It's been awhile and I kind of forgot that I owned this blog. But I wanted to share a unique transformation that I've gone through from "Examining God's Word" to music writing with God's Word! I've been a worship leader in the church for almost a decade and have always loved the worship songs; how many of them use God's Word in lyrical format (by the way, songs are how most of the Psalms were written). As we sing in church, we are essentially memorizing God's Word. Check out "By His Wounds" (Isa. 53:5) and "Jesus Messiah" (2 For. 5:21) for great examples of this.
Love this version of "By His Wounds."
As I've ventured to write my own lyrics from studying His Word, I was inspired by my local church's way of presenting baptisms, so I studied what the Bible had to say about Baptism in order to write a song. The result is below. I hope you enjoy this song titled, "Baptize Me," which has been in the making for over a year. In the video's explanation on YouTube, you can read the many Scripture references I studied that went into the making of this song...some of which come from Romans 6 in this revitalized blog series! God knows.
It was such a rewarding experience to sing God's Word, that I'm pursuing this more as a career in music while leading God's people in worship each week.
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Monday, January 12, 2015
Introduction to Romans 6: part 13 - Closing
As previously mentioned, having a deeper understanding of Romans, especially now, is very important to my current ministry as a worship leader. Our pastor is currently preaching on the book of Romans, verse by verse, working through Romans 6:1-14 this week, the very passage we've taken on in previous posts.
Many times I am asked by the pastor to read the passage that relates to his sermon for the week to the congregation. Having a deeper knowledge of the book fits in perfect this week and directly relates to the first century churches where God’s Word was read aloud. By having done this work-up, I can read with confidence God’s Word and know some of the history related to it if asked later. As a leader in the church, I’m expected to be diligent in my study of the Word and be prepared to have answers for believers or be “prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have (1 Pet. 3:15).”
Looking ahead 5-10 years down the road, I intend to write some counseling books and possibly work as a marriage counselor, so my understanding of Scripture and its background is critical to counseling people, much like in a pastoral realm.
Many times I am asked by the pastor to read the passage that relates to his sermon for the week to the congregation. Having a deeper knowledge of the book fits in perfect this week and directly relates to the first century churches where God’s Word was read aloud. By having done this work-up, I can read with confidence God’s Word and know some of the history related to it if asked later. As a leader in the church, I’m expected to be diligent in my study of the Word and be prepared to have answers for believers or be “prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have (1 Pet. 3:15).”
Looking ahead 5-10 years down the road, I intend to write some counseling books and possibly work as a marriage counselor, so my understanding of Scripture and its background is critical to counseling people, much like in a pastoral realm.
Where is God leading you?
Introduction to Romans 6: part 12 - Other thoughts to Apostle Paul's letter
The book of Romans as a whole is complex, yet simple to understand and read. I feel you could read it over and over throughout your lifetime and never know everything.
As I read through other scholarly work to get more understanding, I found my biggest takeaway was a deeper understanding of the first century time through the reading, and relating to the book of Romans. As I read through three chapters of Greco-Roman World of the New Testament, by author James Jeffers, I delved deeper into the Word as Paul related and taught those he ministered to in the first century.
First of all, I understood from reading through Romans and other studies of the book in the past that Jews and Gentiles struggled to live and serve the same God together. From a deeper understanding in this week’s work, I can now see that Jews faced desires to become a slave to the Roman way of life, yet reflect in their walk that it was a blessing from God, while giving in to worldly desires. Jews were suppressed often, and so I can sympathize to a certain point how this difficult life must have been, especially from chapter one of Jeffer’s book.
As I read through other scholarly work to get more understanding, I found my biggest takeaway was a deeper understanding of the first century time through the reading, and relating to the book of Romans. As I read through three chapters of Greco-Roman World of the New Testament, by author James Jeffers, I delved deeper into the Word as Paul related and taught those he ministered to in the first century.
First of all, I understood from reading through Romans and other studies of the book in the past that Jews and Gentiles struggled to live and serve the same God together. From a deeper understanding in this week’s work, I can now see that Jews faced desires to become a slave to the Roman way of life, yet reflect in their walk that it was a blessing from God, while giving in to worldly desires. Jews were suppressed often, and so I can sympathize to a certain point how this difficult life must have been, especially from chapter one of Jeffer’s book.
More to come as we bring our study and discussion on Romans to a close!
Introduction to Romans 6: part 11 - Other thoughts to Apostle Paul's letter
Continuing to look for deeper meaning and context, I've quickly been made aware that there is much more to knowing the book of Romans than I originally anticipated, which also explains my initial difficulty and frustration in dealing with its context and content from the start. I've been both excited and taken aback by the level of thinking I've already been exposed to in just working these first 11 verses of Romans chapter 6.
Currently in my new ministry as worship leader of my church, I lean heavily on my pastor for guidance and wisdom concerning my involvement as a leader in front of the congregation. As I seek his guidance as well as God’s, it’s my intention to not only lead in worship, but to speak God’s Word into the hearts of those I’m leading, relating to the audience through music. Diving deeper into His Word, particularly the book of Romans and knowing the Apostle who wrote it, will give me the confidence I need to speak boldly and confidently.
Currently in my new ministry as worship leader of my church, I lean heavily on my pastor for guidance and wisdom concerning my involvement as a leader in front of the congregation. As I seek his guidance as well as God’s, it’s my intention to not only lead in worship, but to speak God’s Word into the hearts of those I’m leading, relating to the audience through music. Diving deeper into His Word, particularly the book of Romans and knowing the Apostle who wrote it, will give me the confidence I need to speak boldly and confidently.
How do you relate to people in your church as you lead?
Introduction to Romans 6: part 10 - Other thoughts to Apostle Paul's letter
In looking at this week's
reading of Romans 6, it's important to briefly look back at some context; what is said before the passage and after, in order to find additional application nuggets or just have a deeper understanding. In Romans chapter 5, Paul helps us in understanding how to "rejoice in our sufferings (Romans
5:3)." This can be a hard thing to swallow, or ask someone to fully comprehend
when dealing with pain. I have often told someone who was suffering through a
trial, that God has them right where they need to be. I have also relayed that
Jesus said, "in this world we will have troubles" or that, as Romans
5:4 states, our perseverance will eventually result in a hope that does not
disappoint. However, a suffering believer sometimes can't bring themselves to
fully live in the hope that is found in God and His salvation when the pain is
too great. It's hard for someone like me, through my leadership in the church
as one who has a spiritual gift for exhortation, to speak Truth.
Who have you helped recently while reciting Scripture? Do you know what your spiritual gifts are?
Who have you helped recently while reciting Scripture? Do you know what your spiritual gifts are?
Introduction to Romans 6: part 9 - Application for the church
Looking back at our passage study of Romans 6:1-11, the passage opens up a deeper understanding that can fuel the life of the Church in
ways that brings an understanding that life is not full of roses as a
Christian. Although this passage does not speak to it directly, it lends
understanding that once we have a first-class seat to eternity; we can rest in
that blessed assurance of the Father’s Glory so when trouble does come (and it
will come, along with the temptation of sin to the old, mortal body) we can get
through trials and we, too, will eventually “overcome the world (John 16:33).”
If you're a leader or a pastor, do you fuel your church with deep application that drives others to want to learn more about God and how to get to know Christ personally?
If you're a leader or a pastor, do you fuel your church with deep application that drives others to want to learn more about God and how to get to know Christ personally?
Introduction to Romans 6: part 8 - Further application
In my current position as a worship leader in my church, I am called to read Scripture, even relate passages to the music selections each week in order to help the congregation gain a similar understanding of Scripture through the weekly sermon. I am expected to be diligent in my study of the Word, attend Sunday School regularly, and be “prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have (1 Pet. 3:15).” My advance studies with Moody Bible Institute are constantly used in this capacity as well.
How do you use Scripture in your daily life?
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