In Revelation 4 and 5, the Bible gives us a spectacular image of what
worship in heaven looks like. In chapter 4, there are a variety of odd
creatures, a group of 24 elders and millions of angels all surrounding
the Holy throne of God, worshiping Him non-stop! Day and night, they
sing this very song... “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!” (v.
8) They are worshiping God because He is the sovereign Creator- Lord
over all the earth!
Then in chapter 5, the Apostle John (who is being given this vision of
Heaven) witnesses the worship shift from the Creator to the Savior.
Jesus, represented as a lamb, emerges as the only One worthy to “open
the scroll” and exterminate sin forever! All of heaven then rejoices
because the battle is won! Jesus has paid the price for you and I to live
in peace forever with our Maker.
Jesus is the revelation of God in human flesh, born to give us salvation.
Sing to Him who alone is worthy of all glory, honor and praise!
*Written for the bulletin for January 29, 2011 at New Hope Adventist Church
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Cornerstone Song - "Arms Open Wide"
Like many of you, I grew up in a church very different than New Hope.
The songs we sang were hundreds of years old! But, as I’m sure many
of you feel, those songs are special to me. Some of them eloquently
articulate the majesty and glory of God. One such song is “Take My
Life and Let it Be.”
This week, we’re singing a rewritten version of that song, “Arms Open
Wide” by Hillsong that puts the very same heart-cry, “take my life” on
the lips of a new generation of worshipers. The original song was
written in the late 1800s by Frances Havergal and was an expression of
her own spiritual journey.
When she gave her life to Christ, everything changed and she wrote the
song to give people a chance to experience that very same life
transformation. Giving our lives to God is a daily task and we are never
finished. As you dedicate and rededicate your life to Him, He will
direct you and show you what you can give up for His glory. As you
worship Him today, come with “Arms Open Wide!”
*Written for the bulletin for January 22, 2011 at New Hope Adventist Church
The songs we sang were hundreds of years old! But, as I’m sure many
of you feel, those songs are special to me. Some of them eloquently
articulate the majesty and glory of God. One such song is “Take My
Life and Let it Be.”
This week, we’re singing a rewritten version of that song, “Arms Open
Wide” by Hillsong that puts the very same heart-cry, “take my life” on
the lips of a new generation of worshipers. The original song was
written in the late 1800s by Frances Havergal and was an expression of
her own spiritual journey.
When she gave her life to Christ, everything changed and she wrote the
song to give people a chance to experience that very same life
transformation. Giving our lives to God is a daily task and we are never
finished. As you dedicate and rededicate your life to Him, He will
direct you and show you what you can give up for His glory. As you
worship Him today, come with “Arms Open Wide!”
*Written for the bulletin for January 22, 2011 at New Hope Adventist Church
Friday, December 10, 2010
Anticipation and the Advent
Have you ever walked into a room and been overcome with anticipation? Your heart beats faster. Your widened-eyes dart from side to side. You can hardly stay still, because you know something is about to happen.
Similarly, do you remember waking up on Christmas morning when you were young? Maybe you expected to unwrap something great!
Now think about the sense of anticipation that the Magi from the east (Matthew 2) felt as they discovered where and when the Messiah would be born or the shepherds outside of Bethlehem (Luke 2) hearing the angels sing "glory to God in the highest!" They moved into action to find the Savior, Jesus!
I hope that this Advent season, you come to God with the same sense of anticipation and excitement. The birth of Jesus into human flesh is not only exciting as a story, but it paved the way for our eternal salvation and for Him to give us the gift of the Holy Spirit until He comes back again.
As you plan and prepare worship experiences, give your congregation or attendees the opportunity to be caught up in anticipation that the Spirit of Christ might be born afresh in their hearts and lives.
*This article was featured in the enewsletter, "Best Practices for Adventist Worship" in its December edition.
Similarly, do you remember waking up on Christmas morning when you were young? Maybe you expected to unwrap something great!
Now think about the sense of anticipation that the Magi from the east (Matthew 2) felt as they discovered where and when the Messiah would be born or the shepherds outside of Bethlehem (Luke 2) hearing the angels sing "glory to God in the highest!" They moved into action to find the Savior, Jesus!
I hope that this Advent season, you come to God with the same sense of anticipation and excitement. The birth of Jesus into human flesh is not only exciting as a story, but it paved the way for our eternal salvation and for Him to give us the gift of the Holy Spirit until He comes back again.
As you plan and prepare worship experiences, give your congregation or attendees the opportunity to be caught up in anticipation that the Spirit of Christ might be born afresh in their hearts and lives.
*This article was featured in the enewsletter, "Best Practices for Adventist Worship" in its December edition.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Creating an Environment for Worship
Introduction
Worship is personal, even in a corporate worship context. It is birthed out of a personal relationship with God. Worship expresses our awe, appreciation and affection for God. To invite a congregation into public, corporate worship they must be assured that it is safe. In order to provide a safe place that encourages worship, certain tools can be used to create an environment conducive to worship.
Stage Design and Decoration
1. Artistic use of color and texture that is relevant to the presentation of worship. Through the colors and textures used, a mood can be created to assist in presenting themes ranging from the crimson blood of Christ to the bright, vibrant second coming of Christ. When the décor is directly related to a theme being presented through worship, it reinforces the theme cognitively.
2. Minimal distractions on the stage. The only props, tools and furniture on the stage are relevant to the themes being presented and aesthetically pleasing. A dirty backdrop, exposed Gaffer clamps, or excessive cables are all examples of things that can easily distract, but are always fixable! Nothing should take away from what is being presented.
3. Arrange the stage to fit contemporary standards. To make the presentation of worship feel authentic it should look and feel familiar. The band should be set up in a way that is relatable to our audience. It shouldn’t feel forced, odd or contrived. Likewise, any other décor such as candles, chairs or backdrops should have contemporary appeal and be arranged appropriately.
On-Screen Visuals
1. Use of concrete visuals should be limited, unless a concrete message is being expressed and is desired. They can often detract from an unrelated message being expressed through lyrics, spoken word or alternative presentation that coincides.
2. Use of abstract and vague visuals allow the other content or presentation to speak for itself with a contemporary backdrop. Abstract visuals often have more artistic value and can better affect emotion when they accompany something concrete.
3. Everything must be excellent. We are a part of the “Google” generation; we know how to quickly weed out sources that are unreliable and lack credibility. If the visuals used on the screen are not done to a high standard, it could impact the credibility of a presentation that it accompanies.
Lighting
1. A darker environment provides an incubator for inside-out worship. By providing the security of anonymity and a somber ambiance, individuals allow themselves to be vulnerable before God in their worship. It should be used appropriately.
2. A brighter environment provides an awareness of community and the ability to engage. In times of engagement and interaction in worship, more light allows for conversation and free movement throughout the room to engage others. It should also be used appropriately.
3. To create color and mood on stage. As related to “Artistic use of color…” above, the stage lights can be used to enhance a theme or emotion through color.
4. To direct attention to what’s important. Spotlights, stage lights and movable lights can be used to “highlight” what’s important. Whether it’s by putting a spotlight on a solo poet at center stage in a darker worship environment or used as architectural lighting to enhance the atmosphere, lights help to direct our attention appropriately.
Seating Arrangement and Area Décor
1. Our seats are arranged to engage the congregation with the presenter and encourage community. By arranging the seats in a half-shell shape, contoured to the stage’s steps a presenter (whether speaker or musician) is able to visibly infiltrate the crowd. This isn’t necessarily literally done typically, but rather visually through the point of view at which congregants sit.
2. Prayer stations encourage prayer and spiritual interaction. Prayer is a big part of worship and by providing prayer tools and resources even within a worship service, it can allow congregants to engage in personal prayer as they may feel necessary.
Conclusion
These principles are flexible and based on Biblical spirituality and cultural paradigms. In putting this together, I have not only consulted with individuals knowledgeable on the topic, but have taken direct guidance from the Biblical Tabernacle (Exodus 25-27, etc…), Emerging Church and Emerging Worship by Dan Kimball, Church Production magazine articles and the website: www.alternativeworship.com.
Worship is personal, even in a corporate worship context. It is birthed out of a personal relationship with God. Worship expresses our awe, appreciation and affection for God. To invite a congregation into public, corporate worship they must be assured that it is safe. In order to provide a safe place that encourages worship, certain tools can be used to create an environment conducive to worship.
Stage Design and Decoration
1. Artistic use of color and texture that is relevant to the presentation of worship. Through the colors and textures used, a mood can be created to assist in presenting themes ranging from the crimson blood of Christ to the bright, vibrant second coming of Christ. When the décor is directly related to a theme being presented through worship, it reinforces the theme cognitively.
2. Minimal distractions on the stage. The only props, tools and furniture on the stage are relevant to the themes being presented and aesthetically pleasing. A dirty backdrop, exposed Gaffer clamps, or excessive cables are all examples of things that can easily distract, but are always fixable! Nothing should take away from what is being presented.
3. Arrange the stage to fit contemporary standards. To make the presentation of worship feel authentic it should look and feel familiar. The band should be set up in a way that is relatable to our audience. It shouldn’t feel forced, odd or contrived. Likewise, any other décor such as candles, chairs or backdrops should have contemporary appeal and be arranged appropriately.
On-Screen Visuals
1. Use of concrete visuals should be limited, unless a concrete message is being expressed and is desired. They can often detract from an unrelated message being expressed through lyrics, spoken word or alternative presentation that coincides.
2. Use of abstract and vague visuals allow the other content or presentation to speak for itself with a contemporary backdrop. Abstract visuals often have more artistic value and can better affect emotion when they accompany something concrete.
3. Everything must be excellent. We are a part of the “Google” generation; we know how to quickly weed out sources that are unreliable and lack credibility. If the visuals used on the screen are not done to a high standard, it could impact the credibility of a presentation that it accompanies.
Lighting
1. A darker environment provides an incubator for inside-out worship. By providing the security of anonymity and a somber ambiance, individuals allow themselves to be vulnerable before God in their worship. It should be used appropriately.
2. A brighter environment provides an awareness of community and the ability to engage. In times of engagement and interaction in worship, more light allows for conversation and free movement throughout the room to engage others. It should also be used appropriately.
3. To create color and mood on stage. As related to “Artistic use of color…” above, the stage lights can be used to enhance a theme or emotion through color.
4. To direct attention to what’s important. Spotlights, stage lights and movable lights can be used to “highlight” what’s important. Whether it’s by putting a spotlight on a solo poet at center stage in a darker worship environment or used as architectural lighting to enhance the atmosphere, lights help to direct our attention appropriately.
Seating Arrangement and Area Décor
1. Our seats are arranged to engage the congregation with the presenter and encourage community. By arranging the seats in a half-shell shape, contoured to the stage’s steps a presenter (whether speaker or musician) is able to visibly infiltrate the crowd. This isn’t necessarily literally done typically, but rather visually through the point of view at which congregants sit.
2. Prayer stations encourage prayer and spiritual interaction. Prayer is a big part of worship and by providing prayer tools and resources even within a worship service, it can allow congregants to engage in personal prayer as they may feel necessary.
Conclusion
These principles are flexible and based on Biblical spirituality and cultural paradigms. In putting this together, I have not only consulted with individuals knowledgeable on the topic, but have taken direct guidance from the Biblical Tabernacle (Exodus 25-27, etc…), Emerging Church and Emerging Worship by Dan Kimball, Church Production magazine articles and the website: www.alternativeworship.com.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
"Magnificent" by U2
I've been listening to "No Line on the Horizon" quite a bit since I bought it a couple weeks ago, but not really LISTENING to it. Today at the beach I popped in the ear buds and was blown away by the 2nd track on the album, "Magnificent."
Check out the lyrics...
I was born
I was born to be with you
In this space and time
After that and ever after
I haven't had a clue
Only to break rhyme
This foolishness can leave a heart
Black and blue
Only love
Only love can leave such a mark
But only love
Only love can heal such a scar
I was born
I was born to sing for you
I didn’t have a choice
But to lift you up
And sing whatever song you wanted me to
I give you back my voice
From the womb my first cry
It was a joyful noise
Oh, oh
Only love
Only love can leave such a mark
But only love
Only love can heal such a scar
Justified till we die
You and I will magnify
Oh, the magnificent
Magnificent
Only love
Only love can leave such a mark
But only love
Only love unites our hearts
Justified till we die
You and I will magnify
Oh, the magnificent
Magnificent
Magnificent
Friday, December 19, 2008
Save the Trees and Kill The Children
I've suspected for sometime now that my hunch was more than a hunch. I've been a Casting Crowns "fan" since their first, self-titled album came out while I was in High School. I found their music to be an eclectic style of rock that fit well into contemporary worship and their words to be inspiring. I don't know too many Christians, young or old, who don't enjoy listening to their music.
I have heard a few phrases here and there though that make me wonder. They seem to have a strong theological agenda- that doesn't always fit biblical themes and principles as I've interpretted them. As I began to enjoy their newest album, "Peace on Earth" a collection of Christmas songs, I came across one verse in particular that ticked me off. Here's the verse I'm talking about, it's the third verse and chorus of "While You Were Sleeping:"
"United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we're sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we're lying in the dark
There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night"
"America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping
Will we be sleeping"
To begin, it seems like they have a very different presupposition than I when it comes to scriptures and what they say about the Kingdom of God, a "kingdom" that has caused much death, pain, and oppression on this earth. Although many entries in the Bible make it clear that God's Kingdom is not tied to an earthly one, many Christians still believe in a righteous "manifest-destiny." They believe that God gave this land to Christians and to promote a civilization that does not maintain that foundation is to be anti-American. Anti-American and un-Christian are two very different things; politics and religion are seperate in this country for a good reason.
So this is where it becomes a personal offense to me... I believe that God's Kingdom is a heavenly one. I believe that America, in order to preserve freedom and civil liberty, must extend compassion and rights to those who think and believe differently than us. America is a pluralistic society and the best way for us to all get along is to be concerned with giving more freedom and rights to those who don't have them, yet deserve them.
And the stinging line... "as we're sung to sleep by philosophies, that save the trees and kill the children" rings in my mind and serves as an open sore for what the Christian church, my Mother, is doing to the rest of the world by serving as a mouth-peice rather than the hands and feet of Christ. I'm an enivronmentalist who believes in stewardship of resources and God's second greatest gift to man, nature (second only to the grace and mercy of Christ). I'm pro-choice, because I don't believe my personal convictions should dictate policy when so many Americans see a life in the womb differently than me. Although I veiw it as a precious life and son or daughter of the living God, not everyone does. They're entitled to that opinon and their right to exercise their opinion.
Saving the trees and killing the children will not be what pushes us away from God's purpose and love. Being unloving with our words and actions to the least of these is what will.
I have heard a few phrases here and there though that make me wonder. They seem to have a strong theological agenda- that doesn't always fit biblical themes and principles as I've interpretted them. As I began to enjoy their newest album, "Peace on Earth" a collection of Christmas songs, I came across one verse in particular that ticked me off. Here's the verse I'm talking about, it's the third verse and chorus of "While You Were Sleeping:"
"United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we're sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we're lying in the dark
There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night"
"America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping
Will we be sleeping"
To begin, it seems like they have a very different presupposition than I when it comes to scriptures and what they say about the Kingdom of God, a "kingdom" that has caused much death, pain, and oppression on this earth. Although many entries in the Bible make it clear that God's Kingdom is not tied to an earthly one, many Christians still believe in a righteous "manifest-destiny." They believe that God gave this land to Christians and to promote a civilization that does not maintain that foundation is to be anti-American. Anti-American and un-Christian are two very different things; politics and religion are seperate in this country for a good reason.
So this is where it becomes a personal offense to me... I believe that God's Kingdom is a heavenly one. I believe that America, in order to preserve freedom and civil liberty, must extend compassion and rights to those who think and believe differently than us. America is a pluralistic society and the best way for us to all get along is to be concerned with giving more freedom and rights to those who don't have them, yet deserve them.
And the stinging line... "as we're sung to sleep by philosophies, that save the trees and kill the children" rings in my mind and serves as an open sore for what the Christian church, my Mother, is doing to the rest of the world by serving as a mouth-peice rather than the hands and feet of Christ. I'm an enivronmentalist who believes in stewardship of resources and God's second greatest gift to man, nature (second only to the grace and mercy of Christ). I'm pro-choice, because I don't believe my personal convictions should dictate policy when so many Americans see a life in the womb differently than me. Although I veiw it as a precious life and son or daughter of the living God, not everyone does. They're entitled to that opinon and their right to exercise their opinion.
Saving the trees and killing the children will not be what pushes us away from God's purpose and love. Being unloving with our words and actions to the least of these is what will.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
God is Sovereign
Last summer I took "Studies in Daniel" from Dr. Leathermann at SAU and a few texts have come to mind from it today with all of the political discussion taking place. My final paper in the class was about God's Sovereignty and His place in our politics. I recommend a book called "The Circle of Sovereignty" by Danna Nolan Fewell for anyone interested in the topic...
Isaiah 37: 15 And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD : 16 "O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth."
Daniel 2: 44 "In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. 45 This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands —a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces."
Daniel 4: 17 " 'The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.'
Daniel 4: 25b "... the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes." (This theme is repeated 3 times in this story to remind King Nebuchadnezzar of his humble place in the universe)
Romans 13: "1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." (Actually, you should read this entire chapter...)
Daniel 7: 13,14 "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed."
Matthew 6:32-33: "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well."
I think its great for individuals to get excited about political ideas and I believe it is the civic duty of Christians to express their opinions, even if they should differ from my own. However, I think it's a bad idea to slander and to fear. Because ultimately we are in God's care a sense of patriotism should sprout from a faith in God and the belief that He is who He says He is in these texts; a sovereign Ruler of this world and its nations.
For what it's worth.
Peace...
..::rick
Isaiah 37: 15 And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD : 16 "O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth."
Daniel 2: 44 "In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. 45 This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands —a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces."
Daniel 4: 17 " 'The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.'
Daniel 4: 25b "... the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes." (This theme is repeated 3 times in this story to remind King Nebuchadnezzar of his humble place in the universe)
Romans 13: "1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." (Actually, you should read this entire chapter...)
Daniel 7: 13,14 "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed."
Matthew 6:32-33: "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well."
I think its great for individuals to get excited about political ideas and I believe it is the civic duty of Christians to express their opinions, even if they should differ from my own. However, I think it's a bad idea to slander and to fear. Because ultimately we are in God's care a sense of patriotism should sprout from a faith in God and the belief that He is who He says He is in these texts; a sovereign Ruler of this world and its nations.
For what it's worth.
Peace...
..::rick
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