Chapters 1&2 Critique/Summary Scripture Reflection – Min. Jessica Lee
Music, as seen in the Bible, trains us in the practice of remembering who God is and what he has done. All throughout the Psalms, and even in the New Testament letters to the church, there are genuine commands and exaltations for God’s people to sing to tell of his wonderful deeds, and thus remind us with the power of song who God is, what he has done, and how he keeps his promises. In Scripture, we see that music is used for glorifying and worshipping God, telling of his great deeds, offering outlets for both lament and praise, and providing unity to God’s people. We also see that an appreciation of the songs recorded in the Bible provides a fuller understanding of a greater story: God claiming the hearts of people from every culture and walk of life to become a part of His song in Heaven.
As we all read in chapter 1 each church were both right and wrong in their approaches to Biblical worship. God wants us to be whole people, united with each other, connecting His will for our lives to our head, heart, and soul. Joining song with others reflects the heart of Jesus; when he looked up to Heaven and prayed to his father for the oneness of his people: “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:20-26). God wants our worship to focus entirely on Him.
Worship is about God. The mystery of worship is that it isn’t about us, but about God. But God doesn’t need our worship; we do. God never changes. But when we worship, we change. Why do we worship? Worship is “to give honor, homage, reverence, respect, adoration, praise, or glory to a superior being.” God demands worship because He and He alone is worthy of it. He is the only being that truly deserves worship. He requests that we acknowledge His greatness, His power.
Matthew 5:8 – The Greek word for “pure” is katharos. It means to be “clean, blameless, unstained from guilt.” Interestingly, the word can refer specifically to that which is purified by fire or by pruning. Having a pure heart first means living by the rules of God that bring moral purity. A 'pure heart' means a sincere mind. A person with a pure heart loves God more than anyone else. That’s the goal of the Christian life! That’s what we are living for – that we may live our life in such a way that we see God. What Is It to Have a Pure Heart? Living by the rule of God, living a life that is pleasing to God. Living for the purpose of God, having a single-minded devotion to God.
It's interesting that you say that "music trains us in the practice of remembering who God is" When I read that in book, as well, it struck a chord with me. I don't like the thought of having to "practice" to remember who God is. Usually "practice" is applied to an activity like singing, dancing, reading, mathematics, speaking, etc. I do understand, that as disciples ; I we have to develop a lifestyle that includes daily devotion and communication with God; I just hadn't thought of it as practice. So many people practice or play church, which denotes a lack of sincerity. You make a valid point, and I agree with you, that our worship requires a pure heart. If our hearts are pure, we will want to learn as much about God as possible and to develop a relationship with him, by studying his word to learn who he is, what he's done, what he expects from us and by spending time with him and obeying him as a lifestyle.
Hey Mrs. Mona, Thank you for your response. So, I delved deeper and looked up the definition to “practice”. One definition says the act of doing something again and again in order to learn or improve. Another definition states, to do or preform habitually or customarily; make a habit of. When I wrote that music trains us in the practice of remembering who God is I looked at it to say how we as Christians/Believers practice learning the scriptures. Or we practice reading and studying the Bible. Some of us practice waking up early in the morning or sometime throughout our day to go to our altars and pray. Other’s practice remembering God by going to seminary classes.
I understood exactly why when you saw the word practice it didn’t sit right with you. Once I went deeper into what practice actually means I understood that we do it everyday as much as we can. Sometimes without us even knowing so we are able to continue getting to know God more and build a better and closer relationship with Him.
Assignment Sunday 8/15 *Weekly Theme: “Seeing God”: Worship and Revelations of God *Key Scripture: Matthew 5:8 *Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. *Reflections with notes from Chap 1-2 Weekly Theme : “ Seeing God” Some may never see God but to see God is to Know God. Jesus is a Way Maker, Healer, and Mind Regulator. I have no musical talent other than singing Alto in the choir from middle school to now in my adult years at Hopewell. However reading, now I see Worship is about seeing God for who he is. Seeing God is a personal encounter. No one can see for you. To See God must see with your heart and intellect or understanding, it was Jesus that kept me and my children . It was Jesus that kept me when I had to say good bye to my mother and many days even now I miss her. It was Jesus kept me when I felt alone among a crowd. It was Jesus that kept me while God prepared a table in midst of my enemies. Now that table can even be built in safe places like your house of worship or home, employment. A place of worship begins in the heart. Who can judge the song on you heart without rhyme, or Melony. Who can judge the person who runs to the alter pouring their heart to God. Who can judge the woman or man that runs around the church? Who can judge a handicap girl who chooses to hum Amazing Grace? However she could not talk, or walk, but she scooted her chair to the front interrupting the service. Making her way to the front, before the church was about to end. Now I see Worship and Revelations of God is about a Heart Encounter.
Key Scripture: Bless are the pure in heart for they shall see God. To see God takes a pure heart. Before a pearl is complete it goes through agitation over time. But you are blessed as a result, now you SEE GOD. We must worship God in Spirit and in Truth. Spirit is with your heart and seeing with understanding your personal revelation towards making an intelligent decision is Truth. Establish and developing a personal private worship will lead to a more meaningful public Worship.
• What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Yes, worship begins in the heart! You also state that "some may never see God, but to see God is to know God". God is a Spirit. It is our spirit man/woman that sees and knows God. Some never see God, because they have eyes (physical) but cannot see (spiritual); or in other words, they have not developed a personal relationship with God (a 2-way process) and they only see with the limitations of the physical range of the eyes. As that relationship grows, God will remove the "scales" from our eyes and we will truly SEE him. It is a spiritual connection that starts in the heart.
I love singing. I love music. I love praise. But my heart is in worship. When I worship in song, my heart is speaking directly to the Father through the Holy Spirit. Worship constrains and compels me to do like the book says on page 19, “When [I] turn my heart towards God . . . true worship will take place.”
Imagine attending churches that fall into the categories laid out on pages 14-17 and they all believe their way is the right way. In one, the atmosphere of confusion is set. In another, the focus is on popularity rather than Jesus. And in yet another the Spirit is constrained and no one is blessed with the experience of true worship. Imagine holding the Spirit in a box, holding him captive for the entire service and then sending the people home as empty as they came.
We are in a relationship with someone whose breath we breathe, whose strength we have and whose Spirit inhabits us (if we are saved). It’s the most personal and intimate relationship we will ever have. We owe it to Him to express our gratitude, our thanksgiving, our passion for a life with Him. I’ve often felt misunderstood and very inadequate. Being a child who was bullied, I’ve often felt very alone and quite unsure of myself. But my relationship with Jesus has always been my saving grace. When I become lax with spending time with Him, my spirit won’t rest. The Holy Spirit convicts me and I HAVE TO commune with Him. He has my heart so when I worship, either with joy or in tears, it’s real.
One of my favorite examples is of Mary and her alabaster box. Despite onlookers and naysayers, she was compelled and convicted to express her sincere worship, not for show but in the spirit. We should dare to be so bold in public. We should strive to be so humble in private.
Seeing God: Worship and Revelations of God • Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8, NIV)
The reason I am drawn to working with children is because of their clear, uncontaminated, pure spirits. Unlike adults, the world has not contaminated their hearts and minds yet. With children, what you see is what you get. There is no deception. Their hearts operate at an optimal rate, pumping blood through their bodies with great efficiency. They are in awe of everything; open, receptive and forgiving. Jesus tells us at Matthew 19:14 “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Likewise, our worship begins with pure hearts, like little children. There are a number of methods that churches use to worship God. There is no one perfect combination or way to physically manifest our worship of God save one; to worship in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) In the spirit, reminds us that God is a spirit, and our worship is an emotional, heart-felt response of love, to his majesty, and sovereignty. Our worship opens the door of communication with God. It prepares us to receive the word(s) of God, and to obey him. Yes, our worship requires obedience. Jesus says “if you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
We are created and endowed with all of the elements we need to worship God. We are uniquely created to experience God in the spiritual and the physical sense. God has provided us with the five senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch to enable us to relate to his creations and to him. Each of the senses allows us to relate to God both spiritually and physically. Music in worship, ignites an emotional (spiritual) response to God’s presence. We have the example of when David played the Lyre (physical) for Saul to sooth his spirit. (1Samuel 16: 14-23) Even Nebuchadnezzar used music to invoke a physical response to worship at Daniel chapter 3 when he commanded, “when you hear the music, you must bow down and worship the statue.” So, music is a powerful element of worship. Jesus’ disciple’s physical response to worship was to bow at his feet acknowledging who he is and to show their love and gratitude for him and his saving grace. Worshipping God in truth engages our physical intellect, and our understanding of God’s word. Anyone can learn, when to clap, or when to bow or raise their hands; when to say hallelujah or praise the lord. In truth, when we have truly submitted our lives to God and accept Jesus as the risen savior, Emanuel, God with us; the lamb who takes away the sins of the world, our spiritual and physical response will be to worship. The disciples had the unique privilege to see Jesus and know him with their physical sight, and to know who he is with their spiritual sight. Today, we believe by faith, and we know Jesus through our spiritual sight and through our understanding of the word as we study the bible through reading, teaching and preaching. Music is a medium that God also uses to speak to us. To keep the doors of communication with God open, as worship leaders we must make worship our lifestyle. Jesus must be the focus of our life recognizing him as the resurrected son of God who has been given all power. We must set aside an appointed time and place to spend time with the Master daily. Our love for him will be manifest in our listening and obeying his word.
References: Whaley, Vernon M (2021) Exalt His Name: Book 1 Willis, Avery T Jr (1998) Masterlife: Student Edition, Lifeway Biblical Solutions
Chapters 1&2 Critique/Summary
ReplyDeleteScripture Reflection – Min. Jessica Lee
Music, as seen in the Bible, trains us in the practice of remembering who God is and what he has done. All throughout the Psalms, and even in the New Testament letters to the church, there are genuine commands and exaltations for God’s people to sing to tell of his wonderful deeds, and thus remind us with the power of song who God is, what he has done, and how he keeps his promises. In Scripture, we see that music is used for glorifying and worshipping God, telling of his great deeds, offering outlets for both lament and praise, and providing unity to God’s people. We also see that an appreciation of the songs recorded in the Bible provides a fuller understanding of a greater story: God claiming the hearts of people from every culture and walk of life to become a part of His song in Heaven.
As we all read in chapter 1 each church were both right and wrong in their approaches to Biblical worship. God wants us to be whole people, united with each other, connecting His will for our lives to our head, heart, and soul. Joining song with others reflects the heart of Jesus; when he looked up to Heaven and prayed to his father for the oneness of his people: “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:20-26). God wants our worship to focus entirely on Him.
Worship is about God. The mystery of worship is that it isn’t about us, but about God. But God doesn’t need our worship; we do. God never changes. But when we worship, we change. Why do we worship? Worship is “to give honor, homage, reverence, respect, adoration, praise, or glory to a superior being.” God demands worship because He and He alone is worthy of it. He is the only being that truly deserves worship. He requests that we acknowledge His greatness, His power.
Matthew 5:8 – The Greek word for “pure” is katharos. It means to be “clean, blameless, unstained from guilt.” Interestingly, the word can refer specifically to that which is purified by fire or by pruning. Having a pure heart first means living by the rules of God that bring moral purity. A 'pure heart' means a sincere mind. A person with a pure heart loves God more than anyone else. That’s the goal of the Christian life! That’s what we are living for – that we may live our life in such a way that we see God. What Is It to Have a Pure Heart? Living by the rule of God, living a life that is pleasing to God. Living for the purpose of God, having a single-minded devotion to God.
It's interesting that you say that "music trains us in the practice of remembering who God is" When I read that in book, as well, it struck a chord with me. I don't like the thought of having to "practice" to remember who God is. Usually "practice" is applied to an activity like singing, dancing, reading, mathematics, speaking, etc. I do understand, that as disciples ; I we have to develop a lifestyle that includes daily devotion and communication with God; I just hadn't thought of it as practice. So many people practice or play church, which denotes a lack of sincerity. You make a valid point, and I agree with you, that our worship requires a pure heart. If our hearts are pure, we will want to learn as much about God as possible and to develop a relationship with him, by studying his word to learn who he is, what he's done, what he expects from us and by spending time with him and obeying him as a lifestyle.
DeleteHey Mrs. Mona, Thank you for your response. So, I delved deeper and looked up the definition to “practice”. One definition says the act of doing something again and again in order to learn or improve. Another definition states, to do or preform habitually or customarily; make a habit of. When I wrote that music trains us in the practice of remembering who God is I looked at it to say how we as Christians/Believers practice learning the scriptures. Or we practice reading and studying the Bible. Some of us practice waking up early in the morning or sometime throughout our day to go to our altars and pray. Other’s practice remembering God by going to seminary classes.
DeleteI understood exactly why when you saw the word practice it didn’t sit right with you. Once I went deeper into what practice actually means I understood that we do it everyday as much as we can. Sometimes without us even knowing so we are able to continue getting to know God more and build a better and closer relationship with Him.
Assignment Sunday 8/15
ReplyDelete*Weekly Theme: “Seeing God”: Worship and Revelations of God
*Key Scripture: Matthew 5:8
*Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
*Reflections with notes from Chap 1-2
Weekly Theme : “ Seeing God”
Some may never see God but to see God is to Know God. Jesus is a Way Maker, Healer, and Mind Regulator. I have no musical talent other than singing Alto in the choir from middle school to now in my adult years at Hopewell. However reading, now I see Worship is about seeing God for who he is. Seeing God is a personal encounter. No one can see for you. To See God must see with your heart and intellect or understanding, it was Jesus that kept me and my children . It was Jesus that kept me when I had to say good bye to my mother and many days even now I miss her. It was Jesus kept me when I felt alone among a crowd. It was Jesus that kept me while God prepared a table in midst of my enemies. Now that table can even be built in safe places like your house of worship or home, employment. A place of worship begins in the heart. Who can judge the song on you heart without rhyme, or Melony. Who can judge the person who runs to the alter pouring their heart to God. Who can judge the woman or man that runs around the church? Who can judge a handicap girl who chooses to hum Amazing Grace? However she could not talk, or walk, but she scooted her chair to the front interrupting the service. Making her way to the front, before the church was about to end. Now I see Worship and Revelations of God is about a Heart Encounter.
Key Scripture: Bless are the pure in heart for they shall see God. To see God takes a pure heart. Before a pearl is complete it goes through agitation over time. But you are blessed as a result, now you SEE GOD. We must worship God in Spirit and in Truth. Spirit is with your heart and seeing with understanding your personal revelation towards making an intelligent decision is Truth. Establish and developing a personal private worship will lead to a more meaningful public Worship.
• What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Yes, worship begins in the heart! You also state that "some may never see God, but to see God is to know God". God is a Spirit. It is our spirit man/woman that sees and knows God.
DeleteSome never see God, because they have eyes (physical) but cannot see (spiritual); or in other words, they have not developed a personal relationship with God (a 2-way process) and they only see with the limitations of the physical range of the eyes. As that relationship grows, God will remove the "scales" from our eyes and we will truly SEE him. It is a spiritual connection that starts in the heart.
"Test Post #2 from different computer"
ReplyDeleteI love singing. I love music. I love praise. But my heart is in worship. When I worship in song, my heart is speaking directly to the Father through the Holy Spirit. Worship constrains and compels me to do like the book says on page 19, “When [I] turn my heart towards God . . . true worship will take place.”
ReplyDeleteImagine attending churches that fall into the categories laid out on pages 14-17 and they all believe their way is the right way. In one, the atmosphere of confusion is set. In another, the focus is on popularity rather than Jesus. And in yet another the Spirit is constrained and no one is blessed with the experience of true worship. Imagine holding the Spirit in a box, holding him captive for the entire service and then sending the people home as empty as they came.
We are in a relationship with someone whose breath we breathe, whose strength we have and whose Spirit inhabits us (if we are saved). It’s the most personal and intimate relationship we will ever have. We owe it to Him to express our gratitude, our thanksgiving, our passion for a life with Him. I’ve often felt misunderstood and very inadequate. Being a child who was bullied, I’ve often felt very alone and quite unsure of myself. But my relationship with Jesus has always been my saving grace. When I become lax with spending time with Him, my spirit won’t rest. The Holy Spirit convicts me and I HAVE TO commune with Him. He has my heart so when I worship, either with joy or in tears, it’s real.
One of my favorite examples is of Mary and her alabaster box. Despite onlookers and naysayers, she was compelled and convicted to express her sincere worship, not for show but in the spirit. We should dare to be so bold in public. We should strive to be so humble in private.
Stephanie Tucker
Seeing God: Worship and Revelations of God
ReplyDelete• Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8, NIV)
The reason I am drawn to working with children is because of their clear, uncontaminated, pure spirits. Unlike adults, the world has not contaminated their hearts and minds yet. With children, what you see is what you get. There is no deception. Their hearts operate at an optimal rate, pumping blood through their bodies with great efficiency. They are in awe of everything; open, receptive and forgiving. Jesus tells us at Matthew 19:14 “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Likewise, our worship begins with pure hearts, like little children.
There are a number of methods that churches use to worship God. There is no one perfect combination or way to physically manifest our worship of God save one; to worship in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) In the spirit, reminds us that God is a spirit, and our worship is an emotional, heart-felt response of love, to his majesty, and sovereignty. Our worship opens the door of communication with God. It prepares us to receive the word(s) of God, and to obey him. Yes, our worship requires obedience. Jesus says “if you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
We are created and endowed with all of the elements we need to worship God.
We are uniquely created to experience God in the spiritual and the physical sense. God has provided us with the five senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch to enable us to relate to his creations and to him. Each of the senses allows us to relate to God both spiritually and physically. Music in worship, ignites an emotional (spiritual) response to God’s presence. We have the example of when David played the Lyre (physical) for Saul to sooth his spirit. (1Samuel 16: 14-23) Even Nebuchadnezzar used music to invoke a physical response to worship at Daniel chapter 3 when he commanded, “when you hear the music, you must bow down and worship the statue.” So, music is a powerful element of worship. Jesus’ disciple’s physical response to worship was to bow at his feet acknowledging who he is and to show their love and gratitude for him and his saving grace.
Worshipping God in truth engages our physical intellect, and our understanding of God’s word. Anyone can learn, when to clap, or when to bow or raise their hands; when to say hallelujah or praise the lord. In truth, when we have truly submitted our lives to God and accept Jesus as the risen savior, Emanuel, God with us; the lamb who takes away the sins of the world, our spiritual and physical response will be to worship. The disciples had the unique privilege to see Jesus and know him with their physical sight, and to know who he is with their spiritual sight. Today, we believe by faith, and we know Jesus through our spiritual sight and through our understanding of the word as we study the bible through reading, teaching and preaching. Music is a medium that God also uses to speak to us.
To keep the doors of communication with God open, as worship leaders we must make worship our lifestyle. Jesus must be the focus of our life recognizing him as the resurrected son of God who has been given all power. We must set aside an appointed time and place to spend time with the Master daily. Our love for him will be manifest in our listening and obeying his word.
References:
Whaley, Vernon M (2021) Exalt His Name: Book 1
Willis, Avery T Jr (1998) Masterlife: Student Edition, Lifeway Biblical Solutions