Training and Resources

What is Worship?

Worship is the active and intentional expression of love, reverence, and adoration for God, deeply rooted in biblical principles and practices. It is not merely an act but a lifestyle that reflects the believer’s alignment with God’s will, fostering spiritual growth and communion with Him. Through a variety of insightful works, worship can be understood in a richer and more nuanced way, each book offering a unique perspective on this vital aspect of Christian living.

Grounded in Scripture

Worship is grounded in Scripture, where God's revelation of Himself and His will forms the foundation for how we approach Him. True worship must be God-centered, aligning with biblical teachings and serving as a response to God's character and actions. As believers engage in worship, they are transformed, being conformed more into the image of Christ. This transformative process realigns the believer’s heart and mind with God’s glory, fostering spiritual maturity and sanctification.

True Worship Exalts Jesus Christ

Worship is also an encounter with the living God, going beyond outward rituals to engage believers in a profound spiritual experience. In worship, believers experience God's presence, which brings renewal, conviction, and encouragement, reorienting their priorities, affections, and desires toward God. True worship exalts Jesus Christ, celebrating His redemptive work on the cross and His resurrection. Christ must remain at the core of worship, recognizing that it is through Him that believers have access to God and can offer acceptable worship.

God's Redemptive Plan

Worship also connects believers with the grand narrative of God’s redemptive plan, from creation to consummation. It is a means of recalling and celebrating the hope of glory that believers have in Christ, helping them to live in light of eternity. Discernment is essential in worship, particularly in the choices of music and other forms of expression. Worship should reflect the holiness and majesty of God, requiring careful consideration to ensure it remains aesthetically and theologically sound.

In contemporary settings, worship must resist trends that prioritize entertainment and personal preference over biblical fidelity. It should remain reverent, theologically rich, and focused on God, honoring both His transcendence and immanence. Worship is not merely about the emotions or preferences of the worshiper but about glorifying God in a manner that is biblically grounded and spiritually edifying.

Vital to the Christian Life

Worship is a vital and multifaceted practice central to the Christian life. It goes beyond mere rituals, being deeply rooted in Scripture, centered on Christ, and transformative in its effect on the believer. Worship aligns the heart and mind with God's will, offering a foretaste of the glory to come, while calling for discernment in its contemporary expressions. Through worship, believers are drawn closer to God, growing in their love, reverence, and obedience to Him.