Life In Greencastle

In the last few weeks, I've come full face to my limits as a human being, which - in turn - have exposed again a fact that I don't publicize much ... and I probably don't need to: I'm a sinner ... a fallen, broken human being that is unable to save myself, let alone anyone else. And, as I've come awake again to the emptiness in myself, I've developed a hunger again for the mercy and grace of God. In any case, my searching after the grace of God led my mind to drift to that old hymn so many of us love: Come, Thou Fount - becoming for me an honest plea and prayer.

I was talking to some of our worship team members several months ago about how worship is our way of communicating with God. Furthermore, there are different languages whereby God's people have communicated with God. In more recent days, there has been a shift in the language of the American church - moving from the more stately, glorified sound of organ and choir to sing an anthem to God to the campy, intimate sounds of guitar and a little rhythm from drums or keyboard. And, even more recently, the language has become more ardent and intense - complete with more power riffs and passionate singing and playing. Allow me to give you a sample of the three different styles - all based off the classic hymn 'Take My Life and Let it Be', which we will sing in a few weeks. Here is the classic version: Here is a newer, slightly altered, with more room for honest, intimate expression: Notice how the song picks up as it moves further and further into the prayer. And here is a moder...