"Yet
a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship
the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the
Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit
and in truth." - John 4:23-24
First Friends Worship Ministry exists to encourage and equip "seekers" and "believers" to become fully devoted worshipers of Jesus Christ.
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19
"Let the word of Christ
dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all
wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with
gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 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 3:16
When we gather to worship God as a family of faith He begins to transform us through:
Wonder and awe at his love.
Merciful conviction of our sin.
Spiritual and emotional renewal through forgiveness and repentance.
Genuine transformation through the truth of scripture and empowerment by the Spirit.
Intimate fellowship with the Father.
Personalized "assignments" to serve His Kingdom through our talents and spiritual gifts in specific ways.
Miraculous power to accomplish the Kingdom work he calls us to.
Worship is our response to God's continuous revelation.
Our Responsibility
God Revealing Himself
Result
We praise Him
He reveals His presence
Awe & Wonder
Mark 9:15
We invite Him to search us
He speaks to us by His Word & Spirit
Brokenness
Acts 2:36-37
We confess & repent
He extends mercy & forgiveness
Healing
Isaiah 57:16-19
We adore Him
He commissions us to serve
Empowerment
Acts 13:2-3
We declare Him to the world
He shines through us
Salvation
Acts 2:42
We want to learn how to worship with our entire being!
With revived emotions ( our "heart"...Jewish center of emotions and attitudes )
Shout for joy to the Lord - Psalms 47:1
Praise Him aloud with the congregation - Psalms 22:25
Rejoice and express thanksgiving - Psalms 100:1,4
Be silent before the Lord - Psalms 46:10
Weep before the Lord - Joel 2:17
With renewed thoughts based on His Word - Romans 12:2
With rededicated bodies to His purposes - I Corinthians 6:19-20
Here are a few of the physical worship responses recorded in the Bible:
