Archives for July 2009

Jul 22 2009

What Defines Me?

Last night at APEX we dug into an intense passage that is Romans 12:9-21. We talked about the depth of love that God calls us to, commanding us to love even our enemies. Not easy stuff.

Here are some of the points I made:

When we love others Biblically it reveals what God is like (John 13:34-35)
When we love other Biblically it reveals where our hope lies (I Peter 2:21-23)
Instead of getting even we must learn to ‘entrust’ ourselves and our circumstances to God
Christianity is not about completing a ‘to-do’ list in order to appease God. Our deeds must be done in dependence on the finished work of the cross
In order to love others consistently, I need to see Christ consistently
If I were to ask those closest to you, “What is (fill in your name) defined by?” What would they say?
May we be defined by the radical, selfless, crazy love of Christ

Jul 21 2009

Weekend Worship Songs (7.18-19.09)

This weekend, Kate Griffin (other worship leader at APC) led worship.

Here’s what we did:

Faithful (Steve Fee) – really a great upbeat song. Love the declaration.
I Have Found (Kim Walker) – we’re continuing to reinforce this tune. Really catching on well with our congregation.
Stronger (Hillsong) – One of the best songs to come out of Hillsong EVER, in my opinion. Can’t get enough of declaring this truth. We actually did a key change in the bridge which seemed to reinforce the “Let your name be lifted higher” very well.

Jul 17 2009

I am going to start posting our worship song setlist from the weekends here at APC. I hope this is simply a practical tool for you worship leaders to see what songs we are doing and how they are working.

This past weekend we had a very high-energy set with some spontaneous moments. It was a powerful time.

Let God Arise (Chris Tomlin)
My Savior Lives (NewLife Worship)
I Have Found (Kim Walker) – this was a new song for us. It’s a song that has an ‘immediate’ effect on people – easy to learn and very catchy. I love the simplicity of it and how it leads you to cry out for the glory of God. Great congregational prayer. Highly recommended.
All Who Are Thirsty (Brenton Brown) – An older song, but a great follow-up to ‘I Have Found’. It’s helpful to have a simple chorus that enables you to continue pressing into God’s heart in a service.

Are there any new songs you are doing?

Jul 13 2009

Four Steps to Getting a Great Reward

We all love to get stuff. We love to be recognized. We love to be applauded for our performances and achievements. I mean, who wouldn’t? The Bible’s teaching on rewards is bit different than our culture portrays. Simply put, you won’t learn this anywhere but from God.

God says:

Be poor
Be hungry
Weep
Be hated

Before you stone me, let me explain what these four statements mean (taken from Luke 6:20-35). There is a ‘biblical’ way and a wrong way to interpret them. Underlying these statements (from Jesus Himself) is an underlying Biblical truth:

SEEK YOUR REWARDS IN HEAVEN

There is no innate virtue in poverty. There is, though, in humbly trusting Christ rather than your personal wealth. There is no innate virtue in starving yourself. There is, though, in seeking after righteousness and longing for the day when you will be truly satisfied in eternity. there is no innate virtue in weeping. There is, though, in recognizing the suffering you experience will not be forever and longing for the day when Christ will ‘wipe away every tear’. There is no innate virtue in being hated, especially for your own stupidity. There is, though, in being hated for your allegiance to Jesus Christ.

Do these things, and your reward will be great in Heaven. Looking forward to it.