At some point during my youth, I was introduced to Rich Mullins. In case you’re not familiar, Rich Mullins was a Christian songwriter/singer that unexpectedly passed away in 1997 at the age of 41. He is the one behind some of the most well-known modern worship songs, like “Sometimes by Step” and “Sing Your Praise to the Lord”. One of my personal favorites, although not as popular as his other songs, is “We Are Not As Strong As We Think We Are”.
Perhaps his widest known song is “Awesome God”:
Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God
This song came out in 1988. Although it’s been around for a few years, it’s a song that still helps draw people into worship of God.
Ever since I was introduced to him, I’ve been a fan of Rich Mullins. This is why I was a little wary when Phil Wickham, another Christian singer/songwriter, released a song that sampled the chorus of “Awesome God”. I like Phil Wickham - his music has helped me in my own faith and worship of God - but I just didn’t know if I could or would be accepting of this new version of the song.
I didn’t listen to it for a while after it was released. Finally, I did - and I’m glad I did. It turns out that I’ve become a pretty big fan of this song.
Phil’s worship of God shining through his lyrics and the chorus of the Rich Mullins song is beautiful. You can check it out here.
A new song and an older song, together, about the same God. What a concept.
Maybe we need new songs like this. Perhaps it’s important to have new songs.
Actually, it is important. It is needed. Remember what the psalmist said?
Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples. (Psalm 96:1-3, NIV)
The Israelites of the Old Testament were urged to sing this new song to God. Day after day, they experienced the salvation of God.
Interestingly, the psalms were read during the exile, when the Israelites’ nation had been conquered and those who survived had been carted away to a foreign land, with foreign customs.
They didn’t need to be in Jerusalem to sing a song. Worship wasn’t contained. It was invited wherever they were. They were reminded of this in exile. They were reminded of the nature of God. They were reminded of salvation. They were reminded of his glory. They were reminded that he was worthy of a new song then, even if they didn’t understand how God might be working.
He still is worthy of a new song now.
So maybe we can find a new way to express our gratitude to him today, whether that be through work or play. Maybe we can be reminded that “our God is an awesome God” and to “give him all the praise”.
Then maybe we can do it all together this Sunday.
- Sean
What’s Ahead
NEW LIFE GROUP STUDY STARTING - June 29
This Sunday, June 29, the life group facilitated by Charles Hahlen will begin a study by Andy Stanley entitled “The N Commandments”. Jesus commanded his followers not to do a few things, but his "not" commandments were so extreme his followers were tempted not to even try. Then, Jesus rose from the dead and everything changed. This study will run for 6 weeks. This is a great time to jump in if you’re not already part of a life group!
FAMILY SUNDAY - June 29
This Sunday, June 29, we are inviting all families to worship God together! There will be no Children’s Church during the 11:00 am service. Kids can grab an activity box from the back of the auditorium that day to keep them engaged!
SUMMER PARTY - July 13
We will be having a Summer Party, complete with burgers and other great food, on Sunday, July 13, after service. Please sign up at the Welcome Center if you are planning to attend.
Last Sunday, we celebrated with heaven when Kat Jimenez was baptized! If you’ve been considering getting baptized, please reach out to sean@summitchristian.church or talk to him after service. You are also welcome to ask any questions you may have!
See you this Sunday at 11:00 am!