Finally the psalmist says in Psalm 96 that worship is when we come to God’s courts, which is participation in the gathered community of believers. That is worship services on Sundays, but it could also be participation in a smaller group. We need each other. We need vital relationships with other believers. Worship God byContinue reading “A proper perspective on worship gatherings and God as judge – Psalm 96, Part 5”
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Some much needed perspective on how to worship the Lord – Psalm 96, Part 4
In Psalm 96, this psalm about perspective, the psalmist started with a repetitive phrase, “Sing to the Lord,” which we talked about here and here. And now later in his song, he returns to a repetition. Look at verses 7-8. “Ascribe…Ascribe…Ascribe to the Lord.” What does it mean to “ascribe”? “Ascribe is not a commonContinue reading “Some much needed perspective on how to worship the Lord – Psalm 96, Part 4”
Perspective in the middle of tough times – Psalm 96, Part 3
In Psalm 96, verses 2 and 3 instruct us to proclaim God’s salvation day after day. This is the same idea that is encapsulated in the word “evangelism,” which is about proclaiming Good News. The psalmist reminds us that we have Good News story to share, and in verse 3 he describes it as declaringContinue reading “Perspective in the middle of tough times – Psalm 96, Part 3”
The importance of new worship songs and a global perspective – Psalm 96, Part 2
Psalm 96 begins with the repeated words: “Sing to the Lord.” Three times we read that in verses 1 & 2. This is a reminder that there is just something about singing that is special. Even if you don’t think of yourself as a good singer, and even if you kinda just grunt the wordsContinue reading “The importance of new worship songs and a global perspective – Psalm 96, Part 2”
What is a normal amount of perspective? – Psalm 96, Part 1
One of my favorite movies is Notting Hill from 1999, in which actor Hugh Grant plays a travel bookstore owner, William Thacker, whose store and apartment are located in the Notting Hill neighborhood of London. He has a chance encounter with American film superstar Anna Scott, played by Julia Roberts. Their chance encounter leads toContinue reading “What is a normal amount of perspective? – Psalm 96, Part 1”
Blog update and Psalm 96, Preview
As you may have noticed, the month of September has been a transitional month between blog series. We completed the Gospel of John series in August, and in October we’ll be starting a series studying the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), which will take us to Advent. During the month of September, then, we’ve hadContinue reading “Blog update and Psalm 96, Preview”
Why we have silent Sundays at Faith Church
Yesterday (September 10, 2023) was another Silent Sunday…partially. We still sang worship to God, had prayer and announcements out loud, but the sermon was silent, guided on screen. Why do we do Silent Sunday? Over the last ten years we’ve emphasized silence almost one Sunday worship service each year. Our inspiration comes from multiple sources,Continue reading “Why we have silent Sundays at Faith Church”
God’s not done with us – Reflecting God, Part 5
Note: In this post we welcome guest blogger, David Hundert. David is studying in Kairos University – Evangelical Seminary’s Master of Divinity program. I started out this series of blog posts here with two simple questions. When you look in a mirror, what do you see? When you look in a mirror, what should youContinue reading “God’s not done with us – Reflecting God, Part 5”
What love is – Reflecting God, Part 4
Note: In this post we welcome guest blogger, David Hundert. David is studying in Kairos University – Evangelical Seminary’s Master of Divinity program. As we learned in the previous post, love is at the heart of what Jesus called the Old Testament’s two greatest commandments. How can we practice that kind of love? What doesContinue reading “What love is – Reflecting God, Part 4”
What Christian citizenship looks like – Reflecting God, Part 3
Note: In this post we welcome guest blogger, David Hundert. David is studying in Kairos University – Evangelical Seminary’s Master of Divinity program. We can look at people, and based on what we see outwardly, we can sometimes determine what their heritage is, where their family might be from or what culture they were raisedContinue reading “What Christian citizenship looks like – Reflecting God, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 