Week 5- Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations: Passionate Worship
To be a radical, world changing church, we must have radical worship. So what is worship? A lot of people think that it’s about a feeling or emotion that we receive when we sing the songs we like, or hear a sermon that we enjoy. Others say it is where they connect with others on Sundays (or other days of the week). DA Carson says “Worship is the proper response of all moral, sentient beings to God, ascribing all honor and worth to their Creator-God precisely because he is worthy, delightfully so.”
Prayer: Blessed Lord, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
MONDAY- 1 Chronicles 16:23-31
What does it mean to worship in the splendor of His Holiness? It’s not entirely clear. Many think this means to worship in Holy Attire. It may also be related to the idea of a holy assembly-arrayed in holy splendor. However, this is understood, the primary point is that we are to praise God properly, as he deserves. How do you worship the splendor of God? Does our local church do this?
TUESDAY- Psalm 29
Apparently… the psalmist has heard the voice of God. Although most people have not audibly heard the voice of God, we can “hear” the voice of God through scripture, nature, friends & family, time of prayer, etc… The voice of God can help direct us without the limitations of using our ears. God’s voice is louder because He is always interacting with His people in deep and meaningful ways. How have you recently heard the voice of God?
WEDNESDAY- John 4:21-24
How do we worship in the spirit and in truth? True worshipers must worship in the power of God’s spirit and in accordance with His truth. In John’s Gospel truth is associated with Jesus the Messiah. We are to know and worship the one and only God, the God revealed I the Bible through Jesus the Messiah. True worship is a matter of the heart. It demands more than just outward motions. It is an inner submission of oneself to God.
THURSDAY- Psalm 99
How can we worship at God’s footstool? God’s footstool was linked specifically to the temple. But in a broader sense, the earth can be called God’s footstool, as heaven is called God’s throne. To worship at God’s footstool does not mean going to a certain location. Rather, it suggests and attitude of submission and humility before the majesty of God. God’s presence does not reside at the temple. The Sprit of God is with us. Does this give you comfort and security? If God is with us, who could be against us?
FRIDAY- Romans 12:1-2
How can we know God’s will? We can know God’s will by honoring and obeying Him, and by refusing to be influenced by societal pressures. As we replace our old way of think and adopt an entirely new perspective in line with God’s point of view, we’ll begin to recognize God’s will more and more. We’ll find it easier to hear his voice in a variety of situations. God may not dictate the details of our lives, but he will give us spiritual principles for everyday decision. Knowing God’s will results from doing his will as revealed in scripture.
SATURDAY- Psalm 100
How are God’s people like sheep? Sheep are very dependent animals. They need a shepherd to protect them and guide them to good pasture and water. Like sheep, people need someone to lead them. When people follow the Lord, they find spiritual safety and nourishment. When they follow their own sinful desires, they risk eternal death from spiritual hunger and thirst or from spiritual predators.