You Are Our Living Hope

“Living Hope” is the first song from our “Stand Firm” project where we wrote worship songs through the Book of 1 Peter.  We are using this song this Sunday morning, so check out the video to warm up your vocal chords and get ready to worship with us. Lyrics VERSE 1 We have endured these fleeting trialsNo matter what, we …

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“With the Time I Have Left” // Storytellers

“With the Time I Have Left” is one of my favorite songs from the “Stand Firm” project. The song started with 1 Peter 4:1-11 as we studied through 1 Peter. The Scripture 1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live …

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“We Rejoice” // Storytellers

Last Sunday, we sang “We Rejoice” from the “Stand Firm” project.  This energetic tune has been one of our church’s favorite.  In fact, as we worked on it, I told the band, if you aren’t dancing when you sing it, you are doing something wrong! The song started with 1 Peter 4:12-19 as we studied through 1 Peter. The Scripture …

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“The Cornerstone” // Storytellers

“The Cornerstone” is the 3rd song from the “Stand Firm” project. The song started with 1 Peter 2:4-8 as we studied through 1 Peter. The Scripture 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, …

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“Holy” // Storytellers

We led the song “Holy” on Sunday from the “Stand Firm” project.  This was the second song we worked on composing as a group and has been one of our church’s favorites to sing. The song is based off of 1 Peter 1:13-2:3. The Scripture 1:13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on …

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“Living Hope” // Storytellers

It has been so encouraging to hear the feedback from folks concerning the “Stand Firm” album we released on Sunday.  We actually sold out of the first batch, that was a shocker!  No worries, we do have some additional copies available now and you can also get your copy on iTunes. The first song on the project is called “Living …

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Stand Firm

These 12 songs were written straight from the text of 1 Peter, walking systematically through the message of that book. The message is simple: as followers of Jesus, we can stand firm regardless of our circumstances. We can endure these fleeting trials. On the midst of trials, we can confidently sing: “O blessed be our God and Father, praise to Jesus Christ, …

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1 Peter Recap

What a fantastic day to celebrate as a church!  To finish up the 1 Peter series, we read through the entire book as a church and worshiped at every turn. We did all 13 tracks from the “Stand Firm” album as Jeff read through the passages.  We have introduced these songs along the way, but doing it completely through this …

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“Declare Your Praise” // Storytellers

“Declare Your Praise” is one of my favorite songs from the album due to the text and the unique arrangement of the track.  It is track #4 on this 13-track project – which will be available this Sunday, Jan. 26th.  We are worshiping through the entire book of 1 Peter on Sunday at both 9:30 and 11. The song’s text …

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Standing Firm Together

We stand best when we stand on the truth and we stand together. Today was the final sermon from 1 Peter.  Spending six months in that book has been incredible – so much I am still processing.  It couldn’t have been a more timely message series for our congregation. I got the privilege of praying over this service and planning …

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The 2nd Question I Ask My Wife

As a minister, our family’s schedule can be hectic.  I’m not saying it’s more or less hectic than other folks, but there are unique challenges associated with my job as there are with yours. From time to time, I have been asked to get involved in certain ministry opportunities.  Whether it is a chance to speak at an event, write …

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“Humble Yourselves” // Storytellers

We led the song “Humble Yourselves” yesterday from the upcoming “Stand Firm” project.  I had so many encouraging comments on the power and intensity of this song.  One gentlemen said he was still trembling from it after the service and came up and said that song needs to be recorded.  I was happy to be able to tell him it …

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“Shepherd the Flock” // Storytellers

On Sunday, we played the song “Shepherd the Flock” for the first time at North Side.  John Kennerly sang it at our Epworth Night of Worship, but since he was out of town this weekend, they were stuck with me singing it ;). The song is based off of 1 Peter 5:1-5. The Scripture 1 Peter 5:1 So I exhort …

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Shepherding the Flock

Such a great way to start 2014. Loved hearing the rowdy worshipers get after it at first during “How Great Thou Art” and “We Rejoice.” After that Lacy Little interviewed Stacie K. about her upcoming work in South Asia.  Stacie was a part of North Side during her time at Lander.  It was so great to hear how God used …

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“Stand Firm” Album Available 1/26

North Side Worship’s next release will be available onSunday, January 26, 2013.  The latest album is entitled “Stand Firm” and is a collection of 13 songs written during our “Stand Firm” series at North Side as we have studied through the Book of 1 Peter. Recorded live at Epworth Camp on Nov. 9th, these collection of songs sing through the …

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Getting Ready for the Pain

I love celebrating Jesus with our church family. Today was a rainy Sunday before Christmas and yet the house was full of joy! Each Sunday this month we have started our services with some type of instrumental piece.  Today, we started with a flute choir and they did fantastic.  Led by Leah Wilson, we had five ladies who played, and …

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“My Hope” // Storytellers

We led the song “My Hope” yesterday from the upcoming “Stand Firm” project.  This fun bluegrass tune gets so rowdy I felt the need for both a banjo and a harmonica!  The track is filled with mandolin, cowbell, and about anything else we could find. The song started with 1 Peter 3:13-17 as we studied through 1 Peter. The Scripture …

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A Reason for Our Hope

December has been such a special time at North Side.  So much energy and focus – I love it. Each week we are doing some type of instrumental Christmas number to begin our time together.  Today, Gary Funderburk did a great version of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” on the saxophone.  We then did the wonderful song “Let There Be …

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“I Will Honor You” // Storytellers

Last Sunday, we concluded our services with the song “I Will Honor You.”  We originally unveiled it at our Epworth Night of Worship and I heard so many encouraging words.  It was a perfect way to end our services on how husbands are to love their wives. While the wives’ song had 6 verses to use, this song for husbands …

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The Good Life

Special day, today. We focused on how to experience the good life.  How to have peace on earth. To begin the services, we played a little Trans Siberian Orchestra and told the story of the cello player in Bosnia where the melody originally came from. After the Allens did a great job welcoming us into worship, we did a worship …

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Know Your Wife

Special day today. I loved watching God at work impacting homes. We focused on 1 Peter 3:7 today. One verse drove our services. It all focused on how husbands are called to live with their wives. As we focused on a time of worship geared on our thankfulness to God, it was great to hear our church express gratitude towards …

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“Without a Word” // Storytellers

We played “Without a Word” for the second time yesterday.  We originally unveiled it at our Epworth Night of Worship and I heard more comments about that song more than any other one.  As we got to 1 Peter 3:1-6 yesterday (the text for the song), I heard just as many positive comments. This passage presented a dilemma for us: …

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46 Things Most Parents Don’t Know About Their Children and Technology

  Last night, I got the opportunity to teach two groups of parents at North Side concerning children and technology.  We simply scratched the surface concerning education and protection of their children. Most of the things I shared were enlightening.  Technology and media change so rapidly, it is hard for a parent to keep up.  And while 20 years ago, …

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“Suffer Like Him” // Storytellers

As we begin the countdown to the release of our “Stand Firm” worship project based on 1 Peter, I wanted to provide you with some info on the songs written.  This first storytellers edition is on the song “Suffer Like Him” which we have sung the last 2 weeks at North Side. The 5th song on the project, “Suffer Like …

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Epworth Night of Worship

On this Monday, I am joyfully exhausted.  We have been praying, studying, planning, rehearsing for months now for Saturday’s night event.  And yet, once it happened, it reminded me of how much more than an event this turned out to be. Our worship team was able to be a part of discipleship through worship.  We were using songs to teach …

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Suffering for Doing Right

After a long weekend of worshiping at Epworth, our worship team was riding on one of those exhausted momentum moments.  You know the kind when you are tired yet excited all at the same time? We were so glad to have the Peak band lead us in worship this Sunday.  These students are so advanced beyond their years in so …

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How We Plan Worship

Every week, I look forward to leading our church in worship.  I get to serve alongside some of the most godly and talented folks that I have ever encountered.  Each week, I love to hear God’s people singing out God’s truths. Even more importantly, I love watching God’s people live out God’s truths. For that goal is how we direct …

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Skipped Passages of 1 Peter?

I have heard some great feedback concerning our 1 Peter worship project.  From people within the church to people that have heard about it somewhere else, folks have been very encouraging about the thought about an album that teaches the truths of a book of the Bible through music.  The music is complete and we are less than 2 weeks …

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The Battle of the Soul

1 Peter 2:11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. As we continue through 1 …

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Living Stones

We focused today on the “Living Stones” described in 1 Peter.  Built upon the cornerstone of Jesus and solidified by the Word of God. In addition to some worship music focusing on these elements, we also highlighted our partnership with End Bible Poverty.  We are raising the funds to translate 1 Peter for the Mushere people of Nigeria.  The map …

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Grow Up

The Word of God causes us to be born again and can also cause us to grow again. Therefore, we should both desire it and consume it, especially since we know how good it is. Focusing on the need to “grow up” spiritually, the service was planned all around understanding the goodness of God and the willingness for that good …

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The Enduring Word of God

This was my Sunday: Soundcheck. Worship. Worship. Surprise Lethcos. Banquet. Clean up. Set up. NSU. Community group. Hopewood Haven awareness night. Drive thru. Recliner. It was great.  I wouldn’t trade anything for it.  It was a full day but it was a great day. The entire time of worship was great.  Surprising Jeff and Sandy was stellar.  The church’s encouraging …

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Be Holy

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“Some people can’t be holy because they are seeking someone else’s approval.” -Jeff Lethco

What a strong word today on what it means to be holy.  Digging into 1 Peter 1:13-16 was incredible.  God’s call on us is clear.  We are to be holy because our Father is holy.  He is different.  He doesn’t fit into this culture and neither should we.

The time of worship today was so rich.  I love seeing all the new faces worshiping with us.  God has been working on lives among us and calling people into deeper levels of holiness.

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What They Didn’t Know We Do

Today is going to be a busy but fantastic day:

Soundcheck, 2 worship services, college lunch, teach NSU, lead discipleship group, Gathering practice tonight.  I can’t think of better ways to spend my time than that!

What They Didn’t Know We Do [Series: Stand Firm]

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:10-12

As believers, we can be encouraged by realizing we know things that neither the prophets knew or the angels know!  With this knowledge, we can patiently persevere and follow the example of Christ who experienced glory after his time of suffering.

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Trial by Fire

On a Labor Day weekend with a bunch of college football enthusiasts up late last night, I was concerned at the energy level of everyone this morning.  I should have never worried.  It was such a great day with some genuine, engaged worshipers.

We started our services with family dedications and it was such a special time as always.  We also watched a video on persecuted Christians from around the world.  This served to guide our prayer time and it also always helps to worship with the big “C” Church in mind.

Today, we worshiped to:

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Living Hope

We joined with 40+ churches in the area today to pray for spiritual awakening. Alan Quigley at South Main Street Baptist Church led the initiative and there were a lot of great things going on this weekend. The prayer was for spiritual awakening to happen in churches all over Greenwood. Love it when people focus on churches working together rather than competing with one another.

I’m not sure about other local churches, but God is continuing to do some amazing things at North Side. Loved our prayer time for spiritual awakening, and I love to hear stories of people who are being discipled at our church.

Today, we worshiped to:

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1 Peter Worship Album

I’m excited to share with you a new project for North Side Worship.  We are writing an album based upon 1 Peter.

Our church is going through a study of 1 Peter.  It is entitled “Stand Firm.”  We started it last Sunday, and if calculations are correct, we will be finishing the end of January 2014.  The book is all about standing firm as believers during difficult times.  It’s a pretty timely message these days.

Since we would be spending so much time in this book, we wanted to cement these biblical truths in the ears of our church.  Ever since we started focusing on discipling people through worship, we have been amazed at how people are growing through this ministry.

Our band got together and studied 1 Peter one day intensively.  We studied and we studied.  After really understanding it as a book, we then broke it down into about 12 songs that we wanted to write.  That day we started on some of them.  We have a goal of about 4 songs a month.  We have 4 complete, and we are in the process of the next 4 as we speak.  We hope to finish all the songs by the beginning of October.

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Elect Exiles

I was so excited to start our new series today, “Stand Firm.”  This study in 1 Peter will last a few months and focuses how believers are to endure through the trials of this life.  I can’t think of a more timely series.

We started our worship off today with a spoken word video from Amena Brown as the band built into the first song.  The service was built all around the passage of the day, 1 Peter 1:1-2.  I’m gonna be emphasizing that even more in the weeks to come hoping to help connect the dots for everyone.

Today, we worshiped to:

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Husbands, God Won’t Answer Your Prayers

Men are called to love and to lead their wives.  You might desire to do this but unsure of how to go about doing it. Maybe you’ve never seen what it looks like for a godly man to love his wife. Maybe you have tried but feel like you keep finding resistance from your wife. No matter how your wife …

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Fighting for Your Family

When Nehemiah led a group of exiled Israelites to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, he probably never anticipated the level of resistance that he would face.  Opposition came at them from every side.  As enemies conspired against the progress (Neh 4:7-8), Nehemiah had to protect God’s people without an army.

Nehemiah was forced to rely on men with varying levels of military prowess.  In a stunning move, Nehemiah places every able man in the exposed places of the wall and tells them to fight.

In order to obtain the ferociousness needed to win the battle, Nehemiah placed every man near his clan as the last line of defense before the enemy could reach that man’s family (Neh 4:13).  Before the battle began, Nehemiah reminded the people, “Do not be afraid of them.  Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes” (Neh 4:14).

In this holy moment, God’s people obtained victory through the hands of some fathers who held the line and refused to let any threat past them and endanger their families.

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