Where Is The Purest Worship On Earth?

If you’re reading this as a church leader or anyone who has a pulse on modern events in the Faith, you know the culture of Christian worship is trending toward movements, events, conferences, recording labels, and others means, which appear the “best” expressions of Christian worship. While collective projects of music, often called “worship”, are ever-growing, I’m drawn to ask: 1. Why are trends moving outward, away form the local church, instead of inward? and 2. Does God even care?

There is a biblical vision for the purest worship on earth. Jesus said the Father desires worship that is not in one particular place (Jn 4:21-24), yet he setup a kingdom that would extend to real locations (Matt 28:18-20) So where exactly is this place??

The Heart

As Jesus pursued the woman at the well, he explained that true worship, sought by the Father, was in a format and posture of spirit and truth. True worship flows from Jesus, our entry to the real presence and throne of God. Through him, our access, we have a truth-trove of God’s character and defined identity as his people. This informs our approach and expectation before God as we adore, confess, and praise. Pure worship begins in our hearts. Without grace to behold the beauty of Jesus in our hearts, there is no highway of praise (Ps 68:4; Is 35:8) and there is no desire for approach him on his terms.

A Real Location

Jesus emphasized the universal nature of worship. The apostle Paul spoke of worship transcending human performance (Phil 3:3). Yet the vision of Christ for his Church included establishing communities (or particular societies), in which we see patterns for appropriate worship gatherings. Not only do we see baptism and the Lord’s Supper as standards for a gathered Christian community, we also read of instructions for scriptural singing, the public reading of scripture, prayer, teaching, and a pattern of learning doctrine. The New Testament teaches us that pure worship is not only in the heart, but also in your local church. The rhythm of gathering as disciples is the richest soil you and I can grow in and the very place God intends for his worship. While we can worship God anywhere, we are also to worship God somewhere particular and together. While we can worship outside the local gathering, the purest norm is inside that assembly.

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

– Colossians 2:2-3

There are so many ministries available to us today that offer elements of Christian worship. But as we feel the pull to gravitate away from normal rhythms inside our Christian community (the local church), may we be refreshed by worship formatted and located where God would have us. Our growth as disciples and his glory (in the process) cannot be replaced. May he be praised where he has you planted!

Should We Incorporate That?: How to Avoid Compromise In Worship

Psalm 29:2

“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name”

Psalm 29 ends with a gathering of worship. The psalm models worship for believers. It teaches us that the central function of a church’s worship is to give glory to God alone. This means that we confess the true fame of God. Plainly, the worship of the church is about God’s “fame” unmixed with another fame. What does it mean to mix the glory of men, materialism, culture, or identities with God’s glory? Scripture is very clear that any mixture of glory is false-worship (1 Kings 12-14).

Proper worship of God confesses that his substance alone is worthy and that nothing can complement such glory.

The first commandment given at Sinai (“You shall have no other gods before me”) informs Who we worship and how we worship. Our worship is not to be mixed with the glory of another. Thomas Vincent gave a very concise explanation of what is forbidden in the first commandment when he wrote, “The first commandment forbiddeth denying… the giving of worship and glory to any other which is due to him alone.” Idolatry is not just worshiping a false god made of wood, clay, or stone. It is also the use or promotion of any alternative object alongside our worship. If there is one lesson we can learn from Old Testament worship, it is of God’s jealousy for fame in the midst of his people (Ex 20:5).

If we are going to worship God and make him the famous One, there are a few biblical steps we can take… and you can start that this Sunday with God’s people!

Give Them God’s Truth

The church gathering is unique, because it is a time where all exterior life is set aside so that God’s people can drink afresh from the ministry of the Word through prayers, singing, teaching, and sacraments. Pastor or worship leader, what you deliver is the truth of the God of the Bible. The elements of the gathering must tell of Who he truly is. All else will fall short of what is due. So give them God alone, which is only possible in the light of the Word of the Lord (1 Sam 3:21, John 17:17, 2 Cor 4:4-6, 1 Peter 1:23-25). The truths of the Bible are sufficient content for what we pray, sing, preach, etc.

Watch for Exterior Identities

Pressures from the glories of men have been and are at work in churches all over the world. These exterior identities can easily mix with the worship of God’s people, because at some level they may be who we are in the mundane life. However, as we’ve learned, to mix the moment and ascribe glory to something else is idolatry. God will not give his glory to another (Is 42:8). So ask yourself, is that song about God our country? Is that sermon about God or my best life? Is that approach elevating people based on status, race, or nationality? The identity of the church is found in the Lord Jesus (Rom 12:5). We were called to proclaim the excellencies of God alone (1 Pet 2:9). God loves culture, he uses nations, he made all kinds of people! But those lesser glories are not the content, substance, or focus of worship — we worship in His fame and for his fame.

The Gospel Guards from False Security

When the gospel motivates and guides worship, we ascribe the glory due his name. The root cause of mixing lesser glories with the glory of God is a lack of dependency — and that is a gospel-matter. I do not mean that’s a sign of one’s salvation, though it can be. Rather, when we live out gospel dependency on the solid righteous Rock, which is Jesus, we are sure, steady, stable, and safe. And when our worship is mixed with other glories than His, we eventually find those things let us down and cannot satisfy. Theories, nations, strategies, culture, trends, and man’s wisdom are false saviors. When God’s people walk out the gospel, they have one thing to boast and glory in: Him alone. “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!”

As we plan, pray, and execute the worship of God with his people, fill the hour with Him. May God give us grace to do so!

The Joy and Temptation of Singing New Songs

Psalm 98:1

Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

I remember when worship wars were about music style: drums or no drums, praise chorus or hymns, electric guitar?!. Thank God those days are over (mostly). Psalm 98:1 was often quoted by those “contemporary progressives” who thought a hymnal was a vestige of “dead religion”. Those days were silly and I am so thankful that many churches today understand the beauty of balance between where the church has been and where it is going in terms of musical selections for worship.

Psalm 98 is both an inspired part of the worship of ancient Israel and a command with the expectation of new songs of praise for God’s people. When we consider material for the church to sing, there’s a temptation to do what’s popular. But the psalm points us to a healthier process for choosing these new songs. Yes! The Bible gives us a guide for picking new songs. Let’s look at it together from the 98th Psalm:

New Songs

The planning and leading of our church’s worship is a sacred process. It is a very special and holy service to the church. So if you are that person responsible for the liturgy or any planning of your church service, take that very seriously! We have a privilege to introduce material that is new to the congregation. Sometimes that new song emphasizes what God has been doing in our church, or the season, or even to focus the church on the sermon text for the morning. Psalm 98:1 expects that we invite and incorporate new songs.

Be on the lookout for new songs, write them, co-write with a pastor or talented friend. New songs are a sign of a healthy church that is sensitive to the ongoing works of God among his people. It’s the outworking of the gospel from the heart of a thankful believer. I believe this is what the apostle Paul calls “spiritual songs” in Ephesians 5:19. He says this is the act of “singing and making melody from your heart to the Lord.”

But Not Just “New Stuff”

The biggest temptation in music ministry is to do songs, because they are new and popular. That is never a good reason to sing a new song. Ever.

The new song in Psalm 98:1 comes about because of the marvelous works of God. The material accords with the character of God and his works. Is that the current aim of new songs today? Poor grounding is likely why many were so obstinate to the contemporary worship movement. For somewhat good reason, some people were not wanting to trade biblically-sound singable material for a cool beat and 5 repeats of a chorus containing a total of four words. So ask yourself: is this new song rich in the telling of the character and work of God?

The temptation is always looming, especially when our favorite worship team or artist comes out with a new album and you fall in love with the material. In the latter part of Psalm 98:1, the psalm recalls the gospel-saturated reality of God’s salvation in power, holiness, strength, and sovereignty. If you can convey that with new material, then sing it! However, if you’re tempted to compromise on fulfilling these few expectations for congregational worship, then take the fruitful path from Colossians 3:16:

1. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly: the gospel and biblical narrative

2. Teaching and admonishing: does the material lend itself to teach and build up?

3. One another: can they participate or is it concert-level?

4. In all wisdom: does it bring the best solution? And does it point to Jesus: our wisdom?

5. Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs: the range of ways we can sing

6. With thankfulness in your hearts to God: will it be saturated in the truth so that God’s people are filled with gratitude and respond correctly for his glory?

Not To Us, O Lord

When I learned about wants versus needs, it radically shifted my expectations. Maybe that’s just adulting. When I learned God gives me what I need and I’m responsible to give him what he wants, it radically shifted my perspective. God has desires, he has preferences, and he does not ask us what we think about it (Isaiah 46; Romans 9:20). God has a plan that transcends our years, our millennium, and our wills. God has wants. This does not mean God has needs - he does not (Psalm 50). Simply, this is what it means to live to and for the glory of God.

Glory is an interesting word that Scripture uses to explain the existence of God (which we do not contribute to; John 5:26) and the fame of God by God and man in his creation (Psalm 86:12; Ephesians 1). This understanding is where we worship God rightly. Your life and my life will be so satisfying - soaked in peace and saturated in joy - when we live to give God what he wants.

This purpose, plan, destiny, will, want, etc. of God informs true worship. When I form things of worship into what I want and do not yield and obey what God wants, I am glorifying myself. As someone who has pursued the idea of worship, I’ve found the following things helpful, whether I’m worshipping by loving my wife well or leading a congregation in singing:

God is glorified in truth.

This sounds very obvious… but say it out loud. Apply it to anything. God is glorified in you when you treat your neighbor the way he has expressed in Scripture. God is glorified by our submission to the Spirit when he prompts us to detract from a slanderous conversation. God is glorified when we frame our liturgy and lyrics around biblical realities about who Christ is as God in flesh. God is glorified in us when we find our satisfaction in who he truly is and what he truly wants.

Tell people no..and yes.

Sometimes people have crazy ideas. Most of our ideas (uninformed by the Bible) are selfish. There’s a lot of pragmatic ideas out there. A 12 measure guitar solo is a cool idea. Whether I’m trying to be a godly friend or properly frame the service at our church to point to our great God, I should be willing to tell people their ideas may not actually glorify God and be healthiest for the moment (Philippians 4:8; Ephesians 4:29).

The local church is a medium God uses to shape us, help us, correct us, and reveal blind spots. One thing I’ve tried to live by: ask older and stable people (Job 12:12; Ephesians 5:15-16). God has been glorified through the advice of dear saints in Christ who care about ways to shape my life, our services, and even lyrics for the revealed and expressed glory of God! It is good and glorifying to God when we can hear from others. God always molds those moments where I’m humble enough to listen.

Let the Amen, Sound from his people again.

God is front and center of this cosmic drama of space and time. He calls us to see, believe, and confess that truth. Let us remind ourselves of of his worthy place as God, as Lord, as Savior, as Trinity. How often do we approach the instrument, the microphone, the pulpit, the dinner table, or the tough conversation without him and for something other than him? How often I forget that from him and through him and to him are all things. Our most glorious praise is that resounding “amen” to all he is doing to accomplish all that he wants.

Pray with me that God would show us ways that we’re trying to be the greatest revelation and steal attention meant for God. Lord, show us ways to worship you by glorifying you, making every breath about you. Let us say together, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory” (Psalm 115:1).

Should we use songs from those who have walked away from Christ?

Rapidly, the modern church was recently hit with two popular leaders walking away from the Christian faith. Over the past 3-4 years we have regularly heard of prominent leaders stepping into territory that is not Christian, “turn[ing] back and no longer follow[ing] Jesus.” (John 6:66)

How do we reconcile the past good with their post-Christian status? As a worship leader, I’ve struggled with what to do. Do I simply throw out the anthology and repertoires of material because the songs are tied to a church that now preaches another gospel? Should I toss all songs written by apostates? What do I do with all their past songs? We have to start asking and analyzing biblically:

Do the songs help us think on the truth?

First, we should always be concerned with singing what is true. Sometimes, songwriters just need a dictionary to understand what words mean. At all times, we need biblical truth. God expects us to give our churches information that unites and grows believers in the truth (Ephesians 4:1-16). Paul points out the need for truth and the shipwreck we make of ourselves apart from truth (1 Timothy 1:19).

What is the truth? The information God has given us about himself: The Bible. There is truth outside the Bible, such as physics etc., but the true knowledge of God for life is the great gift of Scripture. The authority of truth, especially in our churches, is biblical truth.

Were our experiences real? It’s right to struggle with if God actually used a broken or unregenerate vessel for his own praise. We see instances of God producing his praise however he so wishes (Numbers 22-24). I think it’s biblical and ok to say songs of post-Christian individuals can be used. Sometimes God uses unconverted lips for his praise (eg. Balaam and Nebuchadnezzar).

Do the songs lead me to think on false things?

There’s value in reconsidering songs that are currently being released alongside false teaching. An example of this is a worship label that is attached to a church that teaches false Christianity. Also, it may be necessary to consider if a song by an apostate will hinder people in the congregation from focusing on God.

Grow past it. It is right that we overlook this muddy and sinful world to keep our eyes on Christ (Philippians 4:8; Hebrews 12:2). That may mean we use what is the “fruit of all that is good and right and true” while “discern[ing] what is pleasing to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:9-10).

Help people act in faith. Romans 14 reminds us that “whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” That stings in a preferential world. However, if this issue is truly hindering people from treasuring Jesus and honoring him, then you need to take time to explain (helping them grow past it) and consider what is healthiest for a rich experience of worship in unity (which may require to not use a material from apostates).

Hymnals are filled with heretics. We often need reminding that we are not the first to experience this. Some we know ended up rejecting the true faith (Horatio Spafford, writer of It Is Well moved to Israel and joined a cult called the “American Colony”). For others we wonder about their wandering and never really know (Robert Robinson, author of Come Thou Fount has been considered unitarian by some historians and hymnologists). This should show us God’s kindness and providence to use songs for his glory in manners we think unconventional. It should humble those who know the blessing and mercy of Christ.

Concern yourself with two things

Pray that God would grant repentance (2 Timothy 2:25) to those who have abandoned the faith. They should have to rip away, not walk away. Pray for your own circle, that God would grow you in doctrine and give you power to persevere. Pray that he would humble us all under the truth of Scripture.

Positions are serious. When we give an opportunity for someone to lead at a conference, in a church, or a bible study, we need to be sure they know basic tenets of the Christian faith (2 Timothy 1:13, 2:15). Ask yourself: do I and those I let lead know what the gospel is? Can I explain the trinity? Can they explain the necessity of Christ’s death? Why is the Bible sufficient? What are a handful of God’s attributes? Additionally, are you and others confessing sin, seeing holiness prioritized, experiencing godliness in your life? I promise you will not be sorry for submitting yourself and others to the way of discipleship.

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And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7