What is Worship?

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● What is worship?

       ○   Psalm 29:1-2

                 ■ “Ascribe to Yahweh, O sons of the mighty; Ascribe to Yahweh glory and

strength. Ascribe to Yahweh the glory of His name; Worship Yahweh in

the splendor of holiness.”

      ○ “Worship, simply put, is the purpose of life.”

      ○ Our aim as the congregation gathers to meet with God in public worship on the

Lord’s Day, is to glorify and enjoy God in accordance with His written Word.

● The Church is:

      ○ An outpost of the Kingdom of Heaven.

               ■ Gather ambassadors, not consumers.

               ■ We worship because we are the church.

               ■ Submission to Scripture.

               ■ Declare Heaven’s judgements.

               ■ Exemplify God’s Kingdom.

               ■ Worship is evangelistic.

● Should command the dark into the light.

      ○ A Holy Temple.

               ■ Enjoy direct fellowship with God and each other.

      ○ Body of Christ.

              ■ Gather for mutual edification that results in unity.

              ■ “Build up” (1 Cor 14)

              ■ Edify and be edified.

              ■ Corporate worship is discipleship.

              ■ Worship should reflect and contribute to a church’s unity.

● Why does God gather His people?

      ○ Unto His glory (Exaltation).

      ○ For mutual good (Edification).

      ○ Before the world’s gaze (Evangelism).

● Regulative Principle of Worship.

      ○ Affirms the basic notion that God defines, in His Word, how we should engage

with Him in corporate worship.

            ■ Elements, forms, and circumstances.

● Elements

      ○ Read the Word.

      ○ Pray the Word.

      ○ Preach the Word.

      ○ Sing the Word.

● Forms

      ○ The ‘how’ of worship

               ■ Open to some interpretation.

● Circumstances

       ○ Practical aspects of gathering.

                ■ When, where, etc.