August 01, 2006

Christian Worship

Don Kistler is founder of Soli Deo Gloria Puritan Reprints. It is now a division of Ligonier Ministries.

A quotation from A.W. Tozer set the tone for this program: “Worship is the missing jewel of the evangelical church.” What is lost is the fact that worship is not about us, but is about God. Thus it is what we give, not what we get. What we give must be according to God’s requirements, not our preferences, and if we approach “going to church” casually, with no preparation or understanding that this is special, then we do not offer God our best. David said he did not want to offer God something that had cost him nothing, but that is in fact what many are doing today when they attend church.

Not only was the sad state of worship today discussed, but also the history of unscriptural worship that has plagued even evangelical and fundamental churches.

The Purpose, the Source, and the Object of Worship were discussed. Even some traditional hymns, for example have unscriptural words, and God cannot bless us when we present unscriptural words to Him. The importance of preaching was also discussed, especially Paul’s admonition to “Preach the Word”, which tells us how to present the message, and the message that is to be presented.

Another area of importance is the importance of family worship, with the responsibility of the Father to lead the family in worship.

More Information

To obtain a book by George Hamond, The Case for Family Worship, go to:

http://www.ligonier.org/sdg/