The sermon didn't come close to addressing all the Bible says about the church and its worship, and what I say in this blog won't either. Yet, it's important for us as Christians to understand at least the scriptural truths below about corporate worship. These statements are based on texts in John 4, Colossians 3, and Hebrews 10 and 12:
1. Worship is a response to God’s revelation in Scripture of Himself, of us, and of His work, especially in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
2. Worship is in spirit and truth and not restricted to a location. We are to worship God, who is Spirit, under the direction of His Word, which is truth, and we are to do so as a spiritual activity, expressing ourselves verbally and physically from our inner being.
3. Worship is a spiritual celebration in the presence of God and by His grace. When we worship God, we are joining with the angels and the spirits of believers in Heaven who are worshiping Him.
4. Worship is to be with thanksgiving and awe unto a holy God. God remains a jealous God, one who protects His glory, and we are to respond to Him in worship with reverence and joy.
5. Worship is made possible by Jesus. His death enables us to enter God’s presence with confidence.
6. Worship is to be Christ-centered, reflecting, focusing on and honoring Him.
7. Worship is a ministry to fellow Christians in which we motivate each other to love and good works through faithful participation and encouragement.
-- Photo by Roan Lavery on Unsplash
