I recently attended a church service for the first time, and couldn't help but notice the loud proclamations from the pastor and others during and after songs. They said things like "Praise God," "Praise Jesus," "God is Awesome" in loud voices for all to hear. I in no way oppose any of these messages, but as far as I know, this whole "song and dance" known as "Praise and Worship" by regular church goers seems to conflict with Matthew 6:1-7. They may mean well in their hearts, but it seems that these public displays in church, (aka these phrases constantly uttered, tithing plate, etc) are to be kept secret, as far as I understand, not to be seen by people. Can anyone show me scripture that states that God wants people to pray/worship collectively? By commanding people to worship, it doesn't necessarily mean "together" because then all can see eachother's pious acts. Also consider John 4:23-24. Thanks in advance!
2007-09-04 15:32:47 · 4 answers · asked by Paul P 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
After reading the recommended verses, I don't see the connection in them to public worship. They speak of assembling, which could be socializing with other Christians, hearing a sermon, etc. In The Acts, I did see a mention of a lame man who rose to walk with John and Peter, and as a result began praising God.....and I have also seen parts of the Bible where people ask something collectively, but not people blurting out praises together. I don't mean to say that there exists no evidence to support worship in front of groups of people, but I have trouble finding harmony between that and the verses I mentioned earlier. I thank those who have responded thus far.
2007-09-06 06:14:17 · update #1
We are told to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Heb. 10:25
Christians were instructed how to properly partake of the Lord's Supper in 1 Cor. 11:7-34, WHEN they came together to worship.
If you will read the book of Acts, you'll find that the early Christians came together daily to worship God together. They didn't wait and just meet once a week like so many today do.
The New Testament is full of examples of Christians coming together to worship, as well as guidelines for worship. Singing, preaching, giving, and ministering to others is taught in detail.
Corporate worship is found all over the place. Get a good Bible concordance and search for yourself.
2007-09-05 08:24:40 · answer #1 · answered by delmaanna67 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Worshiping together fits with Heb 10:25, Acts 20:7, 1 Cor 14, 1 Cor 11 (and other places where it talks about the Lord's supper.
I agree with you that there is no room for excessive piety, and public displays that seem to be more about showing off than worshiping in spirit and in truth.
So your comments would lead to a worship that is:
- focused on the word of God, not people
- simple and non extravagant
A few suggestions might be:
- do away with the band or fancy choirs. (Everyone can sing with simple accommodation)
- have closed collection bags rather than plates.
- have the kids join in as soon as possible in the main worship service
- No powerpoint, fancy graphics, trite slogans, just the simple preaching of the word of God
- Focus on acts of worship: reading God's word, prayer, singing, preaching, sacraments, alms.
Now I am not saying all those things are bad in and of themselves. And I have a hard time to go as far as a hardnosed Regulative Principle (remove everything from worship which isn't commanded by name in Scripture, ie. no organ, piano, new songs, etc.) What I am saying is tha it is wise to remove anything which distracts from simple obedient worship.
2007-09-05 08:10:06 · answer #2 · answered by Gerrit B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Matthew 6:1-7 teaches about personal prayer and worship being private. It does not teach about group prayer and worship.
John 4:23-24 talks about people who worship in Spirit and truth. It does not specify privately or in groups.
Group prayer and worship is modeled over and over again throughout the Old and New Testaments.
The angels prayed and worshiped together at the birth of Jesus Christ.
Jesus himself went to the Temple or synagogue every Sabbath to participate in group prayer and worship.
Jesus also prayed before meals in groups and in public.
In Acts, the young Church gathered on the first day of the week (Sunday) for Eucharist, prayer, and worship.
With love in Christ.
2007-09-06 16:23:24 · answer #3 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At Revelation 3:12 Jesus addresses his Father as "my God" four times. If he was the second person of the Godhead, this language would be entirely inappropriate and nonsensical. At 1 Corinthians 15:24 Jesus hands over the kingdom to his "God and Father." Both of these scriptures are like the rock that struck down Goliath.
2016-05-17 04:29:19 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋