Have you ever had anyone ask you, “How was worship today”? What do they mean when they ask that question? Sometimes they simply mean, “Did you like the songs that the worship leader chose to sing in church this morning”? What if I added one word to the question? “How was your worship today”? The responsibility for worship changes with that one word. In the first question, the worship leader is responsible.
In the second, you are responsible.
Our culture has defined Worship as: “Singing in Church”. The truth is that singing is not worship. Singing can be a result of worship. Singing can lead us into worship but just singing is not worship. Here is a theological definition of worship: “An act by a redeemed man or woman, the creature, toward God, their creator, whereby his or her mind, will and emotions gratefully respond to the revelation of God’s person expressed in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, as the Holy Spirit illuminates the written Word to his or her heart.”

1. Worship is an “Act”.
This can be: Prayer, Scripture reading, preaching, listening, singing, etc.

2. Worship is “Toward God”.

3. Worship involves our mind, emotions and will. Emotion alone does not constitute worship. Emotion alone means we are focused only on ourselves and not our creator.

4. Worship is a grateful response. When we worship we are responding to God.

5. Worship involves revelation. God is revealing Salvation to us.

6. Worship involves the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit Illuminates all that God has done for us. The Holy Spirit makes it so we cannot get God and His redemptive work out of our minds. This thought begins in our intellect then burst into our heart and is expressed through our emotions.

7. Worship must be done in Truth. We must have knowledge of the God we worship. Only a redeemed man or woman can be truly informed about the God of their salvation. The Holy Spirit through His Word reveals God to us. His Word is Truth!

This morning, “Worship” it is totally up to you. It is not about our favorite songs, it is about God our creator.

Our foundation Hymn for this Sunday, January 29, 2012 is O Worship the King. This has been called “A model hymn for Worship” because of the truth expressed in its lines. God is described as King, Shield, Defender, Ancient of Days, Maker, Redeemer, and Friend. It also has such great vivid imagery such as, “His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form.” This hymn references God’s attributes, His power, might, grace, bountiful care and love. Combined with a melody, these words will lead us to the throne, revealing the Truth about our Creator. At this point if you know Him you will worship Him!

So, how was your worship today?