What is Worship?

Worship 101:
“What is worship?”

I have decided to begin adding a short lesson each month in our church newsletter, this is a copy of that lesson on the nature and biblical foundations of what worship is, both in the musical sense of worship, and our roles as worshippers.
The Webster dictionary defines worship as “reverent honor and homage paid to God…” where the biblical definition of worship goes much deeper and broader than that in defining the true nature of worship.
Are we commanded by God to be worshippers? What does God expect from us in time of worship? Were we made by God to worship Him? Is the only way to worship God, by singing in Church? Who do we sing to during worship time? Whom do we sing for?
Those are all very good questions that every Christian should ask of themselves all the time. You know, I’ve been a Christian for nearly thirty years now, but it’s only been in the last few years, that I’ve grown enough in my journey with Christ - to be able to begin answering those questions myself.
Over the next year, I plan on adding short lessons each month to the newsletter on worship. “Worship 101” I am titling it. I hope you read it, enjoy it and that it helps you grow in your knowledge and relationship with our Lord and savior.
So then, are we commanded to worship God? Well, here is what Jesus said when asked about the most important commandment…

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (Mark 12: 29-30 NIV)

I leave you with this thought… How marvelous would our Sunday worship be if we all sincerely followed God’s command?

Next month: What does God expect from us as worshippers?

Blessings in Christ,

Dave Farmer