Today I will assemble with the spiritual family on Baxter’s campus. Perhaps as many as 1000 Christians will gather to worship, representing different countries of Latin America and various states of the United States, and representing many different congregations. Gathering together in the amphitheater, now covered with a permanent roof, we will sing and pray, …
Category Archives: Worship
It’s Sunday Again: Remembering Forward
Sometimes we remember our past and relish the experiences, relationships, and emotions as they were–a part of the fabric of our lives, but something locked in the past. Sometimes we remember and celebrate the past because of its continuing impact in the present and future. These two kinds of remembering, remembering back and remembering forward, …
It’s Sunday Again: Anticipation
I have been thinking about and anticipating today since last Wednesday evening’s Bible class. The conversation during the class and afterward, and the sweet fellowship we enjoyed as we lingered together to laugh and love, whetted my appetite for sharing time with the spiritual family. Today is the day we meet. Together we will come …
Meeting God in Worship
This morning’s worship in song was marvelous! Jan and I have been at Park Plaza for three months–I do not remember Keith Lancaster repeating any worship song during that period. Each Sunday is outstanding–bringing us into the very throne room of God where his holiness is seen by the eye of faith. Thank you, Keith, …
Meeting God at the Table is No Small Thing
Luke 22 is a favorite text to which I return again and again during the weekly communion service. Jesus expresses to his disciples his intense desire to meet with them before his suffering and death. “With much desire, I have desired to eat with you.” From a human vantage point it is difficult to understand …
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It’s Sunday Again: Reminders
In the Old Testament, God’s people were called to his presence and to worship for several reasons. The feasts and festivals, along with the weekly Sabbath, were reminders. One could develop an extensive list of the things Israel was to remember. A short list could include that Israel was to remember God’s nature, his initiative …
It’s Sunday Again: Sharing the Word Among God’s People
Another Sunday, reflecting, thinking, remembering. Another Sunday in a long series of Sundays, so long I cannot remember the beginning, now over 3000 Sundays. A lifetime of Sundays, it seems like so many, it seems like so few. Only 3000. This is not the first Sunday I have spent in Honduras, but I do not …
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Worship and Enjoyment
C. S. Lewis said something like this in his little work on the Psalms: “We praise what we enjoy.” We are not thankful for what we do not enjoy. We do not praise what we do not enjoy. Some folks do not come to church because they do not enjoy. Some folks feel no compulsion …
What a Spiritual Family!
Our visit with a different part of our “forever family” yesterday did not disappoint. The opening scripture and prayer led by a young teenager, songs of praise and adoration, a thoughtful and challenging meditation as we surrounded the Lord’s Table, prayers for special needs including a special time of assembled prayer to send a member …
How Important Is It to You?
An experience from my recent trip to Colombia continues to grab my attention. One day we went into the mountains to visit and study with a family. Some family members were Christians–some were not. We left as soon as possible after breakfast. At first the road was at least acceptable, but as we climbed further …