In preparing for the Ash Wednesday service, I’ve read the repentant prayers of puritans, old hymns and texts, and scripture dealing with repentance. Through this I’ve noticed a lost language in church today. This isn’t a call to the flowery language of King James’ time (remember: thee before thou except after thine), but we lack a language of confession and repentance. Perhaps it was a pendulum swing from the “I’m a wretched worm” mentality that didn’t move from the cross to the good news of the resurrection, but today the most intense thing you’ll hear many Christians say to God is “I’m sorry”. Simply saying those words, as any experienced husband will testify, is not a magic phrase that fixes all problems. True repentance before God is more than an acknowledgement of wrongdoing, but a change of heart, a 180 degree turn back to God. Sadly, most of us feel guilty or caught, say we’re sorry, make some promises that may or may not involve putting money in a jar to deter us from sin, and then go about trying to conjure up ways to still do whatever we want while feeling right with God. I know because it’s a pattern in my life.

We’re like the unrepentant cities in Matthew 11:20-24, of whom Jesus says “For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” Notice the cause of repentance wasn’t that they were compelled by guilt or their sin was found out; Jesus revealed himself to be God by performing miracles. The light of God shone on them, and they held onto the darkness.

Similar to these people, when the holiness of Jesus is revealed we harden our hearts in order to maintain control. We ignore the Holy Spirit calling us to God, the accountability of brothers and sisters in Christ and the rebuke of pastors; all because we don’t want to stop gossiping, getting drunk, overeating, lusting, etc. How can we get away with that, how do we sleep at night? Easy; by praising the name of Jesus through singing, bumper stickers and church attendance. By volunteering at church, listening to “christian” music, and having quiet times. Instead of ceasing to worship other things, we add more worship of God, thinking this will appease him. Notice those are all outward actions, which require no actual heart change.

Meanwhile, we never respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Instead of repenting, we keep singing about how good God is, deep down hoping that He’s good enough to put up with our continued rebellion, our unrepentant sin. This is not God-honoring, but a mockery of the good Father. Is he moved that we sing lyrics that accurately portray his character? Do you think a husband is moved when his unfaithful wife says “You’re a good man. I love you”?

Read Isaiah 1:11-17 for God’s response to our one-dimensional worship.

I hope you join us tonight at the Ash Wednesday service as we begin a journey of repentance. 7:00 pm, Raleigh campus of Vintage21 Church.

The temptation is for us to look back and think of the disciples as uneducated, foolish country folk who didn’t understand Jesus. While ignorance plays a part, a larger problem is pride. Each disciple had an idea of what it meant for Jesus to become king. He was powerful enough to raise people from the dead, backed every claim he made, and no one could stump him with a question. The disciples hoped for a revolutionary warrior king who would raise up an army and conquer every other people group. Even though he told them repeatedly he was going to be killed and rise from the dead, they believed what they wanted. I imagine their view of Jesus and actions towards him was often driven by their own selfish desires. Thank goodness we don’t do that!

Right?

In reality, we are worse than the disciples. We have God’s word, which tells us the full story of Jesus, the early church and His foretold return. We have 2,000 years of church history to inspire us; brilliant sermons, books and songs to learn from. Still we have our own idea of who Jesus is, adding to or detracting from the Jesus from scripture. We ignore parts of his character and downplay certain actions or words while raising others to a level of importance not backed by the Bible. All of this, in order to retain control of our lives or further our own cause. Several weeks ago Pastor Tyler preached about the “Oprah Jesus”, the “Mr. Rogers Jesus”, “Jesus The Good Buddy” and other common portrayals of Jesus. We believe what we want, and in doing so deny the true God.

This Sunday we’re singing “In The Shadow Of The Glorious Cross” by Brooks Ritter and Rebecca Bales, which speaks of throwing down our earthly crowns at the feet of Jesus, the worthy lamb. This is in contrast to how many of us view and treat Jesus, as someone we approach him at a bargaining table with terms we hope to hold onto in this agreement. The true Jesus is an offense to our pride, our self-control and our own desires. How will you sing this song on Sunday? I encourage everyone to make this a confession of pride. Begin confessing now – read the words below, listen to the song, and confess to God what you are holding into in place of trusting him.

You can purchase the song here on iTunes or simply listen here on Last.fm (click the play icon in the top right of the page).

In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross
Brooks Ritter and Rebecca Bales

In the shadow of the glorious cross
Compelled by grace to cast my lot
I’ll discard the loss and bare your name
Forsaking all for your own fame

Your hymn of grace sung over me
Abounding forth in glorious streams
My thirst is quenched by you my Lord
Sustained am I redeemed restored
Sustained am I redeemed restored

Hallelujah,  Hallelujah

When death’s dark shadow’s at my feet
When I am plagued by unbelief
You place my hands into your side
By precious blood identified
By precious blood identified

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

These crowns I’ve clenched with fisted hands
I cast them down before the throne
Of Christ my God the worthy lamb
Christ crucified, the Great I AM. (3x)

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

It is my conviction that when we believe this verse, our lives will become clear, and the peace of God will be ours. While I claim to believe, the evidence of my life often proves otherwise. If I believe the God of the universe lives inside of me, why do I try to achieve everything in my own strength? Why do I place such value in temporal things? To use Pastor Tyler’s example from a few weeks back, why do I treat Jesus like an old man in a rocking chair whom I visit occasionally to make him smile, but who otherwise bears no power or weight in my day-to-day life?

I’m a new creation, having been saved by the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ. When God sees me, He sees His Son. Yet I hold on to the temporal, the earthly, the self. I would rather live a lonely life, perceiving control over a small pile of bricks in the mud and living exposed to harsh elements than dwell in the house of the good Father, living out who I was created to be. How frustrating this must be to God!

This is why we are not only saved by God but sanctified by His Spirit, which is a process of becoming who God created and saved us to be. In essence, it’s darkness becoming light. The lies we hold on to are eclipsed by truth as we are changed.

Today I want to remind myself and you of this truth, and say this: Give in. Give up. You’re not called to make yourself clean and work your way to God, but simply to believe. Stop fighting, stop working, and go to Jesus who said “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

The new song below is simple in it’s truth, and at first glance you might think “Why don’t we sing something deeper?” Until we believe, we will sing this simple truth. (To be honest, after we believe we’ll continue to sing it, from grateful hearts who know peace). Don’t move quickly past this, but pray that it would become your reality.

To Know Your Name
Words and Lyrics by Matt Crocker

The precious blood of Jesus Christ redeems
Forgiven I’m alive restored set free
Your majesty resides inside of me
Forever I believe
Forever I believe

Arrested by your truth and righteousness
Your grace has overwhelmed my brokenness
Convicted by Your spirit, led by Your word
Your love will never fail
Your love will never fail

‘Cause I know you gave the world Your only Son for us
To know your name, to live within the Savior’s love
And He took my place, knowing he’d be crucified
And you loved, you loved a people undeserving

I first hear this song at the Verge 2010 Conference in Austin, Texas. Worship leader Aaron Ivey and his band did a fanastic job leading, below is a video of the song from their Sunday service at Austin Stone Community Church.

Over the last two weeks in January the daily posts on worship.vintage21.com were geared towards preparing for corporate worship on Sundays. These posts included the scripture we would study together, thoughts on preparing our hearts, and songs we were going to sing. The intent behind these posts is to ask Him to soften our hearts for his words during that powerful time together. Because our call is to worship to God in each moment with every action and thought, not simply an hour on Sundays through singing songs, I hope these posts become more than preparation.

When we recorded the album “All Things Praise” our goal was to take a cultural understanding of worship – music and singing on Sundays – and broaden it to a more biblical view – living every second of every day as an appropriate response to Jesus Christ. One of the main reasons behind recording an album was in hopes that the congregation of Vintage21 Church would take their praise through these songs out of the Sunday service and into the world. The idea is that as you sing songs and psalms, read and memorize scripture, God’s truths will be woven into your heart and mind. His desires become your desires, his ways your ways. This process of making us more like His Son is called sanctification, and is led by the Holy Spirit. Sadly, the Western church often ignores this, defining “Christ follower” as someone who attends an event each week, while living unchanged the rest of the time. Through these posts we will attempt to weave the language of response, truth of God, and posture of humility into our daily lives. We will come prepared on Sundays, but more importantly our lives will begin to change; we will grow to worship God in every moment.

Today, spend time in prayer, remembering what God taught you specifically yesterday, asking Him to make it a reality in your life. Repent of your selfishness, pride, and any other sin that you are aware of. Thank God for his faithfulness in sanctifying you.

Tomorrow: A new song for Vintage21 Church.

Today’s post comes from a conference called Verge in Austin, Texas. Pastor Nate Williams and I traveled here to learn more about “missional communities”, or how to live as the church. The teaching has been challenging on some levels, and on other levels affirming to how we are seeking to live out the gospel at Vintage21 Church. To watch online, visit verge2010.org.

A bonus of attending conferences is being able to worship through singing in an environment that is not Vintage21 Church. As much as I love worshiping with my church family, it’s difficult to turn off the radar of responsibility while there. I have no complaints- my job is an honor and a joy- but it is enjoyable to attend a conference where I can worship through new songs with a musical style or approach that is unfamiliar, without thinking about the logistics of the service. Being away, among believers from all over often reminds me that I’m a child of God who has received immeasurable mercy, and his movement is much larger than my small brain comprehends or selfishly tries to compartmentalize.

Just as I’m able to worship God at Vintage21 while dealing with the responsibility of the role of leadership, it’s impossible at conferences not to think about the experience of worship, the methodology of the bands leading and not consider Vintage21 in light of it. During some songs I sit back and watch, listen, think and dream. Just like the teaching at conferences, the music is challenging on some levels and affirming on others.

What God has done with music at Vintage21 is unique and real. We have gone through phases of methodology, but thankfully our focus has always centered on glorifying Jesus. We’ve developed methodology not as a carbon copy of what other churches do or what the Christian music industry defines as “worship music”, nor have we defined ourselves in reaction to the shortcomings of christian culture. In addition, the musicians of V21 can be defined in one word: humble. They do not seek their own glory but that of Jesus Christ’s. I am honored and thankful to be at Vintage21 Church, and praise him for each musician.

But…

When I attend other conferences or churches, there is something illuminated at Vintage21: our reluctance to worship God with abandonment. Is it fear? Pride? Ignorance? Before you dismiss this accusation with the thought, “It’s just the way I worship – don’t judge me”, go with me for a moment. Consider whether or not there is pride, fear, or unconfessed sin. Ask yourself whether or not the revealed glory of Christ, the good news of the Cross, and the freedom, mercy and forgiveness compels you to respond in the way you do. Or, are you practicing worship first by what makes you comfortable, and second by what God is worthy of and/or calling you to?

I’m not calling for an awkward environment where non-believers are confused and unwelcome by our practices. But we should be challenged – I am challenged and convicted – and the result of prayer, repentance and humble seeking will not leave us in the same place.

This is an ongoing issue at Vintage21 Church among both the musicians and congregation, and will be a prominent topic next week as we prepare to worship together on Sunday, February 14th.

Know this, Vintage21: I love you deeply, and am driven not by a certain model or method, but a desire to see you free from sin, pride and fear. Praise God that He will draw us out of these.

]]> http://worship.vintage21.com/2010/02/a-lesson-were-still-learning/feed/ 6 http://worship.vintage21.com/2010/02/church-service-is-cancelled-worship-is-not/ http://worship.vintage21.com/2010/02/church-service-is-cancelled-worship-is-not/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:30:52 +0000 Matt Stevens http://worship.vintage21.com/?p=796 This past weekend’s snowstorm and subsequent freezing temperatures left us no choice and for the first time ever, Vintage21 Church cancelled our services. We take this seriously, as each weekend is a chance to reflect Jesus to a lost world. I’m curious as to how this affected your view of worship. Did you see it as a “day off” from God? For me, it was a day off from leading others in worship, which I was not excited about – my role is a joy, and I am excited to be a part of what God does each Sunday in healing us, encouraging us by His Spirit, and drawing us to Himself through His Son. On the other hand, it was a blessing to have another day with my wife and two daughters, and I loved every minute of it. The heart perspective was different from a normal day, though, as I had the “missed worship” on my mind. How would we worship God as a family? How would I worship God without leading, singing, playing?

As written in the last post, it came down to my heart more than my actions. For the most part, our actions were normal for our family – playing, dancing, making food, praying, cleaning up, etc. – but the difference was an intent to worship God in that. Was this “less worship” than if Sunday had gone on as planned?

If you were at a church service, singing songs with a self-righteous belief that God would perhaps give you what you want since you were there, is that more worshipful than if you were home with your family, cooking breakfast with a thankful heart to God?

There’s no reason your worship would not be as pure, righteous and pleasing to God at home than if you were at church, singing in response. While the gathering includes prescribed and normative forms of worship- singing, communion, preaching of the Word, giving tithes – it is through Christ that we can know God, respond to Him in worship, and be seen as righteous. The Holy Spirit of God literally lives within us – our entire lives are to be lived as a worshipful response, whether we have a church service at Vintage21 or not.

Did you worship God yesterday? How did the cancellation of V21 services affect this? Comments and questions are always welcome.

While the Pharisees catch flak from our arrogant hindsight, we’re often similar in our approach to God. In their mind, the “what” you do mattered more than the “why”, or the heart behind it. For instance, it’s much easier to worship God when you define that as a quantifiable law or event. In our case, that’s attending church on Sundays and singing to God. We believe if we really concentrate on the words, sing as well as we can, we’ve worshiped Him. Jesus spent a great deal of time addressing their distorted view. Matthew 15 is a particularly convicting passage, as Jesus quotes Isaiah 29:13 right in the face of the Pharisees:

“This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me”

A common theme in Jesus’ teaching is the examination of the heart, and the change needed in order to honor and worship God. Arguably, our heart is more important than our actions. Hold onto your tights, Brother Hood; Before you rob a bank to give to the poor, keep reading. Christ does not give us license to do whatever we want, as long as our hearts are right. In any case, when your heart is right, your actions and desires will be as well. This is behind Christ’s command in John 15:7 to “ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

As we seek to worship God outside of singing on Sundays, we often get hung up on our actions instead of examining our heart. This line of logic leads many to the conclusion that a person working for a church worships God much more than a bank teller. Let me assure you, having a job in ministry does not make you any more holy, any more righteous with God, or does it mean you worship God more. All it does is provide another method of legalism for those who would distortedly purport to be holy by their own actions. For all of us, worshiping God in each moment is not what you’re doing, but why. Are you serving yourself or God in this moment? Am I writing this blog entry out of a selfish desire to gain attention, or a humble obedience to God? Are you doing your tasks at work just to keep your boss or co-workers off your back, or are you humbly seeking to honor your boss in what’s been asked of you, because your worth is found in Christ? Your heart is what matters most. Give it to Christ, and ask the Spirit to sanctify you, that is; make your heart like Christ’s.

“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” – 1 Thess. 5:23-24

The remaining two songs we’ll sing this Sunday are And Can It Be That I Should Gain and Thank You. As you read the lyrics below, consider just what God has done for you, and ask Him to make them the natural response of your heart. Enter this Sunday thanking God for what He’s done and who He is.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday, and continuing our worship of God together.

- Matt Stevens

]]> http://worship.vintage21.com/2010/01/preparing-for-sunday-beyond-singing/feed/ 0 http://worship.vintage21.com/2010/01/preparing-for-sunday-believe/ http://worship.vintage21.com/2010/01/preparing-for-sunday-believe/#comments Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:05:22 +0000 Matt Stevens http://worship.vintage21.com/?p=775

Imagine what our lives would be like if we actually believed what we were singing on Sundays. Before you think “I do believe what we’re singing” and click away to watch that hilarious monkey on a segway on youtube, read the lyrics below and ask yourself, “Do I believe this about myself?”

Before the throne of God above I have a strong and perfect plea, a great High Priest whose name is love, who ever lives and pleads for me.

If you believe this, does it affect you? Is it something you believe in your head as fact, while your heart remains unchanged? Believing this means you will stand before a Holy God with confidence, your guilt replaced with a complete sense of forgiveness and righteousness. Personally, this is something I understand in my head, but it comes and goes in my heart. If I truly believed that I am already right before God, why do I try to earn righteousness? Why do I play a game of religion, where I justify my actions by comparing myself to others “not as good as me”? If Christ’s name is Love, and he ever lives and pleads for me, why do I treat him like a boring old man rocking on a porch thinking a Werthers will solve all my problems?

Chances are, when we’re honest we realize our belief in God is shallow, limited to our own terms, and doesn’t quite penetrate our heart. This is part of the reason corporate worship is so beautiful, so essential. Often on Sunday I’m brought to tears in an instant, unable to sing. In that moment when my mind is not centered on myself, God speaks to me, saying “I am satisfied to look on my Son and pardon you. Be forgiven and believe.” I long to feel that peace and joy each day.

In preparing your heart for Sunday and worshiping God today, read the lyrics below and listen to the song. Ask yourself, “Do I believe this?” Pray to God that you would, ask Him to make that a reality in your life. “His compassions never fail, they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). If we believe these words, in our heart, so much of that joy you’ve been longing for will be found in Him.

Before The Throne Of God Above
Words by Charitie Bancroft, 1863
Arrangement by Sojourn Church

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea,
A great High Priest whose name is “Love,”
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart;
I know that while in heav’n He stands
no tongue can bid me thence depart.
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
and tells me of the guilt within,
upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin.
One with Himself I cannot die,
My soul is purchased by His blood;
My life is hid with Christ on high,
with Christ, my Savior and my God
with Christ, my Savior and my God

Behold him there! the risen Lamb,
my perfect, spotless Righteousness,
the great unchangeable I AM,
the King of glory and of grace!
Because the sinless Savior died,
my sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
to look on him and pardon me.
to look on him and pardon me.

To purchase this song by Sojourn Church, visit iTunes. To listen, here’s a link for last.fm.