Christian Living

HAS CHURCH WORSHIP CHANGED

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
10/21/14
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The church has encountered many logistical challenges, down through the ages. The worship format  began with the early church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:47), worshipping in the homes and  continues to this very day (Hebrews 10:24-25), within the modern church facilities. And a big function of the church, from its very beginning, has been singing unto the Lord (1 Cor 14:26).

Moving through history, aside from the pastor, the church has always had its "Praise and Worship"   leaders,  who's responsibility was the music aspect of the church services. In times past, these leaders were referred to as " Music Directors", Ministers of Music, or maybe "Choir Directors". And this direction first consisted mainly of the old hymns of the faith, sprinkled with well placed choruses.

However, times have changed. The church now has its "Worship Leader". And the hymns, for the most part, have evolved into the more modern "Praise and Worship" music. I have no forum with this new music style. In fact, I rather like it.

( The most famous "Praise and Worship" poetry writer of history was King David, as most of his writings were praising his Lord. He was simply known as a "Psalmist" (Acts 4:25) (Hebrews 4:7) (Acts 2:25-28, 34-35).  Seventy-three of the 150 psalms in the Bible are attributed to King David, one of the Dead Sea Scrolls (11QPsa) attributes 3600 tehilim (songs of praise) plus other compositions to him.)

Nonetheless, it's not the various titles we may place on any one individual's responsibility, or the type  music now being  used. It is merely not recognizing, or permitting the presence of God's Holy Spirit in our services. In other words, not just relying on physical emotions, but having true  "Praise and Worship" with the Lord. Thus, the phrase "Praise and Worship"

I once heard an "old time religion" deacon make the following statement in his prayer," Dear Lord please let something happen, in the service today, that's not in our bulletin". Now that's true "Praise and Worship". To that I shout a hardy "Amen".

You may call me a dinosaur, if you like, but I miss those old time "Praise and Worship" services. Where the "Amen's" and  "Hallelujah's" echoed, as the spirit led. Where someone would start a spontaneous singing, that would go on for the entire worship. So, allow me to date myself, as an "Old Time Religion" enthuses.

As long as any hymn, song, or music score is Bible based (2 Timothy 3:16), gives glory to God (1 Cor 10:31), points the way to salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9) or encourages a personal relationship with God (Jeremiah 29:11), that's enough "Praise and Worship" for me.

You see, whether in church, or in the privacy of one's abode, "Praise and Worship"  with the Lord  should always take on a sense of humility, and  tranquility.  Most importantly, however, is just clearly talking with the Father, in  serene meekness.  Well, I feel another "Praise and Worship song coming on here. So, lets sing unto the Lord.

What about you ? Comments welcome.

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