Upwards Forward

QUICK STUDY OVERVIEW

Worship in the Old Testament

1. 1. Celebrate God “with us” and freedom (Exodus 3:12)
   3. Law, obedience, sacrificial atonement (Exodus 19:4-8; 20:24-26; Jer. 7:21; Job 1:20-21; Gen. 4:3, 46:1; Lev. 1:3-9)
   4. Theocentric, not anthropocentric

Worship in the New Testament

1. 1. Christ is the final redeemer, covering, and renewer (Hebrews 7:27; 9:13-14) 
   2. Spirit and truth (John 4:24)
   3. Teaching, singing, praying, communion, provoking (Acts 2:42-47; 1 Timothy 4:4; Eph. 5:18-19; Col. 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:1-2, 8; Mt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; Heb. 10:24-25)
   4. Theocentric, not anthropocentric

How Others See It

1. 1. Worship is the proper response of all moral, sentient beings to God, ascribing all honor and worth to their Creator-God precisely because he is worthy, delightfully so. ~ D.A. Carson
   2. God doesn’t call us to worship because he wants to see a good and perfect show. He wants US, wholly, and humbly praising His glory with all of our heart, mind and soul. ~ Bri Lamm
   3. Biblical worship is the full-life response-head, heart, and hands- to who God is and what He has done. ~ Austin Stone Worship
   4. “Every bit of that passion was given to us by God for God. It was not given for basketball…Where is the elation over the resurrection? Where is the desolation over our sins…It’s on basketball. It’s on football. It’s on romance.” ~ Matt Chandler
   5. I sometimes struggle with how to properly respond to God’s magnitude in a world bent on ignoring or merely tolerating Him. But know this: God will not be tolerated. He instructs us to worship and fear Him. ~ Francis Chan

Connecting with People 

1. 1. Millennials 
      1. As the “digital native” generation, Millennials (the largest population in the workforce) learn differently because of their lifelong relationship with technology. Organizations need to consider that contrast when designing learning strategies. For example, a hands-on approach to learning is a better way to get through to this generation than strict lecture-style training…They are constantly sharing knowledge and insights with one another through these media, which allows them to give and receive near-instant feedback. Organizations should employ technologies and methodologies that mimic the approach Millennials have become so accustomed to. By doing so, they promote greater connection and collaboration between Millennials and their co-workers, while breaking down knowledge silos…Microlearning is becoming one of the most successful learning methods for Millennials as it provides bite-sized, quick, and easily digestible bits of information best presented through short videos. The presentation of information in small chunks reduces cognitive load, eases the perceived burden of learning, and gives learners a sense of empowerment. These shorter sessions of learning allow for Millennials to engage frequently throughout a busy week when they have a few minutes between meetings or phone calls.[https://trainingmag.com/guide-millennial-learning/]
      2. 5R’s: relevance, rationale, relaxed, report, research-based…shorter attention spans [https://www.efrontlearning.com/blog/2016/03/5-strategies-to-engage-the-millennials.html]
      3. All generations differences chart [http://www.wmfc.org/uploads/GenerationalDifferencesChart.pdf]

APPLICATION ELEMENTS

Daily Living

1. 1. Maturing devotional rhythms (Eph. 4:14-16; Psalm 71:8)
   2. One another practices (John 13:34-35; 1 Jn. 2:9-11)
   3. External witness (Romans 12:1-2; James 1:26-27; Matthew 28:18-20)

Worship Gatherings (4R)

1. 1. Release
      1. Preparation
      2. Entry
      3. Focusing
      4. Thanksgiving
   2. Revelation
      1. Bible
      2. Testimony
   3. Response
      1. Reflection
      2. Communion
      3. Adoration
      4. Veneration
   4. Revival 
      1. Inspiration
      2. Transformation
      3. Commissioning
      4. Sending
         

NOTES

1. The above applies to dedicated times of worship
2. Other times such as gathering in the foyer, small groups, etc. have different primary purposes and practices (i.e. hospitality, counseling, etc.)