Symbolism

i already find myself being blown away quite frequently this year-through unexpected genorousity, circumstances, new thoughts from old thoughts, brazilian jazz (check out CeU), and, just yesterday, symbolism in church.

Before i share the story from yesterday i want to highlight something from the new thoughts category... if you've talked to me recently you know i can't stop bringing up two books: "Crazy Love" & "Organic Church." i would love to hear your thoughts on the ideas brought up in them... 

Okay.Yesterday...

A friend invited us to a church they have been attending. This church has a vision that everyone in greater Austin will hear the Gospel, and they are SERIOUS. They are planting churches all over town... they hope to plant hundreds!

They were officially planting two yesterday. 

One church is less than a mile from my house and they have already baptised 47 people from their efforts of relational missional living. 

They called all elders and the planting team onto the platform and lit a candle for the new church. As we beagn worshipping with the song below, each of the teammembers had their individual candle lit. Halfwy through the song they were worshipping with the candles above their heads... like a city on a hill, their light was shinning bright. Then, towards the end of the song, they walked from the front of the room out of the building with thier lights held high. When this happened we were singing "Great things are still to be done In this city" and now clapping and shouting praises to God.

It was very moving to see a church reproduce, a church sold out on Jesus, and God's people with a clear vision and purpose who are going forth in the name of Christ.  

"God Of This City"

You're the God of this city
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You Are

Bridge:
For there is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

Chorus 1:
Greater things have yet to come
Great things are still to be done
In this city
Greater things are still to come
And greater things are still to be done here

Verse 2:
You're the Lord of Creation
The Creator of all things
You're the King above all Kings
You Are

You're the strength in our weakness
You're the love to the broken
You're the joy in the sadness
You Are

Chorus 2:
Greater things have yet to come
Great things are still to be done
In this city
Where glory shines from hearts alive
With praise for you and love for you
In this city

Greater things have yet to come
Great things are still to be done
In this city
Greater things are still to come

And greater things are still to be done here