I really don't like it when the church is referred to as stale or stagnant. As most people know, the church is the people. Although the Pastor might preach the same message every week, the same songs might be played every week etc. I tend to think that if hearts are burning for more, then more will come. But often it comes from the church (people). When I talk about church programs with fellow members of Eternity Church there is sometimes criticism towards the way things are run or not run. My response generally is "You obviously feel strongly about this, would you be willing to do something about it?" Of course it would be scaffolded or supported by whatever means we have as long as it be edifying to the body. In particular, I'll talk about worship. There are ways that people prefer to respond to God in worship. But herein lies the greatest issue. People await a move of God so that they can respond. If we flip our understanding of that, we express a worship to God in which He responds. If you feel stagnant in times of personal or corporate worship, maybe it's time to 'do something about it'. There are nine expressions of worship that are mentioned in the book of Psalms. You may not feel comfortable with some of these, but seeing as they are in the Word of God, maybe consider expressing to God your love and admiration in a new way...
Speaking - Psalm 34:1 says, "I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." Shouting - Psalm 27:6 says, "Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord." Singing - Psalm 47:6 says, "Sing praises to God, sing praises to our King, sing praises." Bowing - Psalm 95:6 says, "Come let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." Standing Psalm 119:120 says, "My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws." Dancing Psalm 149:3 says, "Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp." Playing Instruments Psalm 33:2, 3 says, "Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy." Clapping Psalm 47:1 says, "Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy." Lifting Hands Psalm 63:4 says, "I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands." Be blessed! Ps Andrew Comments are closed.
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Andrew Newman
Senior Pastor at Eternity Church. Archives
February 2019
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