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