This week our lead pastor, Joe Hishmeh, taught about biblical submission in marriage as he continued our series, "Ephesians - United in Christ." It was the most clear and challenging explanation of Ephesians 5:21-33 that I have ever heard. You can listen to or watch the entire message and service here. In our singing, we focused primarily on how Jesus came and sacrificed Himself for the Church, that we could be redeemed and have eternal life. We also focused some on God aligning our hearts to His, that we might love others as He has loved us.
Here's our service plan from this weekend:
Welcome "In Tenderness" (G) [Adoniram Judson Gordon, W. Spencer Walton, arr. by Citizens] "Hosanna" (G) [Brooke Fraser] Greeting Time/Announcements Message - "Ephesians 5:21-33" [Joe Hishmeh] "Love Is Not A Fight" (A) [Warren Barfield] "Jesus Messiah" (A) [Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, Jesse Reeves, Chris Tomlin] "You Have Overcome" (A) [Bill Horn, Erik Oldberg] "Before The Throne" (A) [Charitie Lees Bancroft, arr. by The Modern Post] Dismissal
Thoughts: This was a great weekend. Our team did an excellent job. We had a new team member, Thomas Banley, on bass, and he did a great job. "Love Is Not A Fight" was a good connection with the message, and a challenge to fight for our marriages. "In Tenderness," "Jesus Messiah," "You Have Overcome," and "Before The Throne" were great for us to focus on the gospel and recognize the love that Jesus demonstrated for us at the cross. As Joe said, the gospel and Christ's love for us is the foundation for how we love one another. "Before The Throne" was a new rendition by one of Mars Hill Church's bands, The Modern Post, led by Dustin Kensrue. It takes it from the usual 3/4 time to 4/4, and it has a great and unique feel to it. Typically, the slower 3/4 arrangement has a more reflective feel to it, while this 4/4 version feels like a strong declaration of the truths contained in the lyric. I really look forward to singing this song in particular with the church again soon, especially the end of the second verse: "Because the sinless Savior died/ My sinful soul is counted free/ For God the Just was satisfied/ To look on Him and pardon me." What a great way to end our services this weekend!
What were your thoughts or experiences on your worship experience this weekend?
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