I Have Decided- The Story Behind the Song

This Sunday we will finish the series “More Than Just A Song.” I wanted to spend a moment looking at the story behind the song “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus.”

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In the late 1800’s, revival swept England and many missionaries flocked to India to spread the Gospel.

A husband, wife, and two children were converted thanks to the efforts of one of these missionaries.  The village decided to make an example out of this newly converted family and arrested them, demanding them to renounce Christianity. The deal was for the father to renounce Jesus, or see have his family murdered in front of him.

He responded and said, “I have decided to follow Jesus, and there is no turning back.”  He then watched his children executed.  He then declared, “The world can be behind me, for the cross is before me!”  The man’s wife was then murdered.  The man was then executed while saying, “Though no one is here to go with me, still I will follow Jesus.” 

News spread through India and it was heard by Sadhu Singh, and Indian Evangelist.  Sadhu was told that since the execution of the first converts, those who had killed the family had since come to faith in Jesus and revival had spread through the village.  Sadhu took the last words of the martyr and put them to music of traditional Indian melodies.

Some time later American missionaries brought the song home with them, and George Beverley Shea reworked it as an English hymn that was used in many Billy Graham revivals.

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We need to remember it as more than a pretty melody, more than a fond memory- but as a declaration that despite what this world may throw at us, we will follow Jesus.  No turning back.

Come join us Sunday as we look at what true obedience looks like. #morethanjustasong

Worship as a Guitarist.

Hi Velocity, my name is Collin! Some of you may already know me, some of you may not, but you may have noticed  a big guy playing guitar  on stage for the past couple of months, thats me! I haven't been there in a while (health stuff no biggy!) but I'll be back soon! Here is a little bit about myself, Im 20 years old. I've helped with many churches and worship teams in the past serving on various ministry teams. I am from Anderson SC born and raised! I have a lovely girlfriend named Tyler, she is awesome and supports me in my music endeavors and more importantly my walk with Christ. I am going to school to be a history teacher, my grammar and typing may be terrible but I love history! Enough about me!

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So there has been many times when I have been asked “why does worship music need guitars” or “why do you need to be playing your guitar so loud” or “why do you do “solos” on sunday mornings“? To answer this I pretty much need to start with the basics of what I believe it means to worship.

Worship to me is more than a song, its more than meeting on a sunday morning, it is a life style. So when I think of my worship put into music, I always think of Psalm 86: 9-10

All the nations you made are on their way, ready to give honor to you, O Lord, Ready to put your beauty on display,  parading your greatness, And the great things you do – God, you’re the one, there’s no one but you!”

I get so excited reading that. When playing my guitar all I want to do is exalt him, I want to be able to give my all musically and spiritually and with saying that I  have to be aware that on sunday mornings I am leading others in worship and not just myself. This calls for a readjustment.

When In public worship people can feel pretty out of place and reserved. To break that barrier an atmosphere needs to be set, a “mood” if you will. I would say that our worship pastor Josh does an awesome job at picking songs that set an atmosphere and exalt God. As a servant to God under Josh’s leadership I feel that I should do everything I can to make this “mood” or atmosphere be enriched. I use the guitar as a tool to push that atmosphere. Much time, effort, and prayer goes into finding out what will set that atmosphere and for lack of better words what will tug on your heart strings. We want the music to be something that will soften hearts and help welcome the Holy Spirit and help you take in the words being sung and the message being given. As a guitarist I want to be an atmosphere setter, a door opener for those who may feel uncomfortable in that setting and I also want to help set the atmosphere of joy when singing to God!

Its an honor and blessing to spend so much time worshiping with you Velocity! I look forward to being back with you soon!

Worshipping The Worship

In churches all across America (and the world), there are worship leaders getting people to sing along as one voice.  Some churches have great production value, some don’t.  Some have huge choirs and organs, some don’t.  Some churches teach the idea that singing the songs is just a part, and that it is all a part of giving God the glory.  And some don’t.

Sunday Set List

This past week Caleb spoke to us about Grace.  He challenged us with a question- what is your “But God” moment?

 

Set List:

• Whom Shall I Fear (Chris Tomlin)
• Forever Reign (Passion)
• How He Loves (David Crowder version)
• One Thing Remains (Passion)
• Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) (Chris Tomlin)