Substitutionary Atonement

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John 11:49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.

What a wonderful text that led our worship time today!  We focused on Jesus’ selfless sacrifice today and that is always time well-spent!  Jeff’s message was plain ridiculous.  The thought that we could possess a faith not to “offend Rome” really challenged some introspective time in my own life.  Powerful!

Today, we worshiped to:

We had such an eclectic time of worship.  It’s really fun to look above and notice that all the songs led today are either originals are original arrangements of hymns.  From full band songs to very stripped down vocal songs, it was all so different yet felt like it went together.  Today, I led from the guitar, piano, guitar, then ukulele!  I had someone tell me that their teenager saw it and said, “Aw, look, Travis is playing one of his kids’ guitars.”  Just for clarification: the ukulele is not a toy, it is a serious instrument with happy strings 😉

We were also blessed to have Craig Scott share a powerful testimony of how his and his family’s lives are being changed at North Side.  His appeal for others not to settle for a worship service but to get connected was so powerful!  I have already talked with two people who said his testimony has them coming to Connect next Sunday!  Awesome times!