A Vision for Worship

Yesterday here at Community we truly got a taste of our vision for worship - "Embracing our history, Engaging the present, Equipping for the future, with the purpose to Exalt and Enjoy our Savior." Stokes and Adam gave us a rendition of "The Law of God is Good and Wise." This old hymn was written by Matthias Loy back in 1863 and is a strong statement on the usefulness and beauty of the Law of God. Stokes and Adam came up with their own tune to which we could sing these words. In case you missed it read the words of this hymn:

The law of God is good and wise,
And sets His will before our eyes,
Shows us the way of righteousness,
And dooms to death when we transgress.

Its light of holiness imparts
The knowledge of our sinful hearts,
That we may see our lost estate
And seek deliverance ere too late.

To those who help in Christ have found
And would in works of love abound
It shows what deeds are His delight
And should be done as good and right.

When men the offered help disdain
And willfully in sin remain,
Its terror in their ear resounds
And keeps their wickedness in bounds.

The law is good, but since the fall
Its holiness condemns us all;
It dooms us for our sin to die
And has no power to justify.

To Jesus we for refuge flee,
Who from the curse has set us free,
And humbly worship at His throne,
Saved by His grace through faith alone.

We truly embraced our great history and heritage with this song, yet did so in a way that engaged more of the style and culture of today. Thanks to Stokes and Adam (and to Rick Barnes who originally helped Stokes with the tune) for equipping us yesterday in worship.

Makes me wonder how effective I am in sharing the Gospel with others! The message of Christ must not and cannot change, but do I share it in ways that engage the listener? It's a hard thing to do, so let's pray for each other as we learn to do it.

still learning to worship and talk to others about Christ,
Burt