The Church is a beautiful thing when properly functioning. \u00a0One of the most beautiful things about the early Christian church in the book of Acts was the freely generous nature of the people. \u00a0Acts 2:44-45 says this:<\/p>\n
And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
I’ve been privileged to get to know a new acquaintance (who I hope will eventually turn into a good friend) who understands how to put this verse into practice. \u00a0Bobby Gilles and his wife Kristen have been faithfully serving the Church in many ways, from writing an outstanding blog encouraging artists and songwriters in the church<\/a> to taking time out of a busy schedule to spend on a Skype call with me, although we’ve never really had a whole lot of contact.<\/p>\n
Today, Bobby and Kristen released a free 4-song EP<\/a> (and they really are releasing it for free, another example of putting the functioning Church into practice) that you should download and enjoy. The EP also addresses the issue of a “one-size-fits-all” liturgy that our American Church falls into so often<\/a>.<\/p>\n
These worship songs feature focused lyrics that consistently point us to the Cross and remind us of our rescued condition in Christ. \u00a0Some lyrical highlights that have already impacted me include:<\/p>\n
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- “Bold before God’s throne, yet unworthy to be there”<\/li>\n
- “I stand condemned by my own heart, deserving just to die; but still I do not hesitate to stand before the King, a paradox to all but God who gave His son for me”<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
I am so thankful for Bobby and Kristen and their willingness to bless, encourage, and equip church worship leaders and musicians with this new music. \u00a0You can download the songs through the Noise Trade widget below, head to Noise Trade to download<\/a> them, or visit Bobby and Kristen’s blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n