Biblical Principles of Worship

7/31/2019 Biblical Principles of Worship

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Exaltation / WorshipSummary of Biblical Principles

Oak Lake Berean ChurchInterim Pastor, Gordon Simms

Introduction

The problem most churches face is not that they dont anything; they do plenty.The problem is that they often dont do the right things. What ARE the right things?

We have focused on Biblical principles related to the nature and purpose of the Church.

Rather than pull out a bag of tricks and programs that will get people into our church,

we have focused on what the Scriptures teach about church health.

When a church is healthy, it will grow.But, what isa healthy church, and whats growth look like?

Proper Church health is possible only when we conform to

Gods ideaof what the Church IS and what the Church Does.

Ekklesia: ek (out from) kaleo call : called out ones

Of the 114 occurrences ofekklesia in the New Testament, it has two major

applications to assemblies of Christians....

Invisible : the whole community of redeemed in this present age of which

Christ said, A I will build my Church,@ which is His body ( Eph.1:22; 5:23)

Visible: company consisting of professed believers in Christ

( Acts 20:20; I Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:13; I Thess. 1:1)

Biblical Pictures:

The church is likened to salt, light, sheep, a bride, a spiritual temple, a household,

members of Christs body, branches in the vine, athletes, soldiers, andheavenly lights, children of God, adopted sons, priests, servants, bondslaves,

stewards, and partners with Christ, just to name a few. There are over eighty

images or figures of the church. All these pictures never suggest that the church

is a physical building. The Church is people!

One Purpose: Glorify God !The great purpose of the church is to be to the praise of Gods glory and grace (Eph. 1:6,12). What does it mean for us to glorify God? We cannot add to His glory, for He is

already perfectly and infinitely glorious. Rather, for us to glorify God means for us to

ascribe to Him the worthiness due His name. When we give God glory we essentially are

saying: He gets the credit. He is the only One worthy to receive credit. Everything we do,

we do it so He gets the glory.

While there is no technical

definition in the scriptures,

we can come to somewhat of

a definition based on the

Biblical word,

and the Biblical pictures.

For from Him and

through Him and to Himare all things.

To Him be the glory

forever! Amen.

Rom. 11:36

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What the Church is to DO

What the Church IS


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How does the Church Glorify God ?God has established certain objectives in order for the church to bring glory to Him.

The Church glorifies God by intensely pursuing His objectives for the church.

But we must know what they are and be committed to carrying them out.

So, what are they?

God calls the church to Exalt Him, Edify the Body, and Evangelize the lost.

To fulfill these God-given objectives, the church must follow the mandate of our Lord.

There is ONEMANDATE: Make disciples !

All other commands (go, teach, win the lost, baptize, feed the hungry, etc.) are subordinateto Jesus main command: Make Disciples ! What kind?His command is expanded in 2 Tim. 2:2, and Eph. 4:

Discipleship is the process in which a believer in

Christ is becoming more like Christ increasing in

the knowledge of Christ and able to minister to

others who will be able to do the same thing. Theprocess of discipleship involves a relationship

where a spiritually minded person uses the Word

of God to teach reprove, correct and train a learner

in Christ in order that he/she becomes increasinglymore like Christ.

Biblical success for a church should never be measured in bodies, bucks, and buildings, or

names, numbers, and noses, or in action, activities, and busy agendas, or even in the

presence of sound beliefs and teaching. Even a casual reading of the letters to the seven

churches of Revelation 2-3 make this clear. Our agenda (priorities, allotment of time, and

activities) are to be ordered by the Word of God, not by the agendas of people following

their cultural expectations set by the traditions of men.

Our church has developed a Mission Statement based on the 3-fold purpose of the Church,and the mandate of our Lord.

Which objective(exaltation, edification,

evangelism)is most important?

Thats like askingwhich leg of the

stool is mostimportant?

Which one wouldyou rather not

have?

Everything thechurch does must

revolve aroundthese purposes

(the 3-Es),and our Lords

command to makedisciples!

How do we carry out this mission statement ?

We must clearly understand what Exaltation,Edification, and Evangelism is!

We should then flesh out the Biblical principles inclearly stated objectives and goals.

All activities and programs should flow from these

objectives / goals.

We will look first at ExaltationP


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Ironically, one of the most divisive issues in church life today is over worship. But, the

controversy centers around the METHOD....how we worship. (What instruments we will

use? What songs will we sing? Hymns, choruses, traditional, contemporary? Will we use thevideo screen or hymnals? Will we have a worship band, or piano and organ? ) Thats wheremost of the literature and seminars today focus. Unfortunately, many churches dont thinkbiblically; they simply do worship programs .

During a 1954 interview, A.W. Tozer was asked what he thought would awaken the churchfrom its complacency in worshipping God. This was his response:

In my opinion, the great single need of the moment is that light-hearted superficial

religionists be struck down with a vision of God high and lifted up, with His train

filling the temple. The holy art of worship seems to have passed away like the

Shekinah glory from the tabernacle. As a result, we are left to our own devices and

forced to make up the lack of spontaneous worship by bringing in countless cheap and

tawdry activities to hold the attention of the church people.

Why dont people worship God as they should?How does warped thinking about worship happen?

In Romans 1, Paul speaks of the pagan who worshiped and servedthe creature rather than the Creator, and they exchanged the truth of God for a lie (v. 25).

All warped thinking begins with a rejection of the truth God has

revealed about Himself. Exchanging the true of God for a lie leads to a

warped lifestyle. Wrong worship leads to wrong behavior.

So, when people do NOT respond properly to truth God has revealed

about Himself (neither glorify Him or give thanks") the result is theybecome foolish, and their hearts are darkened.

So, worship begins with understanding who God is,

and what He has revealed about Himself.

In other words, when we reject the truth God has revealed,

the result is warped lifestyle.

The only way to avoid warped worship,is to respond correctly to the truth God has revealed.

What is Biblical worship?

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Exaltation / Worshi


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Biblical Words

Old Testament

Shachahbow, stoop, crouch, fall down, beseech humbly, and do reverence.

(Gen.18:2; 27:29; 33:3, 6, 7; 37:10)

barakto kneel down, i.e., to be or go to a stance in which one is on the knees as contrasted with standing on the feet

(2Chron. 6:13; Ps 95:6)

halalthe root meaning is connected with making a noise; the whole of the Bible is punctuated with outbursts of praise.

(Gn. 1; Ps. 104:31; Pr. 8:3031), all creation, including the angels, expresses its joy in praise(Job. 38:47; Rev. 4:611)

New Testament

Proskuneo

to bow down or prostrate, (1 Corinthians 14:2425 );to kiss toward, to kiss the hand, in humble adoration.

Latreuopriestly service, used of Paul applying the priestly service in the Old Testamentto the believers offering God a living body, set apart to God in an act of worship (Rom. 12:1).

Sebomai/eusebia

to reverence or fear God(1 Tim. 2:10; 5:4; 2 Pet. 1:3; 3:11; Acts 18:13; 19:27)

Latreuorendering honor, or paying homage,to kneel before in adoration(Matt 28:9; Acts 10:25,26 )

Eulogeoto speakwell of (our word eulogize)

to praise God acknowleging HIs goodness with desire for His glory (Luke 24)

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What Worship IS


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Biblical Pictures

Several concepts are seen in the both Old and New Testaments thathelp us understand Gods idea of worship.

In the Old Testament

The Pentateuch: more than just a history of Israel.GenesisGod made man in his own image to have fellowship with Himself.

Man enjoyed that fellowship as long as he trusted and obeyed God.

But when man ceased to trust and obey God that fellowship was broken by sin.

God then proceeded to demonstrate to fallen man that He is trustworthy, faithful.

ExodusThe sovereign God of heaven had taken a people in slavery, delivered them in power,

made a covenant with them, and established them into a nation under God on earth.

LeviticusThe proper response of the redeemed sinner to a holy God is worship.

Leviticus illustrates how sinners can have fellowship with a holy God. It is only as God

provides a way for sinners to approach God in holiness. (Day of Atonement points toChrists finished work for us)

Exodus:Worship is the proper response to God following redemption

(Exodus 15 follows Exodus 14 !)

Redeemed from Egyptian slavery

True Worship acknowledges Gods supremacy by affirming who He is andwhat He has done (Exodus)

The Sacrificial System in LeviticusWorship is approaching and having fellowship with the Holy God

because of His provision of forgiveness through Christ

the focus is giving not getting

the focus is God not self

What made the tabernacle so special?Gods Presence! (Exodus 40) (not the furniture in the tabernacle!)

It illustrates that God desires intimate fellowship among His people,

and He has provided a way for His people to worship Him in holiness.

In the New Testament

Luke 24Worship (vs. 52) is the response to the revealed truth about Christ and His words

in vs. 48, 49! Its also significant that the disciples obedience is related to their

worship (52).

Acts 2:42-47This passage illustrates the early church worshipping consistently and regularly,not simply in a place (the temple), but as a lifestyle, because now the temple of God

was not a building, but in believers! (Acts 7:44-49)

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Biblical Principles: What can we learn about what worship is from the Biblical words and pictures ?

Summary: What worship IS

The wordsfor Worship indicate that worship is To bow in heart reverently before God

Offering to Him ourselves in service

Loudly proclaiming His matchless worth

The picturesin the Old and New Testament reveal that worship is A holy response of redeemed people to God

Fellowship with a holy God because of His provision of forgiveness through Christ

Intimate fellowship in Gods presence

A response to the revealed truth about Christ

Connected to obedience to God

What Worship IS Then the implication is

To bow in heart reverently before God

Offering to Him ourselves in serviceLoudly proclaiming His matchless worth

Reverence is both quiet stillness before God as wellas joyful celebration

The condition of our heart in worship is linked topublic proclamation

Worship is not getting something from God to "meetyour needs"

The believers proper response to God followingredemption

The redemption story is linked to proper worship

True worship is only possible for the Redeemed

Acknowledging Gods supremacy by affirming who He is

and what He has donefocus on His works for us, not our work for Him

He should have supremacy in our lives as we worship

Our minds and hearts should focus on the nature andcharacter of God

Approaching and having fellowship with the Holy Godbecause of His provision of forgiveness through Christ

We must continually recognize and rejoice in thefinished work of Christ

The redemption story is linked to proper worship

Worship is intimate fellowship in the presence of God Where we worship is not as important as WHO we areworshipping

Consistent fellowship with God is foundational to trueworship of God

If worship is service unto God Worship is a verb, not a noun

Worship is something we do, not something we feel

Worship is connected to obedience When we walk in disobedience, we cannot worship

properly

True Worship acknowledges Gods supremacy by affirmingwho He is and what He has done

Our minds and hearts should focus on the nature andcharacter of God

True worship will focus on His works for us, not ourwork for Him

True Worship is a response to revealed truth about God True worship must be linked to the exposition ofBiblical truth

Preaching is more than just a teaching/preachingtime, added to worship time

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Does it matter HOW we worship ?

We must worship in a way that is prescribed by God.God will not accept deviant worship.

ExamplesGen. 4Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil.

3In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits

of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his

flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering,5but on Cain and his offering he did not look

with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Heb. 11:44By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous

man, when God spoke well of his offerings.

Ex. 32In Exodus 32, God destroyed thousands of Israelites.

Then he said to them, This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Each man strap a swordto his side. Go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other, each killing hisbrother and friend and neighbor. 28 The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about

three thousand of the people died.35

And the LORD struck the people with a plague because of

what they did with the calf Aaron had made.

Lev. 10Aarons sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they

offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command.2

So fire came out from the

presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.

I Sam. 13:8-14And Saul offered up the burnt offering.

10Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel

arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. 11 What have you done? asked Samuel.Saul replied, When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set

time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash,12

I thought, Now the Philistines

will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORDs favor. So I felt

compelled to offer the burnt offering. 13 You acted foolishly, Samuel said. You have not

kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your

kingdom over Israel for all time.14

But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought

out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept

the LORDs command.

2 Sam 6In Numbers 4:5,6God has given the clear directions for transporting the Ark of the Covenant

Uzzah, being a Kohathite, had one task, to transport the Ark of Covenant.)6When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of

God, because the oxen stumbled.7The LORDs anger burned against Uzzah because of his

irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God.

John 4 There are MUSTS when it comes to worshipping God !

Worshipping God in any way at all is not what Jesus Himself said. Those who worship God

MUST worship Him in the way He has prescribed.

No matter how pure our motivation may seem or how sincere we are in our attempts,if we fail to worship God according to His revelation,

He will not accept it !

Able did not trust Godand therefore God

rejected his sacrificeSimply offering asacrifice wasnt

enough.

God was displeasedwith all the offerings

of the people

supposedlyworshipping Him.

These priests actedcontrary to Gods

directions about howHe is to be

worshipped, andthey suffered severe

consequences.

Saul decided tousurp the role of apriest. He departed

from Godsprescribed method ofworship and cost his

decendants thethrone.

The harshness ofGods discipline musbe seen in the light o

His absolute holineswhich requires that

sacred tasks be donin a sacred manner

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HOW do we worship ?


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Principles in the OT

Worship is the proper response to God following redemption(Exodus/Leviticus)

Where we worship is not as important as WHO we are worshipping(Every one of the precise directions God gave for temple worship

was to draw their attention to His greatness, majesty and holiness.)

The Sacrificial System in Leviticus illustrates:Worship is approaching and having fellowship with the Holy God because of His provision offorgiveness through Christ

-the focus is giving not getting

-the focus is God not self

Worship was an act of service focused on God, never to be an empty ritual.

I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings

and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them.

(Amos 5:21-22).

True worshippers worship with their hearts, not just their mouths.

The Lord says: These people come near to me with theirmouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men. (Is 29:13)

Principles Jesus taughtJohn 4:19-24

Acceptable Worship Is Worship in SpiritWhen our Lord told the Samaritan woman, ALL those who worship Him must worship

in spirit and truth (vs. 24), He did not intend us to put a capital s in spirit. The

Samaritan woman, as did many Jews, thought that worship was essentially a matter of

externals. She was preoccupied with a central place of worship: this mountain (verse

20). The Jews thought of worship in terms of sacrifices, rituals, observances and holy

days. The essence of true worship is internal (in spirit) not external. This is necessitated

by the nature of God Himself. God is spirit being; thus, we must worship consistent with

His nature.

Acceptable Worship Is Worship in TruthAs countless others, the Samaritan woman worshiped in ignorance; she worshiped what she knew not (vs. 22). Acceptable worsh ip

can never be that which we deem best; it must be a response to the truth, the divine self-disclosure of God. Our Lord Jesus personified

Gods truth (John 14:6) and so men could worship Him in truth. If our worship today is not firmly based on the truth of God revealed in

the Scriptures, it is ignorant worship, unacceptable to God.

Implications of Jesus words:

True worship of God is not an activity confined to a specific time, place and form

Worship is not primarily an external activity

Worship is to flow from the inside outThe crucial factor in worship is not the form of worship but the condition of the heart Pg.8

HOW we MUST worship God
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The Bible teaches that believers gather for.

The Early Church met together

We dont find the church havingmeetings (a meeting- a noun, an event).But we find the church meeting (a verb something you do) (focus on the function).

Hebrews 10:25And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give

up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all

the more as you see the Day approaching.

Acts 20:7 And on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul

began talking to them, intending to depart the next day, and he prolonged his message until

midnight.

1 Corinthians 11:18For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you;

1 Corinthians 14:26-40 When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching.

Let all things be done for edification.

Corporate worship in the New Testament

Orderly Worship1 Cor. 14:26,33What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a

word of instruction,33

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

Giving Praise and Thanksgiving(Heb. 13:15; Col. 1:12; 3:15-17). Believers need to be taught and challenged to live by

praise and thanksgiving as they share together in the riches of Christ. To encourage this, the church needs some publicopportunity to express its adoration to God individually as well as corporately.

Heb. 13:15;

15Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praisethe fruit of lips that confess his name.

16And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

17Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so

that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. (context- body functioning, gathering)

Col. 3:15-1715

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.16

Le

the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns

and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.17

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name

of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The New Testamentspeaks nothing of

church havingmeetings

but speaks muchabout the Church

meeting !

Corporate Worship

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Singing and Making MelodyEph. 5:19;

15Be very careful, then, how you livenot as unwise but as wise,

16making the most of every opportunity

because the days are evil.17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lords will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine

which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.19

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs

Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,20

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our

Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:25; 1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). As with all other aspects of worship, music must be the

product of spirit-motivated expression to God and should be designed to encourage and unite hearts together in adoration of

Him.

Observing the Lords Supper(1 Cor. 11:23-24)

We know from the early chapters of the book of Acts that initially the Christians observed the Lords Table daily (Acts 2:42,46). Apparently, this practice did not continue indefinitely but settled down to a weekly remembrance at the church meeting

(cf. Acts 20:7). From early church writers it is evident that the Lords Table was considered central in their worship. Later

church history continues to support the high regard in which the Lords Table was held.

PrayerActs 2:42, 46 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of

bread and to prayer.

Intercession and Petition (Eph. 6:18-19; Col. 4:2-3, 12; Phil. 4:6-7; 2 Tim. 2:1f). Effectual prayer for others, for oneself and

family, for the nation and its leaders, and for the ministry of the church is crucial to all that the church is and does.

Confession (1 Cor. 11:28; 1 John 1:9; Ps. 66:18; Prov. 28:13). Believers should be encouraged to keep short accounts with

God in order to keep a conscience void of offense and stay in fellowship for the purpose of Gods glory, effective prayer,

meaningful worship, biblical understanding and growth, and effective ministry by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Teaching/preachingThe Word of God must be faithfully taught: (a) inductively, (b) exegetically, and (c) expositionally.

(Ezra 7:10; Acts 20:20; Col. 1:28;2 Tim. 4:1-3).) Gods people must worship in spirit and truth, and the teaching of the

Word of Truth is crucial. Acts 2:42, 46 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to

fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 46 And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and

breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart.

Acts 20:13-36 Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up

Discipline

Matt. 18:15, 20; Gal. 6:1- 4;1 Cor. 5.

It is vital for the purity, power, progress, and purpose of the church. Without this restorative minitry, conditions continue whi

defile, weaken, hinder, and divert the church from its holy calling. However, discipline must be carried out with biblical

attitudes, motives, and goals.

Baptizing (Matt. 28:19; 1 Pet. 3:21). Baptism is to be a public demonstration of a be lievers faith, understanding of his or herposition in Christ with its ramifications, and this includes commitment to walk with Christ in newness of life.

Giving moneyInvolved giving monies to the Lord through the churchNOT to the church for the Lord.

1 Cor. 16:1-4-Now about the collection for Gods people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do.2

On the first day of

every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income (cf. Acts 2:42, 45)

Ultimately, giving is an act of worship. (2 Cor. 8:5.And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the

Lord and then to us in keeping with Gods will.)

How should believers give money?

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By Gods Grace :Through fellowship with Him, giving is to be the product of Gods grace working inthe life so that it first produces a commitment of ones total life to God with giving as an overflow of thatprevious commitment (2 Cor. 8:1-2, 6-7; 9:9-11).

Biblical giving is never done out of constraint, but always done willingly and cheerfully.not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7).

In faith: He has promised to supply all our needs; our giving will not be our lack (2 Cor. 9:7f; Phil. 4:19).

Purposefully: We are to give from careful and prayerful planning. Let each one do just as he haspurposed (planned beforehand) in his heart (2 Cor. 9:7).

Regularly:On the first day of every week helps promote diligence and disciplined giving. This createsa consistency and regularity that translates good intentions into actions (1 Cor. 16:2).

Personally:Let each one of you brings out the need for every believer to take giving as a personalresponsibility for which God holds us each responsible (1 Cor. 16:2).

Systematically:Put aside and save brings out the need to have a method or system whereby money forthe Lords work is specifically set aside, stored up for giving, so that it is not used for other things (1 Cor.16:2).

Proportionately: In the New Testament, set amounts of compulsory giving (as in the tithe) have beenreplaced by the grace principle of voluntary, purposeful, and proportionate giving. The new standard for

today is as He may prosper (1 Cor. 16:2), they gave of their own accord (2 Cor. 8:3), it is acceptable

according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have. For this is not for the ease of othersand for your affliction, but by way of equality (cf. 2 Cor. 8:12 -15, Mark 12:41-44), and let each onedo not under compulsion (2 Cor. 9:7).

One final question: Who is to worship?

God is seeking men and women to be worshipers of Himself

Worship is the goal of missions, because Gods desire is to bring the nations into enjoyment of Gods glory. Thegoal of missions is the gladness of the peoples in the greatness of God. The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let

the many coastlands be glad! (Ps 97:1). Let the peoples praise thee, O God; let all the peoples praise thee! Let thnations be glad and sing for joy! (Ps 67:3-4). Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. (Ps 150:6)

But only those who belong to Him are able to worship Him

It is impossible for an unsaved person to worship God, because he is the natural man Paul speaks about.

He cannot worship God. (1 Cor. 2:14-The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from thSpirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spirituall

discerned.)

Although unbelievers cannot truly worship, they can watch believers worship. They can observe the joy that w

feel. They can see how we value Gods Word and how we respond to it. They can hear how the Bible answers thproblems and questions of life. They can notice how worship encourages, strengthens, and changes us.

The Bible teaches that as a nonbeliever observes genuine, authentic worship, God will speak to his or her hear

But if some unbelieving outsiders walk in on a service where people are speaking out Gods truth, the plain wordwill bring them up against the truth and probe their hearts. Before you know it, theyre going to be on their facebefore God, recognizing that God is among you (1 Corinthians 14:25 ).

In other words, the early church gathered to worship. They did not meet to reach unbelievers. They met to worship

But, apparently, unbelievers were welcomed, and were a part of their gathering. But, until unbelievers clearl

heard the gospel message, and responded in faith, believing in Christ, they were still unregenerate, and unable t

worship along with the believers.

The key is to worship in such a way that the focus is so God-ward that unbelievers hearts aredrawn to HIM, not to a program geared to entertain them!

Guidelines for Giving

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Heres Whatweve looked at:

Our church should seek to continually set objectives and goals, and plan programs that are in conformity with

our mission statement and the biblical principles that form the basis for that mission.

Weve looked at the biblical principles regarding exaltation / worship.

Now, we will trust God to help us apply those principles by specifying clear, written objectives that will enable

us to carry out those principles!

Heres a sample of how well seek to apply the biblical principles:

Copyright G. Simms, 2012

Purpose Objective Goal Methods/ActivitiesSpecifies the why of

our activities

A broad statement of

intent (what we want to

accomplish)

A Narrow statement of

intent

The programs and activities to carry

our stated goals

Biblical basis for what

we do

Abstract Concrete Specific clear plans for how the

goal will be carried out

Our overall stated

purpose

What you want to see

happen to fulfill your

stated purpose

Specific, measureable,

attainable, realistic,

time-boundExample:To glorify God with an

upward focus

We purpose to exalt our

Lord

Example:Objective # 1:

To facilitate God-

centered vibrant

worship, joyfully

celebrating and

magnifying His

character and works in

ways which engage

both the heart and the

mind (John 4:24)

Example:Conduct a monthly

meeting of the worship

team at the church at

which time the work is

reviewed, ideas and

observations are shared

and accountability is

strengthened, beginning

______

Specifies the who, what, where,

when, and how.

Heres WHY wevelooked at these Biblical

principles:

How do we apply these principlesto our lives and our local church ?

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Date post:	04-Apr-2018
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Biblical Principles of Worship

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