In my previous post, I referred to the connection between worship and missions. Continuing in this amazing Psalm, the connection is taken to a different level:
"For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!" Psalms 96:5-7
We are all worshipers. Yet because of our sinful nature, we naturally seek to worship something other than the one true God (
Romans 1:19-23). Those who have not placed their faith in Christ are following a make-shift god. Yet for me, one of the key words in this verse is the word "worthless."
False gods make false promises. Not once can they fulfill. Millions are devoted to sham theology that will leave them empty-handed in the end. The thought of this is overwhelming if we will simply let it sink in.
That is where verses six and seven come in. Though the gods of the nations are worthless, the Lord is full of splendor, majesty, strength, and beauty. He never makes a promise that will not be kept. He can satisfy like nothing else. He is our fullness of joy and delight. In His hand is both safety and security.
Psalm 96 drives us to missions because we have experienced the one true God to whom none can begin to compare. And this experience does not drive us to selfishness. On the contrary, it compels us to go to those who are seeking the same fulfillment in a facade. Let us go to the nations with good news!
Posted by Jack
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9:31 AM
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Last night was a night we had been expecting for a long time. After months of planning, sweat, and anticipation, the Garage was revealed! The Garage started as a roughed in three bay storage area and has ended up as a place we think is out of this world. Jack Griffin, one great guy, gets so much of the credit. There were many volunteers (Van, Bill, Alex, TJ, Dennis, Jeremy, David, Chris, Nathan, and Anthony to name a few). Most all of our students helped to clean up at least once, if not three or four times. My amazing wife not only put up with me devoting a lot of time to getting everything finished but also painted a super-cool text mural on the wall. Eight months of work has come and gone. Here are the pics...(You can click on them to make them bigger)
A shot from the hangout area.
The other end of the hang out area towards the stage.
The flat screen and Wii. Notice the cool mailboxes and text mural on the left.
The view from the stage.
A shot of the text mural.
The logo on the bar.
We left two of the existing bay doors in the garage. We insulated them and will be able to raise them when the weather permits. This will allow us to move in and out and even move the party outside!
Two-thirds of the ceiling we left exposed and painted black. You can see the projector, track lighting, and big screen in the wall. By next week, the Wii should be able to switch between the TV and the projector with a switch (thanks Chris!)
As great as this place is, it has one purpose: point people to Jesus. If we don't do that, it is worthless. Yet if we use it as a tool to bring the Gospel, we will be who God has called us to be. Soli Deo Gloria!
Posted by Jack
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11:26 PM
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