NEXT

What is it like to gather with a few thousand Christians, who come from all over the United States and from many other nations of the world, and sing to the Savior?

It’s a little slice of heaven.

It seems that the unifying approach in every Next conference I’ve been to – from Philly, to Louis, and now in Baltimore – has been to leverage the power of the gospel so that we stand in awe of Christ and, in response, live grateful, joyful, obedient, and sacrificial lives to God’s glory.  This theme is utterly pervasive in the messages, the family groups, and the times of corporate worship.

Think, for example, of some of the keynote songs over the years::

• Jesus Paid It All
• In Christ Alone
• All I Have Is Christ
• By This We Know Love
• Wonderful Cross
• Thank You For Saving Me
• What A Savior
• Thank You For the Cross

The result of contemplating these truths and exulting in them together?  Our amazement at the grace of God is renewed and deepened.  Our desire to obey the Lord gets fresh impetus.

Whether it’s been Eric Hughes, Judah Groveman, Bob or Devon Kauflin leading us, the pervasive theme is the same.  Our eyes are, morning by morning, evening by evening, session by session, directed to the only Savior of the world.  The songs, the exhortations, the Scriptures – they’re all intentionally positioned so we see Christ as preeminent, sovereign, glorious, merciful – “standing … yet slain”.

Revelation 5:6, 9 “And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain… And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”

It’s no wonder then that our times of singing are often accompanied by tears, reverence, and exuberant shouts.  We are constantly being reminded of real reality.  Christ has died, and risen.  And we are in Him.  And He is all we have.  And He is all we need.