Keep It Simple S…!

I have to say that I am really enjoying having Evan (and Tracy!) Rogers here in Norwich. Evan’s approach to worship is so down to earth, real, and above all, simple. At a time when there seems to me to be a trend in Christian worship for songs to be increasingly complicated (unsingable?), I find it very refreshing to be singing songs celebrating the uniqueness of Jesus (There’s no one like Jesus), about Jesus being centre of my life (Jesus is number 1), and the fact that God reigns sovereignly over all things (Still on His throne) and so on. A few weeks ago I received an email from an older person at Kings saying how much he had enjoyed the enthusiastic Sunday morning worship, and how it had brought tears to his eyes to be encourage to let go a bit and not be so British (his words!). As Evan encouraged us to participate this morning with a few actions…(you needed to be there!), and as I looked on at ‘cool’ teenagers celebrating Jesus, it just reminded me how important it is for us not only to preserve our first love for Jesus, but also to beware of the sophistication and introspection that is rampant in our culture. Isn’t this what Jesus was getting at when he said to his disciples “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." Luke 18:17

I have been struck lately by some of the very simple descriptions that the Bible gives of what it means to be a Christian. ‘..called to belong to Jesus Christ’ Romans 1:6, ‘..called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ.’ 1Cor1:9. These are simple but profound words, profound because when lived out, the result is changed lives. Of course, we need to read our Bibles to discover more of who Jesus is, what pleases him, and so on, so that our relationship with him grows well, but at the centre, the driving force in our lives should always be a faith in Jesus Christ that is expressed and celebrated with child-like simplicity and enthusiasm. We should never get ‘too old’ for that!

Have a great week – a singing heart helps!

Goff

PS Evan's worship CDs are available through the King's Bookstall