What Is Worship?

I ask this question all the time, "What is True Worship?" There's a lot of talk about "Biblical worship" and "Christ-centered Worship" but what does that mean? A quick answer comes from 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

For me, right now, worship means one thing - Rest.

For once I am not doing, planning, rehearsing, trying to sing louder and more often, pinpointing sin to kill...I am just resting. Through the power of the Holy Spirit I am ridding myself of self-sufficiency and I'm learning to be needy. I need Jesus. I need forgiveness. I need the love of God. I need God to have mercy on me, a sinner. Andy Lewis at Mitchell Road asked yesterday, "what is it that you boast in?" Whatever it is, it's taking the place of Jesus. Where do I find my identity?

I saw a quote on Matt Papa's tweet from Billy Graham's book Just As I Am recently that said,

"Although I have much to be grateful for as I look back over my life, I also have many

regrets. I have failed many times, and I would do many things differently. For one thing, I

would speak less and study more, and I would spend more time with my family.

I would also spend more time in spiritual nurture, seeking to grow closer to God so I

could become more like Christ. I would spend more time in prayer, not just for myself

but for others. I would spend more time studying the Bible and meditating on is truth, not

only for sermon preparation but to apply its message to my life. It is far too easy for

someone in my position to read the Bible only with an eye on a future sermon,

overlooking the message God has for me through its pages. And I would give more

attention to fellowship with other Christians, who could teach me and encourage me

(and even rebuke me when necessary).”

Now legalism says you must do more so you can be accepted by God. The Gospel says you are accepted by God therefore you do more (prayer, study, fellowship, etc). I am learning how to be with Jesus and rest in the Gospel truth that Jesus wants to be with me. I want to truly worship Jesus by finding my identity in His life, death, and resurrection. And right now I am doing that by resting.

(Mark Driscoll has a great article on the Resurgence about worship if you want a more in depth study)

Deuteronomy 14

I wonder if Moses ever went hiking back in the day and got super hungry because he forgot to pack his Nature Valley bars and all he kept coming across were rock badgers, nighthawks, and storks. Man! Can't a guy just run across an addax or a clean winged thing?

"Hey, Aaron is that animal chewing his cud and also is his hoof cloven in 2? I hope so b/c I'm starving."

Monday Confessions

I don't like frisbees. throwing them, catching them, holding them. nothing. I am useless at most Christian ministries till the kinda-long-haired-guy decides to impress the freshman girls and gets out his slightly out-of-tune acoustic guitar. Then I'm in my element but the aforementioned kinda-long-haired-guy is mad b/c his scheme failed and he attracted a 30 year old man instead.

2 Fun Worship Concerts

Last week I went to the Hillsong United worship concert in Greenville and it was pretty radical. They rocked as always. I really enjoy their use of lights, sound, scripture, and instruments to usher in the Spirit of God. It truly was an awesome night of true worship. THEN, last night I was invited to come to the HopePoint Youth Band practice. I believe their official name is Captain Megaphone and the Broadcast Funships.

Just between you and me...I figured they would be okay. I've heard my fair share of youth bands in my day and they have a similar sound - loud, off-key nontogetherness rocking. (Most of the youth bands I have heard are pretty sure they're going to be asked to open for Hillsong next time they come through town.) But I was wrong. 100% wrong. During the first song I forgot I was listening to 6-12th graders b/c I was worshipping. They are very good. Not because they are the greatest musicians on earth but b/c they are simple and humble and sing on key and don't try to do too much. It was a sweet night. I felt proud of them and proud of Willy, Rachel, and Stu who have worked very hard to start and train this band. These students know music, know their instruments, know how to sing...and (unless they were faking it) they know God and know what leading worship is about.

I was, and still am, blown away. I have been praying and asking the Lord that I would have the same heart and attitude that I saw last night. The youth are leading worship this Sunday morning and I know the church will be in good hands.

HopePoint Set List 8.14.11

Glory To God - Fee

You Are the One - Josh Ridings Band

The Greatness of Our God - Hillsong

You Hold Me Now - Hillsong United

Jesus Paid It All - Passion/Nifong/Traditional

HopePoint Set List 7.3.11

Search My Heart - Hillsong United

Our God - Chris Tom Tom

Christ is Risen - Matt Maher

Desert Song - Hillsong United

You Hold Me Now - Hillsong United

btw, have I said what an amazing band we have at HopePoint? They love the Lord and love leading worship so much it's ridiculous. The fact that they're all really good helps too.

There was a new guitar player named Bill, in case you were wondering. It was stange seeing someone move whilst playing since Shag is a statue. (did i just compare shag to a Tanooki Suit??)

I am old

There is so much I want to write about...Alaska, turning 30, getting stung by a bee last night (ouch)...but I don't have time. Well, technically I just wrote about those things. I have to go.