" Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve'"
( Luke 4:8 )" God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and
truth. "
( John 4:24 )Outside of most churches, there is a sign that indicates the weekly times for
" worship " and for other services. What does it mean to worship? Does your church worship? If so, how do you worship?There are a number of kinds of worship. The Bible speaks of falling down ( prostrating one's self ), bowing down, kneeling down, bowing the head, presenting a sacrifice, and serving. There a few hymns or songs that are songs of worship. Many hymns and songs are perfectly acceptable in a service, but they are not worship. Clapping of the hands is acceptable on many occasions, but it is not worship. Songs of praise and testimony are fine, but, frequently, they are not worship. Prayer is a form of worship. I believe that one of the things Jesus had in mind in John 4:23, was praying in the Holy Spirit. Notice that He used the future tense. There is no record of people praying in the Holy Spirit until Pentecost.
There are many forms of worship which are acceptable. What is important in a church, is that there is worship,- and that there is freedom of worship, while doing things " decently and in order ". Some may feel compelled to worship while lying on their faces, prostrate before God. This should be considered normal in the light of scripture. Others may choose to simply bow the head, perhaps because of physical infirmity. Falling prostrate in the middle of a sermon would normally be out of order, but there should be at least one time of open worship, where people can worship, as the Lord leads them individually.
Worshipping and serving the Lord should not be limited to church services. A true christian will do this every day! Worship the Lord this weekend, and each day this week.
May God bless you and your family.
We welcome the opportunity to minister to you. If your church, cell group, or Bible study, in Gulf County or Bay County, in the Florida panhandle, needs a Wed. eve. speaker, let us know. Send us an e-mail. We are in your area!
