“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” Psalm 100:4
On July 9, 1982 Michael Fagan scaled the 14-foot high perimeter wall of Buckingham Palace which was topped with revolving spikes and barbed wire, before shimmying up a drain pipe, entering the palace, and eventually wandering into the bedroom of Queen Elizabeth II for a chat. After that break-in, much greater security measures were put in place to keep the public at a safe distance. Outside of special events, the wrought iron gates remained closed to commoners, and the only hope of ever seeing royalty was to catch a brief glimpse from a great distance.
But unlike the gates of Buckingham Palace, the gates of the Lord’s courts are opened wide to sinners and sojourners in this weary world! We are granted access, not just to the perimeter of heaven, but to the very throne room itself, and to the King of kings and the Lord of lords! The gates were thrown open, never to close again, at the cross of Calvary, when Jesus cried out in triumph, “It is Finished”, and the curtain of the temple tore in two from top to bottom! The only fitting response to such incredibly good news, to such a gospel, is praise and thanksgiving to the God who has
accomplished such a glorious salvation.
Today we have the difficult task of saying farewell to our beloved worship leader who has led us in praise and thanksgiving for so many years. And though there is much contemporary worship music that has little to do with the gospel, Paul Herron has purposefully and successfully steered this church clear of songs with no substance. He has continually sought to mix the old hymns of the church with new songs that clearly showcase the gospel of Jesus Christ, in order to set our hearts and minds on the wonder of our Saviour, through the worship songs he has selected to sing! We thank you, Paul, with all our hearts, for leading us in the classic hymns, and for introducing us to songs such as: He Will Hold Me Fast, Christ Is Mine Forevermore, Is He Worthy, The Lord Is My Salvation, and so many more! And we pray that God may continue to use you as a rich blessing in the part of His vineyard to which He is calling you! May God bless you and your family richly!