Worship - What does that really mean - Part two

Expressions of Christian Worship
The Bible describes true and sincere worship as taking many forms and postures including bowing down (I Kings 1:47-48), standing (Ex 33:10), dancing (2Sam 6:14), clapping and shouting (Ps 47:1), raising hands, Ps. 134:2), kneeling (Dan 6:10), walking and leaping (Acts 3:8) and lying face down or flat on the ground (Rev 5:14). The key is as long as they these expressions are appropriate to the particular situations and are sincere responses to an awareness of God’s presence, they are acceptable to God. Regardless of the posture of worship several elements tend to characterize true Godly worship.

Two key principles help direct or guide our worship.
a. Genuine worship takes place in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). In other words, true worship is not just a physical or mental activity; it is a spiritual exercise - an appropriate response to how God has revealed himself to us, particularly through his son Jesus. Worship involves heartfelt interaction between the human spirit and God’s holy spirit.
b. The practice of Christian worship must fit the New Testament pattern for the church (Acts 7:44). We should desire, pursue and expect the same kinds of worship expressions and experiences described throughout the New Testament.

Singing is one important way to praise/worship God, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. The Old Testament is full of encouragement to sing to the Lord. At the time of Jesus’ birth the entire heavenly multitude burst into a song of praise (Luke 2:13-14). The NT church was a singing community (1 Cor 14:15, Eph 5:19). The Bible describes NT Christians as singing with the mind (Human language) or with the spirit (in singing in a spiritual language, tongues). Under no circumstances did they view singing as a form of entertainment disguised as worship. Although singing and music are significant forms or expressions of worship, we must be careful not to view music as the primary means of worship, nor should we allow it to take the place of true worship. Music certainly can inspire and facilitate true worship, but at times it can overpower the senses and direct attention away from God. In this way, people end up worshipping a song, a singer, or a feeling rather than worshipping God.

Remember, true worship requires us to respond to God's character and presence by expressing gratitude for who He is and what He has done for us. Sincere worship requires a faith commitment and an admission that He alone is God. Which means that we acknowledge that He is the Lord - the Leader and ultimate authority in our lives.

Log in next week for part 3 - Other ways we worship that we might not always see as worship.

Pastor John

Worship - What does that really mean?

The English word worship is derived from an Old English word "worthship". The word describes actions and attitudes that honor the worthiness of God as we express awe and adoration to Him.

True worship is God-centered, not man centered. It focuses on God's character traits (omnipresent, Omnipotent, omniscient, eternal, unchangeable, perfect & holy) that are much different that man's traits.

True worship requires us to respond to God's character and presence by expressing gratitude for who He is and what He has done for us. Sincere worship requires a faith commitment and an admission that He alone is God. Which means that we acknowledge that He is the Lord - the Leader and ultimate authority in our lives.

So this Sunday as you worship the Lord by singing, shouting, giving and responding to His word remember who He is and what He has done for you. When that happens it is really hard to sit and just observe the Lord... He wants us to participate in worship.... So stand up, raise your hands lift your voice and let your hair down and give it all to Him!

Pastor John

Back to Church Sunday - Sunday Sept. 13th

Did you know that 82% of those that don't attend church are likely to attend if personally invited? Did you know that only 2% of those that regularly attend church invite just one person each year?

Join me in inviting your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. to church with you this Sunday.!

We (Brenda & I) have had so much fun hanging about 200 door hangers and personally inviting over 20 people to church on Sunday. I can't wait to see who is there on Sunday...

If you don't have a church that you attend... join us @ www.tiffanyfellowship.org and 9 & 11 this Sunday morning.

Pastor John

Labor of Love

As we head into the Labor Day holiday weekend... let's consider the ultimate labor of love that Jesus demonstrated for us...

Jesus took 30 years to prepare Himself for His ministry. He then worked tirelessly for 3 1/2 years. The only days off He took were the Sabbath days. He traveled anywhere and everywhere to reach those that needed to hear the message that Jesus is the Messiah. From the Synagogue to the mountainous terrain, from the waterside chats the hills filled with those that had gathered. Jesus shared His love.

The ultimate sacrifice was the shedding of His own blood as He died on the cross so that you and I might have life.... but it didn't end on the cross, He arose three days later to complete ultimate gift of life... that is that we might have eternal life with Him.

Today, He intercedes for us daily, minute by minute He is there on our behalf talking to the Father.

So when you are having "one of those days" or you are celebrated the "holidays" remember that you have a Savior who loves you and gave you the ultimate labor of love!

Pastor John