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Posted by Joey Gonzalez | Posted on 12-08-2011

WorshipGod 11 – Gather To Edify

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Gather To Edify – Bob Kauflin
WorshipGod 11
Morning, 8/12/11

To often we use the word “Worship” without including the object of the worship.

Wrong statements on what our worship of God entails:
- We worship what we ascribe ultimate value to.
- We worship God because He is worthy, not because we get something out of it.
- When we sing songs about what God has down for us, that is man centered.
- God likes our worship best when we block out everything and everyone around us.

Edification: to build up. Involves instruction, and involves someone or something be strengthened.

“When we edify the church by magnifying Christ, we glorify God.”

2 Corinthians 14:1-33

1. When we gather, we edify each other.
- 2 priorities to edify each other:
Love: without love it means nothing.
- we lack love when we are not sensitive to what others are going through.
- our demeanor during the corporate gathering with the saints effects those around us.
Intelligibility: people should know what we are doing.
- is there too much christianize?
- do intros to songs make sense?
- do newcomers understand what you are doing?
- the service should not be confusing. It must be clear.
- where do contributions from the congregation fit into the gathering?
- keep lighting to a point where people can see each other. How do we know we are edifying one another if we can’t see each other?
- at some point in the meeting, try to always have an a Capella section.

2. God edify’s His church.
- God is seeking to make us corporately, not just individually, like His Son.
- when we gather, we should be expecting so much more.
- God uses our meeting for our sanctification through Jesus Christ.

Our strengthening as churches comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sing it. Share it. Preach it.

One day, everything will be united around Jesus Christ!

Posted by Joey Gonzalez | Posted on 11-08-2011

WorshipGod 11 – Gather To Build Around the Word

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Gather To Build Around the Word – Thabiti Anyabwile
WorshipGod 11
Evening, 8/11/11

“11Command and teach these things. 12Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” – 1 Timothy 4:11-16

Paul’s address to Timothy in the public ministry: Give yourself to the ministry of the Word. v13

The Word of God must be the substance of our private counsel.

“There is no way to make disciples unless you deliver the Word of God.”

Our gatherings are to look like we know what Jesus said was the truth.

3 inadequate answers to how singing relates to the ministry of the Word:
1- Singing should not compete with the ministry of the word
2- Singing should be balanced with the ministry of Word
3- Singing should setting up for the ministry of the Word

Adequate: The singing is to be on the same page with the ministry of the Word.

This means the focus of the singing should be on the meditation on the Word. The prosper of our singing should be teaching others.

We should strive to push the Word deeper into the congregations hearts.

When we come to lead, we are not perfected, but it is part of our progress towards perfection in eternity.

Posted by Joey Gonzalez | Posted on 11-08-2011

WorshipGod 11 – Gather To Rehearse the Gospel

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Gathering To Rehearse the Gospel – Brian Chappell
WorshipGod 11
Morning, 8/11/11

“1 In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train[25] of his robe filled the temple. 2Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!”[26]

4And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. 5And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”

6Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”

8And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”” – Isaiah 6

God giving Isaiah a glimpse of what worship should look like.

“The contours of our worship should follow the contours of the Gospel”

What does this worship look like that God was showing to Isaiah?
- It started with the glory of God. Not just the glory, but the nature of who God is. He is Holy. Sovereign in His majesty. Welfare and unstained from the world.

“Even the hosts of heaven wilt before the presence of God.”

- See the parallels in Deuteronomy 5:22-26 / 2 Chronicles 7:1-3,14/ Romans 11:36-12:1 / Revelation 4:8-11 /

“Worship that prioritizes God begins with God”

“If we do not see our sin for the horror that it is, we do not see God’s glory for the greatness that it is”

“The infinite becomes intimate” referring to Isaiah 6:6…but is the message of the entire scriptures.

“All things exist in the presence of God”

Our response should be humility and the proclamation of the desire to serve.

Gods grace enables us to sing with the angels.

Posted by Joey Gonzalez | Posted on 10-08-2011

WorshipGod 11 – Gather To Behold

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Gathering To Behold – Ray Ortlund
WorshipGod 11
Evening 1, 8/10/11

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,[12] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18

What is happening at our church services through the Gospel?
- A biblical gathering of the church is more than what we do. It is what Christ is doing in the supernatural as He moves to display His glory through our transformation.

- Every Christian can behold the Lord.
- Because of Christ we are able to be face to face with God

We want people to walk away with a higher awareness of God through Christ. Through our feeble efforts, Jesus is displayed.

Question to ask yourself: Is Christ being made glorious, or are we?

- The ministry of the gospel in your church is a supernatural act.

Encourage your people to enter into the worship service whole-heartedly.

*Please note that the purpose of this post is not to endorse any specific speaker from this conference, but to share a few items that I was encouraged by. Please enjoy!

Posted by Joey Gonzalez | Posted on 09-08-2011

Getting ready for WorshipGod 11

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Well, we’re here at the hotel in Gaithersburg, MA getting ready for the WorshipGod conference tomorrow. It’s been a great day of travel and fellowship. As much as I miss my bride and my kids, these times away at conferences are always very fruitful for the soul and ministry.

I will be posting my notes from the seminars of each day of the conference here, so please feel free to check back here tomorrow night! (or you can subscribe and get the seminar notes sent straight to your email)

It’s now time to wind down, watch some Brian Regan, and get some rest. Hope to catch you here tomorrow!

Posted by Raquel Manning | Posted on 24-07-2011

O Praise Him: The Story Behind “All Creatures of Our God and King”

Category : The Story Behind

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I walked outside tonight just in time to see the sunset. Looking above, I could still see the blue sky, but in the distance was a beautiful array of orange and pink, blanketed by dark storm clouds. Lightning flashed atop the gray with no sound, too far to away to be heard.

It was undoubtedly a testimony of the Lord’s goodness, and I almost felt privileged to witness it. It occurred to me, however, that this majestic scene was not simply crafted for my or anyone else’s enjoyment. These heavenly bodies were made for a purpose. They were made to worship their Creator.

Around 1225, St.Francis of Assisi wrote a hymn exhorting all creation to worship God. Francis was a lover of nature, and many of the stories about his life were of his interaction with animals. His hymn, called, “Cantico di fratre sole,” or “Song of Brother Sun,” urged all nature – including the sun – to praise its God and King.

The English version of the song (which can be read and heard here) appeared in England in 1919 at a children’s worship festival.

Let us not forget that we are included in this exhortation, which originated from Psalm 148:7-13:

“Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.”

I pray that we will exalt His name – from every glorious sunrise to breathtaking sunset – and every moment in between.

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Posted by Joey Gonzalez | Posted on 16-07-2011

Music and meditation…

Category : Resources, Theology & Music

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Ok, I know this might seem like a weird title, but hopefully as you read it will make more sense to you.

Meditation in the bible is very different than what might jump into our minds when we first hear the word. Most of what we hear about meditation is all about "clearing your mind" to get to some state of clarity or a higher spiritual level. As a christian, we are to do the exact opposite when we meditate.

When a christian meditates, we are not to clear our minds, but fill our minds with thoughts of God.

Read what Paul says in Philippians 4:8 -

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

What you read above is not talking about a set aside time each day to focus on this things.

This is the very lifestyle of your thoughts.

When we are at work. When we are at home. When we are at church. When we are hanging out with those in the world. When we are alone.

So what are some practical ways to accomplish a "God centered" thought life? Here are a few that come to mind:

  1. Keep what you are studying in God's word at the forefront of your mind all day. You can do this by trying to memorize sections of what you read that morning. It also helps to think through different questions that came up as you were reading, and bring those questions up in conversation with others.
  2.  Pray without ceasing. I think this is a hard concept for us to grasp because we forget what prayer is; talking with God. You can do this by actively including God in every decision, thought, and issue that comes up in your day.
  3. Listen to Christ centered, God honoring songs. I know this is going to step on some toes, but just think about it. God made music in a way that it stays with us long after a song has ended. If you are listening to songs that are putting the world on display, and not Christ, what is going to be floating in your head? Where will your focus be? Our goal as christians should be to strive for holiness, not see how close we can get to the world before it stains us. Find great songs that exalt Christ and honor the God we serve.

I hope this is encouraging to you. I know that it is both encouraging and convicting to me personally. If you have other ways that have helped you meditate on the things of God, I would love for you to share them here.

May our lives be a living sacrifice to our King.

Posted by Raquel Manning | Posted on 08-07-2011

Modern-Day Peter: The Story Behind “I Will Follow”

Category : The Story Behind

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I walked away feeling like a failure… again. I was checking out at the grocery store the other day, and an opportunity arose during the conversation with the cashier to share Christ.

Sure, every conversation is an opportunity, but this one was different. This woman needed help and was practically begging for an answer. “I have the answer!” I screamed in my head. Somehow, though, the words never came across my lips, and before I knew it, I was walking out the door staring blankly at my receipt.

I guess you can call me Peter. I speak boldly with my lips that I will never deny my Lord, but when pressure arises, I often cower in the fear of man.

Chris Tomlin also recognized this common reaction in believers – including the Apostle Peter – and wrote a bold anthem in response. His song, “I Will Follow,” speaks of following Christ where He leads and living for Him alone. Tomlin acknowledged that although Peter failed many times, his story was not finished. God transformed Peter into a bold man who followed Christ until his death, sacrificing his life for the sake of the Lord.

Could we make a claim as bold?

“Where You go, I’ll go. Where You stay, I’ll stay

When You move, I’ll move. I will follow You.

Whom You love, I’ll love. How You serve, I’ll serve.

If this life I lose, I will follow You.”

Although I fail often, my prayer is that I will follow Christ where He leads, regardless of the cost. I’m thankful that my story is not finished, and I hope that I can make these bold claims, wherever the Lord may lead me – even if it’s just to the grocery store.

 

Posted by Joey Gonzalez | Posted on 28-06-2011

Erasing Hell by Francis Chan

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This sure is humbling. I am grateful for men like Francis Chan that God chooses to use for His purposes.

Posted by Raquel Manning | Posted on 17-06-2011

How I Trust Him: The Story Behind “‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”

Category : The Story Behind

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Sometimes I can’t help but think that despite living in a country full of abundance, good health, and pleasure, I’m missing something.

Sure, I’m thankful for my family, my health and my, well, stuff, but more often than not, I find myself placing my trust in them instead of Christ. When I realize it, I can and often do repent, but I wonder sometimes what would happen if God were to take it all away. Would I still trust Him?

Louisa M.R. Stead was faced with that question. At the age of 21, she purposed in her heart to become a missionary to China. After making plans for the move, though, her health proved too frail for the Chinese environment.

Louisa moved on, getting married shortly after and giving birth to a daughter. On a family picnic sometime around 1879 or 1880, Louisa’s husband drowned. According to some accounts, he died saving their drowning daughter.

Louisa took her daughter and moved to South Africa as a missionary, and there she wrote the hymn“’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.”

Although she lost her health, her dream, and her beloved husband, Louisa still found the sweetness of trusting in the Lord, writing:

“I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And to know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.”

Such a great example is found in Louisa Stead, and I pray that you and I would have the kind of faith that she possessed, singing confidently,
 
“Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!”

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