Wordy Worship

Here's a couple of great websites. The first has a lot of really thought-provoking material including this article on the significance of the words we use in congregational worship: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2009/11/04/why-so-many-words-in-worship/. I've recently discovered this site and its resources section with hundreds of free sermons by speakers including D.A. Carson, Wayne Grudem, Josh Harris, Paul Tripp and Tim Keller. They all come from a 'Reformed' standpoint but I think you'll find their passion for the Gospel and commitment to the Bible refreshing.

The other site is Bob Kauflin's 'Worship Matters'. Brilliant resource for worship leaders and worshipers in general.

A Word from Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon has a timely word for those who minimise the value of what God has revealed to others by seeking their own unique interpretation of the Word of God: "It seems odd, that certain men who talk so much of what the Holy Spirit reveals to themselves, should think so little of what He has revealed to others.

Ugly?

I heard a strange voice behind me. Two ladies were backing a wheelchair out of a car. Then the person sitting turned around. I shivered from the shock of what I saw. His (or her) face was all red and purple patches, but what was more memorable was the shape of his head. It was hugely deformed like nothing I'd ever seen before. I went into Tesco and tried to get on with my shopping but couldn't think of anything I'd planned to buy.

As I went round the shop I kept hearing this loud voice and saw this strange figure visibly unsettling everyone he went by. An odd mixture of repulsion and pity overwhelmed me. He kept asking questions and saying hello to people, but most ignored him, seeming unable to set eyes on him. I waited and sure enough he was wheeled past me.

“Hello,” he said. I took a quick, quiet breath and then turned around, looked him in the eyes and said, “hello.” Nothing more. No, “Have you got much to buy today?!” Later I wished I'd said more, but as they continued, he mumbled something and his lady carer said, “...Yes he did. He's a nice man isn't he.” I knew she meant me. Meant that simply saying “hello” and not turning my back was a surprise for them.

“Like one from whom men hide their faces.”
This is Jesus.

“He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him.”
This is our Saviour.

“Nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.”
This is the majestic King of the universe.

The God-Man of whom Isaiah the prophet says, “many...were appalled at Him – His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and His form marred beyond human likeness” is the One who will “sprinkle [with cleansing mercy] many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of Him.”

So may we see a “Beautiful Exalted Saviour”, but also one who was perfect in every way even in His suffering and death, disfigurement and ugliness. If ever there was a statement shattering the worldly concept of beauty, this is it. He never ceased to be perfect, holy, lovely and good - though men were repulsed by Him; though His appearance caused them to turn away. This is our God who “looks not on the outward appearance, but on the heart.”

Society doesn't prize or promote the value and needs of the physically 'unattractive'. If they are noticed, it is often only for the freak factor. As Christians, let's break off from the infatuation with passing beauty and look straight for the heart. Invest in the ignored. Listen to the lonely. Show kindness when it doesn't get shown to you. Look constantly upon our glorious Saviour, not simply basking in His eternal glory and beauty, but remembering His earthly humiliation and ugliness.

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?"

News and Views

It's some time since I gave an update on what I've been doing. The first year of Bible college finished in May, and I wondered how I'd fill the next four months. It wasn't too hard. We spent a week in Cumbria in our last holiday as the 'Steele 6'. A wonderful, relaxing week staying in an old chapel by a stream. What a blessing family is! We couldn't have asked for a better time.

After two weeks teaching English, I entered into the mad pre-wedding preparations for my sister Naomi. She and Ben Clayfield were married on August 1st - the most special and memorable of days.

Aside from a week working in a Christian bookshop and another week on a Christian camp in windy North Wales, I've occupied myself in various ways at home and at the school/business. Now here I am back at college and anticipating a challenging and changing 2nd year. Let me close with an interesting point mentioned by a lecturer today. Any feedback thoughts on this would be good to hear.

He was saying how church history has simply repeated itself. The heresies of today could be avoided with closer examination of what has gone before. For example, the Jehovah's Witnesses took a seemingly commendable position that "we must only study the Bible" and therefore forget all past theological learning. So we find in their heretical theology a repeat of the Arian controversy (surrounding the deity of Christ) centuries earlier.

It had already been discussed and a conclusion pretty much universally reached, yet the JW's chose to discard it. This 'Bible only' position inevitably leads to the danger of self-interpretation: putting your own take on the text above centuries of consistent interpretation in the church.

We like people who have a fresh approach, but there is a danger of pushing aside the established doctrines of the church for something which "itching ears want to hear." God's Word is living and active, but it has never changed in meaning or application. Discuss!

Year of Grace

I've not reviewed a music album before. Year of Grace by Robin Mark deserves a mention. Remember These are the days of Elijah and You're the Lion of Judah? In his latest album, Robin Mark has recaptured that prophetic and biblical force in the lyrics with a fresh and memorable sound.

The first song Lift up His name exalts God and revels in His greatness. Watchman with its lovely lilting Irish melodies displays the range of musical talents and reminds us that "in Him even the darkness is light." There is None Like You is a beautifully simple worship song speaking of the love and mercy of God in a difficult world.

In this live recording, worship leader Robin Mark prays and quotes Scripture, encouraging a response within our hearts and lives. All is well is a prayer of trust in God- whom we may not be able to see, but who is clearly in control and knows our deepest hurts and fears. Other highlights are Glory to Your Name, the cover song Year of Grace and a personal favourite Highly Exalted which is a glorious anthem of praise in response to Jesus' humility in death.

This album speaks pertinently into today's culture, whilst reminding us to keep our eyes on the one who is "Mercy and Beauty and Grace" - Jesus Christ the only Saviour.