Music for Sunday September 28

Here are this Sunday's songs:

Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
He Is Exalted
Blessed Be the Name of the Lord
Victory In Jesus
-worship in giving-
My Tribute
To God Be the Glory
Speak, O Lord
Message: Joash Tiarks, Missionary to Mozambique
Closing: The Savior is Waiting

Joash's parents have been members of BBC since the early 90's. Joash graduated from the local high school in 1995, attended New Tribes college where he met his wife Delia, and they have four children. To learn more about their ministry, check out their website:

www.joashndelia.wordpress.com

Music for Sunday September 21

Here are today's songs:

Let's Just Praise the Lord
At the Name of Jesus
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Worthy, You Are Worthy
-offering-
The Longer I Serve Him
Hear the Call of the Kingdom
Ancient Words
Message: "Balanced Ministry, Part 2"
Closing: I Will Serve Thee

Music for Sunday September 14

Here are this week's songs:

We Have Come Into His House
God of All
All That Thrills My Soul
Hear the Call of the Kingdom
-worship in giving-
Living for Jesus
As the Deer
Speak, O Lord
Message: "Balanced Ministry (Part 1)" 1Thessalonians 2:6b-9
Closing: I Will Serve Thee

Music for Sunday September 7

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
-Psalm 91:1-2

It is Communion this coming Sunday, and here are the songs BBC will sing in praise to God, with the theme being God's power and loving care (because of His power He is able to care for us):

How Majestic Is Your Name
I Exalt Thee
Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty
O Worship the King
-worship in giving-
God Will Take Care of You
His Eye Is on the Sparrow
The Power of the Cross
Message: "Living Confidently" (Psalm 91)
Response: It Is Glory Just to Walk with Him

"It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night..."
-Psalm 92:1-2

Music for Sunday August 31

Where did the summer go? Time seems to pass so quickly.

Here are the songs BBC will sing to praise God this week:

Great and Mighty
Here I Am to Worship
He Is Exalted
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
-offering-
'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
Living for Jesus
Ancient Words
Message: Measure of Success
Closing: All for Jesus

Music for Sunday August 17

It's that time again,......time to join in worship. Here are the songs BBC will sing in praise to God this Sunday.

O Come Let Us Adore Him
Here I Am to Worship
In Christ Alone (My Hope is Found)
He Ransomed Me
-offering-
I Worship You, Almighty God
My Faith Has Found a Resting Place
Be Thou Exalted
Message: "Genuine Conversion" 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
Closing: Jesus Is Calling

Music for Sunday August 10

After missing 2 weeks, I'm back with the songs.....but I will miss this Sunday's service because of work. Anyway, here they are:

Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
Majesty
All Hail King Jesus
All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name
-offering-
I Sing the Mighty Power of God
There Is a Redeemer
Jesus Is Lord of All
Message
Closing: Have Thine Own Way

Music for Sunday July 20

Pastor Steve returns from vacation this weekend, and will be with us on Sunday. Here are the songs we will sing in praise and honor to Almighty God.

We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise
Therefore the Redeemed of the Lord
Come, Christians, Join to Sing
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
-offering-
The Bond of Love
The Family of God
Sweet, Sweet Spirit
Message: "Greet One Another" Romans 16:16
Closing: Bind Us Together

"Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise." Hebrews 13:15
"My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you." Psalm 71:23

Amen!

Music for Sunday July 13

Pastor Steve is vacationing this week; thus, our frequent guest speaker, Brother Jim Fowler, fills in this Sunday. Here are the songs for the AM service:

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Holy! Holy! Holy!
Holy, Holy
Be Thou Exalted
-offering-
The Lord Is Lifted Up
He Is Exalted
Majesty
Message: "A New Vision" (Isaiah 6:1-8)
Closing: Only One Life to Offer

Rejoice in the Lord always!

Music for Sunday July 6

July already. My, my. Today is communion, and here are the song selections.

I Will Sing of My Redeemer
We Will Glorify
Glory to the Lamb
Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know
-offering-
There Is Power in the Blood
It Cleanseth Me
You Are My King (Amazing Love)
Communion Message: "Freedom"
Response: The Power of the Cross

Music for Sunday June 29

Here are the songs for today's morning service at BBC:

Come, Now is the Time to Worship
I Will Sing the Wondrous Story
The Power of the Cross (Oh to See the Dawn)
My Jesus, I Love Thee
-offering-
God Is So Wonderful
Freely, Freely
Make Me a Blessing
Message: "Carry One Another's Burdens"
Response: Make Me a Servant

Music for Sunday June 22

Pastor Steve is on vacation this weekend, so Jim Fowler, one of our deacons and a former pastor, will be preaching. Here are the songs for the AM service:

I Worship You, Almighty God
I Sing the Mighty Power of God
Like as a Mother Comforteth
Under His Wings
-offering-
God Is So Good
Be Still and Know
Open Our Eyes
Message: "As an Eagle...So the Lord" (Deuteronomy 32:11&12)
Response: In the Lord Alone

Sermon Outline:
I. Our Lord's Plan and Purpose
II. Our Lord's Presence and Provision
III. Our Lord's Power and Protection

Music for Sunday June 15

On this Father's Day, if your dad is living, honor him.

Here are the songs for this Sunday:

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
O Worship the King
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
Thou Art Worthy
-offering-
Worthy, You Are Worthy
Responsive Reading: God's Word
Ancient Words
Message: "Instruct One Another"
Response: Where He Leads Me

Music for Sunday June 8

Here are the songs BBC will sing to God's glory on Sunday June 8:

Come, Now is the Time to Worship
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
We Bow Down
To God Be the Glory
-offering-
Show a Little Bit of Love and Kindness
Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me
Make Me a Blessing
Message: "Encourage One Another"
Response: The Servant Song

Music for Sunday June 1

One of our deacons, Jim Fowler, will be speaking in the AM service this coming Sunday. These are the songs we will use:

Wonderful
Why Should He Love Me So?
On the Cross of Calvary
Such Love
-offering-
He Lifted Me
Things Are Different Now
Speak, Lord, in the Stillness
Message: "Reconciliation" by Brother Jim Fowler
Communion Celebration

Pastor Steve is away this weekend. Jim pastored in Illinois for three years, and in Canada for eighteen years, prior to he and his wife Diane joining BBC in 1990.

Music for Sunday May 25

Pastor Steve is attending the Pastor's Conference at Moody Bible Institute today through Thursday. We typically work together to select songs for services. He asked me to take care of it for this coming Sunday while he's out of the office. So here they are:

Come, Now Is the Time to Worship
God of All
Sweet, Sweet Spirit
Where the Spirit of the Lord Is
-offering-
My Tribute
Let Us Build a House of Worship
In Christ There Is No East or West
Message: Accepting One Another
Closing: They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise."
Psalm 100:4

Songs for Sunday May 18

Here are the songs we will sing in praise to God this coming Sunday:

He Has Made Me Glad
This Is the Day
Bless His Holy Name
Wonderful Grace of Jesus
-offering-
The Church's One Foundation
Grace Alone
Bind Us Together
Message Body Life: Live in Harmony (Romans 12:16, 1Peter 3:8)
Closing: The Bond of Love

This week I am solely responsible for the choosing of the songs. It will be the same next week as Pastor Steve attends the Pastor's Conference sponsored by Moody Bible Institute. May God be praised!

Music for Sunday May 11

Here are the songs BBC will sing in praise of Almighty God this weekend:

Great Is the Lord
The Love of God
Isn't the Love of Jesus Something Wonderful
Joy Unspeakable
-worship in giving-
Jesus Loves Me
O How He Loves You and Me
O To Be Like Thee
Message: "Love One Another" from the new series Body Life by Pastor Steve
Response: The Bond of Love, followed by The Family of God

I will not be at church on this day. I have been scheduled to work. Have a blessed time of worship.

Music for Sunday May 4

How can it be May already? It is, and here are this Sunday's songs:

Come, Now Is the Time to Worship
I Will Praise Him
At the Name of Jesus
You Are My King (Amazing Love)
-offering-
Forever Grateful
At Calvary
There Is a Redeemer
Celebration of Communion
Response: What a Day That Will Be

Music for Sunday April 27

Here are this week's songs:

Here I Am to Worship
You Are My All in All
Redeemed
Wonderful Words of Life
-offering-
He Giveth More Grace
We Are So Blessed
I Will Serve Thee
Freely, Freely
Message from Pastor Steve
Closing: Living for Jesus

Music for Sunday April 20

Here is the lineup of songs for this coming Sunday.

O Come Let Us Adore Him
All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name
Thou Art Worthy
Holy, Holy
-worship in giving-
To God Be the Glory
Worthy, You Are Worthy
More Precious than Silver
I Love You, Lord
Message: "How Much?" by Pastor Steve
Closing: I Give All to You

Thanks and see you Sunday.

Music for Sunday April 13

BBC's lineup for this Sunday:

To God Be the Glory
Great and Mighty
I Sing the Mighty Power of God
We Are So Blessed
-offering-
Shout to the Lord
As the Deer
He is Able
Ancient Words
Message: "Job* vs. God" (*occupation)
Closing: God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending

The closing song is sung to the tune of Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.

Music for Sunday April 6

It can't be April already!

Yes, it is, and BBC will sing these songs in praise to God on Sunday April 6.

Here I Am to Worship
Open Our Eyes
Lamb of God
What Wondrous Love is This
-worship in giving-
I Will Sing the Wondrous Story
Lamb of Glory
In Christ Alone (My Hope is Found)
Communion
Response: Be Thou My Vision

Music for Sunday March 30

Here are the songs BBC will sing in praise to God this coming Sunday.

Come, Now is the Time to Worship
Great Is the Lord
How Great Thou Art
Thou Art Worthy
-offering-
At the Cross
I Will Sing of My Redeemer
Victory In Jesus
More Precious than Silver
-Message from Pastor Steve-
I Give All to You

To God be all praise, honor, and glory!

Music for Resurrection Day March 23

This is the format for the main service @ 10:45 am.

Welcome & Announcements
Worship in Giving with instrumental offertory
Choir Presentation: "Risen Indeed": Resurrection Medley
Congregational songs:
*He Lives
*He Is Lord
*In Christ Alone (My Hope is Found)
*Because He Lives
Message from Pastor Steve Sabin
Choir:
Now and Forever More
Grace and Peace
Closing Prayer

Music for Sunday 16 March

Here are the songs for this coming Sunday. Our special speaker will be Gary Barber, missionary to Brazil.

Responsive Reading: The Triumphal Entry
Majesty
All Hail King Jesus
All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name
-offering-
Great and Mighty
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Lead Me to Calvary
Message: Gary Barber, Missionary to Brazil
Response: All for Jesus

It's great to have the Barber's with us. Gary was in the Air Force, stationed at the former Chanute air base here in Rantoul, and he and Kathi were married here at BBC in 1974.

A New Church Bulletin Blooper

I haven't seen this one before today. It is today's entry on my desk calendar "The 365 Stupidest Things Ever Said."

Lenten Worship Sermon:
The Surest Road to Hell

Transportation Available.
Please call before noon Saturday.

Comment on the calendar: We didn't realize you could drive there.

Music for Sunday 9 March

Here are the songs BBC will sing in praise to Almighty God on Sunday, 9 March:

Wonderful Grace of Jesus
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You
We Are So Blessed
Forever Grateful
-worship in giving-
God Is So Wonderful
The Love of God
All Because of God's Amazing Grace
-Pastor Steve's message is from Philippians 4:10-20
Response: Your Love Compels Me

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Has a new chapter of the Bible been discovered?

I found this on another blog that I visit from time to time titled The Gladness of My Rejoicing. A link is found to the right on this page. The entry reported on the "discovery" of an entire chapter of 1 Corinthians that, until now, has been missing. As you read it, you will realize that our church does very well concerning the topic addressed in this new "chapter." Pastor Steve does an excellent job in saying what needs to be said, then focusing us upon the proper worship of God. Here it is:

Chapter 17
Now concerning announcements, I do not want you to be ignorant brethren. When announcements are given, let there be only two or three and let them be given in order. Let the announcements be brief. Otherwise, those who are new worshipers and unschooled in the way of announcements, will they not say you are mad? It is better if announcements are written down and submitted to the church office so that the staff may make them. Are announcements more important than congregational singing or preaching? May it never be! Therefore, use your announcement time wisely and thus maintain a suitable balance in the service.

Let him who gives an announcement be careful lest he fall into temptation and a snare. Truly each one who gives an announcement considers his information to be holy. When giving his announcement, a spirit of rambling may overtake him and he may begin speaking in an unnecessary tongue. Let every man who makes an announcement pray that his announcement may be brief and to the point. Such announcements are edifying to the church. Earnestly desire such announcements, but especially that you may read the bulletin. Announcements are of some value but the bulletin is greater. For now we announce in part and we know in part. But the bulletin gives full and detailed information so that your knowledge of ministry happenings may be complete. One who makes an announcement edifies a particular ministry. But the bulletin edifies the whole church. So then my brethren, listen to the announcements but do not neglect the bulletin.

The man who wrote this admits that this comes from his imagination; something along the line of an announcement problem at Corinth that became an issue. Alllllll right.

I believe the announcements are handled very well at BBC.
What say you?

Music for Sunday 2 March

Here are the songs for this coming Sunday @ BBC:

To God Be the Glory
Here I Am to Worship
Glory to His Name
-worship in giving-
Hallelujah! What a Savior
Lamb of God
Near the Cross
Communion
Jesus We Just Want to Thank You*
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus*
*sung during passing of elements
Response: Take My Life, and Let it Be Consecrated

After missing this past Sunday due to illness, I look forward to joining everyone again in worship this upcoming Sunday.

Music for Sunday 24 February

Here are the songs for the morning service on 24 February:

Great & Mighty
What a Mighty God We Serve
-baptism-
The Greatest Thing
It Is Glory Just to Walk with Him
-offering-
In Christ Alone (My Hope is Found)
Satisfied
It Is Well with My Soul
-message from Pastor Steve-
Response: In the Lord Alone

The recent weather pattern has messed with me again (just in time for choir practice); I hope to be ready to participate by this coming Sunday.

Worship Band "Rehearsal"

No, not really. This picture was taken last night at the home of our friends Jerry & Jennifer Onstott. Jerry has, among others, the video game Guitar Hero. Pictured above: at left, Shawn Russell. At right, yours truly.
It was a fun evening. I must say, though, a worship band could use a couple of guitars, a bass, a keyboard, drum set, et al. Have a great day of worship!

Music for Sunday: 17 February

These are the songs we will sing to God's glory in the AM service on 17 February:

Come, Now is the Time to Worship*
We Bow Down
He Ransomed Me
In the Lord Alone
-offering-
We're Marching to Zion
Dwelling in Beulah Land
O To Be Like Thee
-Pastor Steve's message is from Philippians 4:8-9
Response: Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me

*This will be the first time singing this song at BBC. The morning service is not the ideal time to introduce new music; the song, however, is a good example of the best of new music being used in churches today. We will offer it for God's glory.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Psalm 26

From the New King James Version (courtesy of Our Daily Bread):

-Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the LORD; I shall not slip.
-Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my mind and my heart.
-For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth.
-I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, nor will I go in with hypocrites.
-I have hated the assembly of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked.
-I will wash my hands in innocence; so I will go about Your altar, O LORD,
-that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works.
-LORD, I have loved the habitation of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells.
-Do not gather my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
-in whose hands is a sinister scheme, and whose right hand is full of bribes.
-But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; redeem me and be merciful to me.
-My foot stands in an even place; in the congregations I will bless the LORD.

Over the years, I have talked and acted in ways that belie integrity. I know that I have compromised this important character trait, to the point that I feel like the word "integrity" could not be used to describe me. Perhaps I am being too hard on myself; I don't think so. I would ask that as I work to restore the important character traits to my life, that you would pray with, and for, me in this endeavor. I want to be used by God to help people worship Him with all their hearts. I want to be a man whom God can use, for His glory. I want this psalm to be true of me. May all of us who serve in the worship life of BBC claim this psalm for ourselves.

Music for Sunday Worship: 10 February

These are the songs that BBC will use to praise and glorify God on Sunday morning, 10 February:

How Majestic Is Your Name
What a Mighty God We Serve
At the Name of Jesus
'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
-worship in giving-
In Christ Alone (My Hope is Found)
Goin' to Build My Life
How Firm a Foundation
-Pastor Steve's message will be from Philippians 4:4-8
closing song: Be Thou My Vision

Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

What Does a Worship Leader Do?

That's a good question. For many years, in my role as 'song leader' @ BBC, it was like most Baptist churches; basically conducting (or 'waving my arms') in time to the music as the congregation sang. The term 'worship leader' has come into some prominence in recent years. What's the difference? I know that I don't have all the answers; I have very few or no answers. I have thought about it over the past few years, especially as we have sought to incorporate new songs into our worship services, songs not necessarily already in our hymnbook. Songs like Here I Am to Worship, In Christ Alone, You Are My King, and others.

Bob Kauflin, a worship leader & minister for Sovereign Grace Ministries, is someone whose writings I take in, because I believe he has some good ideas on the subject. I also like the balance he tries to bring to the discussion. This is a "Worship Leader Mission Statement" he came up with:

A faithful worship leader magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit by skillfully combining God's Word with music, thereby motivating the gathered church to proclaim the gospel, to cherish God's presence, and to live for God's glory.

In reading that over and over, I see how short I have fallen over the years in living up to that. I intend to use it to do better, for God's glory and not my own. Keep in mind that the above statement can apply to anyone having a place on a worship team, as far as being "on the platform," so to speak. And those who play instruments have a vital role as well, even if they don't say anything out loud in the service.

These are just some initial thoughts. As I develop them more fully, I will share them here; not only for myself, but for the edification of all who read them.

God bless you all.

Our purpose @ BBC for worship

Several years ago I offered the following as a purpose statement for the BBC Worship Committee:

"To cooperate with the Holy Spirit in planning, and participating in, worship and other activities which glorify God, and encouraging believers to live as followers of Christ in a continuing attitude of praise and thanksgiving." The scripture for this statement is John 4:23 & 24:

"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (NIV)

I pray that as we go forward in what we do for God, and our church, that this statement will guide us as we pursue excellence not just in our worship activities, but in our Christian lives as well.

A Beautiful Scene

The sun beginning to set over the Mississippi River near Warsaw, IL.

No one but God could create something this beautiful. He is worthy of our worship, praise, and honor.

Songs for Sunday AM 3 Feb

Each Wednesday I meet with our Pastor, Steve Sabin, to select songs for worship in the Sunday morning service @ BBC. Here they are for this coming Sunday, 3 February:

Majesty
You Are My King (Amazing Love)
The Wonder of It All
-offering-
Amazing Grace
O, How He Loves You and Me
My Savior's Love
-Communion celebration-
I Love You, Lord
I Surrender All

We have a core of hard working musicians who use their talents to serve the Lord with music. Our church uses the organ and piano, supplemented by a Yamaha electronic keyboard. It is my hope to begin using a worship team of singers in the near future. The team is in place, having sung together for the first time on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, for our annual Thanksgiving Praise Service. Thank you to all of you who give your time and talents for God's glory.

This is Just a Test!

I'm hoping that this can be a blog for communication to the members of the Worship Committee and Worship Team of Bible Baptist Church of Rantoul, IL. More to come!