This the Power of the Cross

The organizers of the convention were sweet enough to invite this sister in Christ (and her awesome pipes) to minister to the messengers in song. Posting this both for your listening pleasure, to build you up in your faith, and in hopes that Steve will hear it and be 'inspired.'

Steve: hint hint! I love you man. Keep bringing the blessing of joyous worship to us.

I was at a pastor's conference in 2005 where a speaker mentioned that we need to become less psalmic in our praise of God, and more centered on New Testament worship. Psalmic worship has its place in our worship services: praising God for the blessings He heaps on us, for His goodness to all humanity, for His faithful provision throughout history. In truth, all humanity can worship Him for these blessings.

When the church assembles to worship, we are celebrating something very specific. We are rejoicing in the fact that though we are the worst of sinners, God has given us the most precious of gifts. He has purified us and given us the adoption of sons by virtue of the death of his beloved Son. We are able to stand in His presence because of Jesus, and the cross, and His blood and body broken for us. This is what we are called to praise God for.

I mentioned this in passing yesterday, but i'll mention it formally here. I am thankful for the leadership Steve and Tim bring to us each Sunday. We are blessed at Harvest with humble, Godly leadership in this area, aren't we? (Hint to all: You can say yes in the comments. If they get big heads, we'll blog on that.)

Enjoy the videos.



I'll verify, but I think that Mrs. Getty's husband wrote this song as well, with Stuart Townsend. Truly, these beleivers have been given to the church as a gift for edifying us through worship.