Music Blog

 

As we were planning through this Sunday’s order of worship, I was thinking on the words of Colossians 4:5-6 and Paul’s commands concerning Christian conduct towards outsiders. I was struck by the contrast between the new outlook that Gospel transformation ought to bring to those of us who are in Christ, and my personal drift towards pride regarding those outside the Church.

 

Romans 5:8 tells me that it was in the midst of my joyful rebellion against God that He saved me. Yet I find myself tempted to believe God chose me, not for His glory alone, but for something good He saw in me. Consequently, I build a barrier between myself and those who have not yet trusted in Christ. I approach them as lower than me, as ones who have yet to produce that which brought me favor with God. This is a distortion of the gospel of Christ, a sin that I must repent of daily.

 

An antidote that I have found for this pattern of pride is simply to stop and think on the reality of the cross. I had to be saved. I was not good enough. I was just like them. Yet God, in His perfect and holy sovereignty, chose me and saved me for His glory and purpose in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 9:11; Eph. 2:1-9; 2 Tim. 1:9).

Do you ever struggle with this sort of pride towards others? My guess is that you have. We all will sooner or later. We must remember this: I brought nothing to the table. You brought nothing to the table. Yet we find ourselves seated at the table of the Lord. What an amazing thing God has done!

 

As we continue walking through Colossians 4 this Sunday, it is my hope that we will celebrate God both as our faithful fortress and as the Holy One who made us a friend when we were hell-bent on rebellion. This is the starting point for reaching out to those in need of Christ. To this end, these scriptures and songs will help to focus our hearts on minds on these
things.

 

Call to worship -  Psalm 32:1-2
A Mighty Fortress
Always
Scripture Reading - Romans 5:8
Look and See
Boldly I Approach
Grace and Peace

Sermon from Colossians 4

 

Here's a Spotify playlist of the songs we'll be singing.