And So, It Began

Dear Faith Family,

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing! Know that the Lord, He is God, (Psalm 100:1-3).

And so, it began. Just a few words in, the words of the song stole my heart: “Lift high the cross the love of Christ proclaim…our victorious Christ the Son of God.” Either my heartwas stolen or something took hostage my voice box. I found it hard to sing, not because I didn’t embrace the words, but because I did. And, because my voice melted in a sea ofsome 4000 people around me.

Arguably, the best part of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America is the opening worship service! If you are ever able to attend such, do. The weight of some 4000 wedded voices is overwhelming!

And when it simply couldn’t get any better, the Word of God was proclaimed with power! It did get better! In the words of the speaker: don’t strive to preach a great sermon, strive to preach a great Savior. That, he did! The love and trustworthiness of our Savior over and against our sin is overwhelming!

And when it simply couldn’t get any better, you guessed it, it did. We communed together with our living Savior! The Lord’s Supper! And I was once again overwhelmed with the privilege of participating together in the body and the blood of Christ. Next to me sat a dear pastor friend. The joy of fellowship in Jesus is overwhelming, not to mention, intoxicating.

Ok. So, what’s the point? Is the privilege of corporate worship dear to you? Do you delight in singing with the saints? Has something stolen your joy in singing to our Savior with His children, your brothers and sister in Christ? Do you delight in the regular proclamation of the Word of God? Not because it is a great sermon but because He is a great Savior! Do you delight in communion with Jesus with your brothers and sisters in Christ? It is a gift of His grace!

Sunday's coming,

Pastor Karl