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Changes in Worship

By David Hartsell

The Bible is the Word of God. Careful reading of it reveals how we can please our Lord in all things - especially worship. This is precisely the problem among many professed disciples. They don’t “carefully” examine the scriptures. As a result, the focus of their worship, the priority of Jesus’ authority, and those who are to take the lead in worship are entirely missed. Let us consider God’s will concerning each of these three areas.

The Lord is at the heart of our worship. A youthful Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself spiritually. (Dan.1:8) Jesus taught the Samaritan woman that God desires that our spirit communes with His. (Jn.4:23-24) Paul warned that to eat the Lord’s Supper without properly reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice would bring spiritual death. (I Cor.11:27-30) In spite of these obvious truths, many change the focus of worship from the Lord to intellectualism or to entertaining others. We should give our best as we honor God. Yet, when we choose speakers based on their educational degrees or their turn of a joke, we are emphasizing the wrong things. When “worship” becomes “jazzed up” choruses, clapping or waving of hands, and appeals to emotions over God’s Word, we have missed the focal point of “true worship.” The Lord wants us to center our hearts on knowing and keeping His word so that “your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (I Cor.2:5)

Why do we worship the Lord in the first place? Fundamentally, we are made by God for Him. (Ecc.12:13-14) All of His commands are for our spiritual benefit. (Deut.10:13) In every age God’s people are expected to follow His directives. Adam and Eve ate of the “forbidden” fruit and were driven out of the paradise garden. (Gen.3:22-24) Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, violated The Lord’s sacrificial system and were instantly killed by fire. (Lev.10:1-2)  Timothy was warned about coming apostates who would give heed “to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” What are these horrendous ideas that would take them away from Jesus? They are the false concepts that it is wrong to marry and sinful to eat certain foods. (I Tim.4:1-3)  These regulations are man-made and not from God. Jesus said some would claim kinship to Him while not doing His will. One cannot properly honor a Lord they will not obey.

Worship in local congregations is to have a certain order. Obviously, Jesus is the head over His church. (Eph.1:22-23) He gave apostles, prophets, evangelist, and pastors to help His people mature spiritually. (Eph.4:11-12) Men are to lead in preaching and other congregational leadership roles. (I Cor.14:33-34) When it comes to acceptable worship who would know better than God Himself? Let us be satisfied with His ways and not ours.                                      

 Other Articles by David Hartsell
The Hardening of Pharaoh's Heart
Attitudes in Appointing Elders
The Culture of No Consequences