Worship Think!

Worship Blog at the Worldview Church

2011-04-12T11:26:00.002-04:00

Over the last number of months I have begun a regular blog post on Worship, Arts and other topics at the Worldview Church website (www.worldviewchurch.org). The Worldview Church is a resource for pastors and others in ministry, or those interested in ministry. It is a part of the larger Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview (www.colsoncenter.org) -- an online database covering all issues of Christian Worldview and how it touches all parts of life.

I may revive the WorshipThink blog in the future, but for now please visit me at the Worldview Church. You'll see a link to my posts on the front page.

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-11-30T13:47:00.000-05:00

On the opposite side of weariness and losing heart is the concept of rest. The writer of Hebrews certainly regards rest as a key ingredient of the fulfilled and complete Christian life. Entering that rest is a matter of obedience in Hebrews 4, but what happens when the path for your life is unclear and God’s direction seems to be cloudy at best? What do you follow when you’re not sure what to follow?

It’s just not a restful situation. How can you rest during uncertainty?

To order the book: www.LessonsInTheSilence.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T08:28:00.002-05:00

I hope you will be thankful to the Provider of all good and perfect gifts -- just as was meant to happen on Thanksgiving Day!

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-11-23T13:46:00.000-05:00

It is just plain tiring to live. Balancing all the different aspects of life is often burdensome. Work, rest, play, family, self, others, love, concern, care, homes, cars, sleep, iPods, the internet, email, Facebook, Twitter, reading, learning, growing, teaching—should I go on? It is really a miracle that we are all not crushed by the weight and too often we hear of those who are crushed in one way or another.

And we grow weary.

To order the book: www.LessonsInTheSilence.com

How can God be pleased?

2010-11-18T11:26:00.000-05:00

In today’s “Praise and Worship” over-saturated Christian culture, there appears to be a continued reliance on John 4:23-24 for discussion on worship methods and practice. There is a great need for the Body of Christ, and for its worship leaders and pastors, to go beyond this passage and develop a deeper and broader concept of worship as Jesus lived it and as it is found throughout the whole of Scripture.

God does desire to be pleased by His children, and His children appropriately desire to please Him, as Paul suggests several times (2 Corinthians 5:9; Ephesians 6:6 and others). We must understand, however, that in pleasing the Father we are not endearing ourselves to Him any more than we already are. He loves us. “We love, because He first loved us” writes John (1 John 4:19), and no matter what, the process is always in that order: we love, we have faith, we obey because He moves first in our lives to love us, draw us near, and guide us in life.

This is the lesson of Christ’s full life of worship, and when John 4 is understood in its place within this fuller understanding of worship, we can truly begin to please Him as His children—loved and secure in His care.

For the full discussion, read the book: www.TheLifeOfWorship.com

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-11-16T13:45:00.000-05:00

As we forgive, we are healed. And others are healed from the wounds we may have afflicted on them as we lashed out in our pain. This whole business of healing is the one that seems to take the most time, the most prayer and the most work of God’s Spirit with our own spirit. Healing means our hearts are softened and we learn to love better.

Think of the implications of this in the ocean of life. As I am healed there are ripples that flow from my lonely isolation. The ripples cause our ships to move and eventually our ships come together so that we might be together. Relationships are restored. We are no longer alone.

To order the book: www.LessonsInTheSilence.com

Christian Insecurity

2010-11-11T11:23:00.001-05:00

God has explained a great deal about Himself, and about us as His children, in His word. The pervasive doubts so many Christians have about finding (or coming into) God’s “good graces” are quite misplaced. There seems to be an undercurrent of insecurity in people as to whether they are pleasing God in their life (and/or worship) and wondering if He accepts their efforts. This is what I mean when I say that the discussion about Jesus’ words in John 4:24 is more about figuring out how to be a person “the Father seeks to be His worshiper” than it is about a spiritual and truthful worship. People want to do the worship that will please God so that they will, in turn, know that He accepts them.

Therein lies the problem...

Read more. Buy the book: www.TheLifeOfWorship.com

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-11-09T13:42:00.000-05:00

We are complex beings.

As bearers of the image of God, we seldom understand the depths of what we feel emotionally, physically and spiritually. When we experience pain, it affects us in all of these areas regardless of how it occurred. When God remains silent, we experience a sense of separation. We may know He is there, yet we have emotional, spiritual and sometimes physical signs that something is not right.

To order the book: www.LessonsInTheSilence.com

Worship must permeate our lives

2010-11-04T11:19:00.001-04:00

After becoming a new creature, and receiving the gift of salvation by God’s grace through the work of Christ on the cross, God has implanted within each Christian gifts of the Spirit by which we are to serve Him, His body, and people in general. To make the connection clearer still, let me put it this way: When we become a new creation we take on a new identity as a child of God (internal) and now can use the gifts He gives us to be what we are and do what He created us to do (external), and thus we are worshiping.

So worship should permeate our lives as children of God. The beauty of this idea is that we begin to recognize the value of each person’s part in the Body of Christ. The men and women raking leaves in the church lawn, as they use their gifts of service, are worshiping. The men and women who pray unceasingly for the needs of others are worshiping through their gift of intercession. Those that serve in the church office or the kitchen, those who are teachers, helpers, musicians, and others worship God through their giftedness. He is honored (worshiped!) when His body functions as it was intended to function—each of us serving in our area of giftedness. My point is this: just as creation in reality worships by fulfilling its God-designed purpose; thus we, as new creations, worship by fulfilling our God-designed purpose (spiritual giftedeness). Service is worship!

Buy the book: www.TheLifeOfWorship.com

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-11-02T13:40:00.001-04:00

The deep-felt need for meaning in life is indicative of the soul’s understanding that God is both the Source of life and the One that ascribes meaning to life. Questions such as, “Why am I here?” and “What am I supposed to do with my life?” begin to plague us early in adolescence. From that moment we search and search—and some never find any answers.

When God is silent, or appears to be, our hearts and minds become more restless. We might even suggest that there is some kind of low grade panic that sets in as we begin to try different ways to fill the void. Unfortunately, it is at this point we often search for meaning in places other than God’s love and care. To paraphrase St. Augustine, from his autobiographical work Confessions, this idea becomes palpable: “Our hearts are restless until they find rest in You.”

To order the book: www.LessonsInTheSilence.com

Sunday is only Part of Worship

2010-10-28T11:18:00.000-04:00

The primary focus in many modern discussions about worship is the public, corporate worship event/service, yet Scripture clearly teaches that the corporate event is only part of the whole picture of worship as set forth in the Bible. The result of this unbalanced focus has led to some oversight in reference to a solid, balanced view of worship that encompasses a person’s entire lifestyle. To use Francis Schaeffer’s internal-external terminology: the external expression and activity of worship, when focused too narrowly on the corporate event, is not consistent with a proper internal understanding of an all-encompassing and broader expectation of worship as a lifestyle, as it is found in Scripture.

Order the book: www.TheLifeOfWorship.com

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-10-26T13:38:00.002-04:00

The Spirit of God indwells the believer. He, in some way, communicates directly with our spirit. A refined conscience is part of that communication. That uneasiness we feel when we know something is wrong. The conviction to change something in our mind, or heart, or lifestyle (or all three).

This can be as real as hearing an audible voice.

It’s easy to dismiss these promptings of the Spirit as He nudges and cajoles our own spirit. Yet, with practice and careful listening (Hebrews 5:14), His voice can become ever-clearer in the midst of the noise of our own minds and the noise of our world.

To order the book: www.LessonsInTheSilence.com

What does God require?

2010-10-21T11:12:00.003-04:00

Note in Deuteronomy 10:12 that Moses asks the question: “What does the Lord your God require of you?” He responds with parallel thoughts as described above. Israel’s response was to be based upon a balanced perspective of who God was and what He had done for them as a nation, as well as understanding who they were in relationship to Him, and their need of God as Provider and Sustainer. They were to fear God, love God, serve God, and trust His continuing provision and care. It was to be a total and complete commitment of “all your heart and all your soul.”

This is a description of the everyday life for the Israelite. Moses is depicting a lifestyle of worship: defined as fearing God, walking in His ways, loving Him, serving Him and keeping His commandments and statutes. Modern discussions often break down in failing to recognize the complete scope (beyond the public worship event) that this passage (among others) establishes as the norm for everyday life. Only when we regain this broader perspective will we truly understand what the life of worship involves.

Order the book: www.TheLifeOfWorship.com

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-10-19T13:36:00.001-04:00

Too often our prayer is one-way, and we don’t stop talking long enough to allow the Spirit to speak. It is evident from Scripture that His voice is sometimes a whisper. He will not turn off the TV or mp3 player for you if you are unwilling to do it yourself. We must discipline ourselves to listen for the “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-13).

And where do we hear it? Is there a voice? An audible and recognizable voice of God?

Well, yes and no.

God’s voice is audible if we tune our ears to hear it, but it is not necessarily distinct. In other words, it may come in various forms (an actual voice, something we read, impressions within our spirit) and with different levels of clarity (clear as crystal, clear as mud, not clear at all).

Sometimes we must search for the clarity.

To order the book: www.LessonsInTheSilence.com

Fear, Love and Trust

2010-10-14T11:07:00.001-04:00

Deuteronomy 10:12-22 reminds me of Martin Luther’s admonitions in his Catechisms to fear, love and trust God in all of life. The first of the Ten Commandments reads, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:2-3). Luther was a professor of Old Testament studies, and based upon his reading of the first commandment, he saw that fear, love, and trust were based upon the character of the object being feared, loved, and trusted.[i] To have “no other gods” besides the one God is a response of faith to the promise of God to be a Father to His children. Once this relationship is properly established, and believed in faith, the other commandments and the life of worship Moses is calling for flows from the love of Christ and love for our neighbors, rather than from the burden of laws and requirements.

To order the book: www.TheLifeOfWorship.com

[i] See Luther’s discussion of the First Commandment in his Large Catechism. Also reference Paul Althaus’ chapter called “God’s Will for Men” in his work The Theology of Martin Luther (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1966), 130-140.

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-10-12T13:33:00.001-04:00

The tapestry of humanity is before Him and timing is important as He guides and directs us in our course of life.

Discerning the specific reason for being sidelined may be more frustrating than being taken out of the game. Which of the above reasons is God’s purpose in pulling you aside? Can you tell? If you figure it out today, chances are that tomorrow the reason will seem to have changed. It’s really hard to pin-point the purposes of God in our lives in regard to His silence.

And it can be pretty frustrating to sit and watch.

To order the book: www.LessonsInTheSilence.com

In Spite of the Evidence

2010-10-07T11:02:00.000-04:00

In spite of all the evidence, mankind rejected Him and His persistent offers of mercy. There is every indication, as well, that humanity has made this decision willfully and with sufficient knowledge of Who God was and what He was doing. There is no other conclusion than to say that humanity, in the person of Adam and ever since, chooses to worship and serve everything and anything other than God. The misplaced worship of Adam, as he esteemed his own thoughts and desires higher than God’s (otherwise known as pride), truly flows in the blood of every one of his children, and though we yearn and search for the fulfillment only God can provide, we willfully wander the other way.

Order the book at: www.TheLifeOfWorship.com

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-10-05T11:31:00.000-04:00

I look into the future and see dozens of possibilities! I have a lot to offer. I am not ready to let life pass me by. This wealth of experience and knowledge can be useful for many worthwhile pursuits. I am ready and willing to step into whatever is next. I am experienced, willing and ready.

If the door would just open, I would step through it!

But that’s just it, the door remains closed. Sometimes it feels as though the door isn’t even in sight. To put it another way, the Coach took me out of the game and I’ve been sidelined. No amount of begging, hoping or suggesting seems to even get His attention and I’m left to watch everyone else play.

To order the book: www.lessonsinthesilence.com

Worship struggles at church?

2010-09-30T12:02:00.003-04:00

A.W. Tozer said it pointedly:

"Every spiritual problem is at bottom theological. Its solution will depend upon the teaching of the Holy Scriptures plus a correct understanding of that teaching. That correct understanding constitutes a spiritual philosophy, that is, a viewpoint, a high vantage ground from which the whole landscape may be seen at once, each detail appearing in its proper relation to everyone else. Once such a vantage ground is gained, we are in a position to evaluate any teaching or interpretation that is offered us in the name of truth." [i]

Tozer’s words continue to speak to the heart of what ails many churches today in the area of worship—theologically, philosophically and methodologically. There is no shortage of opinions out there floating through cyber-space, and in print, that fall short of recognizing the foundational theological issues that face our churches in the area of worship.

[i] A.W. Tozer, Keys to the Deeper Life (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1973), 36-37.

To order the book:
www.TheLifeOfWorship.com

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-09-28T23:28:00.002-04:00

And Scripture reminds us, though we often ignore its advice, to
remember the works of God. “I shall remember the deeds of the
Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old,” writes
Asaph in Psalm 77:11. After this statement he reflects on the
works of God in leading Israel out of Egypt.

According to verses 1-10, Asaph is using this as a means to
remind himself of God’s faithfulness at a time when God seemed
strangely quiet and inattentive. Asaph wonders if he and God’s
people have been rejected by God (vs. 7); if God has withdrawn
His love (vs. 8); and even if God has simply forgotten to be
gracious (vs. 9)! God certainly seemed distant (silent!) to Asaph.

And in Psalm 107 (one of my favorites) the Psalmist uses a
repeated formula to help keep the mind and heart focused during
times of difficulty. The formula is simple: a) remember what God
has done; b) give thanks for all He has done!

Remembering is key.

www.LessonsInTheSilence.com

Worship and theological renewal

2010-09-23T12:42:00.003-04:00

Theological renewal is at the heart of how we think about worship and is much broader than simply doing a study on worship as it is found in various Biblical texts. Our theology of worship must be based upon a holistic understanding and foundation of what God meant for our relationship with Him. What it was like at the beginning, what happened that distorted it so grossly, and what He has done to restore (redeem) us to Himself. This pattern of thought—creation, fall, and redemption—is the classic pattern used in discussing worldview systems.

Ultimately, our theology of worship unfolds out of our own worldview. Only in this broad-based picture can we truly develop theology which is both consistent with Scripture and tradition, yet adapts itself to our modern times and situations.

It is, therefore, imperative that we seek to mold our view of worship to one that is grounded in Scripture. We must seek renewal, not based upon new methods and theories, but by renewing our minds and hearts based on a study of God’s word. It is time to redeem worship theory and practice and return to foundational truths that transverse denominations, styles and cultures. It is, in short, time for reform.

To order the book:
www.TheLifeOfWorship.com

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-09-21T23:25:00.001-04:00

I have some misperceptions about the Christian life.

I suppose I’m similar to many people in that regard. For
example, some of us thought that the Christian life was one of
ongoing and continual blessing. We get saved, our sins are
forgiven, there is excitement about faith, Christ and the Bible.
We hold to the idea that our lives will get better and better until,
at the end of it all, we fall asleep one day and wake up in eternity
with nothing to do, no responsibilities, no cares in the world.

I’m not suggesting that the Christian life is not full of blessings.
It’s clear from Scripture that we are blessed beyond measure by
the work of Christ and the subsequent results of His redemption.
We can’t help but see this in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians
(especially Ephesians 1:3-23).

What I am suggesting is that our apparent hopefulness of
blessing and joy (true biblical promises to the redeemed) is
actually a thin veneer that hides our real desire: pleasure,
entertainment and convenience (which are not biblical
promises!). In spite of our desire for ease and comfort in this life,
we inevitably find difficulty and struggle.

www.LessonsInTheSilence.com

A Gentle Reminder...

2010-09-16T12:18:00.003-04:00

My wife and I were reminded recently of the responsibility each of us have as we use our gifts for serving the Lord by serving others. I think all of us are the same in the way that we develop our gifts for a time, we use them effectively, then back off and coast. Whether you are a musician, worship leader, pastor, accountant, athlete, mechanic, or whatever, there is always the danger of doing our work in the quickest, easiest fashion knowing that even our mediocre efforts are good enough.

I would encourage you to re-engage in the use of your gifts. I know that life is busy and time is at a premium, but re-assess your priorities and cut some things from your schedule to allow you time to focus on the specific ways God has called you to serve.

Paul says it this way: "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men." (Colossians 3:23) We are responsible to the Lord for how we use our time, how we develop and refine our gifts, and how we serve those around us for His glory and purpose. And let's do it heartily...

www.TheLifeOfWorship.com

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-09-14T23:21:00.000-04:00

On a regular basis tribulations come to us. These trials may
be big or small, the result of our own doing or the actions
of others and are almost always inconvenient. Yet, Paul
expects our attitude to be one of exultation in experiencing
these trials. Not because the trials are so much fun (“Yay!
Another chemo treatment!”); rather, he looks through the
process which begins with a trial, to the completion of its work as
it ends in hope.

Specifically, this hope reminds us that “the love of God has been
poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was
given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5)

The process begins with a trial or difficulty. As we look through
the trial toward hope, we persevere through the difficulty. As we
persevere we grow and from that growth comes strong, proven
character. And out of character flows hope: a hope which will not
disappoint us.

http://www.lessonsinthesilence.com/

Why "WorshipThink?"

2010-09-09T12:39:00.002-04:00

Scripture regularly points out that our actions are the result of our thinking. More specifically—right actions result from correct thinking (1 Peter 1:13-16; Eph 4:20-24; 1 John 2:3-6; and others). Over and over again we are told to “prepare your minds for action,” (1 Peter 1:13), or to “be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:23), or to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

If the right belief system can be established concerning worship, then extremes that cause divisions might possibly be avoided. Our thinking will direct and determine our actions. Thus, correct thinking about worship will guide our practice of worship. This will include a solid, broadly defined theological understanding of worship based upon Scripture. Our Scriptural and theological understanding will, in turn, lead to the transformation of our daily Christian walk. It will also include a realignment of some forms or patterns of corporate worship. Finally, it will allow for a complete experience of worship in all of its joy, sorrow and other emotions.

These are the reasons this blog is called "WorshipThink."

www.TheLifeOfWorship.com

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-09-07T23:19:00.002-04:00

Some Christians, I suppose, might say that Christians can’t (or
shouldn’t) experience despair. I can hear them say, “The hope we
find in Jesus Christ will diffuse whatever sense of despair that we
might have and replace it with hope, confidence and well-being.”

Yeah, whatever…

I’m not so sure those who make such comments live in the same
world as I do. As an author, pastor, theologian, and teacher I
have experienced despair which is both palpable and tangible. It
has been so unsettling at times I’ve questioned whether I could
go on another day. It’s like wanting to give up on life.

To live, but not really be living.

www.LessonsInTheSilence.com

Faith and God's Promises

2010-09-02T13:35:00.002-04:00

The divine provision and gift of faith helps the believer to grow strong and persevere (cf. Romans 5:1-4). This is a direct parallel with Abraham’s ability to not waver in his faith in spite of his supposed reality. The progress of our daily salvation (our sanctification) in the Christian life is seen in the development of godly character. Tribulations lead to perseverance, which lead to proven character and hope. God is intimately involved in our growth and progress of faith from beginning to end.

This is also evident in the Trinitarian perspective displayed in Romans 5. Note God’s work of reconciliation through the work of Christ on the cross. Often we overlook the truth in Romans 5:5 which brings the reality of God’s love into our daily life, “because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” This is our security, our absolute confidence in God’s word and promises for what we need in our lives. Ephesians 1:13-14 describes the Spirit as the “down payment” for the promises of God. Just like Abraham, God will deliver to us the promises He made.

www.TheLifeOfWorship.com

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-08-31T23:16:00.001-04:00

I find myself asking God daily what this silence is for. Why is
there such fuzziness in the plan of my life? Like the Psalmist, I
might ask, “How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How
long will You hide Your face from me?” (Psalms 13:1)

I search for Him and can’t seem to find Him.

I find myself asking God daily what this silence is for.

I search within myself and find confusion.

I search for purpose and I find more questions.

When there is lack of clarity for my future, what exactly am I to
be preparing for? It is when we are seeking so desperately that
we must be reminded of our Christian calling—the goals of our
faith. These goals are the preparation for whatever is next in our
calling before God. We may have lost sight of these goals. Now is
the opportunity to be reminded of their importance and that they
form the underlying framework of our Christian walk.

www.LessonsInTheSilence.com

Musical Quality in Worship Settings

2010-08-26T11:21:00.002-04:00

Involving themselves in music and worship is not a game to a musician, and the idea that we should let anyone and everyone on stage as part of a worship team is really “loony.” Experienced musicians place high demands on themselves, and I believe there should be a certain expectation of skill for those joining in the leadership of worship. The fact that music is a discipline and a craft means that there may be times when someone has to be told that they are not yet equipped or prepared to perform or participate musically because they do not possess the required skill level to do so. I understand the need to help people with their self-concept, but this is not the right solution.

Of course, there should also be places for those who have basic levels of musical skills to serve the church and work to improve their abilities. Entry-level groups can be formed to rehearse basic repertoire and perform it as a “special” during a service. When the congregation knows that it is a teen group, children’s group, or entry-level adult group there will be an appreciation of the effort without expectation of the highest quality. This really is OK. Not everyone is really good at performing, and everyone knows that.

On the other side of things, we are not looking for musical perfection where only "the professionals" are aloud to participate. There must be a balance of servant-mindedness, a willingness learn and grow, a heart tuned to the Lord's work in one's own life and those around him or her. Also, even as leaders, one must know how to follow and be a good follower. Sometimes striking this balance is that of a musician willing to grow in their ability and ready to serve in whatever capacity is needed. Sometimes it's the accomplished musician learning how to serve, follow and honor God with the use of their gifts.

Character. Willingness to grow and learn. Ability to both lead and follow. Spiritual sensitivity. These are good places to start when considering how might be leading corporate worship.

www.TheLifeOfWorship.com

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-08-24T23:06:00.001-04:00

Overall, it seems to me that the silence of God is a messy
business. God is, after all, dealing with us as the fallen-yetrestored
image bearers. The ones for whom He sacrificed His Son.

Adam’s sin made a mess, a big mess.

The resulting damage to mankind’s relationship with his Creator
is sometimes found in our straining to hear God’s voice and
comprehend His guidance for our lives. We listen and strive, and
listen some more to find—silence.

And so, we dive into the silence. Not blindly, but anticipating the
discovery of how God truly keeps His promises and remains
faithful to those He calls His own.

http://www.lessonsinthesilence.com/

The Heart of the Matter

2010-08-19T11:05:00.006-04:00

Sometimes worship leaders, pastors and musicians get caught thinking that the quality of corporate worship stems from techniques, styles, moods and methods. They spend countless hours selecting and programming the right songs, scheduling the right mix of musicians, preparing the multi-media, and rehearsing prior to the service.

Certainly all of these things are important, but let's not get caught thinking that these things are the heart of the matter. All of these technical issues -- whether it's the planning, the musical excellence, the mic placement or the video selection -- are the result of much more basic realities. It is these realities that we must not miss or ignore.

The quality of corporate worship, complex as it is, still stems from two foundational elements. I would call these two items personal spiritual formation and prayer. The first element of personal spiritual formation of each and every individual is vital to the proper working of the whole organism. We see this truth in passages such as Ephesians 4. The second element of prayer is undeniably the power behind all Christian endeavors. If we fail to start our worship preparation and development in these two areas, we risk missing the movement and working of God in our midst.

http://www.thelifeofworship.com/

Lessons in the Silence of God (excerpt)

2010-08-17T23:12:00.001-04:00

When we ask for Him, seek Him and knock on His door to find
what seems to be only silence. When the answers to our life
questions go unanswered and remain unclear. When we listen
for a voice or a word and look for a sign but hear and see nothing.

When time moves steadily on and we wait and wait for clarity,
direction, purpose and meaning.

This is the silence of God.

Yet, as some may rightly suspect, God is not so silent during
these times. Although our actual experience may be something
like silence, God works in us and around us and through us—
guiding, directing, preparing and molding us toward the image of
Christ. This activity of God is often mysterious and unseen, but it can bring hope and encouragement even in our darkest hours. When we trust in His constant love and nurture we can be assured that His purposes are full of goodness.

www.LessonsInTheSilence.com

Christ's Example

2010-06-24T10:37:00.002-04:00

One aspect of a life of worship exemplified in a life of love and service is that of imitating Christ. Scripture certainly teaches that Christ is to be our example. We read such statements as, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21), and that we are to be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). There is a difference here between following Christ’s example and trying to copy His lifestyle. Let me explain.

Obedience is the central ingredient of Christ’s example, and the point at which we are to follow Him closely. What many people fail to recognize is that we are not necessarily following His example when we copy something that He did during His lifetime. Celibacy, for instance, was part of His life on earth, yet He does not expect all believers to copy this aspect of His life. In fact, celibacy is actually a special “gifting” that is for some believers (see 1 Corinthians 7), rather than an expectation for all. Some have misapplied this to mean that men and women are somehow more “holy” if unmarried than married, yet this is surely not the case. It becomes a matter of copying rather than following an example of obedience.

Christians have focused on other areas of Christ’s life with the assumption that copying Jesus’ lifestyle somehow makes them more holy or acceptable before God, as though the lifestyle was the substance of His righteousness. Someone’s lifestyle is a reflection of his or her internal belief system. Christ lived the way that He did, and did the things He did, out of obedience to the Father. This is why obedience, unwavering and total obedience, is the example that Christ has given us to follow.

www.TheLifeofWorship.com

Are we clear about worship?

2010-06-17T13:20:00.001-04:00

One of the ideas in modern worship theory that I question is the thought that worship takes place primarily in one direction. That is, when people teach or write about worship the reference is generally to that aspect of worship in which we direct our thoughts and focus toward God. You have probably heard it put this way: “When we worship, we are ascribing to God His worth. It can be defined as worth-ship.”

I am not saying that this idea of worship is not important, because it is. It does seem shallow to me, because I am responding to a lack of balance, as well as the misconception or misappropriation of defining worship in a limited way such as “ascribing worth.” I would simply like to see more balance and a more accurate representation of what Scripture actually teaches concerning what we do when we worship, both individually and as a corporate body.

Are we to say that when we ascribe value to our spouse or child, or even to a cherished possession, we are “worshiping” that thing more than God? Obviously not, but when have you ever heard someone talk about the varying degrees of “ascribing worth” in the course of our lives? I ascribe worth to my wife, my children, my golf clubs, and my house, for they truly are “worth” something to me. Apparently, in applying this definition of worship and taking the logic of the argument to its conclusion, I am “worshiping” my wife, my children, my golf clubs and my house. Does this really mean that I do not “worship” God? That I do not “ascribe worth” to Him appropriately? Or, rather, does it mean that we need to think more clearly about this definition and refine what these ideas mean?

(166)

The Key is Balance

2010-06-10T15:03:00.001-04:00

The craft of planning and leading worship is one that is pastoral by nature. Although many worship planners and leaders do not hold pastoral titles, what they do actually fulfills an influential role in equipping the saints and building up the Body of Christ (See Ephesians 4:11-16). In so doing, they must make specific efforts to understand the context within which they are ministering.

There is a crucial balance that must be sought and maintained in the contextual framework of any ministry. For the worship leader, a study and appreciation of the congregation’s history is significant and must include both musical and theological elements. He or she must also strive to comprehend the current perspectives of the congregation on both theology and music. Gaining this knowledge can be done both formally and informally. Administering surveys to members of the congregation can give someone a good idea of the congregation’s leanings in musical style, volume, instrumentation, etc. The church’s constitution is also a good place to discover the theological idiosyncrasies of the denomination or local body.

The other part of understanding the context of the ministry is knowing where the congregation needs to go. In other words, as a person in a pastoral role, the worship leader is responsible to help the congregation grow. Understanding their likes and dislikes helps us understand what makes them comfortable. Understanding how they need to grow is knowing what might make them uncomfortable.

Worship leading is about LEADING. Sometimes a congregation must be led through songs and worship styles that are well-known. They are comfortable. At other times, they must be led through songs and worship styles that are not-so-comfortable. The songs are new, the music style is different, and drama or other creative material is inserted into the worship experience. This will stretch people and help broaden their faith. THE KEY IS BALANCE. No one wants to be uncomfortable all the time. And, no one should be left comfortable all the time. The worship leader can only strike this balance by understanding the context within which he or she is ministering. Get to know the people in the congregation. Listen to them and take their advice. Lead them and help them grow.

(182-183)

Balance in Corporate Worship

2010-06-03T13:29:00.001-04:00

I was reminded again recently how important balance is when planning and leading corporate worship. When I refer to "balance" I am referring to the balance of the vertical and horizontal elements of corporate worship as indicated in the New Testament, and especially Colossians 3:17-21.

There are four aspects of worship that we, as a church (the Body of Christ), participate in when we come together for corporate worship. These can also be described as four relationships. We must consciously recognize the existence of these relationships and understand that each one is active within the worship experience. If not, we will miss something that the Lord may want to teach us. We must open our eyes to see, and our ears to hear God’s voice in the various ways in which He speaks through His word and through His people.

Biblically, worship can be seen to have four aspects, or dimensions, or relationships: two vertical and two horizontal. By the vertical dimension of corporate worship, I mean the relationship that exists between God and His people. These two vertical aspects can be described as follows: God to the People and the People to God. I also like to make it more personal by stating: God to Us and Us to God. These are the most commonly recognized aspects of worship, with considerable emphasis in current popular discussions focusing on the idea of the people to God.

By the horizontal dimension of corporate worship, I mean the relationship between the people and each other. The two horizontal aspects can be identified this way: Others to Us and Us to Others. Most people generally hold these two aspects at arms length, though Biblically they are key elements of public worship.

As pastors, worship leaders and worship planners, we must take each of these into consideration and realize that people will respond to each one differently. Some will respond to one aspect, or relationship, one week and a different aspect another week. This is the result of God’s Spirit working in them, as well as through us as we plan and execute the plan. It would be appropriate, then, to have each one represented well in each service. This must be deliberate and well thought out.

As worshipers, we must allow God to speak to us, or through us, as He desires. Worship is to be fully active and our physical participation is vital (see Romans 12:1-2). When we are aware of each of these four relational aspects of corporate worship we will enjoy it more, and experience the fullness of what God intended.

(158-159)

Abraham's Worship

2010-05-27T13:17:00.001-04:00

Although it is evident that man misplaces, or misdirects, his service and worship when left on his own (cf. Romans 1), there has always been a divine solution to this problem, and that solution remains today. Paul addresses this in a theme that might be considered the main emphasis of Romans—faith.

Faith is central in the whole Biblical narrative, beginning in Genesis, and Paul uses his knowledge of Scripture to pursue this theme. That we would find a connection here between Paul’s discussion of Abraham’s faith and the concept of worship is demonstrated in the vocabulary Paul utilizes.

Romans 4 explains the way of faith as exemplified in Abraham. Although he could be considered a man of good works, Abraham’s activities and “goodness” were not able to earn God’s favor. “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God” (4:2). Man’s ability to worship and serve God properly was damaged by the Fall, and this is true of Abraham as well.

However, Abraham is held up as one who responded to the evidence of God’s mercy around him and believed what he heard and saw. It was this belief—this faith—that allocated God’s saving mercy into his life. This is what Paul designates as righteousness (4:3-5). In simpler terms, righteousness is the status of a rightly restored relationship with God. Paul contrasts Abraham’s faith in God’s word and promises with the lack of faith described in Romans 1. Evidence of God’s word and activity were known in both cases, but only acted on by Abraham.

Paul notes that Abraham’s faith gave “glory to God” (4:20), thus establishing a connection with worship terminology. Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s promises is the example of a proper response and appropriately focused worship.

(31-32)

Worship on Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-20T13:56:00.001-04:00

The question will inevitably arise this week as to how appropriate it is to sing patriotic songs during our worship services this Memorial Day weekend. I suppose the same types of questions arise near the July 4th holiday as well.

Most of the arguments against such a focus on patriotic themes is that our public worship is about God and worshiping Him. To focus on our country, our troops, and our feelings about them would be close to "idol" worship, and therefore be inappropriate.

I fall clearly into the other camp that would say that it is both important and appropriate to draw a celebration of our country into our corporate worship experience. I would point out that Paul, in Romans 13, establishes the precedent of acknowledging the ruling authorities as operating under the authority of God. With this in mind, our worship (especially here in the USA) recognizes God's grace and mercy in giving us the freedom through our governing authorities to worship Him and proclaim the Christian truth.

Truly, we are not worshiping our country -- but our God Who has given us the privilege of living and worshiping here. As we do so, may we also remember those who have protected that freedom throughout this nation's history. Honor them and pray for them and their families.

Underlying Concepts for Worship

2010-05-13T16:13:00.001-04:00

Without the work of God—through Christ upon the cross—our attempts at associating with, living for, or worshiping God would be futile. It is His movement toward us (not us toward Him) that establishes the relationship between God and man. This is one of the main emphases of the entire book of Romans, and Paul tells us that we “fall short” of drawing ourselves toward Him and that we consistently seek everything other than God. Romans 3:9-11 says that “both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, ‘There is none righteous, not even one; There is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God.” When Paul uses the phrase “Jews and Greeks” he is not referring only to those nationalities, but in a broad reference to all people of every nationality.

Let us always remember this: it is God that moves toward us in mercy, and we respond by His mercy. Both His mercy toward us and our response to Him are His gifts to us. Not only is this the message of Romans, it is also encapsulated in Ephesians 2:8-10,
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

If we keep this point at the core of our discussion we will recognize His gift of salvation through the cross of Christ, and His ongoing work in us through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Paul states in Romans 12 that we should “present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God.” Our faith is more than a faith of intellectual assent. We are not believers if we only agree to the propositions of the faith, and do not also conform our actions to a life of faith. There must be an external representation of our internal convictions. James is clear in emphasizing this point as well when he writes, “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself” (James 2:17; see also James 2:14-26 for the complete context). James rightly says that we cannot show our faith without works, for works are the externalizing of our faith. These works come after our salvation, as a result of our faith. Our salvation is holistic, encompassing body, mind, and soul.

(13-14)

Actions Flow From Beliefs

2010-05-06T21:35:00.000-04:00

Scripture regularly points out that our actions are the result of our thinking. More specifically—right actions result from correct thinking (1 Peter 1:13-16; Eph 4:20-24; 1 John 2:3-6; and others). Over and over again we are told to “prepare your minds for action” (1 Peter 1:13), or to “be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:23), or to be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

Should we wonder that these same admonitions also apply to our worship? We all have heard horror stories about church splits as a result of changes in worship methods and styles. The tales of “worship wars,” in which opposing sides battle to place their preferred style of worship as pre-eminent over other styles, are only too familiar within the last twenty or more years. The striking truth of the matter is that much of this upheaval has little to do with worship style, although that is where the battle seems to rage. In reality, the underlying issue in these “worship wars” is a shortsighted and shallow philosophical and theological understanding about worship itself. Unfortunately, this shortage of insight resides in both the leadership and the laity.

If the right belief system can be established concerning worship, then extremes that cause divisions might possibly be avoided. As mentioned earlier, our thinking will direct and determine our actions. Thus, correct thinking about worship will guide our practice of worship. This will include a solid, broadly defined theological understanding of worship based upon Scripture. Our Scriptural and theological understanding will, in turn, lead to the transformation of our daily Christian walk. It will also include a realignment of some forms or patterns of corporate worship. Finally, it will allow for a complete experience of worship in all of its joy, sorrow and other emotions.

The Pastor-Musician

2010-04-29T13:21:00.001-04:00

The general guidelines for the use of music in Colossians 3:16 fall under the responsibility of the worship leader: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you [i.e., the corporate gathering], with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Note that there are basically two purposes in this verse for the word to dwell within the community: teaching and admonishing. The avenue, or vehicle, to carry teaching and admonishing is the music, specifically singing. Which is more important, the purpose or the vehicle? I would say they are both important in varying degrees. My point here is not to argue the importance of music, but to show that teaching and admonishing are pastoral duties. So whoever is doing this within the community must be equipped to do so—as a pastor to teach and admonish, and as a musician to do it through music. You can see the balance in this Colossians passage, but we can observe a lack of balance in many churches today.

We can also look to Ephesians 4:11-12 to underscore this point, and draw it together even tighter: “And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastor-teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service…” Colossians indicates the teaching duty of the worship leader, and here we see that the role of teacher and pastor are wrapped up in the same person in the local church. Bring all of this together, and the worship leader, by default, becomes a major spiritual leader within the local Body of Christ. Again, I bring these thoughts together to indicate the necessity of having people in that role that are qualified both as pastors and musicians.

For the worship leader/musician reading, this it seems like a lot of work. What I seem to be saying is that someone called to be a worship leader must not only hone his or her skills as a musician, but also become educated in the same way as a pastor. Well, yes, that is exactly what I am saying. The worship leader is to be a pastor-musician. This is a dual role requiring parallel and complementary fields of study.

(197-98)

The Main Thing in worship is...

2010-04-22T13:22:00.001-04:00

God to us. This is where all worship begins and ends. The other aspects of worship, whether personal and private or corporate and public, are dependent upon this one. In fact, our whole lifestyle of worship is dependent upon God’s communication of His love to us. God has spoken through His word, and through the Living Word, Jesus Christ. God has revealed Himself to us through the Bible, and ultimately (and most intimately) through Jesus: the God-man, deity embodied in human flesh. That is what Immanuel communicates to us, “God with us.”

Why is this idea of God to us primary to our worship? Because every other aspect of our worship is a response to this one, and responding to God is what the life of worship is all about.

We respond in praise and thanksgiving (Us to God) during our worship, and in the popular phraseology “ascribe worth to God.” We hear from others, and allow them to serve us (Others to Us), because they are responding to the gifts He has given (both the gift of salvation and the gifts of the spirit as taught in such places as Ephesians 4 and First Corinthians 12). We speak and serve others (Us to Others), in response to the gifts God has given us. Always remember, “We love because He first loved us!” (1 John 4:19)
(160-161)

A few more ideas... (2 of 2)

2010-04-15T13:56:00.001-04:00

...to try for corporate worship:

Sentence prayers of thanksgiving
Use acoustic instruments like strings, or woodwinds
Have a service with no sound system
Let the youth plan and lead the service
Let a children’s group plan and lead the service
Include every age represented on the worship team
Walk through the church, as a congregation, and pray
Walk around your neighborhood, on Sunday, and pray
Participate in a “Sermon Swap” with several other pastors in the area—each of you preaching at another church. Do this once a month for a whole year.
When planning worship, ask, “I wonder what would happen if…?”
Split up the sermon into parts and intersperse music to match the points of the sermon
If you are a liturgical church, ask a non-liturgical worship leader to lead worship for you
If you are a non-liturgical church, ask a liturgical worship leader to lead worship for you
Be creative!

A few ideas for Corporate Worship... (1 of 2)

2010-04-08T11:28:00.001-04:00

Try these ideas for a fresh approach in corporate worship:

Extended sessions of prayer (corporate, small group, individual)
Five minutes of silent prayer
Live painting during the sermon or Bible Study
Feet washing
An “interruptible” sermon (to allow spontaneous questions and comments)
Testimonials on a specific subject
Dance, Mime, movement
Simultaneous translation into foreign languages
Simultaneous signing for the deaf
Interspersed periods of silence/quiet
Reading an entire book of Scripture (Reader’s Theatre or memorized)
Drama or skits
Thematic prayer or Scripture reading (or both!)
Requests for assistance and immediate response from other attendees
Interviews with “Senior” Christians
Interviews with “new” Christians
Interviews with children
Reading of prepared or original poetry
Reading from C.S. Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia” or other Christian authors
Readings from the Church fathers
Listening to the rain
Listening, just listening…

Christian Worldview and Music (Part 3 of 3)

2010-04-01T12:38:00.001-04:00

So Creation, Fall and Redemption is one way to think about and consider the Christian Worldview. Now that I’ve given a quite short synopsis of these ideas, I find it interesting that we can find a parallel in God’s gift of music. There are some general characteristics of well-written music that can give us an aural (i.e., pertaining to the hearing) perspective on these theological ideas. We can actually hear the Creation, Fall and Redemption motifs in music. Although my explanation will be simple, let me explain.

I use the word motif in the sense of a musical idea or phrase. Often in highly crafted music a motif is introduced at the beginning of the piece and repeated, re-used, altered, and re-shaped in numerous ways. One of the most famous may be Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, which uses a quite simple, but powerful, four note phrase as its first motif. (If you are not familiar with this symphony, stop and ask someone nearby to hum the first few notes. You’ll remember it after that.) Beethoven created this motif and it is established as the central figure of the whole movement. The parallel I find with the Creation idea is that this motif establishes the “normal” part of the music.

Next, the motif is generally altered and changed. This may be slight – in the changing of the notes or keys; or it may be quite dramatic – like turning the phrase upside down or even playing it backwards. More often than not, the musical phrase is re-worked in a minor key. This generally gives it a “darker” and more ominous feeling. The musical term that could be used is dissonance, which is a kind of tension that the composer causes to come into the music. I would relate this tension in music to the Fall – although we hear the motif in one way or another, it has been distorted and changed. It is no longer “normal.”

Finally, the composer draws the original motif out of the dissonance, or tension, and causes a resolution. This is a return to the original musical phrase, but it is often embellished and made even more beautiful and creative. Other notes and phrases jump and dance around the original motif. Sometimes called a recapitulation, the composer reminds us of the original “normal” motif and builds on it, makes it grow, and develops it into something not yet imagined. This resolution of the musical conflict reminds me of Redemption – just as God in Christ is restoring His creation to what it was meant to be, and beyond.

You would probably miss this type of musical development if your musical diet consists primarily of music found in popular culture (on radio and TV), whether “Christian” or not. I would encourage you to find Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, or listen to Bach’s Chorales, or Mozart’s Requiem. These, and many other composers, reflected these principles in their music. Some, as in the case of Bach, did so as a devoted Christian, while others did so simply as God’s image shown through them as human beings.

Music is a great gift of God, and in it He has given us a way to experience Creation, Fall and Redemption through our ears. For him who has ears to hear…

(I'm re-posting this popular series -- ms)

Christian Worldview and Music (Part 2 of 3)

2010-03-25T11:03:00.001-04:00

One of the ways Christian theologians and philosophers talk about worldview is in the ideas of Creation, Fall and Redemption. This three-fold description of the overall picture of the Christian worldview helps us to see people and events in a way that makes sense.

Creation, as described in Genesis and referenced throughout the rest of Scripture, was an act that God declared as “good.” Goodness is inherently part of God’s creative activity, and we Christians recognize that. When God made the heavens and earth, the trees and the fields, the fish and the birds, and everything else He regarded His creation and was satisfied. When He created man, Adam and Eve, He was satisfied. Man was God’s glory in the garden, and he was given dominion over all of creation – and this was good and right – for God made it that way. This was to be “normal” for God’s creation.

What we call the Fall is that instance in which Adam chose to honor himself and his wife over and above God. Temptation came, Adam considered his own wisdom superior to God’s (pride), and sin entered the world. Using the term Fall is descriptive for us in that Adam at that time became separated from God. With that decision, Adam not only subjected himself to death and separation, but all that was under his dominion (all of creation) was subjected to the “imprisonment,” so-to-speak, of his sin. This is what Paul means when he says that all of creation was “subjected to futility” (Romans 8:20). Adam’s sin affected everything, and now everything is askew. It’s no longer right. It is bent. This is the common human experience. What we experience as a result of the Fall is no longer “normal.”

Thankfully, God provided a way to return to what He originally intended for His creation. This is what Christians call Redemption. This is more than Christ’s provision for us on the cross in taking our sin and giving us His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). While we recognize that Christ’s work is a key and the central part, Redemption provides more than salvation for the soul. It stretches into creation itself to restore it to God as He had intended at first. Again, Paul refers to this in Romans 8:18-23. The benefits of Christ’s redemptive work are both present and future. We are secure in His grace now, and yet wait for the final redemption of our body, and ultimately all of His creation. Redemption is God’s great correction for the effects of sin and return to the “normal” He had planned.

Next week, Part 3 discusses how these ideas are represented in music.

(I'm re-posting this popular series -- ms)

Christian Worldview and Music (Part 1 of 3)

2010-03-19T12:03:00.000-04:00

There is a lot of discussion these days about the idea of worldview – that is, the way we view the world. The whole concept can sometimes get very philosophical, but really it should be a description of both our beliefs about the world (philosophy) and the reality that we actually find in the world around us. Everyone has a view of the world and whether a person can identify or explain his or her worldview or not is not the point.

We, as Christians, seek to have a worldview that reflects the Biblical truths about God and His creation (including man), and the relationship between the two. I like to describe it as a filter. Our worldview acts as a filter to help us make sense of what we see around us and interpret what is going on. Our goal is to see reality as God sees reality, and to understand His interaction with all that He created.

One of the ways Christian theologians and philosophers talk about worldview is in the ideas of Creation, Fall and Redemption. This three-fold description of the overall picture of the Christian worldview helps us to see people and events in a way that makes sense.

Next week, I'll post a short description of the Creation, Fall, Redemption concepts used in discussing Christian Worldview. The following week I'll make some observations about how we can find these themes in music.

(I'm re-posting this popular series -- ms)

Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing!

2010-03-11T14:51:00.003-05:00

When preparing for and planning worship, we must Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing! God has spoken – and is still speaking – but we don’t shut up long enough to listen. This is because we get caught up in “us” and “we” and “I.” The service is for “us” to worship God. “We” need to do this for worship. “I” must get that out of worship. Notice the focus is not on God, but upon our own experience. In typical fashion in the human experience, we’ve moved God to a secondary position and ourselves up front (please reference Isaiah 53:6 and consider whether we should apply to our lives both before and after salvation!).

In some church traditions, hearing God’s voice is built-in to the fabric of worship. Take the Eastern Orthodox tradition with its icons and incense, and the mysterious way in which worship takes place. Their focus in on how God has communicated to us as humans. The icons (simply visual representations of important people and events) remind them of His voice throughout the centuries – what He said and how He said it. They seem to be intent on hearing what God is saying, rather than always speaking themselves.

Other traditions hear the voice of God through the Pastor’s sermon. I wonder if those of us who preach realize that we are often the voice of God to our congregations? How would our sermons be different if this was on our mind as we prepared and delivered HIS message?

Ultimately, worship is a complex thing which must ebb and flow with the needs of the congregation, the gifts of the leaders – and the message sent by God. We must never lose sight of the fact that without His message, without the Gospel, without God having first communicated His love to us – we would have no reason to do or say anything else.

2010-03-04T12:47:00.002-05:00

Let me address the the issue of ministry context. What I mean by this is the special geographical, historical, political, sociological, ecclesiastical, and theological characteristics of each and every particular occurrence of the Body of Christ known as a local church.

Context is important and we learn about the concept when we begin to read at an early age. It is what helps us get an overall understanding of what a particular paragraph or passage is about in relationship to the whole chapter or book. In fact, it is defined in the dictionary as the “related or adjoining passages of a book.” Often, by understanding the context, one can even decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words and ideas.

Somehow, though most of us are familiar with the idea of context, we often fail to apply the relationships of context in other areas of life. We may overhear a comment from someone involved in a conversation, and by not understanding the context of the entire conversation, we can misinterpret the one short phrase we heard. That is what we mean when something is taken “out of context.”

Most often as Christians we hear criticism (and voice criticism!) when a passage of Scripture is “taken out of context.” What is generally meant is that the interpretation of a verse or passage is mishandled due to a lack of consideration of the larger chapter, book, author, literary style, or even the Testament in which it is found. The “related and adjoining passages” have been ignored and the interpreter uses the passage out of convenience and the need to prove a point, rather than faithfully using methods of proper interpretation to draw the meaning from the passage itself.

I have found it helpful at times to discuss worship and ministry with this in mind. One of the responsibilities of a worship leader, pastor, or worship planner is to understand the context within which he or she is planning and leading. We must work at understanding the overall context of the church, congregation and culture in which we serve. This will help us keep the "related and adjoining parts" in a proper relationship with one another.

Worship in Balance

2010-02-25T12:50:00.003-05:00

The writer of Hebrews balances the praise and thanksgiving of our lips with action—doing good and sharing.

Many Christians, and worship leaders, worry about worshiping God in the right way, hoping to please God (or, rather, appease God) with the right song, the right feeling, the right heart, and miss the point of these verses in Hebrews and the point of worship altogether. God will be pleased with our sacrifice—our worship—when we get out there to do good and share. He is pleased with the balanced life of the internal and external being fully integrated. “The human being is, above all else, a worshiping creature whose very act of worship, if it is not perverse, is to establish or deepen belief and to do good.” [i]

Hebrews 13:15-16 applies the idea of sacrifice to both aspects of our lives—personally and corporately. We are to sacrifice with our lips of praise, and sacrifice with our activity of good deeds and sharing. One is directed upward to God. The other is directed outward to people. We worship God by balancing the vertical aspects of worship (God to Us, Us to God) with the horizontal aspects (Us to Others, Others to Us). According to these verses in Hebrews, this will please God.

[i] Vigen Guroian, “Seeing Worship as Ethics: An Orthodox Perspective” in The Journal of Religious Ethics, p. 333.

The true Christian life

2010-02-18T10:11:00.004-05:00

I would encourage any believer seeking to live a life that pleases God (a life of worship) to find a copy of Martin Luther’s small treatise called The Freedom of a Christian, or in some translations, Christian Liberty. You will find in this writing an excellent source of wisdom in regards to what it means to live a truly Christian life. A short quote will suffice now, which reads:

This is the truly Christian life. Here faith is truly active through love (Galatians 5:6), that is, it finds expression in works of the freest service, cheerfully and lovingly done, with which a man willingly serves another without hope of reward; and for himself he is satisfied with the fullness and wealth of his faith.[i]

In the context of his treatise Luther is showing how one might serve God and thank Him in life—by serving the neighbor and the person in need. Luther reiterates the concept that worship is a response of thankfulness to God for what He has given us in Christ, and that that response works itself out in life as we love God by loving our neighbor.

When we describe worship as a response to God for Who He is and what He has done in our lives, it is fitting to include our service to others as part of our idea of worship.

[i] Martin Luther, “The Freedom of a Christian” in Martin Luther’s Basic Writings, ed. by Timothy F. Lull (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1989), 617.

Worship and Good Works

2010-02-11T17:19:00.000-05:00

Ephesians 2:8-10 is one of the purest and most succinct descriptions of the life of the believer from salvation all the way through sanctification (the process of learning to live the Christian life). It is unfortunate that so many believers have heard and understand verses eight and nine, but never seem to have noticed the significance of verse ten. Here we will look at the three verses as completely and vitally interconnected:

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Verses eight and nine clearly remind us that our works count for nothing in regards to earning or deserving a restored relationship with God. Salvation is a gift and the faith that we have to respond to His call is a gift. This allows for no pride or deservedness on our part. We do not deserve what we have received, and that fact alone should cause us to overflow with gratitude and love for God. Beyond this free gift of salvation and faith, He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing, as explained by Paul earlier in Ephesians 1:3-14. Truly our response to God for His love and His gifts should be one of love and obedience.

And that leads to verse ten. God not only gives us salvation, but He then molds us and shapes us to be more than we ever imagined. The idea behind the phrase, “We are His workmanship,” is that God is creating a great masterpiece. The wording suggests the imagery of a master artist with his most incredible, creative piece of art. God’s hand is at work in us, on us, for us, to make us magnificent pieces of His own creative endeavors.

And for what? Why is He creatively working within us? For good works! Do not miss the connection between good works and the concept of worship. God’s goal for us is to serve Him and worship Him in the pursuit of good works that He prepares for us. Before we even know it is there, an opportunity to serve others is placed in our life by God, that we may serve Him by serving them. This is the truest life of worship. This is serving God.

Corporate and Individual Worship

2010-02-04T11:42:00.000-05:00

The dual mechanism of worship is evident in Scripture. Note the Psalms, which celebrate the Israelites’ walk through the Red Sea (Psalm 77:16-20), or praise God for His activity in the natural world (Psalm 32:6-9). Then turn and read those Psalms in which the author recognizes his personal dependence upon God (Psalm 41) and his connection with God’s chosen people (Psalm 47). As a Jew, the psalmist found corporate identity to freely worship individually, and the work of God in the life of Israel gave the nation as a whole a reason to celebrate (worship corporately).

Symbiotic Worship

2010-01-28T11:41:00.000-05:00

In corporate worship, not only do we come to celebrate personal victories and gain support and prayer for personal struggle (as though corporate worship flows from our personal lives), but we also gain perspective from the larger body as to why we are called to live as we do, serving the way we do (as though our personal worship flows from the corporate identity). These two realms of worship are symbiotic. They exist together and flow from one another, and feed each other.

Worship - the gathered Body

2010-01-21T11:40:00.000-05:00

Corporate worship is the culmination of the gathered Body of Christ that has already been worshiping daily as each Christian has served God by serving others (i.e., the life of worship). The corporate gathering becomes the opportunity to raise a unified voice of thanksgiving and praise to God Who has worked in their midst. It is the response of God’s people to His salvation and sanctifying activity in their lives. (All of this takes place in the fullness of the horizontal and vertical aspects of corporate worship.)

Diversity in Worship

2010-01-14T11:39:00.000-05:00

First Corinthians 12 is a beautiful description of the diversified body worshiping and serving as one body. When we serve faithfully with our gifts, doing our part as God has given us to do, we come alongside others doing the same. We come together in a unified body, living our lives in a personal life-style of worship, to pursue a corporate life of worship. The church (the Body of Christ) is vital to give our individual lives perspective in the larger plan of God in the world.

Relational Worship

2010-01-07T11:33:00.000-05:00

“Corporate” worship is specifically that time in which the church, as Christ’s body, gathers to recognize God’s work in our lives as believers. We gather because God is a relational God, and we are His relational people. We gather as feet and hands and ears and eyes because Christ’s body is not complete otherwise. We gather to hear from Him, through His word, and respond to His love, grace, and mercy poured out into our lives.

Advent -- Christmas Eve and Day

2009-12-21T08:44:00.003-05:00

Christmas Eve and Day - December 24 & 25, 2009
“Christ has come: Celebrate His birth!”

Reading: Luke 2 (The Christmas Story)

After the Scripture reading, think on this by way of explanation:
Christmas has arrived! And with the arrival of Christmas we celebrate Christ. We no longer wait, as in previous weeks, but we rejoice in the presence of God among us. We celebrate God sending His kingdom in the presence of His Son. We celebrate the salvation Christ brings, the forgiveness of sins, the conquering work of the cross over death, and the subjugation of Satan in Christ's victory. Praise God for His indescribable gift!

Lighting of the Advent Wreath: All colored candles -- and the WHITE Christ candle!

Song: Angels We have Heard on High

Advent week 4 (for Dec. 20, 2009)

2009-12-14T08:41:00.000-05:00

Advent week 4 – December 20, 2009
“The incarnation of the Word in the womb of the virgin Mary”

Reading: John 1:1-5 & 14 ("The Word became flesh and dwelt among us")

After the Scripture reading, think on this by way of explanation:
The fourth Sunday of Advent brings us to the real miracle of the Christmas season: God in all of His fullness dwelling with man in the person of Jesus Christ. Theologians and Scholars have studied and proclaimed this truth for centuries, yet each time we consider the wonder of this idea it brings us new hope and reminds us of God’s great love for us. Jesus, as the God-man, is the only solution to the sin problem. He came, as a humble babe, yet fully and completely the Word of God. Let us remember His unique place as God who became man and dwelt among us.

Lighting of the Advent Wreath: Two (2) blue/purple candles, Rose candle, blue/purple candle

Song: Emmanuel

Advent week 3 (for Dec. 13, 2009)

2009-12-07T08:39:00.000-05:00

Advent week 3 – December 13, 2009
“The Joy of our waiting”

Reading: Luke 1:46-55 (My soul exalts the Lord)

After the Scripture reading, think on this by way of explanation:
Our third week of Advent brings us to the week of celebration. Today we sing, we praise, we lift our voices with the joy that comes from God’s love sent to us in Christ. It was for freedom that Christ set us free – and we are free indeed! Free from the bonds of sin with new hope each day as we rise to serve Christ throughout the patterns and relationships of our lives. With our families, with our co-workers, with our friends and with those we just meet – we are free to serve them as the love of God flows to us and through us and to them. Let us celebrate His life!

Lighting of the Advent Wreath: Two (2) blue or purple candles, and the Rose candle

Song: Joy to the World!

Advent week 2 (for Dec. 6, 2009)

2009-11-30T08:36:00.001-05:00

Advent week 2 – December 6, 2009
“Personal preparation for the birth of Christ”

Reading: Psalm 51:1-4 & 10 ("Be gracious to me, forgive my sins, create in me a clean heart")

After the Scripture reading, think on this by way of explanation:
Our consideration of the second week of Advent is to help us prepare our own hearts and minds for celebrating Christ’s birth. Christ came to save us, to die for our sins. It was your sin, it was my sin, it was our sin that nailed Him to the cross. As we consider this truth, let us humble ourselves and remember His forgiveness and love. He is a gracious God, full of lovingkindness. Even when we rebelled against Him He loved us enough to send His Son to die for our sins.

Lighting of the Advent Wreath: Two (2) blue or purple candles

Song: Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners

Advent week 1 (for Nov. 29, 2009)

2009-11-23T08:31:00.000-05:00

Advent week 1 – November 29, 2009
“Vigilant waiting for the birth of Christ”

Reading: Jeremiah 33:14-16 ("a time is coming when I will choose a King")

After the Scripture reading, think of the following explanation:
During this first week of Advent we focus our thoughts on looking and waiting for the celebration of the birth of Christ. We wait with anticipation and longing. We wait with expectation and hope. We know He has come, and is returning once again, to restore us to the Father in a relationship of love and service. Let us celebrate the hope that has come to us, and the hope that is yet to come.

Lighting of the Advent Wreath: One (1) blue or purple candle

Song: O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Advent on Mondays!

2009-11-19T08:25:00.003-05:00

For the Advent Season this year, these blog posts will move to Mondays. This will allow those who may be planning worship to have Advent ideas early in the week. For others, you may enjoy thinking about this season in the fashion of the ancient Church.

The Season of Advent is an ancient church tradition which helps us to focus on different aspects of the celebration of Christ’s birth. The word “advent” means “coming” – and we celebrate His coming to earth, as God become man, to redeem us and give His life for our sins. We may also utilize the Advent Wreath as a symbol of our celebration. Over the course of the next four weeks you may see the wreath candle lit in churches or homes. Each candle represents the following themes:

Advent week 1 – November 29, 2009
“Vigilant waiting for the birth of Christ”

Advent week 2 – December 6, 2009
“Personal preparation for the birth of Christ”

Advent week 3 – December 13, 2009
“The Joy of our waiting”

Advent week 4 – December 20, 2009
“The incarnation of the Word in the womb of the virgin Mary”

Christmas Eve or Day – December 24th or 25th
“Celebrating His birth!”

Imitating Christ (4 of 4)

2009-11-12T14:26:00.000-05:00

When we speak of a life of love and service we must realize that God is designing for us a path to follow. He is calling us to, and gifting us for, a path that is uniquely ours. This is a path He has prepared for us. It has not been created for anyone else. We are to be obedient to His calling by using our gifts and walking in the good works He prepares. This is our path, and this is the life that reflects the example of obedience given to us. And, by the way, our path intersects and intertwines with the paths of others in the Body of Christ so that we as a community follow the path God has given our church. It is beautiful, and truly a masterpiece, if you dwell on it. This is the imitation of Christ: submitting to the Father's will and living obediently in it.

For more on this topic order: "The Life of Worship: Rethink, Reform, Renew" available at www.MarkSooy.com!

Imitating Christ (3 of 4)

2009-11-05T14:26:00.001-05:00

Christians have focused on other areas of Christ’s life with the assumption that copying Jesus’ lifestyle somehow makes them more holy or acceptable before God, as though the lifestyle was the substance of His righteousness. As we have seen, someone’s lifestyle is a reflection of his or her internal belief system. Christ lived the way that He did, and did the things He did, out of obedience to the Father. This is why obedience, unwavering and total obedience, is the example that Christ has given us to follow.

Christ’s path of obedience was teaching, suffering, dying and resurrecting to ultimately re-claim His position at God’s right hand. If copying these actions of His life were truly God’s intention, then we are all quite behind in the race. It is, rather, His obedience and submission to God’s will that is our example. Peter writes, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Although there is some element of common suffering that we will experience, it is more directly Christ’s obedience to the Father and His trust in God’s faithfulness that Peter is holding out to us as an example. Rather than copy His works, we should emulate His faithfulness and be obedient in our own circumstances.

For more on this topic order "The Life of Worship: Rethink, Reform, Renew" at www.MarkSooy.com!

Imitating Christ (2 of 4)

2009-10-29T14:25:00.000-04:00

Obedience is the central ingredient of Christ’s example, and the point at which we are to follow Him closely. Many people fail to recognize that we are not necessarily following His example when we copy something that He did during His lifetime. Celibacy, for instance, was part of His life on earth, yet He does not expect all believers to copy this aspect of His life. In fact, celibacy is actually a special “gifting” that is for some believers (see 1 Corinthians 7), rather than an expectation for all. Some have misapplied this to mean that men and women are somehow more “holy” if unmarried than married, yet this is surely not the case. It becomes a matter of copying rather than following an example of obedience.

For more details on this and other worship topics order "The Life of Worship: Rethink, Reform, Renew" available at www.MarkSooy.com.

Imitating Christ (1 of 4)

2009-10-22T14:24:00.000-04:00

An aspect of a life of worship exemplified in a life of love and service is that of imitating Christ. Scripture certainly teaches that Christ is to be our example. We read such statements as, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21), and that we are to be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). There is a difference here between following Christ’s example and trying to copy His lifestyle.

For more details on this and other worship topics order "The Life of Worship: Rethink, Reform, Renew" available at www.MarkSooy.com.

And consider this...

2009-10-15T14:22:00.000-04:00

As the church gathers corporately for “worship” it may be more appropriate to consider it as the primary opportunity for God to communicate Himself to us through His word, the preaching of Christ (“God with us”), and prayer. As we experience His self-revelation we will respond with song and thanksgiving, as we well should, along with many other public expressions. Yet our response should not—cannot—stop at the end of the service.

Our response to God’s communicating to us flows out of the “worship service” into our lives. We take His revelation to others in caring for them, serving them and loving those around us. By doing so, we continue our worship activity (remember “present your bodies” from Romans 12) as a thankful expression of love to Him.

For more details on this and other worship topics order "The Life of Worship: Rethink, Reform, Renew" available at www.MarkSooy.com.

Special Promotion

2009-10-09T07:48:00.001-04:00

My new book is due out soon!

Lessons in the Silence of God considers the lessons we learn when it seems that God has fallen silent. For more information go to: http://www.marksooy.com/ and click on the book info.

To prepare for this, I'd like to sell a few copies I have of "The Life of Worship: Rethink, Reform, Renew." Normally $20 (+shipping), I have a limited supply I will sell for $17.00. That INCLUDES SHIPPING. Email me directly at ms@MarkSooy.com.

Hey -- it's Pastor Appreciation Month -- order one for him!!

Consider this...

2009-10-08T14:13:00.008-04:00

Consider the two prevailing perspectives on the whole idea of “worship.” On the one hand, there are those (the majority it seems) that teach, preach, discuss and generally focus on the subject of worship as it relates to the corporate activity. In other words, when we read or hear the word “worship” most often, it is referring to the corporate event of a local congregation, or some derivative form of it (i.e., small groups, concerts, meetings, etc.). The reference to “individual” or “private” worship is generally nominal, and any talk of a worship “lifestyle” inevitably reverts back to the corporate event.

On the other hand, the alternative perspective begins with the overall idea that worship is a lifestyle first—all encompassing and overarching the rest of life. That we come together and worship corporately is, in fact, only a small part of a true picture of “worship” as it seems to be represented in Scripture. Within this grand, foundational picture of worship being all that we are and do, discussions of both “corporate” and “private” worship fit seamlessly.

For more details on this and other worship topics order "The Life of Worship: Rethink, Reform, Renew" available at www.MarkSooy.com.

In Spirit and Truth (4 of 4)

2009-10-01T09:35:00.001-04:00

Paul reiterates a portion of Christ’s words in Philippians 3:3 when he writes, “for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.” This reference, just as Jesus’ words, connects salvation with worshiping “in the Spirit.” Paul is differentiating those who are truly believers, that is those who are circumcised in heart (Romans 2:29; Colossians 2:11-12), with those who are of the “false” circumcision. The unbeliever who is circumcised in the flesh is unredeemed due to a lack of faith, while the believer, through faith in Christ, is truly in a relationship with God and worships in the Spirit. Paul is employing the image of circumcision to recognize those who have a relationship with the true God, just as Israel was recognized as the people of God in the Old Testament due to the covenant of circumcision (Genesis 17:9-14). True circumcision, and the establishment of a relationship with God, is through faith in Christ.

For a complete discussion of these words of Jesus order my book "The Life of Worship: Rethink, Reform, Renew" at http://www.marksooy.com/.

In Spirit and Truth (3 of 4)

2009-09-24T09:33:00.001-04:00

In a related passage (just one chapter later in John 5:24-27), Jesus uses similar terminology to describe the difference between the believer and unbeliever. The main connection is Christ’s use of the phrase “an hour is coming, and now is” which is the same phrase used in John 4. “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear shall live” (John 5:25). It is plain to see that God is the initiator of salvation, and man responds to Him and receives life. In both John chapter 4 and John chapter 5, Christ makes use of the same phrase to begin a short discourse on the difference of true belief and false belief.

For a complete discussion of these words of Jesus order my book "The Life of Worship: Rethink, Reform, Renew" at http://www.marksooy.com/.

In Spirit and Truth (2 of 4)

2009-09-17T09:32:00.001-04:00

John 4:23-24 should be taught as the context teaches, rather than be drawn into a discussion of the legitimacy (or rightness) of a Christian’s worship style or form or feeling. There are passages that speak to the judgment of the Christian, and the judgment of their worship, but this is not one of them. The judgment taking place here is the judgment of faith, or lack thereof. Either a person worships “in spirit and truth” as a result of the relationship established by God in making him or her His child, or they worship in “flesh and falsehood” by not responding to God according to His provision and love. This is what the Samaritans were doing, and what Jesus points out to the woman.

For a complete discussion of these words of Jesus order my book "The Life of Worship: Rethink, Reform, Renew" at http://www.marksooy.com/.

Special Edition – Book Review

2009-09-14T14:56:00.001-04:00

I seldom read fiction. Not that I don’t enjoy a good story, but when I have to prioritize my reading I generally read some kind of theological book. Fortunately, I made an exception recently when I read Andrew Peterson’s new book, North! Or Be Eaten.

Due to the setting of the story, it took me several chapters to be drawn in as I had to learn some new terminology and unknown names. I had expected as much, knowing that this was a fantasy set in a world not unlike our own. Once I became familiar with the setting, the names, and the newness of it all, I enjoyed my time in Skree.

I found the images vaguely familiar and reminiscent of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia, and it seemed to me that North! Or Be Eaten was also meant to be a Christian allegory, although I would say that the allegory is not quite as direct as found in Lewis. That being said, it’s certainly clear that the book is written with a Biblical Worldview in mind.

Fangs, Stranders, Jewels, Quill Diggles, Toothy Cows, and many other strange creatures inhabit the land of Skree. And through the land travels a family chased by villains sometimes seen and sometimes imagined.

Overall I found the story intriguing and enjoyable. In fact, I see at the bottom of the book that North! Or Be Eaten is “Part 2 of The Wingfeather Saga”. I guess I’ll need to track down Part 1, and wait patiently for any additions to the ongoing story.

If you’d like to check out more information about the author, Andrew Peterson, visit http://www.andrew-peterson.com/. Check out his music, too. You just might enjoy that as well!

In Spirit and Truth (1 of 4)

2009-09-10T09:29:00.004-04:00

Let us consider who the “true worshipers” might be that Jesus refers to in John 4:23. Does it not seem obvious that “in spirit and truth” are descriptive terms rather than terms which designate a pattern, style, or procedure? In other words, the Father seeks and finds true worshipers as they respond to the spirit and truth. This description is a pointer to note that worship is a response of faith, not a response of works (for example, the Samaritan woman in the passage, the “works” consisted of being in the right place). Jesus is not indicating a difference between believers—some of whom worship rightly (“in spirit and truth”) and others who do not—but He is describing the difference between believers and unbelievers in John 4:23-24. It is the response of faith (to God’s call in Christ), which allows someone to worship “in spirit and truth.” Any other worship is just useless motion.

For a complete discussion of these words of Jesus order my book "The Life of Worship: Rethink, Reform, Renew" at http://www.marksooy.com/.

Worship in Romans (4 of 4)

2009-09-02T11:23:00.001-04:00

In Romans we discover Paul using worship terminology to discuss the fellowship of Christians loving and serving one another. He is expecting the combined Christian effort of living godly lives to issue forth in a unity of purpose and voice. “That with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (15:6).

Obviously, from the perspective of the larger context, our unified “voice” is not necessarily vocal but a reflection of daily lives of obedience and service. As Vigen Guroian observes, “The word liturgy [i.e., the service of the people] derives from the Greek leitourgia. The Greek connotes an action through which persons come together to become something corporately which they were not as separate individuals. It means a gathering whose unifying purpose is to serve (minister to) the world on behalf of God.” 1

In this pattern of the worship life, we are to be others focused. Paul refers to our “neighbor” (15:2) and his or her needs as that which determines our activity. He even points to Christ as an example of this outward focus (15:3). It is clear here, and in other places, that the life of worship is one of actively serving God by serving others. James indicates this in his epistle when he says, “Show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18). I am not saying that a verbal and community time of “worship” (i.e., a worship service) is unimportant, but that in the broad sense of the idea of worship in Scripture it is only a part.

1 Vigen Guroian, “Seeing Worship as Ethics: An Orthodox Perspective” in The Journal of Religious Ethics, 334.

Worship in Romans (3 of 4)

2009-08-27T11:17:00.000-04:00

Just like Abraham, all of the odds were against us. Paul describes us as “still helpless” and “ungodly” (5:6) and “sinners” (5:8) when God demonstrated His love through Christ. Not only that, we were actually His enemies when He reconciled us to Himself through the death of His Son (5:10). Even now, as we look at ourselves before God’s call in our lives, we must admit the impossible position we were in to draw near to God in any way. In Ephesians, Paul describes us as having “no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). This would appear to be a position of complete despair.

Yet, just as Abraham responded in faith and believed God’s word and promises, Paul recognizes that we also can respond to God’s word and promises by faith. In spite of how things appeared, and our inability on our own to have a relationship with God, He calls us to faith in Christ and to be reconciled with Him (Romans 5:8-11). God’s grand “Yes” of Christ and the Gospel trumps the “No” found in the power of sin and the Law, as reflected in Paul’s comment in 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes; wherefore also by Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.” 1

And so, “we exult…we exult…we exult…” says Paul (5:2, 3, 11). As our response to God reflects the response of Abraham, we are made righteous beside him. This righteousness is a gift of mercy from the love of God, not because of anything that we have done, but as Paul goes on to say, “…even so through the obedience of the One the many were made righteous” (5:19). This is the faith of worship, and our exultation is thanksgiving for what He has given us in Christ!

1 The idea of God’s “Yes” in Christ in contrast to the “No” of sin and the Law is also a common theme in many theologians. It seems to me to be most highly definite in Martin Luther’s writings in the contrast of Law and Gospel, as well as in Karl Barth’s theology, the very nature of which is described in its name: Dialectic Theology.

Worship in Romans (2 of 4)

2009-08-20T11:13:00.001-04:00

Although it is evident that man misplaces, or misdirects, his service and worship when left on his own, there has always been a divine solution to this problem, and that solution remains today. Paul addresses this in a theme that might be considered the main emphasis of Romans—faith.

Faith is central in the whole Biblical narrative, commencing right away in Genesis, and Paul uses his knowledge of Scripture to pursue this theme. That we would find a connection here between Paul’s discussion of Abraham’s faith and the concept of worship is demonstrated in the vocabulary Paul utilizes.

Romans 4 explains the way of faith as exemplified in Abraham. Although he could be considered a man of good works, Abraham’s activities and “goodness” were not able to earn God’s favor. “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God” (4:2). This coincides with what we saw in Romans 1. Man’s ability to worship and serve God properly was damaged by the Fall, and this is true of Abraham as well.

However, Abraham is held up as one who responded to the evidence of God’s mercy around him and believed what he heard and saw. It was this belief—this faith—that allocated God’s saving mercy into his life. This is what Paul designates as righteousness (4:3-5). In simpler terms, righteousness is the status of a rightly restored relationship with God. Paul contrasts Abraham’s faith in God’s word and promises with the lack of faith described in Romans 1. Evidence of God’s word and activity were known in both cases, but only acted on by Abraham.

Worship in Romans (1 of 4)

2009-08-14T11:07:00.003-04:00

Near the beginning of the book of Romans, rather than presenting properly focused worship, Paul describes the wrong focus for our worship. Humanity’s sin has so blinded each person that there is no end to the lusts and desires that promote self. Rather than listening to the voice of God found both within themselves (1:19) and without (1:20), they pursue their own lusts and pleasures and their hearts are perpetually darkened (1:21).

This darkened heart leads man continually away from God. Paul even directly refers to this in 3:11-12, “There is none who seeks for God; All have turned aside…” Man has become wise in his own eyes and exchanged the true worship and service of the incorruptible God for “an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures” (1:23). Mankind is addicted to idolatry and seeks to fill the inner yearning with everything other than God Himself.

Consider this...

2009-08-01T13:52:00.000-04:00

Consider this: As the church gathers corporately for “worship” it may be more appropriate to consider it as the primary opportunity for God to communicate Himself to us through His word, the preaching of Christ (“God with us”), and prayer. As we experience His self-revelation we will respond with song and thanksgiving, as we well should, along with many other public expressions. Yet our response should not—cannot—stop at the end of the service.

Our response to God’s communicating to us flows out of the “worship service” into our lives. We take His revelation to others in caring for them, serving them and loving those around us. By doing so, we continue our worship activity (look at “present your bodies” from Romans 12) as a thankful expression of love to Him.

Thought and Practice

2009-07-22T13:49:00.000-04:00

The two somewhat parallel passages in Colossians 3:12-17 and Ephesians 5:18-21 are a transition. They move us from our discussion of the foundational ideas of worship, in the broad sense as a lifestyle of worship, to some considerations of worship in a more public setting. More directly, these passages help the community know how individuals are to minister to one another in a public “worship service.” Although a fountain of ideas for the forms and practices of public worship are found in these two passages, there is still a healthy balance between the thought of worship (internal) and the practice of worship (external).

Teaching and Admonishing restated

2009-07-14T13:47:00.000-04:00

In Colossians 3:16 Paul refers to “teaching and admonishing.” These are mentioned in the same phrase for a reason. It is not enough to simply teach the fundamental doctrines of the faith without specific and realistic guidance as to how these doctrines should affect the daily walk of faith. At the same time, giving moral and ethical advice in the form of admonishment is groundless without a solid foundation of doctrinal and theological teaching upon which to establish those guidelines. We must teach and admonish in balance. “We can talk about methods,” writes Schaeffer, “we can stir each other up, we can call each other to all kinds of action, but unless it is rooted in a strong Christian base in the area of content and the practice of truth, we build on sand and add to the confusion of our day.”[i]

[i] Francis Schaeffer, Two Contents, Two Realities in The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer: A Christian Worldview, Volume 3 (Westchester, IL: Crossway Books, 1982), 412.

Corporate and Individual worship

2009-07-06T13:46:00.000-04:00

Although the concept of worship is totally interrelated when discussing individual and/or corporate worship, we can learn a great deal about either of the two by considering them independently of each other. You will notice that though we may attempt to discuss them independently, they are truly and completely dependent upon and intertwined with each other. Corporate worship flows from individual worship, and individual worship takes place within the community of believers.

Teaching and Admonishing

2009-06-18T13:43:00.002-04:00

In Colossians 3, I find it interesting that Paul clearly indicates that music is to be utilized for “teaching and admonishing” as well as “singing with thankfulness” to God. These are broad and sweeping responsibilities for the use of music within the church. Yet, many churches remain in the paradigm that the sermon is the primary form of “teaching and admonishing.” In fact, churches regularly (and too narrowly) focus music only upon an upward “me to God” dynamic of what they call “worship.” Paul, on the other hand, sets the stage for a broad variety and underlying diversity in teaching and admonishing through music.

Redemption of the Arts

2009-06-11T13:42:00.002-04:00

With reference to variety, and redemption of the arts in particular, Jeremy Begbie writes, “The musician’s calling, as with any creative artist, is to discover, respect, and develop what he or she has received in creation, and to form out of the disorder of the world a richer order.”[i] Within the walls of the church creativity and innovation should abound as we bring the word of God in all of its forms to all who need to hear it.

[i] Begbie, “Music in God’s Purposes,” 129.

Fear, Love and Trust (3 of 3)

2009-06-04T10:19:00.000-04:00

At a very basic and underlying level this fear, love, and trust of God gives us perspective. In fact, it gives us a balanced perspective in every area of life. When we truly understand who God is, how He cares for His people, and how He loves and provides for us we also begin to understand who we are as His children. We are entirely dependent upon Him for all good things and owe Him our gratitude, our service, and our livelihood. In this balanced perspective, the response of worship encompasses our entire lifestyle so that work, play, love for family and friends, corporate worship services, and everything else become an interwoven tapestry of worship and declaration of God’s glory.

Fear, Love and Trust (2 of 3)

2009-05-28T10:17:00.001-04:00

The word fear refers to the recognition and awe of God in His greatness, but also fear in the realization that God is so great and His children so unworthy. It is not a condemning fear, but an understanding that we are utterly incapable of earning His favor and only stand before Him out of His grace and the work and righteousness of Christ.

Love for God is responsiveness to His love for His children. God’s provision of every need as our Father and the Preserver of all things comes to His children out of His grace, based upon no merit of their own. All that we have and call our own are gifts of our Father: self, family, friends, property, good government, employment, peace, health, good weather, etc. Everything within and without are from God and our response should be one of thankfulness.

We are to trust in God as a child trusts a father. We are to find refuge and safety in Him and His provision. This faith, or trust, should have as its object the One that determines the core of our identity—it determines who we are. If this faith is misplaced, our identity is misplaced, but when centered upon God and His grace, then we have the gift of the right object of faith, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Fear, Love and Trust (1 of 3)

2009-05-21T10:12:00.005-04:00

The passage on worship in Deuteronomy 10:12-21 reminds me of Martin Luther’s admonitions in his Catechisms to fear, love and trust God in all of life. The first of the Ten Commandments reads, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:2-3). Luther was a professor of Old Testament studies, and based upon his reading of the first commandment, he saw that fear, love, and trust were based upon the character of the object being feared, loved, and trusted. [i] To have “no other gods” besides the one God is a response of faith to the promise of God to be a Father to His children. Once this relationship is properly established, and believed in faith, the other commandments and the life of worship Moses is calling for flows from the love of Christ and love for our neighbors, rather than from the burden of laws and requirements.

[i] See Luther’s discussion of the First Commandment in his Large Catechism. Also reference Paul Althaus’ chapter called “God’s Will for Men” in his work The Theology of Martin Luther (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1966), 130-140.

Living Life as Worship (Part 2 of 2)

2009-05-14T08:40:00.001-04:00

In Deuteronomy 10:12-31 Moses helps the Israelites maintain a proper perspective on themselves. It was nothing that they, or their ancestors, had done to earn God’s favor, but only His love and mercy that brought His affection on them (vs. 15). In fact, they were stubborn and often unrepentant (vs. 16). It was they who were the “aliens” in Egypt whom God redeemed from captivity (vs. 19). All things said, God’s love and providential care for Israel had nothing to do with them (for their character was questionable) or what they had done, but was entirely dependent upon God’s character and choice of them (vs. 21-22).

And as His chosen people they are to emulate His character (internal) and actively love their neighbor (external). They are to be, in their everyday life and livelihood—in their families, occupations, and dealings with all men—representing the activity of God among men, just as God was active in the midst of Israel. The internal elements of love, fear, and total devotion of heart are intertwined with the external characteristics of walking in His ways, serving Him, keeping His commandments and statutes, showing love for the alien (and the widow, orphan, and neighbor), clinging to Him, and living in praise of Him.

Living Life as Worship (Part 1 of 2)

2009-05-07T08:37:00.003-04:00

The passage in Deuteronomy 10:12-31 is an excellent example of both internal and external characteristics of worship. What does Moses ask? “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you?” (Deut. 10:12) There is an echo of this question in the Westminster Catechism as well. The question: “What is the chief end of man?” The answer: “To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” These questions and their answers are related for they invoke an internal response in the fear, love, and trust of God. Fear, love, and trust also have external expressions and Moses shows this in his comments.

Moses is sure to develop fully, yet concisely, the character of God. He is first of all the “Lord” to Whom belongs the heavens, the earth, and all that they contain (vs. 14). He is full of mercy and love toward Israel in spite of their lowly status as a nation (vs. 15, 22). He is the “God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God” (vs. 17). He loves impartially and is not swayed in establishing justice for the widow, orphan, and alien (vs. 17-18). It is this God, Whose character is unquestionable, who has “done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen” (vs. 21).

Every part working together

2009-04-30T10:20:00.001-04:00

God actively places each person in the proper “spot” in the body so that the body will function correctly (1 Corinthians 12:11, 18). If a person is out of place, the church can only act as a crippled body. Paul uses very clear language in this regard in Ephesians 4:16 by stating that the church, as His body, must be “fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part.” The analogy of the body is appropriate here, and quite fitting. Have you ever noticed that a pain or some damage in one part of your body affects the entire body? Even a broken toe, as small as it is, dramatically alters our ability to live life in a normal way—the way we are supposed to live—walking, moving, running, playing.

The Body of Christ is exactly this way, except the “broken toes” are people with hurts and pain, people with sin and denial. These believers are people God has gifted to serve as part of a greater whole, but they are afflicted and crippled. This does not just affect them - it affects us all. The use of gifts in serving one another is to be healing for the individual being served, but then lead to a “healed” community as well. A community that is a healthy, vibrant, effective Body of Christ.

Worship Holistically

2009-04-23T07:40:00.000-04:00

It is only as the individual holistically presents body and mind to God in worship that the community can then operate properly, and worship as a group (i.e., corporate worship). This connection between the proper functioning of each part of the Body of Christ through spiritual giftedness and the worship of the community is too often missed, yet appears quite clearly in Romans 12. The truest form of worship is when each Christian, and thus each community, is doing and acting as God created it to do and act (see also Psalm 19).

Worship Reform

2009-04-16T08:30:00.000-04:00

Recognizing the importance of our thinking is essentially a call for theological renewal. This theological renewal is at the heart of how we think about worship and is much broader than simply doing a study on worship as it is found in various Biblical texts. Our theology of worship must be based upon a holistic understanding and foundation of what God meant for our relationship with Him. What it was like at the beginning, what happened that distorted it so grossly, and what He has done to restore (redeem) us to Himself. This pattern of thought—creation, fall, and redemption—is the classic pattern used in discussing worldview systems. Ultimately, our theology of worship unfolds out of our own worldview. Only in this broad-based picture can we truly develop theology which is both consistent with Scripture and tradition, yet adapts itself to our modern times and situations.

It is, therefore, imperative that we seek to mold our view of worship to one that is grounded in Scripture. We must seek renewal, not based upon new methods and theories, but by renewing our minds and hearts based on a study of God’s word (Romans 12:1-2). It is time to redeem worship theory and practice and return to foundational truths that transverse denominations, styles and cultures. It is, in short, time for reform.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-09T20:39:00.004-04:00

May the Easter Bunny and all of his little friends bring you the joy of this season with eggs, hams, chocolate and treats!

Lions, Tigers and Bears! Oh my...

Active worship - beyond Sunday! (part 2 of 2)

2009-04-02T07:49:00.003-04:00

In Romans 12, Paul explains some of the basics of the proper functioning of the Body of Christ. There are many members (individual Christians, vs. 4) and yet only one body (the church, vs. 5). Each individual has been given a measure of faith (vs. 3) to serve others (vss. 5 and 6). The grace and faith given, however, is not in equal measure for some have more, some less, but just as much as is necessary for the individual (see vs. 6), and each member has a different function, or a different job to do (vs. 4). With these differing and numerous functions, or gifts, we serve one another, and the gifts Paul lists are set in the context of use within the community of believers, for he uses the phrase “one another” three times before the end of the chapter.

This is the full circle of worship in Romans 12. We are to present our bodies for service to the community of believers based upon our renewed and transformed minds. In so doing, we worship individually by exercising our spiritual gifts, and we worship corporately as the community works together to serve each other and the people around them. When a local representation of the Body of Christ functions in this way it is a marvelous thing—and it is extremely effective. Paul says, in Ephesians 4:16, that “the proper working of each individual part (i.e., the Christian serving in his or her giftedness), causes the growth of the body (i.e., the Church) for the building up of itself in love.” Of course it would be this way: God thought of it after all!

Active worship - beyond Sunday! (part 1 of 2)

2009-03-26T09:55:00.004-04:00

In Romans 12, a key to understanding the significance of this passage in reference to worship is found in the next few verses. Paul does not leave us in the dark as to how we are to present our bodies as a “spiritual service of worship.” In fact, he gets very specific in detailing exactly the kinds of activities he is talking about. Believe it or not, it is much more extensive than what you generally experience in church on Sunday. Actually, there are people worshiping God right now and they are not singing, praying, or listening to a sermon. Let us find out what Paul means.

Commentators see Romans 12:1-2 as a transition from doctrinal considerations to how this set of beliefs works in daily life (or “practical” application). This becomes glaringly apparent as quickly as verse three where Paul encourages “sound judgment” in our thought life about ourselves in comparison with others. “God,” he says, “has allotted to each a measure of faith.” And with that statement he sets the stage for us to comprehend the variety, unity, and complexity of worship within the Body of Christ (i.e., remember that the “body of Christ” is one of Paul’s primary pictures for the church—the community of believers). (See also 1 Corinthians 12; Colossians 1:18)

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Pride and Worship

2009-03-19T11:07:00.003-04:00

Romans 1 is an intriguing description of man's sinful denial of God and how worship is misplaced in spite of humanity’s knowledge of God the Creator. Paul clearly notes that mankind had every opportunity to acknowledge God as God. He states, “that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them” (1:19) and that the invisible nature of God was “clearly seen, being understood through what has been made” (1:20; see also Psalm 19). He also notes that humanity “knew God” (1:21), had access to His truth (1:25), and knew the “ordinance of God” (1:32).

In spite of all the evidence, mankind rejected Him and His persistent offers of mercy. There is every indication, as well, that humanity has made this decision willfully and with sufficient knowledge of Who God was and what He was doing. There is no other conclusion than to say that humanity, in the person of Adam and ever since, chooses to worship and serve everything and anything other than God. The misplaced worship of Adam, as he esteemed his own thoughts and desires higher than God’s (otherwise known as pride), truly flows in the blood of every one of his children, and though we yearn and search for the fulfillment only God can provide, we willfully wander the other way.

It is only in the transforming power of Christ, and His Spirit living within us that our own efforts at worship and living the Christian life can be set in order (see Romans 12). Our wills and desires must daily conform to those of Christ so that as we offer ourselves in daily worship we can truly glorify Him.

Building on a solid foundation

2009-03-12T11:20:00.002-04:00

Although it is often unseen, the foundation and framework is vital to the existence and proper functioning of any building. In my mind’s eye, I see it as providing a framework for something larger than itself, yet completely dependent upon it. A foundation that will support and provide stability yet be often invisible to the thing itself. It must be adaptable and flexible to support great variety, yet give a solid structure to hold and anchor the various methods and participants.

Of course, the frame I wish to build is a framework for worship. Not necessarily a bunch of “how-to” methods, though there is plenty of “how-to” that could be included, but an underlying foundation and framework within which worship can be conceived and practiced in a variety of settings. It is meant to be a broad consideration of the foundational, supporting thought behind a well-rounded view of worship. It is to be foundational so that it can support the many shapes and sizes and methods that will be built upon it.

In my book, "The Life of Worship: Rethink, Reform, Renew" I try to provide such a framework for worship thinking. For more info go to: www.MarkSooy.com.

What I mean by "WorshipThink!"

2009-03-05T09:08:00.005-05:00

Scripture regularly points out that our actions are the result of our thinking. More specifically—right actions result from correct thinking (1 Peter 1:13-16; Eph 4:20-24; 1 John 2:3-6; and others). Over and over again we are told to “prepare your minds for action,” (1 Peter 1:13), or to “be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:23), or to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

If the right belief system can be established concerning worship, then extremes that cause divisions might possibly be avoided. As mentioned earlier, our thinking will direct and determine our actions. Thus, correct thinking about worship will guide our practice of worship. This will include a solid, broadly defined theological understanding of worship based upon Scripture. Our Scriptural and theological understanding will, in turn, lead to the transformation of our daily Christian walk. It will also include a realignment of some forms or patterns of corporate worship. Finally, it will allow for a complete experience of worship in all of its joy, sorrow and other emotions.

My volume titled "The Life of Worship: Rethink, Reform, Renew" addresses these issues and is available via http://www.marksooy.com/.

Lifestyle to Corporate Worship

2009-02-12T09:38:00.004-05:00

The two somewhat parallel passages in Colossians 3:12-17 and Ephesians 5:18-21 are transitionary. They move us from our discussion of the foundational ideas of worship, in the broad sense as a lifestyle of worship, to some considerations of worship in a more public setting. More directly, these passages help the community know how individuals are to minister to one another in a public “worship service.” Although a fountain of ideas for the forms and practices of public worship are found in these two passages, there is still a healthy balance between the thought of worship (internal) and the practice of worship (external).

These passages can be considered guidelines and indicators for a balanced approach to worship services as they relate to the community. Too narrow a focus on John 4:24 in recent years has trapped the discussion of worship in a subjective, self-centered worship that leaves out many important aspects of public worship. Let us here begin to bridge the ideas and framework of a lifestyle of worship to the actual workings of worship in a church or group setting. This is done by careful study of the Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 passages.

I've undertaken a thorough discussion of this in my book "The Life of Worship: Rethink, Reform, Renew" which is available at http://www.marksooy.com/ in both paperback and PDF format.

(I'll be travelling for a couple weeks, so I'll post again in March!)