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Vision for Worship jim nicodemAs
part of a new vision statement, the church seeks to exalt God by worshiping him
as a church in spirit and in truth. Vision; WorshipText: John 4:524
Topic: This particular church sets
a goal for more and better worship on Sundays.
Introduction:
The church begins a series on its new vision statement.
- Part 1: "To exalt God
by worshiping him as a church in spirit and in truth.
What
does it mean to "exalt God by worshiping him"?
- We were designed to be
worshipers; nothing can take worship's place.
- God created us with a
thirst that is quenched only by focusing on him.
In John 4:23, Jesus speaks of the living water
that quenches that thirst.
- Worship is our deepest
need, and it's God's infinite resource.
- Worship turns our
attention to God like nothing else can.
Illustration: A church member gives his
testimony: Stricken by leukemia and facing death, the man says that he is
filled with joy and peace because he has chosen to worship God, both personally
and corporately.
What
does it mean to worship God "as a church"?
- The woman at the well
had a spiritual longing because of the sin in her life.
- Sin's clearest
manifestation in our lives is what it does to our relationships.
- When Christ fills us
with love and grace, those relationships begin to heal.
- This particular church
would adapt its usual worship practices.
The ""
church had limited worship to Wednesday nights.
The new vision called for
more emphasis on worship on Sunday mornings.
The hope was that it was "one giant step" toward
"more like a community."
The Wednesday night
worship would remain for those who want it.
What
does it mean to worship God "in spirit and in truth"?
- In John 4:2324, Jesus
calls us to worship "in spirit and in truth."
- Spirit has to do with the
attitude of our worship: Is our heart really in it?
- Truth means worshiping who
God is, not just a God in our imaginations.
Conclusion:
The church will really get to know the Lord through its worship.
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