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Nursery
infant thru 5 years
Children
kindergarten to 5th Grade
Youth
6th to 12th Grade
Adult
Mens Ministry
Womens Ministry
Support Groups
Small (cell) Groups
Classes
Music Ministry
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ABOUT PRAISE AND WORSHIP
What is worship?
The word "worship" means, literally, "to bow yourself down" or "to extend yourself toward." It carries with it the idea of adoration, admiration and intense love. Every individual in the world worship someone or something and their entire lifestyle is an expression and an outworking of that worship. Every individual is bowing down to an extending themselves toward someone or something. If it is not God that they are worshiping, the focus of their whole life will be improper.
What form of worship is prescribed for the New Testament Church?
Some people will say that it does not matter how you worship as long as you are sincere. The Bible seems to indicate, however, that God is very much concerned about both the sincerity of our hearts and the actual form in which that worship is expressed.
John 4:21-24 New Testament worship is to be in spirit and truth. (Isaiah 29:13) Acts 15:15-17 New Testament worship is according to the pattern of David's Tabernacle. There are still reasons why this is the case:
Rom 15:9-11 Paul quotes from the Psalms describing the worship expression of those will be saved. Eph 5:19; Col 3:16 The Psalms of David were a vital part of the New Testament worship expression. Acts 15:15-17 James professed that the Church was the expression of the rebuilt Tabernacle of David. Many New Testament passages imply a similar expression in worship (Acts 2:47; 3:8; 16:25; 24:14; 1 Thes 5:16-21; 1 Ti 2:8; Heb 13:15-16; 1 Pt 2:9). This is also the form of worship in heaven
(Revelation 4:9-11; 5:9-11; 7:11-12; 11:16-17; 15:3-4; 19:1-6). What characterized the worship in David's Tabernacle?
2 Chr 29:25-29 it was spontaneous. In other words, they did not say the same form the over and over again; nor was it necessarily a prescribed order of worship that became a set form.
Psalms 86:12; 111:1 it was from the heart. This is the only kind of worship God has ever desired.
Psalms 51:15-17 It was out of personal brokenness and humility.
Psalms 34:1; 72:15; 119:164; 145:2 It was regular and often.
1 Chr 6:31-32; 15:16-18 It was corporate with some opportunity for individual expression.
Psalms 148-150 It had a strong emphasis on praise. What forms did worship take in David's Tabernacle?
Since God has made man to be a three-part being (spirit, soul and body), He has given to man various ways to get himself totally involved in expressing worship to God (Luke 10:27). David outlines at least nine ways to worship in the Psalms.
We worship with our voices:
Psalms 34:1; 40:16; 42:4; 66:8 With audible praise.
Psalms 47:6; 61:8; 68:4; 104:33 With singing.
Psalms 5:11; 32:11; 35:27 With shouting. We worship God with our hands:
Psalms 63:4; 119:48; 134:2; 141:By lifting hands.
Psalms 47:1; 98:8 By clapping hands.
Psalms 33:2-3; 57:8; 150:3-6 By playing musical instruments. We worship God with our very posture:
Psalms 135:2; 134:1 By standing.
Psalms 30:11; 149:3; 150:4 By dancing.
Psalms 95:6 By bowing or kneeling. Why do we make such an emphasis on worship?
Psalms 22:23 Because worship is commanded by God.
Psalms 18:3 Because God is worthy of our worship and praise.
Psalms 50:23 Because worship glorifies God.
Mark 12:30 Because it helps us develop our love relationship with God.
Psalms 22:3 Because it releases the power of God's presence.
Psalms 106:19-20; 2 Cor 3:18 Because we become like what we worship.
Psalms 100:1-4 Because it is the proper way to come before God.
Isaiah 26:3 Because it helps us to become God-centered instead of self-centered.
1 Peter 2:5-9 Because it is part of our priestly ministry unto the Lord.
Psalms 115:17; Isaiah 38:19 Because it is a definite sign of life. What happens when we worship?
Whenever we respond in obedience to the Lord, by our faith we put certain spiritual laws into operation for us. Therefore, we can expect certain results in spiritual realms.
2 Chronicles 20:1-30 Victory over our enemies.
Acts 16:16-34; Jonah 1:17-2:10 Release from bondages.
1 Samuel 16:14-23 Inner peace and joy.
Joshua 16:1-20 The breaking up of large problems.
Isaiah 4:5-6 Special protection from enemies.
2 Chronicles 5:12-14 A special manifestation of God's presence. What main guidelines should govern our worship?
While there should be a certain spontaneity to our worship there are still certain guidelines that make worship most beneficial to all.
Psalms 134:1; 113:1 Total involvement. Worship is not meant for only a few, but all of God's people.
Psalms 133 Unity of expression. While there is a proper place for individual expression, public worship is a corporate expression and all should follow the designated worship leader.
1 Corinthians 14:40 Orderliness. The guidelines established by the leadership should be carefully observed.
1 Corinthians 14:26 Edification. All things done in the corporate gathering should be done to build up the people of God. Conclusion: God's people were created to be a people of worship and praise. Worship and praise help us to keep all of life in proper perspective and to serve to remind us that we are first and foremost the servants of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 4:2-11).
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