ORBC Worship Blog (What a Holy Week)

Matthew 21-28

While Christmas is the most celebrated event in American culture, Easter is without doubt the holiest week in the Christian calendar. I believe that it is a time for us to remember what happened and what Christ has done for us, in us, and wants to do through us. I would like to encourage you to read through the last Chapters of Matthew with me this week (Chapters 21-28).

Watch this week’s video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBa4ZqnOkB0

As you prepare for this THUR think about some of these questions:

1.      What significant event stands out to you during the holy week?

2.      Why does it stand out?

3.      In what way does it affect your faith or your worship?

4.      As a result of your faith, who are you intentionally inviting this Easter?

I am looking forward to hearing what God focuses you on this week!

Pastor Larry

ORBC Worship Blog (Submitting Our Narcissism)

Philippians 2:1-11

This past Saturday I attended a production conference with some ORBC volunteers that was full of some of the best and brightest production people in the world of production. One of the key speakers shared a concern about the tension between narcissism, art, and Christian production. (If you are unfamiliar with the term narcissism, just substitute self-centered.)

He said that “Artists need to be able to submit their natural narcissism” to be able to accomplish the mission that Christ has for worship/arts. At first I thought the idea might be too harsh until I began to google the topic. I found many articles that said that narcissism is a necessary component for artistic expression. This is a pervasive attitude in our culture and in art. But it creates a paradox when we use the term Christian Artist.

Watch this week’s video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbFEB5PD2n4

As you prepare for this THUR think about some of these questions:

1.      As Americans is there a dynamic to our culture that makes us more self-centered or narcissistic?

2.      What things do you think are owed to you as a tech or artist at church?

3.      What does it mean to submit my artistic narcissism to the mission of Christ as it is expressed at ORBC?

I will be praying that the Lord reveals His wisdom and hear to you as you prepare this week!

Hoping to be found more completely in Him,

Pastor Larry