September 5, 2021 Exalt His Name Understanding music and Worship Book 1 Chapters 7-8; 9-10 KWU59 Theme: Worship and Spiritual Gifts” “Worship ,”Worshp, Evangellism, and the maintenance of the Body of Christ. Key Scripture: 1Corinthians 12:1 12 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. ”Paul writes about spiritual gifts and the unity of the members of Christ in one body. John 12:32 32 And I, when I am lifted up[a] from the earth, will draw all people to myself What does John 12:32 mean? [⇑ See verse text ⇑] The expression "lifted up" is a metaphor for crucifixion—a fate Jesus will be experiencing very soon (John 12:23–24). This is something Christ alluded to when speaking with Nicodemus (John 3:14). There, Jesus referenced an incident from Numbers 21:4–9. The people of Israel were suffering from a self-inflicted plague, and could only be saved by looking to a bronze serpent held up on a pole. That moment foreshadowed the concept of salvation by grace through faith, with the eventual Messiah as the one "lifted up" for others to look to and be saved.
This act of being "lifted up" will "draw all men to [Christ]." The context of this "drawing" is the conversation Jesus is having with a crowd in Jerusalem (John 12:20–22). The people had mixed reactions to an overt voice from heaven (John 12:28–29). Jesus pointed out that such events were meant for their own good (John 12:30), as signs to point them to the truth (John 20:30–31). The message of the gospel, focused on Christ's death and resurrection, is one that "calls" to all people (John 6:35; 40). Unfortunately, not all will respond (John 6:44).
The aftermath of Jesus' death proves the literal truth of the words "all men." He will be executed under a placard sarcastically proclaiming Him as king in multiple languages (John 19:20). His death will shake the worldview of a pagan soldier (Mark 15:39), witnessed by both followers and enemies (Mark 15:29–32; John 19:25). He will die in between thieves (Matthew 27:38), only one of whom will believe (Luke 22:39–43). His body will be attended to by both loyal disciples and secret followers—those of both low and high class (Matthew 27:57–61). Women will be the first to learn of His resurrection (Mark 16:1–6). Gentiles will be converted (Acts 10:44–45). Hardened enemies will become missionaries (Acts 22:6–8). Social barriers will be broken (Galatians 3:28). In eternity, those redeemed by Christ will included members of "every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages" (Revelation 7:9).
30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up[g] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. Worship and Spiritual Gifts. The author talks about Moses and the people praising God after being delivered from slavery. Moses had spiritual gifts which aided in their Exodus. Only God can give spiritual gifts. “Worship , Evangelism and the Maintenance of the Body of Christ” I loved when Author spoke about Acts 16:25-34 six step process of worship that leads to evangelism when Paul and Silas were inside inner prison hands and feet bound singing praises. . Devoted followers of Christ in prison for casting a demon out of a young girl. pg. 84-85. Author said our worship personalities reflect true issues of the heart. Pg,98 In our songs we need to be controlled by the spiritual “ regulator,” the word of God pg. 94 What is important is not the way we worship, rather it is the One we worship- Intent. Sing to God, Minister to God and he ministers to us.-motive. Holy motives. Do everything in the name of Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father trough Him.
Stephanie Tucker Reflections on Chapters 7-8 September 5, 2021
In all of my reading of the miracle at the Red Sea, it never dawned on me that God not only used that incident to show his might and who He really is, but He also used it to create a worship experience. Yes, I know they praised after witnessing the demise of the Egyptian army but it never dawned on me that God was providing, creating an opportunity for worship. After this event, the Levites were designated; a worship tent was erected and Moses also reminded God’s children to always trust and obey God. The Song of Moses became the oldest recorded song in the world and completely reflected on His goodness and who He is. They had a first-hand testimony of the hand of God at work in a mighty way!
I can only imagine that when Moses was a child being raised in Pharoah’s palace, this was not at all perceived in his mind. Even as he fled to the desert to hide, this was not perceived. Moreover, even as God was speaking to him through the burning bush, Moses still could not perceive how God was equipping him to fulfill such an unimaginable mission. But God prepared Moses with everything that was needed and proved himself to be His strength throughout his entire life.
This reading has made me consciously consider how I am being equipped to fulfill the plan God has for me and I am praising Him already for what is to come!
Stephanie Tucker Reflections on Chapters 9-10 September 5, 2021
Studying chapters 9-10 made me reflect on my own children who are all between the ages of 28-34. I raised all of my children at Hopewell and they are well versed in the teachings at The Well. The divide comes in with the generational divide. They enjoy listening to Papa Sheals but don’t so much care for the choir, with the exception of a few songs. My youngest doesn’t care for the youth choir, whereas, my oldest doesn’t care for the men’s choir. My middle child is indifferent and I haven’t seen any of them openly express praises to God. Although I know they all have received Christ as their savior, I often wonder about the depth of their relationship with Him. They read and know Bible scriptures but prefer home Bible discussions over corporate settings. Hopewell has lost quite a few young adults (18-30 yr. olds) over the years to other, more “engaging” churches. Most of them say they don’t feel connected at The Well. But there is a remnant that remains that continues to speak God’s Word through exaltation in praise and worship. It gives me hope that the hymns of old won’t die away, that the words of those songs won’t lose their message of the Cross.
Many of today’s churches have “watered down” the message of the Gospel in order to retain congregants but as Apostle Paul reminds us in the Colossians 3:16, we are to “let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly. . . and sing with grace in [our] hearts to the Lord.” We can’t expect this younger generation to experience conviction, surrender and transformation without being the example of these three. As the book reminds us, we are being watched, observed, just as the disciples were. Every aspect of how we conduct ourselves in church and outside of church should exemplify Christ and preach God’s Word, even without speaking. God is consistent with us. How can we not be consistent with the gift(s) He has blessed us with. It is our responsibility as stewards of the gifts to let our actions speak before we do and in that speaking, let Christ be evident. That is how we win even this younger generation: exemplify, listen, minister and nurture. If our motives are pure, the Holy Spirit will do the work through us.
Stephanie Tucker Reflections on 1 Cor. 12:1 September 5, 2021
It seems that everyone wants a spiritual gift but not everyone has a clear understanding of such. People are intrigued by the very thought of the possibility of having a spiritual gift but often fall short in recognizing the power of the Holy Spirit working in them to bring the Gift to life. Talent and skills are often confused with Gifts and end of making them all one in the same. The main difference, however, is that first, the Gift comes from God. Secondly, it is cultivated, guided, directed by the Holy Spirit that indwells us. Thirdly, it is ALWAYS supposed to be used to glorify God!
The soothsayers and spiritists wanted to claim special abilities to give the appearance of power. The Sadducees and Pharisees wanted to give the appearance of Godliness to maintain control. What these two groups have in common is deception and false prophets/teachers. Their motives were not of God, rendering themselves unfruitful and not Spirit-led or Spirit-filled. This scripture wants us to clearly understand that these are things we must be aware of when spiritual Gifts have been administered to us. Some may have the gift of discernment, some may have the gift of prophecy, some may have the gift of administration. But if we do not have Godly motives, we will fail every time in the use of the Gift.
God’s Word tells us in 1 Cor. 12:11, “But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as He wills.” In our hunger for spiritual Gifts, we must learn to be content with what has been distributed unto each of us and rejoice for what has been given to another. Contentment does not mean complacency! Content means you recognize the greater work taking place in you and you daily seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to “stir up the Gift” according to the will of God. Everyone isn’t meant to pastor. Everyone isn’t meant to heal. Everyone isn’t meant to prophesy. The Gift that is at work in each of us should be nurtured and we should always be watching and listening carefully for those who claim to be gifted but are not.
Stephanie Tucker Reflections on John 12:32 September 5, 2021
Often when I hear people reference this scripture, they are using it in the context of evangelism – lifting Him up by sharing His Word. But, when you really pay attention to this scripture, you will see that Jesus is referring to His time ending on the Earth. He is conveying to these listeners that He will die. He spoke directly to His Father and requested to be glorified. The Father responded directly to Him in the presence of witnesses. Sadly, the message left the witnesses confused when hearing the voice of God and doubting the message from Christ of his impending crucifixion. Imagine standing in the presence of Jesus and directly witnessing a conversation between Him and God. Imagine putting all your hope on a self-perceived Messiah while totally missing the actual Messiah and His message to you.
This was a mission that had to be fulfilled. They were so short-sighted in not recognizing Jesus for who He truly was – their Savior! He didn’t come to overthrow the government. He didn’t come to abolish the law. He didn’t come to physical ruler. He came to die in order that we might be saved and they missed it! Their ideology got in the way. Their agenda got in the way. Their short-sighted notions got in the way and they missed the truth of His words: He would be lifted up and as a result, His “lifting up” would consequently draw all unto Him.
What an amazing message to hear first-hand! To stand in the presence of the one who would save you from eternal separation from the Father should be a humbling, convicting experience rather than a debated one. That should make you break out in worship all by itself.
Part1 “Worship and Spiritual Gifts” “Worship, Evangelism, and the Maintenance of the Body of Christ” I Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Life seems to place obstacles in our path that sometimes seem impossible to over come. It is during these times we must remain focused and acknowledge that God has the power to carry us through, to the other side of our troubles. Worship is a lifestyle, so that means that in good times and bad, we continue to worship God; Jehovah Nissi, our provider. Chapter 7 explores the life of Moses, whose life had several challenges. As an infant, his mother, had to hide him, he was raised by the Kings daughter; he grew up in royalty. His life’s experience at court, as a member of the royal household prepared him for the purpose for which God saved him; to lead his people to freedom. The bible doesn’t tell us when Moses found out he was not an Egyptian, but when he was 40 he went to visit his brothers. (Exodus 2:11 and Acts 7:23) So imagine he grew up owning his people as slaves and treating them as such. This was a humbling experience. He even killed an Egyptian who was abusing an Israelite. Because of his actions, he lost his standing as a member of the Royal household. Hebrew 11:24 says that when he was grown, he refused to be called the son of the Pharoah’s daughter. The King even sought to have him killed and he escaped to Midian and lived in exile. Moses was truly humbled. A.W. Tozer writes “The man who has not been humbled in the presence of God will never be a worshiper of God at all. All that time spent living a privileged life was not for naught. God prepared him for worship. He revealed himself to Moses (burning bush). Moses’ response was to worship. God Spoke to Moses and Moses Listened. Although Moses was taught as member of the Royal Family, he was not the most articulate person told Moses what he wanted him to do, and say, Moses reminded God that he was “slow of mouth and slow of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10) God chose him anyway and provided him a mouthpiece, in his brother Aaron. God gave Moses gifts of discernment, confidence and wisdom to accomplish God’s good purpose. (Philippians 2:13) At every opportunity Moses worshipped. Moses’ experience reminds us that we must walk by Faith and continue to worship God. Think about what he has brought you through, and how he has brought you through it, to the point that you are today, and give thanks.
Part2 “Worship and Spiritual Gifts” “Worship, Evangelism, and the Maintenance of the Body of Christ” I Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Chapter 7 and 8 talked about the Israelites being an enslaved people who God delivered. Chapter 9 expands on that thought and addresses the issue of our being enslaved to patterns of sin. The scripture at John 8:32 where it says, “you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free”. In Teen Discipleship we are studying the Disciples Cross and the importance of staying in the word and obeying God. Keep in mind 4 students have learning challenges, but asked “make us free from what Ms. Mona?” So, of course the study took on a life of its own discussing freedom. Chapter 9 tells us that “the secret to freedom from enslaving patterns of sin is worship.” Jesus’ sacrifice was to redeem our sins and make it possible for us to restore our relationship with God. Sin separates us from God. Our worship involves our telling others about the redemption that is available to them, evangelizing. Remember, we worship and evangelize at all times. Paul and Silas evangelized, while they were in prison; first they worshipped. They prayed and sang praises to the Lord. God responded and the earth shook and all of the “doors of the prison were open and their chains were broken.” They even had an opportunity to witness to the prison guard. Jesus says in John 12:32 that “If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me.” Surely Paul and Silas were blessed to experience an immediate manifestation of the presence of God. We want to remember that our gifts are for the glory of God, and we should always use them to lift up and praise and worship God. Chapter 10 really provides a sound format for a worship ministry to meet the needs of the people. First focus on Gods Message by making sure the music is based in God’s word. Second the music should be a tool for biblical instruction and training. It should be more than entertainment. Third, we should focus on holy or sanctified music, songs about God to God. Fourth, we should maintain a servant’s disposition. Fifth we want to be governed by holy motives and not selfish ambition, remembering that our musical talents are gifts from God.
September 5, 2021
ReplyDeleteExalt His Name Understanding music and Worship Book 1
Chapters 7-8; 9-10
KWU59
Theme: Worship and Spiritual Gifts” “Worship ,”Worshp, Evangellism, and the maintenance of the Body of Christ.
Key Scripture: 1Corinthians 12:1
12 Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.
”Paul writes about spiritual gifts and the unity of the members of Christ in one body.
John 12:32
32 And I, when I am lifted up[a] from the earth, will draw all people to myself What does John 12:32 mean? [⇑ See verse text ⇑]
The expression "lifted up" is a metaphor for crucifixion—a fate Jesus will be experiencing very soon (John 12:23–24). This is something Christ alluded to when speaking with Nicodemus (John 3:14). There, Jesus referenced an incident from Numbers 21:4–9. The people of Israel were suffering from a self-inflicted plague, and could only be saved by looking to a bronze serpent held up on a pole. That moment foreshadowed the concept of salvation by grace through faith, with the eventual Messiah as the one "lifted up" for others to look to and be saved.
This act of being "lifted up" will "draw all men to [Christ]." The context of this "drawing" is the conversation Jesus is having with a crowd in Jerusalem (John 12:20–22). The people had mixed reactions to an overt voice from heaven (John 12:28–29). Jesus pointed out that such events were meant for their own good (John 12:30), as signs to point them to the truth (John 20:30–31). The message of the gospel, focused on Christ's death and resurrection, is one that "calls" to all people (John 6:35; 40). Unfortunately, not all will respond (John 6:44).
The aftermath of Jesus' death proves the literal truth of the words "all men." He will be executed under a placard sarcastically proclaiming Him as king in multiple languages (John 19:20). His death will shake the worldview of a pagan soldier (Mark 15:39), witnessed by both followers and enemies (Mark 15:29–32; John 19:25). He will die in between thieves (Matthew 27:38), only one of whom will believe (Luke 22:39–43). His body will be attended to by both loyal disciples and secret followers—those of both low and high class (Matthew 27:57–61). Women will be the first to learn of His resurrection (Mark 16:1–6). Gentiles will be converted (Acts 10:44–45). Hardened enemies will become missionaries (Acts 22:6–8). Social barriers will be broken (Galatians 3:28). In eternity, those redeemed by Christ will included members of "every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages" (Revelation 7:9).
30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up[g] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
Worship and Spiritual Gifts. The author talks about Moses and the people praising God after being delivered from slavery. Moses had spiritual gifts which aided in their Exodus. Only God can give spiritual gifts.
“Worship , Evangelism and the Maintenance of the Body of Christ” I loved when Author spoke about Acts 16:25-34 six step process of worship that leads to evangelism when Paul and Silas were inside inner prison hands and feet bound singing praises. . Devoted followers of Christ in prison for casting a demon out of a young girl. pg. 84-85. Author said our worship personalities reflect true issues of the heart. Pg,98 In our songs we need to be controlled by the spiritual “ regulator,” the word of God pg. 94 What is important is not the way we worship, rather it is the One we worship- Intent. Sing to God, Minister to God and he ministers to us.-motive. Holy motives. Do everything in the name of Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father trough Him.
Stephanie Tucker
ReplyDeleteReflections on Chapters 7-8
September 5, 2021
In all of my reading of the miracle at the Red Sea, it never dawned on me that God not only used that incident to show his might and who He really is, but He also used it to create a worship experience. Yes, I know they praised after witnessing the demise of the Egyptian army but it never dawned on me that God was providing, creating an opportunity for worship. After this event, the Levites were designated; a worship tent was erected and Moses also reminded God’s children to always trust and obey God. The Song of Moses became the oldest recorded song in the world and completely reflected on His goodness and who He is. They had a first-hand testimony of the hand of God at work in a mighty way!
I can only imagine that when Moses was a child being raised in Pharoah’s palace, this was not at all perceived in his mind. Even as he fled to the desert to hide, this was not perceived. Moreover, even as God was speaking to him through the burning bush, Moses still could not perceive how God was equipping him to fulfill such an unimaginable mission. But God prepared Moses with everything that was needed and proved himself to be His strength throughout his entire life.
This reading has made me consciously consider how I am being equipped to fulfill the plan God has for me and I am praising Him already for what is to come!
Stephanie Tucker
ReplyDeleteReflections on Chapters 9-10
September 5, 2021
Studying chapters 9-10 made me reflect on my own children who are all between the ages of 28-34. I raised all of my children at Hopewell and they are well versed in the teachings at The Well. The divide comes in with the generational divide. They enjoy listening to Papa Sheals but don’t so much care for the choir, with the exception of a few songs. My youngest doesn’t care for the youth choir, whereas, my oldest doesn’t care for the men’s choir. My middle child is indifferent and I haven’t seen any of them openly express praises to God. Although I know they all have received Christ as their savior, I often wonder about the depth of their relationship with Him. They read and know Bible scriptures but prefer home Bible discussions over corporate settings.
Hopewell has lost quite a few young adults (18-30 yr. olds) over the years to other, more “engaging” churches. Most of them say they don’t feel connected at The Well. But there is a remnant that remains that continues to speak God’s Word through exaltation in praise and worship. It gives me hope that the hymns of old won’t die away, that the words of those songs won’t lose their message of the Cross.
Many of today’s churches have “watered down” the message of the Gospel in order to retain congregants but as Apostle Paul reminds us in the Colossians 3:16, we are to “let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly. . . and sing with grace in [our] hearts to the Lord.” We can’t expect this younger generation to experience conviction, surrender and transformation without being the example of these three. As the book reminds us, we are being watched, observed, just as the disciples were. Every aspect of how we conduct ourselves in church and outside of church should exemplify Christ and preach God’s Word, even without speaking. God is consistent with us. How can we not be consistent with the gift(s) He has blessed us with. It is our responsibility as stewards of the gifts to let our actions speak before we do and in that speaking, let Christ be evident. That is how we win even this younger generation: exemplify, listen, minister and nurture. If our motives are pure, the Holy Spirit will do the work through us.
Stephanie Tucker
ReplyDeleteReflections on 1 Cor. 12:1
September 5, 2021
It seems that everyone wants a spiritual gift but not everyone has a clear understanding of such. People are intrigued by the very thought of the possibility of having a spiritual gift but often fall short in recognizing the power of the Holy Spirit working in them to bring the Gift to life. Talent and skills are often confused with Gifts and end of making them all one in the same. The main difference, however, is that first, the Gift comes from God. Secondly, it is cultivated, guided, directed by the Holy Spirit that indwells us. Thirdly, it is ALWAYS supposed to be used to glorify God!
The soothsayers and spiritists wanted to claim special abilities to give the appearance of power. The Sadducees and Pharisees wanted to give the appearance of Godliness to maintain control. What these two groups have in common is deception and false prophets/teachers. Their motives were not of God, rendering themselves unfruitful and not Spirit-led or Spirit-filled.
This scripture wants us to clearly understand that these are things we must be aware of when spiritual Gifts have been administered to us. Some may have the gift of discernment, some may have the gift of prophecy, some may have the gift of administration. But if we do not have Godly motives, we will fail every time in the use of the Gift.
God’s Word tells us in 1 Cor. 12:11, “But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as He wills.” In our hunger for spiritual Gifts, we must learn to be content with what has been distributed unto each of us and rejoice for what has been given to another. Contentment does not mean complacency! Content means you recognize the greater work taking place in you and you daily seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to “stir up the Gift” according to the will of God. Everyone isn’t meant to pastor. Everyone isn’t meant to heal. Everyone isn’t meant to prophesy. The Gift that is at work in each of us should be nurtured and we should always be watching and listening carefully for those who claim to be gifted but are not.
Stephanie Tucker
ReplyDeleteReflections on John 12:32
September 5, 2021
Often when I hear people reference this scripture, they are using it in the context of evangelism – lifting Him up by sharing His Word. But, when you really pay attention to this scripture, you will see that Jesus is referring to His time ending on the Earth. He is conveying to these listeners that He will die. He spoke directly to His Father and requested to be glorified. The Father responded directly to Him in the presence of witnesses. Sadly, the message left the witnesses confused when hearing the voice of God and doubting the message from Christ of his impending crucifixion. Imagine standing in the presence of Jesus and directly witnessing a conversation between Him and God. Imagine putting all your hope on a self-perceived Messiah while totally missing the actual Messiah and His message to you.
This was a mission that had to be fulfilled. They were so short-sighted in not recognizing Jesus for who He truly was – their Savior! He didn’t come to overthrow the government. He didn’t come to abolish the law. He didn’t come to physical ruler. He came to die in order that we might be saved and they missed it! Their ideology got in the way. Their agenda got in the way. Their short-sighted notions got in the way and they missed the truth of His words: He would be lifted up and as a result, His “lifting up” would consequently draw all unto Him.
What an amazing message to hear first-hand! To stand in the presence of the one who would save you from eternal separation from the Father should be a humbling, convicting experience rather than a debated one. That should make you break out in worship all by itself.
Part1
ReplyDelete“Worship and Spiritual Gifts”
“Worship, Evangelism, and the Maintenance of the Body of Christ”
I Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Life seems to place obstacles in our path that sometimes seem impossible to over come. It is during these times we must remain focused and acknowledge that God has the power to carry us through, to the other side of our troubles. Worship is a lifestyle, so that means that in good times and bad, we continue to worship God; Jehovah Nissi, our provider. Chapter 7 explores the life of Moses, whose life had several challenges. As an infant, his mother, had to hide him, he was raised by the Kings daughter; he grew up in royalty. His life’s experience at court, as a member of the royal household prepared him for the purpose for which God saved him; to lead his people to freedom.
The bible doesn’t tell us when Moses found out he was not an Egyptian, but when he was 40 he went to visit his brothers. (Exodus 2:11 and Acts 7:23) So imagine he grew up owning his people as slaves and treating them as such. This was a humbling experience. He even killed an Egyptian who was abusing an Israelite. Because of his actions, he lost his standing as a member of the Royal household. Hebrew 11:24 says that when he was grown, he refused to be called the son of the Pharoah’s daughter. The King even sought to have him killed and he escaped to Midian and lived in exile. Moses was truly humbled. A.W. Tozer writes “The man who has not been humbled in the presence of God will never be a worshiper of God at all.
All that time spent living a privileged life was not for naught. God prepared him for worship. He revealed himself to Moses (burning bush). Moses’ response was to worship. God Spoke to Moses and Moses Listened. Although Moses was taught as member of the Royal Family, he was not the most articulate person told Moses what he wanted him to do, and say, Moses reminded God that he was “slow of mouth and slow of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10) God chose him anyway and provided him a mouthpiece, in his brother Aaron. God gave Moses gifts of discernment, confidence and wisdom to accomplish God’s good purpose. (Philippians 2:13)
At every opportunity Moses worshipped. Moses’ experience reminds us that we must walk by Faith and continue to worship God. Think about what he has brought you through, and how he has brought you through it, to the point that you are today, and give thanks.
Part2
ReplyDelete“Worship and Spiritual Gifts”
“Worship, Evangelism, and the Maintenance of the Body of Christ”
I Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Chapter 7 and 8 talked about the Israelites being an enslaved people who God delivered. Chapter 9 expands on that thought and addresses the issue of our being enslaved to patterns of sin. The scripture at John 8:32 where it says, “you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free”. In Teen Discipleship we are studying the Disciples Cross and the importance of staying in the word and obeying God. Keep in mind 4 students have learning challenges, but asked “make us free from what Ms. Mona?” So, of course the study took on a life of its own discussing freedom. Chapter 9 tells us that “the secret to freedom from enslaving patterns of sin is worship.”
Jesus’ sacrifice was to redeem our sins and make it possible for us to restore our relationship with God. Sin separates us from God. Our worship involves our telling others about the redemption that is available to them, evangelizing. Remember, we worship and evangelize at all times. Paul and Silas evangelized, while they were in prison; first they worshipped. They prayed and sang praises to the Lord. God responded and the earth shook and all of the “doors of the prison were open and their chains were broken.” They even had an opportunity to witness to the prison guard. Jesus says in John 12:32 that “If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me.” Surely Paul and Silas were blessed to experience an immediate manifestation of the presence of God. We want to remember that our gifts are for the glory of God, and we should always use them to lift up and praise and worship God.
Chapter 10 really provides a sound format for a worship ministry to meet the needs of the people. First focus on Gods Message by making sure the music is based in God’s word. Second the music should be a tool for biblical instruction and training. It should be more than entertainment. Third, we should focus on holy or sanctified music, songs about God to God. Fourth, we should maintain a servant’s disposition. Fifth we want to be governed by holy motives and not selfish ambition, remembering that our musical talents are gifts from God.