January 20, 2010
8:52 AM

2010 includes a year-of-the gospel focus at Trinity. After the first few services, I have a notion that this focus is going to change us, making us into better worshipers. An encounter with and understanding of the gospel increases humility, gratitude and our desire for others to hear and believe. I can feel it happening in me as I plan and even rehearse with my teams, let alone worship together with my congregation on Sunday mornings. Our rehearsal on Monday night left us speechless for a moment after we played In Christ Alone, This is Our God, and I Cling to the Cross. We were only a 4-piece–keys, drums, bass and acoustic guitar–yet when 4- pieces pour all their heart and soul into worshiping the Lord it is a beautiful result. I was reminded that worship transcends the “style” and production – it is above all else a heart response. Corporate worship involves two or more believers united in their expression of praise to the Lord…and God is there in their midst! As we focus the spotlight in on Christ and the gospel this year, I know that it is going to build our faith and build our church. I’m almost giddy with excitement about our worship set for Sunday. Part of that comes from our experience last week. There was the undeniable fact that we all experienced the Lord during our corporate worship time last Sunday, characterized by tears, abundant joy, loud songs of praise, and moments of silence. I chose two new songs to surround taking the communion elements together. We sang, This is Our God, by Hillsong before hand – such a gentle song, yet one that climaxes in the middle with a powerful declaration of the gospel.

Freely You gave it all for us
Surrendered Your life upon that cross
Great is the love poured out for all
This is our God
Lifted on high from death to life
Forever our God is glorified
Servant and King rescued the world
This is our God

Then following communion we sang an extended version of the Revelation Song by Gateway Church. I was of the opinion that this corporate worship song couldn’t get any better than it was, but it did. Gateway Church released a live version where they paused in the middle and created some space to meditate after singing the phrase, “Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder, at the mention of Your name.” Such a pause caught me off guard and brought tears to my eyes as the beautiful yet simple and gentle instrumentation accompanies Kari Jobe’s vocal meditation on the name of Jesus. And then we go back, sing it again and then, convinced more than ever, move on to sing, “Jesus Your name is power, breath and living water; such a marvelous mystery!” At this moment, the worship song explodes into a literal “shout to the Lord” as the instrumental is repeated this time turned up to 11 backed by shouts of praise from the congregation! I find myself longing for heaven as I then sing the last chorus wishing I had more ability to sing it louder and better and more perfectly. I realize that as good as this moment of worship is on earth, heaven holds so much more – this is just a rehearsal for that glorious day when all nations, tribes and tongues will gather around the throne of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and declare these very same words.

“Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang:

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, 
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength 
and honor and glory and praise!”

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”
The four living creatures said, “Amen,”
and the elders fell down and
worshiped.” (Revelation 5:11-14 NIV)

These songs of praise, along with some tough news of our Senior Pastor’s recent diagnosis of prostate cancer, our prayers and concerns for Haiti, a glorious child dedication of a 9-year-old recently adopted into a loving family, and a sermon on the book of Philemon all converged as a wonderful corporate experience with the Lord on Sunday. Here’s to next week…and the next…

Bill Born