One more audio post heading into the weekend. I'm optimistic that I'll break free from work in time to catch some of the great music at Celebrate Recovery. But that ties in to a sermon series that Greg Boyd is doing. I should begin by pointing out that part of what I love about listening to Boyd's sermons is that he's going through Luke - line by line and at a snail's pace. My favorite gospel being taught by a guy who dives into as much detail as he possibly can ... and who possesses the intellect and wisdom to do so wonderfully. But he's taking four weeks off from that plan to renew his church in the art and practice of worship. The reason was due to the need to catch up some of the newer church members there ... but I've got to think the messages ought to resonate with those who have been hitting church for longer. Since I clock in at just over two years, however, I suppose I'm in Boyd's target market. But give either of the first two messages a spin and see what you get from them.
I thought I'd post this little excerpt from the 2nd message. Here, Boyd talks about worship as a form of evangelism. Definitely a very "salt and light" type of message. But it also serves as a reminder of one of the reasons I enjoy our own Lakewood choir & orchestra. Personally, I find it hard to not notice others who possess ... well, whatever you want to call it ... and conclude that there's something there worth sharing.
Whether it's watching/listening to something masterfully performed by any of the musicians, some joyful moment by anyone taking part, or even a wonderful lyric masterfully sung ... if there's something there that doesn't move you at all, there just might be something wrong with you. To which I can only suggest a hearty "welcome to the club!"
Anyways ... Greg Boyd on worship as evangelism:
(Good ol' fashioned MP3 clip here)
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This past Wednesday night, a new acquaintance joined me in my usual spot. I'm usually very animated during the praise/worship portion of the service. I do not hide, sometimes I think to my detriment. Of course, the natural tendency for some people, upon meeting someone, is to perhaps tone down the idiosyncracies (i.e. ease into things a bit). I found myself doing that.
I noticed that most of the songs sung were slower paced and it is during these songs that are always poignant for me. It's a time when I talk to God.
Again, I was a bit hesistant to show my natural worship style to make a "quiet impression." But, how stupid was that. Thank God, I immediately snapped out of that warped human urge and worshipped the Lord. I said to him, "It's just me and you." Each Sunday morning, I remind myself of the following verse "If you are not ashamed of me in front of man, I will not be ashamed of you in front of my Father in heaven."
So as Greg Boyd, "Pastor" Israel Houghton and Paul Oakley's "Jesus, Lover of My Soul/It's All About You" reminds us, we were made to worship! Fish swim, birds fly, Joel smiles and WE WORSHIP! We worship. It's not about us, it's about him. "Worship is about having all our attention on him." So, dance with Jesus. Worship and praise him all the days of your life YOUR WAY. When all is said and done, it's just you and him.
I used to do the same thing, GuiGrl. It's especially tempting to try and tone down my worshipping because I am in the Choir...very distracting but I'm learning to just worship because like I'm beginning to find out, it's simply all about Him!!!