Saturday, January 30, 2016

Designed & Created to Worship – Part 1


Ephesians 1:11-12In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,  that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.”

Last week, our church’s Associate Pastor Obie preached at the Sunday worship service on the subject of “Purpose”. He pointed out that everything is designed for a purpose and things go much better when those things are used for the purpose intended. I remember seeing some pretty funny photos of people using regular items for some crazy purposes. Obie spoke of the time as kids that his brother and him made a tree rope swing in their backyard using an electrical extension cord, which snap and he came crashing down. The cord wasn’t designed to be a rope swing. 

Well, we were design and created by intentionally God for a purpose also and that purpose matters. When we do not live for the purpose in which we were design and created then (1) our full potential is not met, and (2) our desired outcome is not met either. The Westminster confession states that mankind’s chief end is to glory God and enjoy Him forever. Our greatest designed purpose is that we were created to “worship” God, bringing Him praise and glory in adoration. We are wired to worship. Not that everyone is supposed to quit their job and worship only, but, foundationally, worship the Lord, your God in everything you do, so your heart can connect to God’s heart.

Romans 11:36-12:1 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable spiritual worship.”

 


The word “worship” is derived from the Old English word “weorþscipe”, meaning worship, honor shown to God in communion, for His worthiness-ship. Webster’s Dictionary defines “worship” as chiefly and eminently, the act of paying divine honors to the Supreme Being; or the reverence and homage paid to him in religious exercises, consisting in adoration, confession, prayer, thanksgiving and the like. But, there are some misconceptions about worship today, which need to be brought to light and cleared. (1) Worship is not music. Music is an expression of worship to God, but not the only means of expression. Even though the number one subject matter of world music is Jesus and a Christian singer is current the most listened to recording artist in the world, worshiping in music is really only one of many ways to worship. For example, “prayer” is a chief part of worship. The Bible tells us that there is music in Heaven and we know that music reaches into our heart and soul. But, we must understand that Satan reduces music down to mere entertainment. (2) Worship does not start nor stop. Worship is not an event and not just on Sunday. What do you do Monday thru Saturday? Worship is continuous. It’s not a question of when we are worshiping, but what we are worshiping.  



Psalm 29:2 Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”

Let's finish Pastor Obie's message on "Worship" tomorrow.
In Christ, brian

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