Worship TodayWorship Today----------------------------------

What Do You Think About The Comment Given Below?What Do You Think About The Comment Given Below?

“I don’t get anything out of this worship service. The

music is not lively, the singing is uninspiring, and the sermon is plain boring. It is more like attending a funeral service

than a real worship service!”

1. Not commenting on cultural worship styles For instance, some African Christians use a lot of

body gyrations in worship

2. Not commenting on different musical genres For example, pop music versus traditional music

QualificationsQualifications

This message is more concerned with the

Theology of Worship

Part 1: A Constructive Criticism of Contemporary WorshipPart 1: A Constructive Criticism of Contemporary Worship

• 2 major issues will be considered here:

2) Worship & Celebration2) Worship & Celebration

1) Worship & Entertainment1) Worship & Entertainment

Part 1: A Constructive Criticism of Contemporary Worship: Worship & Entertainment

Part 1: A Constructive Criticism of Contemporary Worship: Worship & Entertainment

• Modern worship tends to degenerate into ‘entertainment’. How then do we distinguish between worship and entertainment?

3 Key Questions to consider3 Key Questions to consider

Part 1: A Constructive Criticism of Contemporary Worship: Worship & Entertainment

Part 1: A Constructive Criticism of Contemporary Worship: Worship & Entertainment

Question 1:

1. Can we engage in worship without music? Main purpose of music - merely functioning as

an aid to worship. Music becomes idolatrous when it dominates

worship!

Part 1: A Constructive Criticism of Contemporary Worship: Worship & Entertainment

Part 1: A Constructive Criticism of Contemporary Worship: Worship & Entertainment

Question 2:

2. Are the lyrics subordinated to the beat and rhythm? Emphasis of modern worship is on upbeat

and catchy songs One particular example is the refrain: “Yes

Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord…” End result: singing mindless songs!

Part 1: A Constructive Criticism of Contemporary Worship: Worship & Entertainment

Part 1: A Constructive Criticism of Contemporary Worship: Worship & Entertainment

Question 3:

3. Does the titillation of the senses become the end goal? Music is often used as an emotional

stimulant Is worship designed to make me feel

good or uplifted? If so, it has clearly departed from Biblical

worship

Part 1: A Constructive Criticism of Contemporary Worship: Worship & Celebration

Part 1: A Constructive Criticism of Contemporary Worship: Worship & Celebration

• Contemporary worship tends to call worship a ‘celebration’. Does worship focus on celebration or on something else as well?

Part 1: A Constructive Criticism of Contemporary Worship: Worship & Celebration

Part 1: A Constructive Criticism of Contemporary Worship: Worship & Celebration

3 Key Questions:

1. Has celebration elbowed out contemplation?See 1 Corinthians 11:27-30

2. Is there a deep awe and reverence for God?See Isaiah 6; Hebrews 12:18-29

3. Does worship lead us to serve God?See Acts 13:2

Part 2: A Biblical and Holistic Approach to WorshipPart 2: A Biblical and Holistic Approach to Worship

A consideration of 2 key questions:

1. What Are The Central Elements Of Biblical Worship?

2. What Is The Fundamental Essence Of Biblical Worship?

There are 3 distinct elements:

1. GOD-centred rather than man-centredThe primary focus is on the living God himself, and not upon human needs

2. WORD-centred rather than experience-centredAccording to Colossians 3:16, Scripture should become the foundation and instruction for Christian worship

3. TRUTH-centred rather than feeling-centredWorship should always be guided by revealed truth informing the human mind

Part 2: A Biblical and Holistic Approach to Worship: What are the Central Elements of Biblical Worship?

Part 2: A Biblical and Holistic Approach to Worship: What are the Central Elements of Biblical Worship?

We are following the pattern of heavenly worship:

1. When we are enthralled with God’s greatness and majestySee Revelations 4; Psalm 8

2. When we filled with gratitude for God’s redemptive loveSee Revelations 5

Part 2: A Biblical and Holistic Approach to Worship: What is the Fundamental Essence of Biblical Worship?

Part 2: A Biblical and Holistic Approach to Worship: What is the Fundamental Essence of Biblical Worship?

ConclusionConclusion

• In summary, Biblical worship has the following features:

1. A focus on the living God rather than upon human needs

2. An everyday affair, and not just a Sunday event

3. A correspondence between the heart and the lips

4. A devotion of our will to God’s purpose for our lives