Go All Out
We are meant to go all out in worship. "Worship in heaven is unapologetically passionate and highly demonstrative. The whole multitude worship God, each with their whole heart. Heaven's worship is also physical. John saw the heavenly host fall on their faces before God:
And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God. -Revelation 7:11
And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God. -Revelation 11:16
In heaven, humility is the only possible posture, and the glory of God throws the worshipers to their knees. Everyone is actively involved."
Did you know that "in the Old Testament, the original Hebrew word used most often for worship means to bow down, fall down, humbly beseech, do reverence. The Greek word for worship used most often in the New Testament has a similar meaning: to prostrate oneself in homage, do reverence, to adore." In scriptures, there is no mention of people sitting in pews quietly as they worship God. They get passionately and physically involved! Think about it, "it is simply unnatural to restrain our worship. It's human nature to exude joy and energy. We get visibly exercised over a new car, a good meal, or our favorite movie. When discussing sports, religion, or politics, many of us are very animated; we use our hands to emphasize certain words or phrases. When we speak about a loved one, our eyes light up, we smile; our feet may even bounce as if they're about to break into dance. I don't know anyone who speaks in constant monotone, with no facial expression, hands glued to their sides when talking about something or someone they love. Yet that's how some of us try to worship. Meanwhile the saints in heaven are doing face plants in homage to the King of kings. So why do we hold back? Why so reticent? Why do we settle for lackluster worship?"
Our author suggests several reasons. Our culture has conditioned us to be comfortable and complacent, not actively engaged. From our televisions to our iPads, we are used to sitting back and watching other people do things without actually breaking a sweat ourselves. "Sometimes pride prevents us from fully entering worship. We want to avoid looking foolish, weak, or awkward because it might tarnish our image or damage our reputation." But here is the truth: "Actions always accompany heartfelt convictions. 'The good person out of the good treasure of his hear produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil' (Luke 6:45).
It could be fear of others that keeps us from being fully engaged. "We fear their disapproval, maybe even their scorn." Why do we really care what others think of us when we worship? David didn't care. "Jesus commands us to 'love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' We are to worship the Lord enthusiastically and completely, with everything we've got."
"Bringing God our best worship may mean something different for each of us, depending on personality, temperament, and religious background. For example, if your personality is quiet, laid back, or reserved, bringing god your best worship might mean that you do something overt, like raise your hands or kneel. If you're an extrovert, you might at times want to consider sitting reverently still in God's presence during corporate worship. As you try to discern what it means to bring God your best worship, I humbly offer what I hope are a few helpful suggestions."
Come hungry for God. Walk into church ready to encounter God. Respond to His presence with the worship He deserves.
Come ready to contribute.
Make your praise visible. "If you come ready to contribute, you won't sit back like a bump on a log; you'll automatically engage during worship."
Here are some physical expressions and their purposes:
Standing- appropriate for praying tribute or showing honor
Kneeling/bowing- postures of submission
Raising hands- prayer and worship
How much physical expression is enough? How much is too much?
"Here's a simple guideline: you should exert more energy worshiping God than you do cheering for your favorite sports team, your kid's soccer team, or your favorite band. Even if you're not a sports fan or don't attend rock concerts, I think you get the point. Your countenance and your posture should visibly demonstrate that you mean business when it comes to worshiping God."
Enjoy the Journey
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Focus on God's Attributes
What I'm about to say is so simple it almost seems silly. Truthfully it would be silly if we weren't so bad at it. So here is a revelation that I am sure will shock you to the core of your being: "Heaven's worship is not focused on us but solely on God." I know, shocking right? "The result is pure ascription-worship that is obsessed with God's intrinsic worth and ascribes to God alone the glory and honor due Him. There are no personal pronouns recorded in heaven's worship- no 'me,' no 'my,' no 'I.' Instead, the names and attributes of God are front and center: 'Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen' (Revelation 7:12). Everyone in heaven is so enamored with God that they don't waste a single moment thinking only about themselves." This type of worship reminds us that we are not the center of the universe, God is.
In heaven, "God is worshiped not only for who He is but also for what He's done." Heaven's worship is overflowing with thanksgiving. It is hard not to be filled with thanksgiving when you are thinking of who God is and what He has done for you! "Praise and thanksgiving go hand in hand; they are the lifeblood of Christian worship, a natural response to God, for all He' done and continues to do."
It sounds simple, but it is not easy. This is because, "human beings are notoriously self-centered, always looking out for number one. All too often, we put our emotional needs ahead of the needs of others, sometimes at the expense of others. Our bottom line for everything-whether it be work, relationships, marriage, or even church-is too often, 'What's in it for me?' Sometimes we are even thinking about ourselves while we are singing. The truth is "I can sing praise songs at the top of my lungs with hands in the air with all my thoughts centered on me." Ever been there? "When the words coming from my lips are contradicted by what's happening in my mind and heart, I have failed to worship God."
D.A. Carson says, "We cannot ascribe to the Lord all the glory due His name if we are consumed by self-love or intoxicated by pitiful visions of our own greatness or independence."
Worship that is pure ascription takes our eyes off of us and places them where they belong...on God. Therefore worship is something that we offer God. "It's not a show the church puts on to make us feel good or to motivate us. Worship is something we do to honor God."
Some of us can't go through a single worship time without finding something to complain about. "Our heavenly father doesn't care for complaining; it offends him. Note His reaction to the people of Israel: 'And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled' (Numbers 11:1). Complaining is an insult to God. It's like saying, 'God, I don't trust that You're good. I think You're holding out on me, and I can't be happy unless You give me what I want.' Truth is, God has never let us down and He never will. 'And from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace' (John 1:16).
Contrast that with gratitude. Complaining offends God, but gratitude pleases Him. Over and over in the Bible we are commanded to be grateful to God! Why? Because we are so quick to forget the things that He has done for us. We have a tendency to take God for granted. "Followers of Christ are called to be worshipers, not complainers."
Mark Batterson writes, "There are basically two types of people in the world: complainers and worshipers. And there isn't much circumstantial difference between the two. Complainers will always find something to complain about. Worshipers will always find something to praise God about. They simply have different default settings." Thanksgiving is the antidote for discontent.
Are you having trouble being thankful? "If the only blessing we ever received from God was salvation through Jesus Christ, that would certainly be enough." But God has given us so much more than that, and for most of us He has blessed us far beyond what we deserve!
So this week be on the lookout for names and attributes of God as we worship together. Focusing on the names and attributes of God will curb our negativity. Our author writes, "I've discovered that church folk can also be some of the most negative people you'll ever meet. They complain about the most trivial things. At one church where I worked, a man sent the pastor a note complaining that the cookie he received at the welcome booth on Sunday morning was 'too soggy.' Another groused that our worship leader said 'exult' instead of 'exalt.' (I honestly couldn't hear the difference.) Nothing draws more complaints from churchgoers than the music. Music is highly subjective; people have strong feelings about what they like and dislike. So you're bound to hear some songs in church you don't like and might even hate. You may also be subjected to music that is played or sung poorly. I once heard a worship band go through an entire song playing in two different keys-and no one on the platform even appeared to notice. Most church musicians are good-hearted amateurs. They mean well, but that doesn't mean they always play well. That's why it's important to concentrate on the message, not the messengers. If you're tuned in to the attributes of God, you will be able to worship regardless of the style or quality of the music."
My hope is that what drives you on Sunday mornings is not your love for the music we do, but your love for God. So this week, spend time throughout the service giving thanks to God for all He is doing and has done in your life. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8). Remember that we are in the presence of God. "We worship the Father, through the Son, in the Spirit." "So as you walk into church, think of yourself as an active participant, not a casual observer, in the fellowship of the Trinity. In short, think of yourself as a vibrant worshiper."
Enjoy the Journey
What I'm about to say is so simple it almost seems silly. Truthfully it would be silly if we weren't so bad at it. So here is a revelation that I am sure will shock you to the core of your being: "Heaven's worship is not focused on us but solely on God." I know, shocking right? "The result is pure ascription-worship that is obsessed with God's intrinsic worth and ascribes to God alone the glory and honor due Him. There are no personal pronouns recorded in heaven's worship- no 'me,' no 'my,' no 'I.' Instead, the names and attributes of God are front and center: 'Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen' (Revelation 7:12). Everyone in heaven is so enamored with God that they don't waste a single moment thinking only about themselves." This type of worship reminds us that we are not the center of the universe, God is.
In heaven, "God is worshiped not only for who He is but also for what He's done." Heaven's worship is overflowing with thanksgiving. It is hard not to be filled with thanksgiving when you are thinking of who God is and what He has done for you! "Praise and thanksgiving go hand in hand; they are the lifeblood of Christian worship, a natural response to God, for all He' done and continues to do."
It sounds simple, but it is not easy. This is because, "human beings are notoriously self-centered, always looking out for number one. All too often, we put our emotional needs ahead of the needs of others, sometimes at the expense of others. Our bottom line for everything-whether it be work, relationships, marriage, or even church-is too often, 'What's in it for me?' Sometimes we are even thinking about ourselves while we are singing. The truth is "I can sing praise songs at the top of my lungs with hands in the air with all my thoughts centered on me." Ever been there? "When the words coming from my lips are contradicted by what's happening in my mind and heart, I have failed to worship God."
D.A. Carson says, "We cannot ascribe to the Lord all the glory due His name if we are consumed by self-love or intoxicated by pitiful visions of our own greatness or independence."
Worship that is pure ascription takes our eyes off of us and places them where they belong...on God. Therefore worship is something that we offer God. "It's not a show the church puts on to make us feel good or to motivate us. Worship is something we do to honor God."
Some of us can't go through a single worship time without finding something to complain about. "Our heavenly father doesn't care for complaining; it offends him. Note His reaction to the people of Israel: 'And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, His anger was kindled' (Numbers 11:1). Complaining is an insult to God. It's like saying, 'God, I don't trust that You're good. I think You're holding out on me, and I can't be happy unless You give me what I want.' Truth is, God has never let us down and He never will. 'And from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace' (John 1:16).
Contrast that with gratitude. Complaining offends God, but gratitude pleases Him. Over and over in the Bible we are commanded to be grateful to God! Why? Because we are so quick to forget the things that He has done for us. We have a tendency to take God for granted. "Followers of Christ are called to be worshipers, not complainers."
Mark Batterson writes, "There are basically two types of people in the world: complainers and worshipers. And there isn't much circumstantial difference between the two. Complainers will always find something to complain about. Worshipers will always find something to praise God about. They simply have different default settings." Thanksgiving is the antidote for discontent.
Are you having trouble being thankful? "If the only blessing we ever received from God was salvation through Jesus Christ, that would certainly be enough." But God has given us so much more than that, and for most of us He has blessed us far beyond what we deserve!
So this week be on the lookout for names and attributes of God as we worship together. Focusing on the names and attributes of God will curb our negativity. Our author writes, "I've discovered that church folk can also be some of the most negative people you'll ever meet. They complain about the most trivial things. At one church where I worked, a man sent the pastor a note complaining that the cookie he received at the welcome booth on Sunday morning was 'too soggy.' Another groused that our worship leader said 'exult' instead of 'exalt.' (I honestly couldn't hear the difference.) Nothing draws more complaints from churchgoers than the music. Music is highly subjective; people have strong feelings about what they like and dislike. So you're bound to hear some songs in church you don't like and might even hate. You may also be subjected to music that is played or sung poorly. I once heard a worship band go through an entire song playing in two different keys-and no one on the platform even appeared to notice. Most church musicians are good-hearted amateurs. They mean well, but that doesn't mean they always play well. That's why it's important to concentrate on the message, not the messengers. If you're tuned in to the attributes of God, you will be able to worship regardless of the style or quality of the music."
My hope is that what drives you on Sunday mornings is not your love for the music we do, but your love for God. So this week, spend time throughout the service giving thanks to God for all He is doing and has done in your life. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8). Remember that we are in the presence of God. "We worship the Father, through the Son, in the Spirit." "So as you walk into church, think of yourself as an active participant, not a casual observer, in the fellowship of the Trinity. In short, think of yourself as a vibrant worshiper."
Enjoy the Journey
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Growing as a Corporate Worshiper- Worship in Revelation
What do you think the number one activity is in heaven? You guess it, worship! I hope you like worship, because that is what we are going to be doing for eternity! A.W. Tozer says, "I can safely say, on the authority of all that is revealed in the Word of God, that any man or woman on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven." So what is worship in heaven going to be like? Let's take a look at the scripture and see what it has to say.
It's going to be loud...I mean really loud!
Revelation 5:11-12 says, "Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands saying with a loud voice..."
Revelation 11:15, "Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying..."
Revelation 19:1, "After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out..."
Does this mean that there won't be quiet, contemplative worship in heaven? Absolutely not. I believe that heaven will include plenty of opportunities for quiet reflection. "After all Revelation 8 opens with silence and prayer. However, when heaven worships, the volume generally goes way up. For some of us, that may take some getting used to."
"Every church that features contemporary music faces controversy over volume levels. Such churches field complaints that the music is too loud. I encourage compassion toward anyone who may be sensitive to loud sounds, but some people take their complaining way too far. They're rude to the ushers and the sound team. The stomp out of church angry and write nasty letters. Recently I saw a disgruntled man and his wife create an ugly scene at church by standing with their fingers planted firmly in their ears, scowls on their faces, during the entire worship set. I can't help but wonder how those folks will fare amidst the deafeningly loud sounds of thunder, earthquakes, and trumpets that await them in heaven's worship."
The Bible also has many references to loud worship on earth as well. "During Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem, 'the whole multitude of His disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen' (Luke 19:37). Therefore, loud celebratory praise has a rightful place in worship."
Worship in heaven is also repetitive. That may be a surprise to some people. Revelation 4:8 says that the four creatures around God's throne "Day and night never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!'" Words that extol God are worth repeating.
So what do we take away from this? We have to be teachable. Some of the things we've always thought about worship might need to be reconsidered. Maybe loud sounds or repetitive lyrics are not a problem for you. Maybe it is just a particular kind of music. This could apply to both people who only like contemporary music, or to people who only like traditional music. If you are in either of those places, let me say this to you. "God intended corporate worship to be a beautiful expression of Christian unity. It must break God's heart when we allow worship to become a source of strife and division." Let us not be caught up in a style, but let us worship God, because after all, He is worthy of our worship.
There may be instruments in heaven that we've never seen. "When King David introduced new instruments into corporate worship (1 Chronicles 23:5), the Bible makes no mention of anyone complaining about these newfangled innovations. Or if anyone did object, the writers of Scripture didn't think it was worth mentioning. In the same way, let's not be too quick to dismiss worship styles, old or new, that are different from what we're used to. Instead of judging a different approach by whether you like it or not, evaluate it on the basis of whether or not it contradicts Scripture. If a certain practice does nothing for you, respect and appreciate the possibility that it may enhance worship for others."
Jesus is going to prepare a place for us in heaven. We learn that in the gospel of John. But "Christ is not simply preparing a place for us; He is preparing us for that place. Part of our preparation for heaven involves us growing as worshipers. Therefore, every church service here on earth is preparation for the real thing - a rehearsal for the glorious praise gatherings we'll experience in paradise. So next Sunday morning as you head out the door, remember that you're not just going to church, you're going to worship practice."
Enjoy the Journey
What do you think the number one activity is in heaven? You guess it, worship! I hope you like worship, because that is what we are going to be doing for eternity! A.W. Tozer says, "I can safely say, on the authority of all that is revealed in the Word of God, that any man or woman on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven." So what is worship in heaven going to be like? Let's take a look at the scripture and see what it has to say.
It's going to be loud...I mean really loud!
Revelation 5:11-12 says, "Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands saying with a loud voice..."
Revelation 11:15, "Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying..."
Revelation 19:1, "After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out..."
Does this mean that there won't be quiet, contemplative worship in heaven? Absolutely not. I believe that heaven will include plenty of opportunities for quiet reflection. "After all Revelation 8 opens with silence and prayer. However, when heaven worships, the volume generally goes way up. For some of us, that may take some getting used to."
"Every church that features contemporary music faces controversy over volume levels. Such churches field complaints that the music is too loud. I encourage compassion toward anyone who may be sensitive to loud sounds, but some people take their complaining way too far. They're rude to the ushers and the sound team. The stomp out of church angry and write nasty letters. Recently I saw a disgruntled man and his wife create an ugly scene at church by standing with their fingers planted firmly in their ears, scowls on their faces, during the entire worship set. I can't help but wonder how those folks will fare amidst the deafeningly loud sounds of thunder, earthquakes, and trumpets that await them in heaven's worship."
The Bible also has many references to loud worship on earth as well. "During Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem, 'the whole multitude of His disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen' (Luke 19:37). Therefore, loud celebratory praise has a rightful place in worship."
Worship in heaven is also repetitive. That may be a surprise to some people. Revelation 4:8 says that the four creatures around God's throne "Day and night never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!'" Words that extol God are worth repeating.
So what do we take away from this? We have to be teachable. Some of the things we've always thought about worship might need to be reconsidered. Maybe loud sounds or repetitive lyrics are not a problem for you. Maybe it is just a particular kind of music. This could apply to both people who only like contemporary music, or to people who only like traditional music. If you are in either of those places, let me say this to you. "God intended corporate worship to be a beautiful expression of Christian unity. It must break God's heart when we allow worship to become a source of strife and division." Let us not be caught up in a style, but let us worship God, because after all, He is worthy of our worship.
There may be instruments in heaven that we've never seen. "When King David introduced new instruments into corporate worship (1 Chronicles 23:5), the Bible makes no mention of anyone complaining about these newfangled innovations. Or if anyone did object, the writers of Scripture didn't think it was worth mentioning. In the same way, let's not be too quick to dismiss worship styles, old or new, that are different from what we're used to. Instead of judging a different approach by whether you like it or not, evaluate it on the basis of whether or not it contradicts Scripture. If a certain practice does nothing for you, respect and appreciate the possibility that it may enhance worship for others."
Jesus is going to prepare a place for us in heaven. We learn that in the gospel of John. But "Christ is not simply preparing a place for us; He is preparing us for that place. Part of our preparation for heaven involves us growing as worshipers. Therefore, every church service here on earth is preparation for the real thing - a rehearsal for the glorious praise gatherings we'll experience in paradise. So next Sunday morning as you head out the door, remember that you're not just going to church, you're going to worship practice."
Enjoy the Journey
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