JJ Heller is like a lot of creatives – locked away and faced with an uncertain circumstance.
She and Leslie Jordan have responded by writing a song together.
Because it is a timely response to a current situation she desired to release it in the moment.
So here’s You Already Know, with David Heller on piano.
EMU Music have released some acoustic lyric videos of their songs for free download from their website.
It has been encouraging to see how various media groups have sought to support churches who are streaming services.
We haven’t used We Declare.
I’ve wanted our videos to be a reflection of what we do in our normal worship services, and I’m not introducing new material at this time.
I think familiarity is helpful for folks in this situation.
There’s enough change we’ve got no control over, so I’m trying to set aside new things where we’ve got a choice.
Westminster Shorter Catechism – Lord’s Day 13
Q & A 23
Q What offices does Christ execute as our Redeemer?
A Christ, as our Redeemer, executes the offices of a prophet,1 of a priest,2 and of a king,*3 both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.
Q & A 24
Q How does Christ execute the office of a prophet?
A Christ executes the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his Word4 and Spirit,5 the will of God for our salvation.*6
Q & A 25
Q How does Christ execute the office of a priest?
A Christ executes the office of a priest, in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice,7 and reconcile us to God,8 and in making continual intercession for us.*9
Q & A 26
Q How does Christ execute the office of a king?
A Christ executes the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us,10 and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.11
*1 Deuteronomy 18:18; Acts 2:33; Acts 3:22-23; Hebrews 1:1-2.
*2 Hebrews 4:14-15; Hebrews 5:5-6.
*3 Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:32-33; 1 Corinthians 15:25.
*4 Luke 4:18-19, 21; Acts 1:1-2; Hebrews 2:3.
*5 John 15:26-27; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 1:11.
*6 John 4:41-42; John 20:30-31.
*7 Isaiah 53; Acts 8:32-35; Hebrews 9:26-28; Hebrews 10:12.
*8 Romans 5:10-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18; Colossians 1:21-22.
*9 Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:24.
*10 Psalm 110:3; Matthew 28:18-20; John 17:2; Colossians 1:13.
*11 Psalm 2:6-9; Psalm 110:1-2;. Matthew 12:28; 1 Corinthians 15:24-26; Colossians 2:15.
The current crisis in a unique time for pastors.
Usually crises are experienced on a personal or group level, but almost never on a ubiquitous level.
When folk experience crisis situations we try to help them draw down of the spiritual capital God has accumulated in their lives.
A crisis is not the optimal time to be depositing the elements of faith, it’s a time to draw down the fruit of faith.
So when a whole congregation of people are faced with varying levels of exposure to an ever present crisis pastors (particularly those who have been with a group of people for a long time) look to see what has been built up, and how that which has been built up serves to bring people to a deeper trust in Jesus.
I’m not rushing to provide extra content the folk of MGPC, I’m more interested in supporting them as they live out that which we’ve been storing in our lives these years.
Jared Wilson seeks to encourage pastors who are pastoring in a season we have not personally experienced or prepared for and reminds us we are shepherds.
As people’s anxiety and unease rises, you are leaning into your qualifications of gentleness and self-control. The strategies and gifts on which you were always tempted to lean too heavily have now been neutralized. Now you are profoundly aware of your own dispensability. And that is to your advantage. Your felt weakness is fertile soil for the power of the Spirit. Now you must shepherd.
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