The Meaning of Worship

This week at C3, we will be employing a very unorthodox venue for worship. If I were to say nothing else, that might pique your interest just enough to make you come.

So, when you come, please don't let your religious background get in the way of truth. Many in the church have misconceptions of what worship is. So what is it? The word "worship" is rooted by the word "worth." That is, ascribing worth to something -- that which is the object of our worship!

So, how do you define it? Worship can best be defined as the Christian community's awe-filled response to 1) who God is, 2) what He has done for man in the person and work of Jesus Christ, and 3) what He continues to do through the ministry and power of the Holy Spirit. When you step back, you see the Trinity in the definition.

What that definition does not do is specify location or method. This helps us to see that there are two kinds of worship: 1) personal and 2) corporate.

Personal worship should happen constantly throughout each day. As we see God's handiwork of creation, as we witness His divine protection, guidance, answered prayers, power, etc., the child of God pauses to take it all in - to marvel at his Heavenly Father.

Corporate worship is the assembling of the body of Christ to respond corporately as THE BODY to the glory of God and His power and majesty! Corporate worship is , by its very nature, corporate - as opposed to individual. An individual view of corporate worship breeds "consumerism," where individuals attend weekly worship service to see what they can get out of the songs or sermon. Corporate worship builds unity (as we sing, pray, study and fellowship), accountability, encouragement, strength, edification, equipping for service, and evangelistic zeal.

This week will be unique indeed. It will help us to experience what true spiritual community is all about. God's people are referred to in the Bible as a body, a building, an army, a bride and a family.

Let's do a family reunion this Sunday!! See you there, and pull up a chair to the Lord's Supper table!

Randy