If you have seen the Living Christmas Tree produced each year by Sevier Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville, then you are familiar with the Heaven scene at the end of the production. This scene is probably my favorite for many reasons. As I watched this scene over the weekend I noticed that as "Jesus" approached the stage to take His seat upon the heavenly throne, everyone was watching Him. All eyes were fixed upon the King of kings in adoration and worship. This is exactly what worship is all about, not just in Heaven but in our churches as well.
In our church plant we are seeking to change lives through worship. This is something that can only be done when the worshippers have their eyes fixed on Jesus. In too many churches the focus of a worship service is not on the Lord. The focus might be on a soloist, music director, choir member, or even the worship style. Churches have gone to contemporary services and traditional services and in the process have put labels on worship. I advocate biblical worship services. By this the focus is not on style but on the Savior. I think we are caught up too much in music preferences, instrument preferences, carpet preferences, hymnal preferences, etc. and in the process we miss the power of Jesus in our congregations.
I believe that true biblical worship can only take place in the life of a believer of Jesus Christ. This is because worship is much more than just one hour on Sunday morning. Worship is a lifestyle of glorifying God with our actions and words. However every church should have a corporate worship service in which believers and non-believers are present. Worship in a corporate setting should include the lifting up of God's Word. Yes the preaching of the Word is still needed and relevant to us today. I am also reminded of the biblical example of when the children of Israel returning from exile heard Ezra read aloud the law of God and how they were struck to the heart by its power, Scripture reading is important!
Another element is prayer. I remember services as a child where prayer was a pivotal part of the service. Imagine a worship service that is totally committed to the power of prayer. Sevier Heights has a service that they call the "House of Prayer." This is a part of worship and it can have a powerful effect on the lives of those who participate. A church that prays during its services and prior to its services will see lives changed! Worship is also orderly and Spirit led. I would encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 14 for more on this aspect of worship. We know that God is orderly and so is the Spirit's leading. Worship services should be structured but not to the point in which they remove the focus and power of the Lord. However I have found that they usually go together. Coincidence? Not a chance....
Because He lives,
Jeremy
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