How are we to Worship?
From Standout Studios.Net
Serving God through serving one another. (Mtt. 24 describes it well)
For many people in America, the idea of worship is an entirely different concept than what we think of in the Christian Church or Church of Christ. Some think of worship as listening to a "starched collar" drone on and on for about thirty or forty minutes, after about ten to fifteen minutes of high-church formality with no attempt at meaning. This concept is not what God had in mind, nor are other idea s that men often devise.
Some groups have their own ideas of what they think God expects of us in worship. A group in California sits around an orange tree and praises it. Many peopie, steeped in ritualism, perform acts week after week which they call worship. But what does God's Word say about worship? Jesus told the woman of Samaria that "they that worship him (God) must worship him in Spirit and in truth" (In. 4:24).
What is worship? "A boy gave a good definition of worship in these words: 'When I worship I think about God, I feel good about Him, and I want to do something for Him.' Genuine worship of the Lord is personal fellowship with and praise for Him which sends us forth with a commitment to Him" (Adult Education in the Church by Zuck and Gotz, p. 329). Man is created with a need for a relation ship with God. A s we realize that God is our creator and all that He does for us, we become more aware of Him and His glory. And, unless we are too selfish to comprehend His greatness and love, we feel a gratitude that may be expressed in our worship. Sometime s one gets the feeling that the Sunday morning service is a time to sit and be bored. But it all depends on what one puts into it. Worship is an expression of our gratitude to God. This worship should result in service a s we realize a 11 that God ha s done for us.
But how does one translate this gratitude and worship into today's world? God's Word provides the answer. Ac. 2:41-42 gives the plan of worship that the early Christians used, and it provides a course for us to follow today. As a person joined the Body of Christ in the days of the apostles, he did not just fade quietly into the background until "Easter" or "Christmas."
First of all, the new Christians" continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine" (or teaching). The things the apostles had learned from Jesus--either through His teaching or by His example--were carried on and lived and taught by the apostles. They taught the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and its meaning for man's life and salvation. Because the apostles had this teaching from the Lord directly, it was authoritative. Eventually, this apostolic teaching took on a written form in the New Testament scriptures. Today, as we feel a gratitude to God and love for others, we need to be teaching the scriptures through our words, and especially through our lives.
The early Christians also continued in "fellowship." The fellowship which Christians enjoyed was a boost to them in the troubled times in which they lived. Heb. 10:25 speaks of Christian assembly or fellowship a s an exhortation to our Christian lives and a means of strengthening our faith. It was expressed in a number of practical ways, such as the "breaking of bread" and "prayers." The Christians shared in a "fellowship meal" or a "love feast" to further their bond of unity (I Cor. 11:23-29). They also partook of the "Lord's Supper" on the first day of each week. Verse 46 tells us they did this steadfastly, or weekly. Some say it becomes a habit when observed so often; but how can sharing with, adoring, and remembering Jesus become merely a habit? The remembrance of Christ's death for our sins is cause in itself for celebration and worship! The early Christians also fellowshipped in prayers. They took specific time for united prayer. Today we need to be specifically praying with each other, praying for one another, and praying in a united thanksgiving to God for His salvation and the blessings of this life.
Verse 47 says the result of these principles of worship in the lives of the early Christians was a true inner joy and a growth of the Body. This Christian assembly (or group) enjoyed a great spirit of rejoicing and generosity. And they were looked upon with favor by those who were not Christians. This is not always true about us a s Christians today. Perhaps we are not following God's principles of worship and service.
Eph. 5:19,20 also adds a few instructions about our lives as a worship to God: "Speaking to yourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs .... " How many times do you catch yourself whistling or humming a commercial from TV--maybe even a beer commercial? Why not whistle or hum a praise to the Lord--it would not have to be the Hallelujah Chorus! Just a simple "Jesus Loves Me" would probably surprise you and brighten your day, a s well as make the Lord happy (Ps. 107:8,15,21,31) .
Verse 20 also mentions that we should thank God for all things. This is an expression of worship, as it is a bubbling over of our gratitude to God.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Ps. 107:8,15,21,31; In. 4:21-24; Ac. 2:41,42,47; Eph. 5:19,20.
