September 21, 2008

This marks the first Sunday in probably four years that we haven’t done an original Vintage21 composition. At first, this bothered me, but then I realized adding a song just because it’s an original is as bad as adding a song simply because people like singing it, or you like playing it. The beautiful part is that no one noticed. Hopefully this points to a desire to worship God and not simply sing familiar songs.

In Christ Alone
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend

This song for us really gets rocking by the end of it, so we tried to start with the “end energy” at the beginning. Being in a series on Ecclesiastes, it’s important to start the service with a strong foundation of Jesus Christ. Granted, the entire Bible is about Jesus, but with Ecclesiastes there’s a different approach, and with such a style has the “Jesus” part coming in at the end of the sermon. Plus, I’m still wrestling with the “First Song” idea, and this was a good song of proclamation.

Sermon: Ecclesiastes 2:12-26
Death. It doesn’t get much more depressing than that! In chapter 2 Solomon breaks it all down to the common denominator- rich or poor, faithful or not, good or bad, we all die. This series is forcing everyone to reckon with where they stand, what they believe.

Jesus Paid It All
Words by Elvina Hall, 1865
Arrangement by Kristian Stanfill

This was one of our top five songs at Vintage21. Granted, this is a subjective statement, but I’m judging based on the words, the response, and the feel of when we sing it. Yesterday was no different, and essential that we are reminded of the following in this Ecclesiastes series as we examine what we are living for:

“And when before the throne I stand in Him complete
I’ll lay my trophies down, all down at Jesus’ feet.”

How Deep The Father’s Love For Us
Words and Music by Stuart Townend

The beautiful part of hymns, both old and new, are the depth of theology that is succinctly packed into stanzas. This is also their downfall, as ideas, words and phrases are quickly passed over. This week, I was unable to get past the second line of the first stanza.

“That He should give his only son to make a wretch his treasure.”

The rest of the song is beautiful, but that line right there is something we all need to reckon with daily.

By Thy Mercy (Jesus, Lord of Life and Glory)
Words by James Cummins, 1839
Music by Greg Thompson, 2004
Addtl. Music and Lyrics by Vintage21 Church, 2008

This was the third time we’ve done this song, and still feels very new. It’s a beautiful song, and I sensed resonance with the congregation. We extended the end, and repeated “Good Lord, You are good Lord” over and over. Simple words: or are they?

Chainbreaker
Words by Charlie Hall
Music by Kendall Combes, Dustin Ragland, Brian Bergman, Quint Anderson

Another fairly new song, but it’s catching on. I long for the day when people sing the following line and lift their hands in thankfulness and representation of this truth:

“We are free, we are free, Yeah the Son has set us free!
Drop your chains, sons and daughters, come and run in liberty”

Next Sunday Jarred Mercer will be leading Prodigal Family Band. I’m looking forward to worshiping amongst the people, and singing the great songs he’s written.

Today’s Sunday Review is posted in collaboration with other church music ministries at Sunday Setlists.