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Let's talk about truth.
What is truth, really? We live in a world that champions relativism: everyone is entitled to their opinion of what is right and what is not. Popular culture and society dictate what is acceptable. Falsehood is considered the norm, and honesty no longer triumphs as the best policy. But what should we, as Christians, believe to be truth?
Jesus said that He is "the way, the truth, and the life" – this means that there is an absolute truth, because it is embodied in a single person. Any other variation or deviation is not the truth!
So the way that we can know the truth is by learning about God, which sounds horrendously difficult if you consider the gulf between us and Him. But thankfully He offered two helps for us: the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit. The Word reveals the attributes of God, and the Holy Spirit puts us in the right attitude to understand that truth.
So when we claim to worship "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23), it must be based off an accurate picture of who God is – otherwise, that's not worship. Before we can call ourselves worshippers, we must have first dug into the Word and discovered about the God that we worship. There's no workaround to this! So don't let up on your quiet time with God – it's the only way you can reach the truth.
– alvin(:
Psalm 63 begins like this: "O God, You are my God." And that is an indication of David's recognition of God as both the sovereign God, and also his personal God. This clear vision of God's character then puts him in the right place to worship God in the rest of the psalm. For most of us, this line is perhaps more immediately associated with a song, "Like Incense". This article is part of a series that looks at scriptures referenced by song lyrics, and such a collection of scriptures is particularly useful for such a theologically rich song – see if you know all of them!
Read Scripture Series: Psalms
The Read Scripture Series is probably my favourite thing at the moment, and I think you'll see why. Each video in the series covers a bit of the Bible, and uses graphics and animation to make the Word come alive. It gives an overview of the narratives, themes, contexts, and characters, and also considers particular literary and rhetorical devices used by the author. It is a fantastic way to get to know the books of the Bible, and the project also comes with a reading plan to follow along with the videos. It is definitely a highly useful resource and I hope you enjoy watching these as much as I have.
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Citizens & Saints – Madness
Citizens & Saints is an alt-rock band that has a more edgy and indie sound than most rock bands, perhaps in some part due to frontman Zach Bolen's particular husky vocal tone, which sets them apart as a group that consistently produces fresh and well-arranged sounds. "Madness" is off their most recent album, A Mirror Dimly, and talks about how God's mysteries are sometimes frustrating because we don't understand them, but nonetheless keep us in wonder – perhaps this is a sentiment that we can all relate to.
Also by Citizens & Saints: Kids, The Strife is Over
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Leeland – Invisible
"Invisible" comes from the album of the same name, which is the first release from Leeland under Bethel Music. While previously their musical style was largely progressive rock, Invisible shows the band shifting towards a more synthpop-flavoured sound, especially involving layered vocals and effects. This song in particular uses this sound to support lyrics about God's presence and closeness – that God is not invisible, but is actively present wherever we may be.
Also by Leeland: Carry It All Away, Refresh Me
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As you meditate on God's truth, may it be hidden in your heart, and your revelations about God's attributes drive a change in your spiritual attitudes. Then you'll know that it's true worship. Perhaps, then, you won't be able to help it but to get up and dance...?
Over and out!
EUPHOR!A // ISSUE 11 // SEP–OCT 2016