Worship that comes from deep in our hearts is the expression of our love, gratitude, and sense of awe toward an all-powerful, Father-God who knows all our faults, yet loves and pursues us anyway. This profound experience is reserved only for those who trust in the good news that God is love and willing to forgive our sins. Of course the first step is our acknowledgement that we are guilty of breaking our relationship with God beyond any chance of repairing it ourselves. It is only after we recognize the heavy chains of bondage we have created with our rebellion, can we understand just how unbelievably blessed we are to have those chains broken and thrown away - to experience true freedom.
We must first fully embrace the bad news about our self, before we are ready to receive the good news about Jesus. His death on the cross is meaningless to us until we realize "He suffered what I deserve."
John Newton was a British sailor, who after serving in the Royal Navy, came to captain a ship used for the slave trade with Africa. Over time, his soul could no longer take the guilt of his part in the slave industry. Burdened with a deep conviction of his sin, Newton found his way to God, and eventually wrote the lyrics to arguably the most popular hymn of all time. Amazing Grace
Take a minute to soak in the message of a reformed slave-trader who finally saw what sin had made him - then turned to God for healing and forgiveness.
"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that save wretch like me..."
When we come together to worship - it should be a place of healing and restoration for anyone seeking God's help. It is my prayer and hope that the members and guests who worship with us each Sunday feel they are in a safe place and can sense God's Grace and healing - that the worship would be powerful medicine to heal and restore the broken-hearted. I know it has been that for me countless times over the years. I hope it is that for you too.
For His Glory,
Dave Swanson
Worship Leader