"Worship"
is a word that brings to mind so many different
ideas and actions to different people. For centuries,
believers have searched the Scriptures and discussed
with each other what worship means. Here at Covenant,
we look to the whole body of Scripture, both Old
and New Testaments, for our answer.
God, in three persons, is the object of our worship.
We believe there is no one and no thing else worthy
of adoration and reverence. All creation, which
certainly includes all of mankind, must rightly
pay homage to its Creator.
Worship is an active term, not some abstract "something"
to be contemplated. In the Bible, we read where
God's people showed their worship of God in a number
of ways:
Singing:
The Bible is full of songs of praise, adoration,
thanksgiving, sorrow, and confession. We join
together in song every time we meet at Covenant
as a means of expressing our bond with each other
as we worship our God together.
Music:
As with songs, music in the Bible was wide-ranging,
with slow and fast, soft and loud, sad and happy
music, as well as the use of many kinds of instruments.
Just as our God created nature in a rainbow of
colors, sights, and textures, no single style
of music can adequately express back to Him the
whole of our worship. As such, we at Covenant
employ a variety of musical styles and instruments
in our times of praise.
Physical
activity: In both Old and New Testaments, people
expressed their worship of God by standing, kneeling,
dancing, raising their hands, shouting, and sitting
in reverence. We take our individual cue from
the Holy Spirit, Who guides each believer as He
wills in an expression of worship.
Togetherness:
In the Bible, there are repeated calls to worship
"together". We believer in sharing our
praise and adoration with each other, building
each other up as we adore God corporately. Our
services and activities are designed to draw Covenant
together as a family, with members from many different
backgrounds, of many age groups, but with a common
goal of worship.
But
worship is not just something that takes place on
church property during specific hours of activity.
It is a lifestyle that is well expressed in these
verses:
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of
God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual
act of worship." (Romans 12:1 NIV)
"And
whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it
all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks
to God the Father through Him." (Colossians
3:17 NIV)
In
conclusion, we would like to offer a definition
of worship that expresses our heart here at Covenant:
Worship
is the rightful, unreserved heart-response of the
created to the Creator, recognizing Him as Sovereign
God, wholly and uniquely worthy to receive adoration
and worship. It says "I know who God is, I
know who I am, and here’s my response."
