Pastor’s Perspective: A Time to Sing
Dear Calvary Chapel Family,
In our final Nehemiah study this Sunday, we will celebrate the dedication of Jerusalem’s wall—it’s celebration time! As I study the places in Scripture that highlight singing, praise, worship, and various celebrations, I can’t help but wonder if we sometimes hold back too much in our worship. Control, moderation, and consistency are valuable in our gatherings and help prevent us from slipping into emotionalism. However, in striving for this, we may unintentionally sacrifice joyful expressions of genuine singing and praise.
I don’t know if we can ever strike a perfect balance, but I believe we could “cut loose” a little more—singing, praising, and worshiping with greater freedom of expression without drawing attention to ourselves, especially if we are all doing it together. I encourage you to prayerfully prepare your heart for our congregational gatherings. Feel free to express your sincere worship in shouts of joy and thanksgiving to God! Come early for prayer time, and let’s lift this before the Lord ahead of our time of singing.
In Nehemiah 12, at the wall’s dedication, the Levites and singers from all around Jerusalem were called together to lead a remarkable procession of praise. They divided into two large groups—one led by the priest Ezra and the other by Governor Nehemiah. Both groups climbed on top of the wall, marching in opposite directions, leading the people in gladness, hymns, and songs! Archaeologists tell us the wall at that time varied from 17 to 25 feet wide at the base and was likely over 8 feet wide at the top. I don’t know if they had OSHA-approved handrails, but what an experience it must have been to witness that celebration!
Today, we have even greater reason to rejoice. This age of grace is setting people free, giving new beginnings, and restoring hope! Will you join us on the wall, or watch from the safety of home? I look forward to every one of our gatherings. May our singing knock it out of the park this weekend—all for Jesus!
Our baptism service is coming up on September 14. Are you ready to make a public stand? It’s time to commit to the amazing Savior of our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord.
See you there—or in the air!
Pastor Marv
In our final Nehemiah study this Sunday, we will celebrate the dedication of Jerusalem’s wall—it’s celebration time! As I study the places in Scripture that highlight singing, praise, worship, and various celebrations, I can’t help but wonder if we sometimes hold back too much in our worship. Control, moderation, and consistency are valuable in our gatherings and help prevent us from slipping into emotionalism. However, in striving for this, we may unintentionally sacrifice joyful expressions of genuine singing and praise.
I don’t know if we can ever strike a perfect balance, but I believe we could “cut loose” a little more—singing, praising, and worshiping with greater freedom of expression without drawing attention to ourselves, especially if we are all doing it together. I encourage you to prayerfully prepare your heart for our congregational gatherings. Feel free to express your sincere worship in shouts of joy and thanksgiving to God! Come early for prayer time, and let’s lift this before the Lord ahead of our time of singing.
In Nehemiah 12, at the wall’s dedication, the Levites and singers from all around Jerusalem were called together to lead a remarkable procession of praise. They divided into two large groups—one led by the priest Ezra and the other by Governor Nehemiah. Both groups climbed on top of the wall, marching in opposite directions, leading the people in gladness, hymns, and songs! Archaeologists tell us the wall at that time varied from 17 to 25 feet wide at the base and was likely over 8 feet wide at the top. I don’t know if they had OSHA-approved handrails, but what an experience it must have been to witness that celebration!
Today, we have even greater reason to rejoice. This age of grace is setting people free, giving new beginnings, and restoring hope! Will you join us on the wall, or watch from the safety of home? I look forward to every one of our gatherings. May our singing knock it out of the park this weekend—all for Jesus!
Our baptism service is coming up on September 14. Are you ready to make a public stand? It’s time to commit to the amazing Savior of our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord.
See you there—or in the air!
Pastor Marv
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