Discussion Question # 3
Reply with this form Response just write your comments in the message box with the topic of the question as a part of your response.
What is worship?
Response # 1
Everyone who has ever gone to a worship service has an opinion about what makes up authentic worship for them. For some, it's singing the old favorite hymns. For others, it is lively singing of choruses with a team of singers and muscians with clapping and maybe even dancing. Others, they prefer a single song leader and a couple of instruments. For others, it is singing, but with no musical instruments. Some prefer to be a part of a smaller, more intimate group and others a larger group so they can have anonimity. Some prefer kneeling at an altar to pray and times of silence. Some focus more on the message being of more importance and the singing just sets the stage. Some prefer a certain day over another. And still others, it is liturgy.
Old Testament worship focused around the Temple and the annual feasts and was more of a corporate worship setting, as well as weekly Sabbath scripture reading and teaching took place in the local synagogues. The first few hundred years of the church, worship varied from country to country. Many services were modeled after the Jewish synagogue. Others were more liturgical and singing of scripture, as well as weekly communion. It has only been over the past 200 years that worship has begun to see many other transformations and variations.
Churches are soooo divided over what is authentic worship!!! But what does the Bible say is worship?
John 4:23-24 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24 "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
Romans 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
Hebrews 13:15 let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
So what is worship to you? Is it based more on personal preference, or biblical guidelines? Is it more modern, or does it have a link to traditions of the church? Think about it and let me know.
Response # 2
Hmmm . . .I never really considered that phrase before . . . to worship "in spirit and in truth." I need to explore that some more. Also, I need help in deciphering the differnce between Praise and Worship - or is praise just a subset of worship?
For me, worship always includes vocal music, and I see nothing wrong in movement, if the spirit moves a person to dance appropriately or raise their hands. I like modern music, but believe the old hymns and traditions also have their place. I enjoy a service that mixes it all up! The giving of thanks and my offering come most naturally to me during worship, but realize that other forms of sacrifice need to be included.
I was not raised Catholic, but something
that has always bothered me is how they seem to disregard the importance of
communion - Jesus' statement to "Do this in remembrance of me" does
not seem
like too much to ask of us. I need messages that help me with obedience and
accountability.