Worship
About the worship
We consider worship to be the greatest privilege that we have on earth. As we gather to worship at God’s command and under the oversight of the elders we are invited into the special presence of God. In worship we meet with God in a special way and we get a foretaste of the glories of heaven.
Worship is primarily a gift that we offer to God. Therefore, we believe it is imperative that we seek to give to God what he desires, not what we desire to give him. Therefore, we seek to worship according to the principles of Scripture. We strive to offer to God worship that is:
- God-Centered: The triune God is the singular focus of our worship. While we are indeed nourished and challenged to grow during the worship service, our ultimate goal is to honor God by glorifying him. – “For from him and through him and to him are all things. “To him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36
- Gospel-Centered: The greatest act of God is his work of salvation on our behalf through Jesus Christ. Only through the gospel do we have life and salvation. Only when we understand and believe this gospel do we have the motivation, courage, and strength to worship Him, to serve Him, and to live for him in every context of life. – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy [in Christ], to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God– this is your spiritual act of worship.”
Romans 12:1 - Word-Centered: God has given his word to direct us in how we may worship him. The entire worship service is to be guided by and saturated with the Word of God. We put primary emphasis on the word of God read and preached. – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17
- Joyful: God himself is our chief joy and delight. In our worship we delight ourselves in the Lord by listening to him speak to us through his word and by responding to his word with prayer and praise. – “Happy are the people who have the Lord as their God.” Psalm 144:15
- Reverent: Although God is our friend and Father we must honor him with respect and reverence. When we enter into God’s presence to worship we must recognize his majesty and holiness. We are not equals with him. He is our God and we are his servants and so we stand before him with reverence and awe. – “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28