In corporate worship, is there a standard that helps to measur e our effectiveness that goes beyond raised hands and a smile on the face of the worshipper? The answer is yes.
Recent Entries
God? Who Needs Him?May 31, 2013
Self-sufficient humanism. Paul saw it coming – “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
Imago Dei
September 12, 2012
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Why Can't I Pray?
August 18, 2012
The bible gives us several reasons, but according to Jeremy Taylor, a deceitful heart is at the root of prayerlessness.
It's Not Rocket Science
July 23, 2012
To keep in step with the Spirit should be our daily quest. And if we are successful at that, all of life falls into place.
Theological Steak
April 10, 2012
These words by P. T. Forsythe on the magnificence of Christ's work are to theology what Ruth's Chris is to a good steak.
Describing the Indescribable
February 11, 2012
What we have in Christ will take all eternity to describe. But for one segment of one sermon, a great preacher made a mighty attempt.
Making Sense Of It All
January 30, 2012
Where are things headed? Is there rhyme and reason to the endless cycle of summer, fall, winter and spring? Is there a plan in place, or is randomness the explanation?
Slam Dunk Worship
April 27, 2010
Somebody said something like this once (do I sound like the writer of the book of Hebrews?) that if you don't have a mark to shoot at, that you'll miss it every time.
Or was it that you'll hit something every time, but you have no idea what you hit?
At any rate, aimless worship is like competing in football without a game plan - you throw an occasional pass, you run off tackle, try a quarterback draw, and hope to get lucky. And you might get lucky and get a first down or two. But a victory? Nobody is that lucky!
In his book CHRIST-CENTERED WORSHIP, Bryan Chapell gives a tight summary of public worship that touches all the bases, and ends up being a home run (Oops, I just mixed sports metaphors!)....
"We do not have to insist on a particular order of worship elements or a particular style of expression to create authentic Christian worship. But what we cannot avoid, if we are to worship God rightly, are the dynamics of the gospel."
"The gospel that we are prepared to understand in the Old Testament and that we observe in the New Testament always confronts the believer with the greatness and goodness of God."
"This good news humbles the believers so that their worship naturally and necessarily includes acknowledgment of their need for his mercy."
"When God's people receive assurance of his provision, they respond with thanksgiving and such desire to please him that they long for the instruction of his Word and communion with his people."
"In short, because they have experienced his love, God's people love what and whom he loves - and their worship of him naturally includes expression of such love."
This being the time of year that the NBA championship is taking place, let me add one more sport to the metaphor list. You may not win every game, but you will win the series. Over the longhaul, your worshippers will grow into mature lovers of God and live for his glory.
