Do you have a preferred “style” of worship? In some churches only a piano and organ are allowed for accompaniment, and if it isn’t in the hymnal, it isn’t sung. In other churches the drummer sits behind a Plexiglas wall so as to not overpower the band. Whatever the instruments used, some people prefer a quieter, contemplative service while others are attracted to a more lively celebratory style.
Which is right? Neither and both.
Neither is right if it is all a person experiences. If every worship time is contemplation, or every worship time is celebration, that is not right. What is modeled in the Bible, which is the right arbitrator of such
discussions, is a balance of reverent celebration and reverent contemplation. It may seem that hand clapping and knee bending don’t mix, but they do when we have a biblical balance in our worship.
The words of contemplative worship are found in a popular praise song: “Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our God, our Maker.” It is a quiet, reflective song, with words from Psalm 95.
But the psalm begins with, “Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock, our salvation.” Those are the words of celebration. Sing and shout aloud!
Psalm 95 calls us to both contemplation and celebration. Our life of worship is lived not at the extremes. It is not to be an “either/or” but a “both/and” balance.
Consider your time of worship. Do you at times sing and shout aloud in celebration? Do you at times also bow down and kneel? If you are doing only what you prefer, remember, God wants us to be worshipers who both celebrate and contemplate.
Looking forward to seeing you in corporate worship this Sunday!
Kevin
A place to learn the latest news and updates about the Worship and Connections Ministries at First Baptist Church Holly Springs, Georgia. For information about the church and its ministries, visit fbchollysprings.com
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Potential
The Bible teaches in Ecclesiastes that there is a time and a season for everything under heaven. I am excited about THIS time and THIS season! Anyone I have ever spoken to and mentioned FBC Holly Springs has immediately talked about the potential of this church to greatly impact this community for the kingdom of God. We all have potential.
The dictionary defines potential in a variety of ways:
1. possible, as opposed to actual
2. capable of being or becoming
3. a latent excellence or ability that may or may not be developed.
4. someone or something that is considered a worthwhile possibility
When we think of potential, there is hope and great promise. But potential is only the beginning of the equation! In all of the definitions listed above, there is an opposite to potential. There is a seed yet to germinate, a light switch yet to turn on the power, an engine yet to be started. There is great potential, but that alone gets you nowhere.
In the movie, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium there is a great exchange between Molly Mahoney and the wonderful Mr. Magorium:
Molly Mahoney: I'm stuck!
Mr. Edward Magorium: Oh, to my floor?
Molly Mahoney: No, sir.
Mr. Edward Magorium: Then what?
Molly Mahoney: Like a person. You remember when I was a little girl and I could play Rahmaninov's Second Piano Concerto and everyone was talking about my potential?
Mr. Edward Magorium: Mhm.
Molly Mahoney: Well, I am 23 now and everyone's still talking about my potential but if you ask me to play the song I know best... I'll still play Rachmaninov's Second.
Mr. Edward Magorium: May I suggest you stun the world with Molly Mahoney's First?
My boys started football camp this week and I loved the motto on shirts I saw there: "Be Uncommon". What a challenge! Move from potential to the realized actual of all we are gifted and called to be. Step fully into the life overflowing that Jesus came to give (John 10:10).
As a church, we have enormous potential. What can you and I do TODAY that will move us toward the actuality of impacting Holly Springs, Cherokee County, the USA, and the world with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ?
There are some great challenges coming soon. My first challenge to our church is this: EVERYONE needs to be connected to a small group Bible study. If you have never attended what we call "Sunday School" or "Life Application Bible Study" or "Connection Groups", then NOW is the time. Plan on it. Get up a little earlier and come ready to connect at 9:30 on Sunday mornings. You will find real people with real problems and a very real love for the ONE who loves you and I more than we can imagine, even in the midst of our "stuff". Now is the time. If you don't come, we will call or contact and invite you to come. We will persist, because this is what God has called and equipped us to do...pursue each other the same way He pursues us!
I love you all and can't wait until Sunday!
Kevin
The dictionary defines potential in a variety of ways:
1. possible, as opposed to actual
2. capable of being or becoming
3. a latent excellence or ability that may or may not be developed.
4. someone or something that is considered a worthwhile possibility
When we think of potential, there is hope and great promise. But potential is only the beginning of the equation! In all of the definitions listed above, there is an opposite to potential. There is a seed yet to germinate, a light switch yet to turn on the power, an engine yet to be started. There is great potential, but that alone gets you nowhere.
In the movie, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium there is a great exchange between Molly Mahoney and the wonderful Mr. Magorium:
Molly Mahoney: I'm stuck!
Mr. Edward Magorium: Oh, to my floor?
Molly Mahoney: No, sir.
Mr. Edward Magorium: Then what?
Molly Mahoney: Like a person. You remember when I was a little girl and I could play Rahmaninov's Second Piano Concerto and everyone was talking about my potential?
Mr. Edward Magorium: Mhm.
Molly Mahoney: Well, I am 23 now and everyone's still talking about my potential but if you ask me to play the song I know best... I'll still play Rachmaninov's Second.
Mr. Edward Magorium: May I suggest you stun the world with Molly Mahoney's First?
My boys started football camp this week and I loved the motto on shirts I saw there: "Be Uncommon". What a challenge! Move from potential to the realized actual of all we are gifted and called to be. Step fully into the life overflowing that Jesus came to give (John 10:10).
As a church, we have enormous potential. What can you and I do TODAY that will move us toward the actuality of impacting Holly Springs, Cherokee County, the USA, and the world with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ?
There are some great challenges coming soon. My first challenge to our church is this: EVERYONE needs to be connected to a small group Bible study. If you have never attended what we call "Sunday School" or "Life Application Bible Study" or "Connection Groups", then NOW is the time. Plan on it. Get up a little earlier and come ready to connect at 9:30 on Sunday mornings. You will find real people with real problems and a very real love for the ONE who loves you and I more than we can imagine, even in the midst of our "stuff". Now is the time. If you don't come, we will call or contact and invite you to come. We will persist, because this is what God has called and equipped us to do...pursue each other the same way He pursues us!
I love you all and can't wait until Sunday!
Kevin
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