The theologian Gordon fee said this, "Show me a church's songs and I'll show you their theology." For his sermon this week Pastor Noah asked me to tell him the top three songs that we have sung at August Gate. Thankfully we use Planning Center Online and I can track those things (we have been using it since September of '09). I was a little giddy when I saw the results:

Augusts Gate's Top 3 Most Sung Songs

1. In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross by Sojourn
2. Because of Your Love by Phil Wickham
3. In Your Name by Austin City Life

Praise God! I understand that through planning for services by the leading of God's Word and His Spirit that I "picked" these for us to sing but more importantly it has been how we as a church have responded to the truth that they convey.

• I'll never forget the first time I heard In the Shadow of the Glorious Cross. My friend Jake Gehret led it at a service that I attended. I was struck instantly by the poetic nature that it communicated the doctrine of the Cross. It is a beautiful song that never gets old for me because it sings of the single most important act in history and the only response to that is the very appropriate chorus of, "Hallelujah!" We have been able to sing it as a song of celebration and reflection. I pray that our church never loses its wonder in the Cross and what it means for us.
• To be honest I never really liked Phil Wickham until I heard his Singalong album. It wasn't him personally, I just wasn't very fond of his style. When I heard the stripped down goodness of that album I was captivated by the most important aspect of his songs, the lyrics. Because of Your Love has become a great anthem of reflection for us at August Gate. You cannot help but to reflect on the goodness of the Gospel. 
• Last but not least is In Your Name. My good buddy and music companion Chase Abner sent me an email linked to the ONE ep that was free on Noisetrade. He commented that this song "sounded" like August Gate. From the first listen I was taken back at the practical nature of the song. It is a song that literally will thrust you into mission where you are if you will let it.

The Cross, the work of the Gospel, and taking the Gospel to our city. That is what these three songs proclaim. If I would have tried to coordinate this over 2 years ago I would have failed miserably but God in all of his goodness and sovereignty has led us to sing these amazing anthems over and over again. 

I am so thankful that I get to pastor a church who loves the truth of God in so many different forms. I am thankful for people who write songs out of a love for the Gospel. I pray that whatever mode of worship we are in (musical, lifestyle, learning, etc.), that it would prove our theology, that it would point to what we say and affirm with our lips, that our response would always come because of who God is and what he has done.