Upward Worship
Philosophy
Here are some interactive book reviews I wrote for my Theology of Worship class:
Enthroned on Our Praise: An Old Testament Theology of Worship
Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship
Worshipping Trinity: Coming Back to the Heart of Worship
Worship, Community and the Triune God of Grace
Liturgical Theology: The Church as Worshiping Community
Here is my first sermon on worship:
Below is a draft of my worship philosophy, which I have spent quite a bit of time on, and which will continually change because God is always teaching me new things in this area! If you actually download it and read it :) I'd appreciate any constructive comments you might have.
The Big Picture
Worship comprises so much more than singing songs on Sunday morning! In the New Testament, the two main words for worship are proskuneō, "to kiss towards," and latreuō, "to serve." Thus, to worship God is to adore Him as our greatest, all-satisfying treasure and to willingly serve Him as our Lord and King. Within this broad definition, there are many expressions of worship, such as prayer, singing, art, obedience, and suffering; however, all true worship is a response. God initiates by revealing Who He is, by doing great works, and through His great love for us, and we respond by His grace. These personal encounters with our Creator are what worship is all about! Worship is a lifestyle of seeking to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength.
The Big Application
To love God is to love the people He created in His own image. This is the big application of true worship, and also the most challenging. After all, humans aren't perfect like God; we have bad habits, bad breath, bad attitudes, and are generally prideful and selfish in many ways, making getting along a bit difficult. But loving God and loving others goes hand in hand. Authentic worship should lead to this life change, which is God making us into more loving people, like His Son, Jesus. When we view loving people as an act of worship to our Creator, we have significantly expanded our worship vocabulary.Copyright © 2008 Keith B. Purvis. All rights reserved.
