Emergence

The past few weeks at Emergence have been pretty awesome. I mean, generally, things are always great, but the past few weeks, somehow something has kicked in.

Where it is most encouraging to me is in our times of corporate musical worship. The past two weeks, both Ryan and I have finished the morning up and looked at each other to say "wow... these people are singing!"

At face value, someone could say... "so what? they're singing." But it is pretty clear both in Scripture and in my own experience that when a church begins singing, and singing loudly, it is a very good sign. It means that you're not so concerned about what other folks are thinking--and you're more concerned about the fact that there's a lot to thank God for. It means that you're actually engaging in the lyrics--most of which are direct quotes from Scripture. Most of all, it means that we're getting healthier Biblically.

Scripture is pretty clear--when we're getting pumped about our faith, we sing more:

• "I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted." Exodus 15:1
• Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 1 Chronicles 16:9
• Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. 1 Chronicles 16:23
• But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Psalm 5:11
• I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:6
• Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength; we will sing and praise your might. Psalm 21:13
• Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. Psalm 47:6
• For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. Psalm 47:7
• But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 59:16
• Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day. Psalm 61:8
• Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 63:7
• Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! Psalm 66:2
• I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. Psalm 89:1
• For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. Psalm 92:4
• Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. Psalm 98:1
• Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Psalm 105:2
• May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. Psalm 119:172
• May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great. Psalm 138:5
• They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. Psalm 145:7
• I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Psalm 146:2
• Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; Psalm 147:7
• Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Isaiah 12:5
• The LORD will save me, and we will sing Isaiah 38:20
• Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this; shout aloud, O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees, for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, he displays his glory in Israel. Isaiah 44:23
• Sing to the LORD! Give praise to the LORD! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked. Jeremiah 20:13
• "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name." Romans 15:9
• And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples." Romans 15:11
• So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. I Corinthians 14:15
• Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, Ephesians 5:19
• Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16
• He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises." Hebrews 2:12

Singing is not what it is all about... that is clear. I'd rather have 10 people on mission who don't sing than 100 who aren't on mission who sing their faces off. But, singing is good. It puts the focus where it should be--not to mention it helps the leaders save their voice :)

There are a lot more good signs. I'll outline some more shortly--but in the meantime, I'll be thankful that the band members aren't the only ones singing :)