Tag: Christianity

Faith

Beyond “first and last”

Chris

Have you ever listened to a CD or heard song for the first time in a service and found yourself floored by the implications of the words? Sometimes it is the utter truthfulness of the message; other times it’s the insight the concept gives us into the holiness, great-ness or awesomeness of God.

This happened to me a fews days after Christmas when I opened Chris Tomlin‘s “See the Morning” CD. The more I hear the song, the more I feel I should draw other’s attention to it. Continue reading “Beyond “first and last”” →

Christian Living

“How are you?”

Chris

Have you ever really considered what it means when you say a simple phrase we all throw out there everyday? On average, how often each day do you start a conversation or recognize someone’s presence by asking any variance of, “How are you?”

Recently we had a communion service at church, and the congregation all went and stood at the altar to partake of the elements together. After the service, as we headed back to our seats to gather our things and leave for the day, I simply asked a friend, “How are ya?” I didn’t even realize the implications of what I asked until after he looked back at me and answered, “I’m alright, I’m alright.” Continue reading ““How are you?”” →

Ministry

Christmas Caroling vs. Worship

Chris

It’s that time of year again when worship leaders and pastors try to fit in the traditional Christmas songs that they believe need to be sung for those visitors or twice-a-year members who stop by the church during the month of December. Unfortunately, most of us cave to the pressure, or to our own relief at not having to “wait upon the Lord” for a worship set, and we fill our December Sundays with everything from “Joy to the World,” to “Away in a Manger” and “Go Tell It On the Mountain.”

I’ve come to believe that in doing so, we miss out on one of the greatest opportunities to introduce visitors and seasonal members into the presence of God. Maybe this is why they only come once or twice a year. If we give them the cookie-cutter songs that they have on um-teen CDs at home, hear in the malls, and are rerun over and again on the radio, why would they think church was worth going to? Continue reading “Christmas Caroling vs. Worship” →