Matt Bennett » worship

Called to Worship – Vernon M. Whaley

Matt — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:50:52 +0000

Called to Worship

In ‘Called to Worship,’ Vernon Whaley takes the reader through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation examining key concepts of true worship. This book shows how central worship is to every aspect of our lives and that principles of authentic worship are found throughout the Scriptures. This is a timely book, as today the term worship conjures images of musical styles, emotionalism and methodology, whereas worship ought to call to mind the greatness of God.

This book challenged me to examine the length and breadth of the Bible for principles of worship. While this sounds like a long and daunting task, Whaley’s conversational and authentic writing style made it feel like an adventure rather than a chore. Throughout the book, I was inspired to hear the Bible as a call for all creation to enter into a worshipful relationship with our loving, holy Creator.

This book has the depth to satisfy the desire of students and teachers for a reliable and thorough text on worship, yet expresses these deep truths in such a practical way that anyone interested in seeing growth in their worship life will find encouragement in its pages.

When Does Worship End?

Matt — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:23:30 +0000

Almost every morning I go on a bike ride through the woods near my home. As I ride I listen to either an audio book, a podcast or some worship music on my mp3 player. This morning I was praying while listening to Deluge’s new worship album (which is phenomenal!). My mind and heart were becoming totally focused on God, which is a beautiful thing. But this beautiful moment came to a sudden stop. Why? Because I got distracted. I was not distracted by the beautiful scenery, or the wild birds and rabbits. These rather focused my thoughts on God. I was distracted by something within, by my own thoughts. As I was becoming totally focused on God the thought entered my mind that I was really praying well. And the moment was gone.

This made me think, when does worship end? The singing of worship songs at church may end at a certain point, but often worship ends before the singing, if it ever really began. So when does true worship end?

Worship ends when I think about me. This is introspection, not worship.

Worship ends when I think about the music. This is evaluation, not worship.

Worship ends when I think about the past. This is reflection, not worship.

Worship ends when I think about the future. This is expectation, not worship.

As long as you notice, and have to count, the steps, you are not yet dancing but only learning to dance. A good shoe is a shoe you don’t notice. Good reading becomes possible when you need not consciously think about the eyes, or light, or print, or spelling. The perfect church service would be one we were almost unaware of; our attention would have been on God. – C. S. Lewis

The Body of Christ

Matt — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:31:46 +0000

Since the ascension, Christ’s place on earth has been taken by His body, the Church. The Church is the real presence of Christ. Once we have realized this truth we are well on the way to recovering an aspect of the church’s being which has been sadly neglected in the past. We should think of the church not as an institution but as a person, though of course a person in a unique sense.

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

What is Worship About?

Matt — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:39:15 +0000

It isn’t about music.

It isn’t about becoming “contemporary.”

It isn’t about cultural awareness.

It isn’t about being “cool,” “hip,” or “with it.”

It isn’t about misty-eyed intimacy with God.

It isn’t about theological accuracy about God. But…

It’s about the formation of hearts in the presence of God.

It’s about the formation of disciples who know Him through being with Him.

It’s about the transforming work the Holy Spirit achieves when pure worship occurs.

And it’s about preparation for the last battle.

- Jack Hayford