Behind the Music At Court Street

Welcome to Behind the Music at Court Street!  In this series, we will delve into the heart of our musical selections, exploring what makes each piece a meaningful addition to our worship experience.

You can watch this week’s service for January 7th, 2024, here.

One question that has surfaced is the scriptural significance of our musical choices. At Court Street, every note is carefully chosen to honor the Lord and glorify Him above all else. We believe that music should seamlessly tie to the message, echoing the scripture and prayers shared during our services. The result is a harmonious flow, creating a unified worship experience each week and throughout a season or sermon series.

While we embrace some modern and less familiar pieces, our approach is rooted in reverence and a more classical interpretation. The arrangements are crafted to resonate with the Court Street UMC congregation, fostering growth in faith while honoring our rich musical history.

In this blog series, “Behind the Music at Court Street,” we aim to deepen your understanding of our musical selections. Whether it’s a contemporary piece or a well-loved hymn with pages worn thin by the love of our congregation, each holds a special place in our worship tradition.

Our commitment extends to sharing our musical heritage with newcomers, inviting them into the beautiful tapestry of our history. As we explore diverse musical expressions, we find new ways to reach hearts and connect with the divine through worship.

This week’s sermon, titled “Spiritual Baptism,” draws inspiration from Mark 1:4-11. Join us on this musical journey as we explore the melodies and lyrics that echo the profound themes of spiritual renewal and commitment found in this scripture. (January 7, 2024 Worship Service)

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong United is inspired by the biblical narrative of Peter walking on water, found in Matthew 14:22-33. While the song doesn’t directly reference this passage, its theme is closely aligned with the story.

In Matthew 14, during a storm, Peter sees Jesus walking on the water and asks to come to Him. Jesus invites Peter to step out of the boat, and as long as he keeps his eyes on Jesus, he walks on the water. However, when Peter notices the storm, he begins to sink. Jesus reaches out, saves him, and asks why he doubted.

The significance of “Oceans” lies in its focus on trust and faith in God, even when faced with uncertainty and challenges. The lyrics speak about stepping out into the unknown, trusting in God’s guidance, and finding faith that goes beyond our comfort zones. This resonates with the idea of spiritual baptism and the call to trust in God’s leading, even when the path may seem uncertain.

In connection with Mark 1:4-11, where John the Baptist baptizes Jesus in the Jordan River, there’s a symbolic parallel. Baptism, in the Christian tradition, represents a spiritual rebirth, a stepping into the unknown waters of faith. The act of walking on water in the song can metaphorically relate to the faith journey and the courage to follow God’s call even when it seems beyond our capabilities.

So, “Oceans” connects with this week’s message on spiritual baptism as it captures the essence of trusting God, stepping into the unknown, and embracing the transformative power of faith.

Be Thou My Vision

“Be Thou My Vision” is a hymn with its roots in Irish Christian tradition. While the lyrics are not directly tied to a specific biblical passage, the song is resonant with various biblical themes, and its sentiments align with the spirit of spiritual baptism and the scripture from Mark 1:4-11. The hymn often draws inspiration from passages such as Psalm 16:8, where the psalmist declares, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” This aligns with the core message of “Be Thou My Vision,” which emphasizes the desire for God to be the central focus and guide in one’s life.

In the context of Mark 1:4-11, where John the Baptist baptizes Jesus in the Jordan River, the act of baptism signifies a turning point and a new beginning. “Be Thou My Vision” echoes this sentiment by seeking divine guidance and wisdom, aligning one’s vision with God’s vision.

Here are some of the scriptural resonances within the hymn:

• “Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart” – This echoes the sentiment of seeking God’s guidance in Psalm 73:26: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
• “Thou my best Thought, by day or by night” – Reflects the biblical idea of meditating on God’s Word day and night, as expressed in Joshua 1:8.
• “Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light” – Resonates with the concept of God being a constant presence, as seen in Psalm 139:12: “even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

In connection to this week’s sermon on spiritual baptism, “Be Thou My Vision” is applicable because it speaks to the desire for God to be at the center of one’s life, guiding and illuminating the journey of faith. The hymn encourages a surrender to God’s leading, fitting well with the themes of repentance, renewal, and commitment found in the scripture passage from Mark.

If you enjoy the Behind the Music at Court Street information, please let us know, and we will continue this series!

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