Sanctuary Sounds (11/17/24)

• Song Highlight: Joyful, Joyful

To fuel your worship this week, I wanted to share several versions of this song. I like them all!

A traditional version with orchestra and choir recorded at Royal Albert Hall in London.
A contemplative, modern version by ReAwaken Hymns.
A live recording from Israel with lyrics in English and Hebrew from Joshua Aaron.
A slow, thoughtful version from the Rend Collective.
And, of course, I had to include the version from Sister Act 2.

Parent/Grandparent Idea: Pick the version you think your child would like to listen to ro dance to and get down to it! Help them engage in musical worship outside of the church building.

• Scripture Highlight: Psalm 15

What does a worshiper look like? 1 John 3:2 says, “We know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” And in Luke 6:40, Jesus said, “The student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.” The life of a worshiper should grow to look more and more like the One he worships.

Worshipers do what is right and speak the truth (Ps 15:2). They refuse to gossip or to speak evil of others (15:3). They don’t pretend that the sinful life is the good life, but honor faithfulness to God even when it hurts (15:4). They are generous and kind (15:5). The Family Worship Bible Guide says it well: “While the ground of our salvation is the finished work of Jesus Christ, the evidence of our faith in Him is a life of godliness and holiness.”

Are you growing to be more like Christ in these ways? Which verse presents you with an area to work on through the power of the Spirit?

Parent/Grandparent Note: Ask your children where they they think they should grow to be more like Christ. Is it with actions? Words? Attitudes? Faithfulness? Generosity? Something else?