John writes in his gospel, But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father.(John 4:23) What does it mean to worship the Father? How do we make the Father the object our worship? Let me suggest a couple of ways: 1. The Father must have our affection. 2. The Father must have our attention.
Author Archives: Steve Pruitt
Worship: A Way of Life
In England during the 1500s, especially during the reign of Queen Mary, the Christian church came under terrible persecution. Many Christians including clergy were excommunicated and/or executed for refusing to denounce their beliefs and adhere to the teachings of the state church.
Sacrificial Praise
In chapter thirteen of Hebrews the writer offers us a definition of sacrificial praise. Hebrews 13:15 reads, Therefore by him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name. According to this definition a sacrifice of praise consists of two things; the fruit of our lips and giving thanks to his name.
Why Do We Worship?
I have been leading worship in small groups and corporate settings for many years. No one loves worship leading more than I. The rush that comes when the band starts playing and the audience begins to respond can only be described by those who have experienced it. While leading worship in small groups I have seen the floors of dens and living rooms covered with people on their faces in the presence of God. On many occasions I believe we could have sung Mary had a Little Lamb and God would have shown up.
The Activity of Worship
There is one aspect of the worship John witnessed in heaven that we would be amiss to neglect. Heaven’s worship is loud. No where in the Revelation of Jesus Christ do you read that anyone silently worshiped. According to John’s account the worship was so loud at times it would have been difficult to hear anything else. At times the volume of worship was determined by the shear number of worshipers, however, most of the time we find that the worshipers were worshiping loudly.
The Song of the Lamb
The singing of the new song and subsequent judgment of Babylon led to the singing of another song in heaven. In Revelation 15 John shares his vision of another group of worshipers singing the awesome acts of God.
Worship and Integrity
For in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.
(Revelation 14:5)
In the description of the 144,000 standing with Jesus on Mount Zion we find two vivid characteristics of a true worshiper; no deceit was in their mouth and they are without fault before God.
The New Song
We live in a day when our world is inundated with song. Song is a common thread that runs through every global civilization. Here in America alone we have Rock-n-Roll, Rap, Country, Pop, Head Banger, Heavy Metal and others I don’t have names for. Each of these song classifications carries with it a certain message and the power to drive that message into the hearts and minds of its listeners.
Worship and Redemption
These were redeemed from among men being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
(Revelation 14:4)
The portrayal of the 144,000 servants of God, standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion, gives a vivid description of the true worshipers of God. Two characteristics stand out in this portion of Revelation 14:4. One is that these servants were redeemed from among men. The second is that these worshipers were firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
Worship and the Cross
These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. (Revelation 14:4)
It was established in the earlier chapters of John’s revelation that Jesus is the Lamb standing in the midst of the throne of God. To find the 144,000 standing with Jesus in the
place of worship (Mt. Zion) is fitting of their character. For all those who desire to be true worshipers will always be in the place of worship, in the presence of the Lamb. However, there is a requirement for one to be in that place of worship.