Thoughts about Worship

I have noticed the way we lead worship in our church. We always lead the congregation into some kind of confession of their sins or get ready to worship God by setting an "atmosphere" of holiness. Then we sing a couple of happening fast praise songs and 3 slow "worshipful" songs. After chatting with Daniel about the role of the church, I asked meself why on earth do we keep "preparing" the youths to worship God? I believe it is a reflection of how the cell group is teaching the Word of God. Aren't the kids taught about holy living in their cell groups; that they ought to renew their minds everyday and always praying at all times in their spirit with all kinds of prayer. Dun we teach them to commune with God on a daily basis? I don't think that we should waste time doing that in a service, because when we come, we should proclaim God's worth. When we spend time trying to stir them up, we missed the purpose of worship, which is about God, not the needs of man. And we sing to the heart of God, not into the heart of man. Their view of themselves when they have a wholistic view of God. Because God is great in all things, our problems are nothing but shadows!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of the earth will grow stragely dim
In the light of Hs glory and grace

It's so easy to identify a need in the congregation and feed that need. I believe that when God's glory is boldly sung and preached, people will see that God can do exceedingly more than their insignificant problems! When they see God's in His Glory, they will change their lives for an awesome majesty! What does God want? I wonder what does God want for us as a body and as individuals? What does God want for us in a Church service and in a cell or devotion time? they are all different, but each is created for a purpose. So I pray and hope that we will begin to make our service lively and proclaim God and His word in boldness. Let us sing and play our instrument for His glory, to magnify God and not the problems of man! There will be a time to minister to individual needs in the midst of the service, but lest we lose our bearing and focus, let us aim to magnify the king of kings.

As a leader, how should I be like? Esp as a worship leader and musician? Since God is the maker of all good things, we all should play and sing with excellence, which is an emphasis in our church's Camel and Camy. There is a model that we are very familiar with and that is based on the Levites. The Levites were not just musicians, but also priest! They serve in the temple in rotations. On the days that they are not in the temple, they are teaching the Word to the people of Israel. This shows that the Levites have proper theological understanding. With a better understanding of scripture and music, we could mix and match songs in the service that will satisfy our soul as we glorify the Lord. I thank God for Pastor Cuixian. I believe that she has taught and discipled us well. When we sit under her teaching, let us be inspired and let us lead as God use her to impart His knowledge to us. On the part of the musicians and leaders, we must grow. That is a show of our maturity in Christ (Hebrews 5:11-14). I urge u, dun just get your heart right before God, know Him better!!! Make sacrifices if you must and start learning and following Jesus. Dun serve as a robot, serve as a joyful servant!

Lastly, 'd like to end this sharing with a funny quote from John Wesly's Instruction for Singing Hymns, dated 1961, must be applied in our worship ministry. I laughed when I read it, it's a but extreme and some more traditional service apply them esp the methodist (John Wesly is the founder of the movement). I wonder how applicable to our own congregational worship. Something to think about. Enjoy!

Learn the Songs first
Sing them exactly
Sing all
Sing lustily
Sing modestly
Sign in time
Above all, sing spiritually.

p.s. This entry is partly inspired by the book "Think Biblically: Recovering a Christian World View" and it's article about worship. The book contains articles contributed by John MacArthur and scholars from The Master's College faculty.