Midweek Message from the Archive
Means of Grace- Worship
From the beginning of the Church in the Book of Acts to the completion of the world as we now know it, believers have and will gather to worship God. Many churches around the world announce these meetings as ‘worship services’ because when we come together in unity we are serving Him. There is an aspect of serving within the ancient Hebrew word for worship.
Acknowledging the Lord as Savior, Redeemer, Shepherd, Most High God, or Creator is the gift of worship that He has given to the Church. It is one of the means of grace. We serve Him in worship by declaring His holiness, His glory, and other attributes that are often included in our music. We serve Him by reading the scriptures together or declaring a creed that explains our belief system. We serve Him by participating with others and enjoying His presence with other believers. Some say, “I can be a Christian without going to Church.” I say, “Why would you?” Worshiping God as one Body has a supernatural component to it that began in the Old Testament and continues into the New, however, if you’re not in fellowship with others believers, you will miss it.
The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the LORD with these words: “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the LORD. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple of God. (2 Chronicles 5:13, 14 NLT)
If you weren’t there you would have missed that supernatural experience given to the worshipers. God enjoys our corporate worship as a Body of believers. I think part of the reason is that the unity that is within our human bodies, our systems and organs working together to give us life, portrays what happens when the Church worships together. We receive a supernatural life, the higher life, as one of the ways He shows His grace to us.
God connects with His Bride in a worship service and that communion can be powerful. So often in American churches we hear a lot about the individual, personal relationship with Christ and I love that. But I think we also need to remember that we are part of a bigger picture, a worldwide picture of worshipers who God sees as one Bride. Don’t miss what He is going to do on Sunday. When you gather with other believers to worship, He may surprise you, as with Moses, by a supernatural encounter that will change your life!
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