Declaring

Sunday morning retuning: We are back in Luke as we continue to learn what it means to walk “One Step Behind Jesus”. We must confess our sins, be in the word, be filled with the Spirit and telling others what God has done.  This all flows supernaturally out of our relationship with Jesus.  How’s the flow in you? 

Do you know where this picture was taken?

This is the area from which we will declare the praises of the One who has delivered us from darkness and into His wonderful light.  Between our old and new sanctuaries is this area that creates the impression of an amphitheater.  Angled slightly off of 90 degrees from East Market it will be the place where we make our music Saturday night.  Though there will be a stage and musicians in front of it, this is the view the audience will have.  Inward.

In a sense, this is where our praise begins.  But that is not the perspective I am most interested in.  Rather, it the just the opposite. 

Do you recognize this perspective?  This is what the musicians will see as we present our concert on the lawn.  It is East Market Street.  Outward.  This is where our praise must drive us.

Once we were not a people, but now we are the people of God.  Once we had not received mercy, but now we have.  Is all this just for our good, or our enjoyment alone?  May it never be for us alone O God.  Rather, it is this Good News that we have been given, and what we must declare.  I Peter 2:9

To declare is to say something strongly and with confidence.  To make something clear, you see that right in the word itself.  And what are we making clear?  God’s praise.  He is worthy of it all, so we must be faithful to declare it.  Will you do this?  Will you declare His praise?

We are doing this outside to model where our praise must go.  Not just ring in our ears and hearts for us to enjoy, but for the world outside that sanctuary to know what we have been shown, the glory of our God.  We are asking for glory so that we can share that glory with others.

This weekend we could still use some help setting up a tent, tables and chairs, prepping food, serving, and cleaning up.  We will be arriving at Noon and be here until after 8 pm.  I hope you can come and be a part of this exciting event, but even if not, find a way to declare His praise.

Jesus, we have been praying showing us Your glory because we want to declare Your glory.  Would You please show it to us Saturday and then help us to declare it every day?  We are crying out for more of You, not only for our good, but for the good of those who have yet to hear. In Jesus name.  Amen.

In Christ,

Pastor Timothy