Worship That Pleases God
By Dr. Ron Phillips Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church Hixon Tennessee
Worship That Pleases God
A Fulfillment of Biblical Prophecy
Is the Praise and Worship Movement Just A Passing Fad?
Today, evangelical churches are experiencing renewal. Part of that move of God is a renewal of praise and worship marked by a liberty of expression.
Some have believed this to be "charismatic," "Pentecostal," a church growth fad, worldliness, and some disturbance. I believe that this return to praise and worship is biblical and a fulfillment of prophecy. However, this movement has often pitted the traditional, the ritual, and the formal against the exuberant freedom that God gives.
Most Baptists and other evangelicals will bow to the Lordship of Christ and the authority of Scripture. So let's take a look at praise and worship through the words of Scripture.
There is an interesting prophesy found in both the Old Testament and New Testament. Amos 9:11 says "In that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen..." Again in Acts 15:16 we read this prophesy, " After then I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David which is fallen down."
A casual look at these verses may cause us to miss their deep significance. All of us know about the tabernacle of Moses in Exodus, but very few of us know that David built a tabernacle and restored worship and praise in Jerusalem.
The story of these events is found in the book of 1 Chronicles, chapters 13-16. In these chapters David desires to move the Ark of the Covenant from the old Tabernacle of Moses in Gibeon to the new capitol city, Jerusalem. David encountered many difficulties and pitfalls as he tried to restore worship to the nation.
The Tabernacle of David differed from the Tabernacle of Moses in that there was no veil. The ark was accessible to all. The glory of the Lord revealed in the presence of the glory cloud (Shekinah) was obvious to all who came.
The prophesy of Amos 9:4 speaks of Israel's return and restoration to their land. It also speaks if a restoration that is obviously directed to the church. Acts 15:16 cites the restoration of David's tabernacle as a prophecy of the Gentile church.
This prophecy is not a call to pitch a tent, but a call to restore Davidic worship. The New Testament church in the last days is to experience significant restoration of praise and worship. The church is to discover that there is no veil hanging between her and the Lord Jesus. We can enter and enjoy His presence.
The style of worship you see, hear and experience at Central Baptist may be somewhat different that what you are used to. Some ask the question, "Is this wrong because it is different?" The answer obviously is no. The better question is , "Is this Biblical? Is God in this place?" 1 Chronicles 15:1-29 describes the joyous return of the ark (God's presence) to Jerusalem and David's Tabernacle. Our worship as we await the Lord's coming ought to be marked by just such sacrifice and celebration.
Does the Bible Give Specific Instructions Regarding Praise and Worship?
When we come to praise God we can learn from David some of the elements of true praise. Before we look at the Scripture there are some preliminary observations we need to make.
In evangelical Christianity there are presently two styles of worship. There is the liturgical style which is very formal, following a set order. It is usually quiet and dignified and includes written prayers and responses. Those of this tradition are often uncomfortable in the second style we call "the free church style." Both styles have defenders and detractors.
I firmly believe that some of the practices demonstrated by both groups are not in the Spirit of the Scripture. Cold formalism with a predictable response is dead and lifeless. However, a performance oriented worship resulting in entertainment rather than to experiencing Christ's presence, is just as wrong.
Celebration is not formal, but it should be skillful and orderly. Celebration is not to be misunderstood as confusion. "God is not the author of confusion..."
True praise is clearly depicted in the scriptures.
We should worship Christ continually.
Is worship confined to services? No!
Psalm 70:4 - " Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee; and let such as love thy salvation say continually, 'Let God be magnified."
Hebrews 13:15 - " By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name."
We should worship Christ in church.
Psalms 22:22, " I will praise Thy name unto my brethren; in the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee."
Psalm 35:18, " I will give thanks in the great congregation: I will praise Thee among much people."
We should worship Christ Before the Lost.
"And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God; many shall see it, and fear and shall trust in the Lord." - (Ps. 40:3)
We should worship God so that praise can be heard.
"O bless our God ye people and make the voice of His praise to be heard." (Ps. 66:8)
These sounds of worship include:
Shouting - " ...let thy saints shout for joy." (Ps. 132:9)
Singing - " And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:18-20)
Laughter- "...then was our mouth filled with laughter and out tongue with singing..." (Psalm 126:1-3)
Musical Instruments - "... Play skillfully with a loud noise..." (Ps 47:1)
Clapping - " O clap your hands, all ye peoples; Shout unto God with the voice of Triumph!" (Ps 47:1)
We should worship God with our body.
David used his body to express his love to the Lord. How do we use our body in worship? "...present your bodies as a living sacrifice..." (Romans 12:1-2)
We can lift up our hands.
" This I will bless Thee while I love: I will lift up my hands in Thy name." (Ps 63:4)
We should worship God with our soul and spirit.
You are body - world conscious
You are soul - self conscious "
Bless the Lord O my soul..." (Ps. 103:1)
You are spirit-God conscious
When you are saved your spirit comes alive in Jesus Christ. Praise is the exercise of the Spirit. Praise brings strength to your spirit.
"...which worship God in the Spirit..." (Phil. 3:3)
Mary Praised God by saying, "My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:47)
We should worship according to the Word of God.
Everything David did in worship was from the Word of God. (1 Chronicles 15:15)
"In God I will praise His word." (Ps. 56:4, 10)
Is Praise and Worship Really Vital To The Life Of The Church?
In 1 Chronicles 15:29 we observe Michal, David's wife, as a picture of the church that despises praise. Michal is a sad picture of all who are afraid to praise God and look down on those who do. In her life she typifies the church that refuses to praise. Look at her likeness to the church.
Like the church she was a king's daughter.
Like the church she was purchased with the price of blood. (David slew 200 Philistines)
Like the church she was a bide of the king.
Like the church she had once had a love relationship with her king and bridegroom.
In fact, David's love for her was so great that he refused to be crowned king until she was restored to him. But Michal had forsaken her first love. Like the church in Rev. 2:1-10 she had "left her first love..." Until the day of her death she is called "Saul's daughter" rather than Davids bride. She sadly maintained her identity with the old regime and the old way of life.
So goes the dead church which is full of people who despise, mock, and make fun of praise. Many churches are dying because they stand on the other side of the window and will not open up in praise to God.
The curse on Michal for not praising God was barrenness. 2 Samuel 6:23, " Therefore Michal, the daughter of Saul, had no child unto the day of her death." The curse that comes on the church that despises praise will be barren in true conversions to Christ. Real growth will cease.
My prayer is that you will be open to the Spirit of God. Together let us make this old hymn a new prayer of invitation to the Lord!
Come,Thou almighty King,
Help us Thy name to sing.
Help us to praise;
Father! all glorious, O'er all victorious
Come, and reign over us, ancient of days.
Come, Thou incarnate Word,
Gird on Thy mighty sword,
Our prayer attend! Come, and Thy people bless,
Spirit of holiness, On us descend.
-copied
And in the word of Jack Hayford's marvelous chorus:
Majesty, worship His majesty,
Unto Jesus be all glory, honor and praise.
Majesty, Kingdom authority
flow from His throne unto His own;
His anthem raise.
So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus.
Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King.
Majesty, worship His majesty;
Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all kings.
- Jack Hayford
Let God set you free to lift up your heart, your voice, your hands and your life as a "sacrifice of praise..."
Worship that Pleases God was written by Dr. Ron Phillips Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church of Hixon Tennessee. Edited by Angie McGregor. For more information write to Central Baptist Church of Hixon, 5208 Hixon Pike, Hixon TN 37343-3962 ©1994
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