. He talks about the difficulties encountered living this double life (not least of which was the decision to hand his father over to the authorities rather than risk his almost certain assassination), and about his love for the Palestinian people. It’s an incredible story from someone whose obedience to Christ’s call to “love your enemies” carried some very weighty consequences.

Recommended for: Those who seek insight into the complex political and religious landscape in the Middle East, from someone with a very unique perspective. Read the full review.

“The Monster in the Hollows: The Wingfeather Saga, Book Three” by Andrew Peterson

I love reading non-fiction as much as anyone (and more than most), but nothing beats a great story! Andrew Peterson’s ”Wingfeather Saga” has been one of the most enjoyable sets of books I’ve read in a loooooong time. This is the third in the series, with one more due sometime next year. I can’t recommend it highly enough, particularly for families with children. The books aren’t children’s books per se, but they will definitely have a certain appeal for kids as well as their parents!

Recommended for: Fans of The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and other epic fantasy fiction series, which pretty much includes everyone who has ever read those book. You’ll love these, too! Read the full review.

“Liberty Defined: 50 Essential Issues That Affect Our Freedom” by Ron Paul

I intend to read books by several candidates in the run-up to the next presidential election, but this was my first. The latest from Dr. Paul is a great overview of his entire political philosophy; rather than focusing on any one issue, he devotes a few pages each to 50 topics, from Abortion to Zionism. I find him to be an intriguing man, and am curious to see how he fares in next year’s primary.

Recommended for: Politically-interested folks who want to stay as informed as possible about those who are contending for our votes. Read the full review.

“Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything” by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

One of the best selling books of the last half decade, the authors of Freakonomics sought to apply the science of economic thought to fields other than finance. After all, one of the prime motivations of the book was the belief that economics is a wonderful method for finding answers, but that most economists just don’t ask interesting questions. The result is a fascinating and totally original book that asks and answers questions like, “Why do drug dealers still live with their moms?” and “How is the Ku Klux Klan like a group of real estate agents?” It’s a best seller for a reason!

Recommended for: Readers who like something a little different. Read the full review.

“The Portage to San Cristóbal of A.H.” by George Steiner

This is one of the most controversial novels written in the last several decades. Steiner, a Jew, writes a piece of alternative historical fiction in which Hitler did not die in 1945, but escaped to hide out in the Amazon. A group of Nazi hunters finds him, and tries to take him to trial, but traveling through the rainforest with a 90-year-old man is difficult. The main controversy comes in the end, when Hitler speaks in his own defense at his trial, not only rationalizing his actions, but insisting that Jews ought to be indebted to him. The novel creates some very provocative questions in the minds of readers about the nature of evil and the power of words.

Recommended for: Philosophers, historians, and people who don’t mind a book that challenges the intellect. Read the full review.

Vote for Your All-Time Favorite Songs

Help us plan Choir and Orchestra music for the fall. Go to the Worship Ministry Facebook page (ssbcworship) and give us your top five, all-time, “we’ve got to sing this” list of favorites that you have wished we would do again. If you don’t have computer access, go to the Information Center for a hard copy. When Choir and Orchestra returns in August, the top vote-getters will be the ones we sing through November. No new songs…only our favorites!
Whether you are currently on the worship team, a Stevens Street member, or a friend that used to be in our ministry, here is your chance to bring back those songs you loved so much. Voting ends July 5.

So Great

So Great…

Sunday night was truly awesome. As we have said, that word should be reserved for God, because He alone is awesome. We are not. The awesome power and presence of the Lord was evident as we worshiped, and it was a privilege to be part of it.
God is to be praised. He is both the source and goal of our worship. His Truth is our foundation. His glory in the church is what we seek. Our greatest joy is found in knowing Him as our treasure.
I commend His grace in you. It shows in the hours of practice you give, in your devotion and dedication, in your growth as a musician, and in your love for others. Thank you for leading well and remaining yielded to the call.

Seven observations from Sunday:

1. You sounded great. Whether playing, singing, or making all that possible via technical engineering, your sound (and look) was dynamic and powerful. While it is strictly surface, it is still true and yet another demonstration of the grace of God. Always remember that authentic worship-leading includes excellence in preparation and presentation.

2. It was a prelude to what is coming. Sunday night didn’t touch the glory of future, heavenly worship, but I couldn’t help but consider it a foretaste of Revelation 4 & 5.

3. Worship brings unity. True worship has God as its goal, and all things sort themselves out from that starting point. When God is magnified, the agendas of ego and selfishness dry up. We were one heart, one mind, one voice.

4. The worship was normal. While the amount of music was more than usual, it occurred to me that the event on Sunday night was not unlike what happens on a weekly basis. We don’t have to wait for seasonal presentations to experience worship like that…and that is a gift from God.

5. The Gospel went out. Scripture promises that sowing seed brings a harvest (Mark 4:26-29). We are the instruments, but the Spirit works in hearts. The wind of the Spirit blows where it wishes; we know not where it comes from nor where it is going (John 3:8). Only God knows the results.

6. We have further to go. We are still holding back in worship. I am holding back, too. You wanted to turn loose but held back. I could see it in your faces. Another staff member told me that they noticed the same thing. When we finally do get completely free in worship – when all of us stand firm in the Truth and in the fullness of the Spirit – who knows what will happen?

7. Complete surrender and obedience brings the fullness of God’s presence. What might happen? Perhaps something like this:
When the priests came out of the Holy Place, a thick cloud filled the Temple of the LORD. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple. – 1 Kings 8:10-11

Top 10 Songs from the Past Year (as voted by you)

We will sing these in June (when we are on rehearsal break) and in August (when we return).

“I AM”
“Yahweh”
“Not Unto Us”
“It Took a Lamb”
“Psalm 24″
“By the Way of the Cross”
“So Great”
“Total Praise Medley”
“Because of Who You Are”
“It Is Finished”

Hymnology: Creation Sings the Father’s Song

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,
and let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!
~ 2 Chronicles 16:31-34

Hymn Story

This hymn is the result of another collaboration between Keith & Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend, the combination which has produced so many great hymns in the last decade. The most distinctive thing about this particular hymn musically is its meter (time signature). We don’t often sing mixed meter songs corporately, as they can be very difficult to pick up in one hearing. In Creation Sings, however, the mixed meter just “works”. Though the time signature in the verses shifts every measure between 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 (the choruses stay in 3/4), congregations seem to catch on quickly. This is the mark of an extraordinarily well-written hymn for the church!

This hymn has been featured on albums by the Getty’s (Awaken the Dawn) and by Townend (Creation Sings).  Here are videos of both versions; note the vast difference in style between the two! Another mark of a great hymn is its versatility. It’s also one of the main reasons I love using different arrangements of the same hymn in our corporate worship. I believe God loves to see the creativity of his creation! The Getty arrangement lends itself better to congregational use, while Townend’s Celtic/bluegrass acoustic version makes great use of the talents of the musicians in his band.

Lyrics:

Creation sings the Father’s song;

He calls the sun to wake the dawn
And run the course of day
Till evening comes in crimson rays.
His fingerprints in flakes of snow,
His breath upon this spinning globe,
He charts the eagle’s flight;
Commands the newborn baby’s cry.

CHORUS
Hallelujah! Let all creation stand and sing,
“Hallelujah!” Fill the earth with songs of worship;
Tell the wonders of creation’s King.

Creation gazed upon His face;
The ageless One in time’s embrace
Unveiled the Father’s plan
Of reconciling God and man.
A second Adam walked the earth,
Whose blameless life would break the curse,
Whose death would set us free
To live with Him eternally.

Creation longs for His return,
When Christ shall reign upon the earth;
The bitter wars that rage
Are birth pains of a coming age.
When He renews the land and sky,
All heaven will sing and earth reply
With one resplendent theme:
The glory of our God and King!

Devotion

Most of the time, when people think about God as the “Creator”, we think we think of him “making stuff”; that is, we think of the material origin of the universe. And while it’s true that he is responsible for that, his role as Creator includes much more than that.

Colossians 1:16-17 says of Christ, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” He did not simply create the world and leave it to its own devices. He cares deeply about the things he has made, and is actively involved in sustaining his creation. We see this most explicitly in his incarnation and substitutionary atonement.

Furthermore, as the “Author of life” (Acts 3:15), Christ possesses ruling authority over all the world. He is the sovereign Lord who rightly governs, orders, and judges the lives of his subjects. Though he is reigning in heaven now, he will one day return to “renew the land and sky” (Revelation 21:5) and to “reign upon the earth”.

Using artful language, Creation Sings creatively weaves together these themes of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation. The first verse echoes Psalm 19, reminding us that the beauty and order in nature are evidence of creation’s King.

In verse 2, we marvel that our ageless Creator stepped down into time to become Immanuel, God with us! During that climax of human history, the Son “unveiled the Father’s plan of reconciling God and man”; a plan set in place before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3-10), a mystery contained in God’s word, but hidden until the time of Christ when it was revealed to his saints (Colossians 1:26).

Jesus Christ was the “second Adam”. Whereas the first Adam was tempted and failed, plunging the entire world into the curse of sin, the last Adam was tested, but remained sinless. Because of Christ’s blameless life and sacrificial death, sinful men are set free to “live with him eternally”! Just as we inherited sin and death through the first Adam, so we inherit life everlasting through faith in the second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:22-28, 45-49; Hebrews 4:15).

Romans 8:18-23 says that “the whole creation has been groaning together”, waiting with eager longing for the time when the redemption accomplished by Christ at the cross will be fully applied to us upon his return. This passage uses the language of “the pains of childbirth”, echoing Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:6-8, when he referred to wars, famines, and natural disasters as birth pains that precede the end of the age. Both Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul place the blame for these sufferings on the futility to which creation was subjected as a result of sin, but both encourage us to approach these sufferings with hope rooted in Christ’s return. Just as a mother’s birth pains are quickly forgotten in the joy of a new birth, so will all our earthly tribulations be forgotten the moment our Lord appears!

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us!” ~ Romans 8:18

When we consider these truths, how can we not respond “with one resplendent theme: the glory of our God and King”? Let all creation stand and sing, Hallelujah!