London, The O2 Arena. Brian Houston, Kari Jobe, Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, Judah Smith. Lights, musicians, dancers, worship. Wisdom, truth, inspiration, the Word. Thousands of people from all over Europe, THIS IS REVIVAL.
I guess I'll really start by explaining what it is. During my time in London, I have been attending Hillsong Church in the Dominion Theatre. This is the Hillsong of Hillsong Live - a pretty well-known Christian worship band that many of us have listened to for years. The church puts on a conference every year for all of the church's European locations. It's very similar to the yearly Passion conference for college students that takes place in Atlanta, GA. In short, it was incredible.
The conference took place over three days during the week, so unfortunately I didn't get to attend the entire program. However, they opened up the night sessions, so I had the privilege to attend two of those (and for a much cheaper price!).
The first night, we heard Hillsong's band open in worship, then a message was given by Brian Houston, Senior Pastor of Hillsong in Sydney. He preached on one of Hillsong United's songs, "Oceans" - if you have never heard it before, go download it right now! The lyrics are comforting and inspiring...
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown, where feet may fail.
And there I find you in the mystery
In oceans deep, my faith will stand.
We all know that our God works in mysterious ways, but how many of us actually love that about Him? For most of us, it's scary and frustrating that we can't see into our own futures, and as a result we can grow to resent God for keeping His secrets. I know that I sometimes do! Why can't he just spell it all out plainly for us?...The answer is, as always, HE LOVE US.
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| Brian Houston |
I was skeptical at first too with another appearance of this win-all answer, but think about it...what's more mysterious, beautiful, and exciting than a romance? After all, we, the Church, are the Lord's bride. He woos us and delights in us and wraps us in His everlasting arms. Would there be any fun in that if we didn't wonder just a little bit what He's up to? Where will He lead me? What is He thinking? The mystery guides our interactions with Him.
Imagine if God actually handed you a to-do list for the next 10, 20, or 50 years. That would be totally overwhelming! Like I said, He loves you, and He doesn't want you to deal with that. And for you go-getters out there, can't you see yourself eagerly taking ahold of that list, and saying "Thanks, God, see ya later!" We could easily fool ourselves into being able to independently carry out all His plans for our life. Keeping His plans a mystery is His way of keeping you close; always seeking, always growing the relationship.
Sounds pretty romantic to me. After this message, I felt a renewed desire to not only accept His ways of mystery, but also to love that part of Him and to follow Him into those mysteries! Such an adventure! My favorite lyrics in the song...
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever you would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
The second night, we heard from Louie Giglio. The title of his message: "No Funerals Tonight!" As always, he was incredibly engaging and inspiring. He took us through the story of Jesus raising the widow's only son from the dead (Luke 7:11-17). The compassion, the power! Jesus is in the business of interrupting funerals. This story applies to every one of us: when you choose to believe in Christ, He interrupts YOUR funeral! "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
This really put salvation in perspective for me. The stark contrast between death and life is so important for a believer to understand - it can seem metaphorical because we haven't actually "died" yet, but before we believe, death is our future and there's no way out. Not only do we await death, but we live in death as we live in our sins. When Jesus enters your heart, you are literally raised to life in God's eyes!
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| Screen reads "rising up from the ashes" |
Louie had another piece of advice that really hit home for me. He banned everyone in the room from ever again saying "My testimony is not that great." I have always said that, and you may be able to relate to that as well! Because I've never experienced a major tragedy or obstacle in my life, I'm quick to write off the story of my belief as less exciting than others'. REALLY?! You were DEAD, and now you're ALIVE! How much more amazing can it get?! Once I understood how real that was, I couldn't thank God enough for the amazing, eternal work He has done in my soul through Jesus Christ.
I could go on about this all day! I hope I get the chance to talk to each and every one of you in person about what I learned at Hillsong Conference. The Lord changed my perspective on His Word and refreshed my heart through the amazing worship (Chris Tomlin on night 2 was a dream come true for me!!!).
I'll be home in 2 weeks!!! Can't wait to see your lovely faces :)
Much love,
Hayley
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