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Worship Matters The practice, priorities, and privilege of worshiping God http://link.crosswalk.com/UM/T.asp?A1.24.26345.1.1698058 September 14, 2004 Corporate Worship: Responding to God By Bob Kauflin, Sovereign Grace Ministries As we saw last time, corporate worship is more than a one-sided conversation. While we sing and pray, God wants to reveal some aspect of His character to us. As he does so, it is crucial that we respond; responding to God is the third goal of corporate worship. There are many ways we might respond to God's word to us during a meeting. A reading of Isaiah 6 might bring a corporate call to repentance. Singing a song describing how Jesus' atoning sacrifice on the cross has secured forgiveness for ALL our sins should produce profound and unqualified gratitude. A testimony of someone's conversion might give rise to songs of exaltation and celebration. A common response in corporate worship is prayer led by the pastor, or prayer for one another. All these bring glory to God because in them we respond to how God is revealing himself to us. * * * * * * * * * * * * ADVERTISEMENT * * * * * * * * * * * Two hit records from the American Music Award Winning vocal group Avalon are on sale now at WorshipTogether.com The Creed featuring "You Were There" and "All" $11.99, Testify to Love $14.38, and for a limited time get 2 for $20 with $1 shipping. http://l.salemweb.net/emicmg0704/wm/091404/ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * But I've been in meetings - you probably have, too - in which little or no opportunity is provided for a congregation to respond to what God is evidently saying during a time of corporate worship. We move on to the next event in the program as though we had exhausted all God had for us. I don't believe this is biblical or helpful. We need to remember that God's Holy Spirit is actually in our midst, seeking to encourage, convict, and edify the members of the church. The New Testament seems to indicate that the meetings of the early church, while maintaining a sense of order, provided opportunity for people to respond to what the Spirit was saying, either through prophecy or the preached Word (1Corinthians 14:24-33; 1Thessolonians 5:19-21; Acts 20:7). The singing itself was to be a time of "teaching and admonishing" (Colossians 3:16). How could the effects of that activity be measured without some kind of response? A wise worship leader will be sensitive to the Spirit's leading and, under the authority of his pastor, help the congregation respond appropriately to God's emphases during a meeting. Second Corinthians 3:17-18 says, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect [contemplate] the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." We are being transformed as we meditate and reflect on the Lord's glory. Transformation emerges from response. Which of these two options brings God more glory - to faithfully execute our plan for the service each week, or to respond wholeheartedly when, in the midst of our plans, the Spirit of God enlightens our hearts to understand better who He really is and what He has done? I believe this is part of what Paul is referring to when he describes us as those who "worship by the Spirit of God" (Phillipians 3:3). Next time we'll look at the final goal of corporate worship: preparing us for life. For His Glory, Bob Recommended Resources: Check out the Song Sampler collection of worship songs from Sovereign Grace Music. This compilation provides a taste of the worship music that Sovereign Grace Ministries has been producing for more than 20 years. Birthed out of the worship in Sovereign Grace Ministries' local churches, these diverse songs are Christ-centered, passionate, and doctrinally rich. Available at the Sovereign Grace Store: http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/wosa10.html Dear Timothy: Letters on Pastoral Ministry ... As Paul imparted his wisdom to Timothy through letters, this collection of writings from seasoned pastors contains over 480 years of combined ministry experience. Old and new pastors alike will treasure this compilation of heartfelt advice and nuggets of truth that will guide them through the challenges and joys of their calling in Christ. Contributors include Joel Beeke, Ligon Duncan, Fred Malone, Mark Dever, Tedd Tripp, Ray Ortlund, Jr., C. J. Mahaney, Roger Ellsworth, and others. Available for purchase on the Sovereign Grace Store: http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/deartimothy.html At the WorshipGod 2004 conference we learned why and how we should worship God, and God alone, we moved beyond surface debates and got into the heart of biblical worship. We experienced main sessions and seminars that focused on worship theology, practical application, and musical skills. We deepened our passion for God's glory in Christ and increased our ability to express that passion in ways that honor God. Messages are available on CD or as downloadable MP3 files at the Sovereign Grace Store: http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/worshipgod20041.html ____________________SUBSCRIPTION INFO_______________________ * This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. To unsubscribe from this newsletter immediately, simply click on the link below. 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