What's Right about Worship #4

"God is seeking every believer to worship Him, because Jesus said, "The Father seeks worship." Worship is a two-way street that first gives praise to God, and second, strengthens believers as they give themselves in worship to God. When the church is right on worship, it is a transforming power to its members and the congregation as a whole."*

We have just finished a brief survey of 6 different styles of worship.  Today we will consider the Biblical basis of the difference in worship styles.

The Evangelistic carries out the biblical mandate of Matthew 28:19 to go and make disciples.  It is concerned with carrying out the word to all who need to hear it.  The emphasis on soul-winning and evangelistic preaching appeals to the need of reaching the lost.

The Bible-expository fulfills the biblical injunction to "Preach the Word" (2 Timothy 4:2). The Jerusalem Church in Acts is described as being a teaching church that gathered to learn of the Apostles teaching.

The Renewal style focuses on being connected with God. The idea of seeking revival and power from God to minister in a lost world. Acts 3 and Luke 24 speak to this concern.

The Body Life style fulfills the need of Ephesians 4, where Paul encourages us edify or build up ourselves together.

The Liturgical style carries out the admonition of Christ in John 4:23, and is exampled in the New Testament in Acts 13:2.

The final, Congregational is found in Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 12:27. We are the Body of Christ, yet we are individual members.

Why six different styles that all seem to have biblical backing for their existence? Does this mean that there are divisions in the Body of Christ? Not at all.  Consider that some worship differently because of cultural differences. We also worship differently because we have differing spiritual gifts. finally, we worship differently because we may apply the scriptures in our lives differently.

Although the outward form of worship is different (method), the purpose is to magnify God (eternal principle). And that leads us to tomorrow - we need to be members of a church.

Today, pause and consider how you can worship God in spirit and truth today. And then go do it.

* Towns, Elmer L. (2009) What's Right with the Church: A manifesto of Hope. Regal/Ventura CA. pp. 78; 97