Introduction Worship is a topic that appears frequently in the Old and New Testament and that is still very relevant to believers today. Many Biblical authors write about worship and the various ways believers worship God in the Bible. Everything from the book of Psalm, where every line leads believers to praise God because of his attributes and his works of salvation, to the Gospels that cause believers to praise God because of the works and sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. The aim of this paper will seek to find out how worship in the book of Psalms shapes our theology and definition of worship, while also determining the primary purpose of worship, whether to praise God for who he is, or what he’s done for believers. After providing a definition of worship and the varied forms of worship in Scripture the attention will be given to answering the aim of this paper. To achieve this aim, the first step will be to look at the structure of the book of Psalm and how it shapes the way we should worship, both corporately and individually, while also looking into the life of David and how his understanding of worship helps guide our worship. Secondly this paper will analyze the two most common “goals” as represented by many worship leaders, worshipping God for who he is, and worshipping God for what he’s done for us. More specifically, which of these aspects is more important in worship. Are we able to truly worship God for who he is alone without responding to what he’s done for us, or must the two aspects work together in harmony? In addition to that, what is our motivation for worship according to the Scriptures? We need to understand the reason why we worship; we must understand the purpose behind gathering togeth... ... middle of paper ... ...ker Books, 2013), 1. 7 Dunn, James D.G. Did the First Christians Worship Jesus? the New Testament Evidence. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010. 8 Futato, Mark D. Transformed by Praise: the Purpose and Message of the Psalms. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing, 2002. 9 Pinson, J. Matthew, ed. Perspectives On Christian Worship: 5 Views: Dan Wilt. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2009. 10 Luther, Martin. The Freedom of a Christian. Edited by Mark D. Tranvik. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2008. 12 Josephus. Josephus: the Complete Works. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003. 13 Augustine. Confessions. 2nd ed. Edited by Michael P. Foley. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Co., 2007. 14 Bateman, Herbert W., and general editor.Authentic Worship: Hearing Scripture's Voice, Applying Its Truth. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic & Professional, 2002.
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In an age when culture continues to lower standards of intellect, Marva Dawn makes compelling observations and suggestions for the Church to rethink its’ strategy on impacting society. How do we evangelize without weakening the message of what we are communicating? The majority of her text focuses on the worship environment generally, but later she focuses on music, preaching, and liturgy specifically. According to Dawn, a gathering of believers should emphasize God as the subject and object of worship, challenge each individual to grow in godly character, and accentuate the community of believers (not only in the room, but throughout history as well). Through this grid, she encourages leaders and participants to evaluate each worship element. If these primary goals are accomplished, then worship will not be empty and simpleminded. Instead the worship atmosphere would be held to a higher standard and, she believes, both pleasing to God and attractive to those who do not know God.
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Today’s culture is one where people like to do as little work as possible. Even when it comes to reading our own scripture, The Holy Words of God, a lot of people like to look up one verse and reference it to something without knowing what the rest of the passage says. Psalms 109 is no exception, it is one the more widely misused passages as of late. A popular verse from Psalms 109 is verse 8 which reads “Let his days be few; and let another take his office”, this is seen in reference to our current president, but what people fail to realize is what else David is actually praying. This paper is going to go through Psalms 109 and unpack it verse by verse to show the true meaning of what David was praying and to give us a new look at how to pray.
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into a richer experience of worship and a more effect life of service" (Crabb, 1977, p.31). The method to establishing an
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