Worship
Worship is a universal practice in the human family. People worship! They can’t help it. Archaeologists have unearthed altars revealing the pervasive practice of worship across time. Ancient writings disclose the propensity of people to attempt to understand the universe through the lens of religion.
The God of the Bible is a God who desires to be worshipped. In fact, our God claims to be the only true God. He is revealed in the pages of the Bible as the God who has created all that exists. He is the God who has placed humanity on the earth as an express statement of His will.
He is a God who has expressed a desire to live in relationship with His people. God wants His people to know Him, serve Him and love Him. Creation is a reflection of the glory of its Creator. However, God has not called His people to simply admire His creative activity! Certainly, He is not pleased when humans choose to worship His creation!
In a conversation with a Samaritan woman, Jesus has given us great insight into the heart of God. He told her that God is looking for people to worship Him (John 4:23). God desires to be known, loved and worshipped by His people.
God’s people should serve Him. That is true. God also wants us to seek Him in response to His love for us. It is a true privilege to worship God. He has invited us to experience Him in our personal lives. We can have a daily walk with Him. We can worship Him as His children. What an incredible opportunity! The God of the universe has invited us into His presence! We are welcome!
Worship is both a personal and a corporate experience. We are to worship God in our daily lives as followers of Jesus. Our life before Him is a personal journey. Each day, we decide to offer ourselves to Him and seek his voice in our lives. Also, we are to come together as His people to worship Him in community. We join our hearts and lives with our church family in worshipping our God together.
Often, worship becomes a flash point in churches. It can be a point of controversy and disagreement. That certainly does not please God. He wants us to live in harmony with Him and with each other – particularly as we worship together. So – these 8 weeks will include encouragement for all of us to continue to grow in our worship life individually and corporately in ways that please God and bless one another. To God be the glory!
The Worship sermon series runs November 6 - December 31, 2011.