Often when discussing worship, we debate the questions of who we worship, why we worship, and occasionally the biblical mandates to worship with others through praise and lament. It is right that we should do so, yet it is also tempting to avoid discussing how to worship or slip into personal disagreements over what makes it “good.” While it would be an impossible endeavor to thoroughly examine these issues in this space, there are two biblical challenges to the worshipping Christian that are most notable.
First, biblical worship is joyous and unashamed. 2 Samuel 6:16-23 shares a story of David’s dancing for joy at bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. His wife Michal found his display of praise to be vulgar and contemptible, but David proclaims that it is essential to celebrate the living presence and glory of our most holy God, who appoints all things and is the source of all blessings. With Christ’s coming, we have even more cause to rejoice without restraint; His presence has been made known, and we are “saved by his grace.” Therefore, Paul challenges us to,
“…be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual
songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks
always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:18b-21)
This is not to be taken as an argument for a particular music style but rather a reminder that the natural response to being filled with the Spirit is to seek after Christ, to worship Him, and to serve in His Kingdom.
Second, biblical worship models giving our best and being intentional. From Cain and Abel making an offering to Moses standing before the burning bush. From Solomon building the temple to the deception and judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, we are shown the tremendous holiness of our God and the importance of worshipping Him rightly (see this in Genesis 4, 2 Chronicles 2, Exodus 3, and Acts 5). This includes all parts of our Sunday morning service, and all parts of our week. Everything that we do should be for the glory of God, giving back to Him in recognition of what He has done for us (1 Corinthians 10:13). This coming season, we want to practice learning and growing together in our worship and reflections on God’s holiness. We encourage you to find opportunities and to pray for the work of the Holy Spirit to be at work in us and through us, ascribing all majesty to the Lord of all!
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:5-7)
Listening Links
All Hail the Power (arr. Sterling Procter)
All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all!
Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race, ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all!
Let ev’ry kindred, ev’ry tribe on this terrestrial ball,
to him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all!
Oh, that with yonder sacred throng we at his feet may fall!
We’ll join the everlasting song, and crown him Lord of all!
Upcoming Worship Opportunities
- August 30, 10:00 AM – joint service in Sanctuary and church picnic
- September 6, 10:00 AM – joint service in Barclay Building and Growth Group kickoff
- September 19, varied times 10:00 AM-3:00 PM – Worship Workshop
Everyone is invited to attend. This event includes a worship and theology seminar, a meeting to learn more about Hebron’s organ, a hymn sing, a music theory lecture, a vocal techniques lecture (with a guest clinician), and ensemble workshops. More information and registration coming soon. - October 25 – Youth Sunday
- November 29, 7:00pm – Christmas Choral Cantata
We believe that God has made us for worship and has instructed us to worship together, so we want to provide you opportunities to grow and fellowship with one another.
By: Kathleen Barnes, Traditional Worship Leader