I write this post on my birthday remembering how my life was changed by Jesus drawing me to his church through music and musicians. I had the mistaken idea when I started playing the bassoon that simply being one of God’s chosen people; simply being jewish, and not worshiping any false gods or men would be sufficient. In my selfish pride, I did not think about needing a sacrifice to cover my personal sins. As I celebrated the passover, I wondered what was supposed to become of all these other people who were not of jewish descent? Was it true that without accepting the jewish messiah, Jesus, I would be in danger of hell and condemned with all others who fall short of God’s holy standard? My horn player friend said it was true. And I investigated.
I read the bible, I saw prophecies, I saw everything pointing to Jesus being the passover lamb for all people and by his sacrifice. He was able to cleanse all our sins and make us white as snow before God. And I was enticed by Christmas Carols and opportunities to play in church services. One day, I took a middle of nowhere detour off I-75 and saw a white lamb lying dead in the middle of the road. I had to slow down-what a reminder of all that Jesus had done for me! God was allowing me to grow as a musician and a disciple of his.
In the church I met people who were filled with the Holy Spirit and wanted to serve God as much as I did. This could not have happened without a geography of local churches, music ministries, and people meeting together to share all the gifts God gave them. While I have breath, I want the people God is calling to be able to see church doors and know that there is some access there to the promises of God. This is why I am so excited to start the b#chamber trio summer chamber music series and I hope God will use it to connect people to himself in the gospel, to use the gifts they have and to be part of local churches that represent the message of Christ. So please help me solidify this work through prayer and support.
One day, all God’s people will gather together—a “great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Rev. 7:9). And this gathering never ends.
Until that day, churches gather to establish visible, geographically-located outposts for Christ’s heavenly kingdom on earth. And we pray, “May your kingdom come, on earth as in heaven.” from Jonathan Leeman in Churches: The Embassies and Geography of Heaven.
Doran Music Studio 