Today
we worshiped in the contemporary service. There is a great wooden cross
suspended above the stage which would normally put me in tune for a good
worship service. When the praise music started, for me it was loud enough to
overpower my earplugs and brought on a headache. It caused me to wonder what
the people who worshiped with the music felt when they were in a traditional
service with the old hymns. My ears can no longer handle loud music, and there
is a lot of repetition in contemporary songs. We may never enjoy each style of
music equally, but we must never doubt that God can use any style of music to
His glory.
The
sermon was part of a series and dealt with Paul’s direction to Timothy, telling
Timothy to be strong in grace, to proclaim Christ, and that things will get
tough.
When
Jesus claimed me I lost all my former friends. Most disowned me as our
lifestyles conflicted. Two died, but both let me talk about Christ and the
changes in my life and both professed faith in Jesus before they died. I have
witnessed to other friends and relatives who accepted Christ before death and
it has been a humbling privilege.
We
were invited to a Christian Education class where we were presented the
opportunity to share with a woman who suffered a tragic loss. I hope that our words
helped in some way and am sorry, with my poor hearing, that I didn’t realize
enough of the situation to take the occasion to pray with her.
From
the class, a great line for us all from a missionary: “I can’t, but He can,” and
on His gift of grace: “a gift that was irresistibly given.” When Christ took me,
I never had a conscious thought about accepting Him…just a wonderful,
overwhelming, irresistible movement to Jesus.
We
returned to visit the contemporary service, and although we know several people
here, we were greeted by several whom we did not know.
The
music was well done and although we sat near the back, for me the volume still required
earplugs.
Following
the music we were treated to a video about a woman who shared Christ with a
friend who shared Him with a co-worker, who became a public speaker and shared
Him with many groups of people, and on and on, a clear reminder that others have
had a hand in our being saved and of the strong likelihood that we have helped
others whom we have never met come to know Christ.
The
message was the first in a series entitled “Who’s Got Next?” It contained several
good reminders:
1
– Advice comes through the strength of relationship…without a strong
relationship, our advice falls on deaf ears.
2
– Grace is found in the Person of Christ, not in ritual.
3
– God’s message works because God is in it.
4
– Hardship is the plan of the Gospel…those who have spread God’s Word have
always encountered rejection.
5
– People watch us when we struggle to see if our faith is real.
Following
worship we stayed for an adult Sunday school class. I enjoyed it, but I
appreciated the conversation afterward even more.
As
we headed for the exit we encountered one of our friends who enthusiastically
told us about his new job and about learning that for a believer one’s primary
vocation is that of minister. Whatever we are employed to do is in addition to
spreading the Gospel by our words, actions, and attitudes, and God places us
where He wants us for this purpose. This declaration was an answer to prayer
for me and literally brought tears to my eyes.
Our Father, we pray all are drawn to You and encouraged by whatever style music they hear. We pray that this church will be strong in grace and boldly proclaim the Gospel to all, knowing that when the troubles come You will meet them there to give them strength and encourage their witness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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