Priorities In Worship, Part 6

Priorities In Worship, Part 6

Hebrews 10, 24–25

It’s Gods desire to be glorified in all that we do and say. If our lives are to count for something then we are to glorify Jesus through speak and actions of love. P.H

Hebrews 10:24-25NKJV Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:24-25MSG So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, 25 not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

Last week we established that the threefold goal of worship is to, honor God, strengthen the church, and impact the world.

If these three adjectives are to be accomplished in our worship, then we must follow the biblical pattern for worship.

There are seven essential components of an effective worship service.

1. Powerful prayer.

2. Meaningful music.

3. Passionate praise

4. Tithing and giving.

5. Preaching the word.

6. Teaching the word.

7. Personal testimonies.

Let’s look at each one of these:

Last week we studied and taught/preached, number 1, Powerful Prayer.

Powerful Prayer. -Prayer was a priority in the Old Testament temple. When king Solomon dedicated the new temple, the Lord responded by filling the house with his glory.

Then the Lord spoke to Solomon and the people, saying, 2 Chronicles 7:15-16NKJV “Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.”

The Lord’s promise demonstrates that he was not interested so much in the burnt offerings, sacrifices, and the rituals. -Instead, the Lord spoke of his house, as a chosen and sanctified place where prayer would be answered.

-It is common today for the church to be called- A house of worship, a house of preaching, a house of fellowship, a house of service, or a house of music.

However, Jesus insisted that the church should be called, a house of prayer for all nations.

So this week we begin, #2. Meaningful Music.

In late 1990's in Watford, England, Matt Redman's church had a high caliber praise band and worship team, yet the pastor knew that the congregation had lost its way in worship. So the Pastor asked "When you come through the doors on a Sunday, what are you bringing as your offering to God?" Matt Redman says the question led initially to some embarrassing silence. Eventually, heartfelt prayers and heart-driven songs were sung as they experienced God in a fresh way.

Through that experience, Matt wrote this: -When the music fades, all is stripped away, and simply come longing just to bring something That's of worth that will bless your heart. I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about You, Jesus. I'm sorry, Lord, for the things I've made it. When it's all about You All about You, Jesus.

The first biblical reference to music is found in the book of, Genesis 4:21 Jubal, one of the sons of Lamech, is said to be the father, of all those who play the harp and flute.

In the final book of the Bible, we read about the people of God in heaven.

-Revelation 15:2-3NLT I saw before me what seemed to be a glass sea mixed with fire. And on it stood all the people who had been victorious over the beast and his statue and the number representing his name. They were all holding harps that God had given them. 3 And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb: “Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord God, the Almighty. Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations.

Between Genesis and Revelation, we find hundreds of examples of men, women, and children, who worship God through one form of music or another.

The Holy spirit and music.

The apostle Paul makes a direct connection between being filled with the spirit and worshiping God through music and singing.

Ephesians 5:18TPT “And don’t get drunk with wine, which is rebellion; instead be filled continually with the Holy Spirit.”

The definitions of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs suggest that God is pleased with worship music to Him.