What is worship to you? What are you looking for in worship?
New Testament worship was characterized by a joy and thanksgiving because of God's gracious redemption in Christ. This early Christian worship focused on God's saving work in Jesus Christ. True worship was that which occurred under the inspiration of God's Spirit (John 4:23-24; Phil 3:3).
Prayer apparently had a leading place in Christian worship. The letters of Paul regularly open with references to prayer for fellow-Christians who are instructed to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5:17). Praise, either by individuals or in hymns sung in common, reflects the frequent use of psalms in the synagogue. Also, possible fragments of Christian hymns appear scattered through the New Testament (Acts 4:24-30; Eph 5:14; 1 Tim 3:16; Rev 4:8,11; 5:9-10,12-13).
Lessons from the Bible to be read and studied were another part of the worship procedure of the New Testament church. Emphasis was probably given to the messianic prophecies which had been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. His teachings also received a primary place.
Prophecy, inspired preaching by one filled with the Holy Spirit, helped build up the church, the body of Christ (Eph. 12:6 ). Contributions were also collected on the first day of each week (1 Cor 16:2). Other details about the worship procedures of the early Christians in the New Testament times are spotty. But these elements must have been regularly included in the weekly worship service. (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (c)1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
So what are the elements of worship that make your experience before God meaningful? This could be revealing as we share our thoughts and hearts.
About Me
- MZ Church
- Lothian, Maryland, United States
- MZ is a compassionate evangelical church in South Anne Arundel County. We believe the Bible is the Word of God and try to live our lives following God's teaching found in and through it.
1 comment:
Worship can be individual and private. My private worship is just that; private, between God and myself. If I were to describe it, I would often find myself at a loss for words. However, Christ also charged us with worshipping together as a group.(2 or more gathered in His name...)
Coming together in worship brings Christ in our midst and strengthen us in our praising, giving glory and thanking God. The focus being on God and not ourselves.
What I am looking for in worship is the presence of the Holy Spirit and a deepening of my love for God. There is a strength in doing this with others, through song, prayer, communion and reading of scripture. I want to worship with others to truly share our love for God and grow together in that love.
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