The worship of God is the ultimate purpose for the existence of every person, who has ever lived at any time. To fail at worshiping God is to fail at being human since our very purpose is to express the value and worth of God. Therefore, worship has the power to shape us, to form us. This short sermon series is a four-week look at what worship forms in us. We will see what worship is, what worship does, what is the significance of offering in worship, and how worship forms and functions in our relationships.
“A Deluded Heart” is the first sermon in the series.
The first sermon in the series is about the importance and transformative power of true worship, illustrated by the tragic 1914 collision of the SS Monroe and SS Nantucket due to the latter’s faulty compass. The narrative emphasizes the significance of having a rightly calibrated compass, analogous to having a properly oriented heart toward true worship of God. Pastor Kenny explores the nature of worship, explaining that it is the act of ascribing ultimate value to something or someone, and how misplaced worship or idolatry leads to chaos and destruction.
Through Isaiah 44:9-11, it contrasts false worship (idolatry) with true worship, highlighting that idols are worthless and lead to blindness, bondage, and the unraveling of one’s life. True worship, on the other hand, has the power to free, give sight, and provide integrity. The sermon stresses that God, through His righteous acts and salvation, deserves ultimate worship. This true worship aligns and corrects the ‘compass’ of one’s heart, leading to a reordered life centered around the love of Jesus Christ.
“Do Not Be Conformed to This World” is the second sermon in the series.
The second sermon explores the concept of worship and how it should be shaped by the gospel rather than the world. Paul’s teachings, particularly in Romans 12:1-2, urge Christians to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, by renewing their minds and not conforming to worldly standards.
Pastor Joshua references Deuteronomy to emphasize the importance of worshiping God on His terms and not being influenced by pagan practices or the world’s ways. In doing so, worship remains pure, undiluted, and centered on God.
Pastor Joshua continues the discussion and focuses on the complete transformation that occurs through the gospel, described as reversing our original sinful nature. This transformation enables believers to worship God acceptably.
He stresses continuous renewal in the Christian life, which involves saturating one’s mind with God’s truths and reflecting these changes in daily living. Knowledge of the gospel is essential as it shapes the heart and behavior. True worship combines knowledge of Christ with heartfelt devotion, ultimately leading to a Christian life that is a living sacrifice.
In conclusion, the transformational power of the gospel in renewing the mind, which is essential for worship that pleases God. Understanding and applying the gospel affects every aspect of life, leading to genuine worship that aligns with God’s will.
“Offer to God Acceptable Worship” is the third sermon in the series.
This sermon series, titled “Worship: Learning to Love God and Love His People,” asserts that love for God and others are interconnected. An example from history is given: Telemachus, a monk, sacrificed his life to stop the brutal gladiatorial games in Rome, driven by his love for God and humanity, leading to their eventual ban by Emperor Honorius.
The sermon then explores acceptable worship to God, using Hebrews 12:28–29 and 13:10–16 as guiding scriptures, answering three questions:
- Why an Offering? – Worship is offered out of gratitude, recognizing God’s grace, governance, and glory. It’s a response to the access to God’s presence and our role as a priestly kingdom under His governance.
- Where Is the Offering Made? – Offers are made on the altar, symbolizing the cross of Jesus, and outside the camp, aligning with Jesus’ rejection by earthly systems and pointing towards a future heavenly city.
- What Are Our Offerings? – Offerings include the sacrifice of praise and sharing with others. These acts of worship are expressions of genuine faith and gratitude towards God’s grace.
The offerings are not merely about rituals but involve a life that reflects Christ’s sacrifice. The community is encouraged to embody the sacrifice of praise through thanksgiving and living out righteousness by supporting one another. Worship shapes a community that reveals the Father’s love for the Son to the world.
“First Be Reconciled” is the fourth and final sermon in the series.
This sermon emphasizes that Christianity embodies both religion and relationship, underscoring that true worship of God is intricately linked with loving and reconciling with others. Citing scriptures from Leviticus and Matthew, it conveys that God values inward and outward worship and relationships.
The introduction challenges the contemporary view that Christianity is solely a personal relationship with Jesus, arguing that it’s detrimental to becoming a true follower of Christ. The main body elaborates that Christianity involves a real relationship with God through Jesus Christ and encompasses true religion involving life ordered around worship and devotion. Pastor Joshua stresses that worship without reconciliation and love for each other is hollow, referencing Jesus’ teachings on the Sermon on the Mount and other scriptures.
In conclusion, Pastor Joshua encourages the church to embody its vision of unity across racial, class, and generational lines to leave a meaningful legacy for future generations. And calls for proactive investment in youth through teaching and example, fostering an inclusive and unified church community that reflects true worship and love for one another.
All sermons can be watched on our YouTube channel and each summary has been linked to the corresponding sermon.