As Christians, the concept of sanctification informs our desire and need to move ever forward in our ability to worship our Savior, Hero, and King, Jesus Christ. Worship is not simply lyrics that we sing or music that evokes an emotion; it is a posture of heart that is demonstrated in humility, thankfulness, and obedience to His word. The apostle John tells us to worship “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). When we really know the truth – God’s divine plan to redeem the universe and us along with it – the natural response is to express gratitude that our life has not only purpose, but a future that only God’s mercy and grace can provide. As one popular hymn proclaims, “Jesus paid it all!”

 

 

Throughout Scripture, there are many examples of singing as a means to express this gratitude. In fact, it is one of the few imperatives found in the New Testament (Col. 3:16, Eph. 5:20). When the church raises her voice in unity, proclaiming praises, thanksgiving, declaring God’s works and attributes, we are at once ministering to God and strengthening our faith. We are engaging our minds and our hearts in an expressive act that is unique among God’s creation.

 

 

At Trail Christian Fellowship, our goal is to provide opportunity to exercise what the Apostle Paul encourages, to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”(Col. 3:16). With the gifting and flavor that is unique to each church family, virtually every gathering at TCF commences with a time of focusing our hearts on our Savior through song. Our musical culture is a living organism with roots in tradition (Matt. 26:30) and with the voice that the Lord is cultivating in today’s saints (Psalm 96:1). Our musical expression reflects the diverse nature of our church body, but with the singular focus of exalting our Savior, and “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph. 5:19-20).

 

Demian Norvell

Music Director