I hope you are becoming very familiar with this mission statement. It is our reason for existing as a church. In the pastor’s column, for the next few weeks we will look at each of the three directions in that statement. For today, let’s talk about loving upward.
“Loving upward” is another way of saying “loving God.” One of the primary ways the church expresses its love for God is through corporate worship. Simply stated our worship gatherings are celebrations of who God is and what He has done for us. Consider this example from Psalm 116: “I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.” Later in the psalm, the psalmist twice said that he would express his love for God “in the presence of all His people.” This is the heart of why we come together as a church family to worship. God, out of His great love for us, has redeemed us. So we come together to express our love for Him with others who share the same story.
Paul provides some life instruction in Colossians 3:16-17 that speaks to the heart of worship: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” What can we learn from this about worship?
- Worship is to be centered on the word of God.
- We are to be taught and instructed from God’s word in worship.
- With thankful hearts we are to sing God’s word through hymns and songs.
- It’s all about Him!
Jesus said (John 4:23) that the Father is seeking true worshipers. Here are some practical ways you can be counted in that group:
- Make worship a priority. Plan to be here.
- Be ready to worship. Get plenty of rest Saturday night.
- Come with a thankful heart.
- Worship with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. Be careful not to become distracted by insignificant things.
- Expect God to speak to you.
- Do what He says.
Looking forward to Sunday worship with you!
Eddie Turner