Perspective on Worship, 1 Cor 14:26 & Eph 5 15-21, James Collins, 20th May 2012

Worship is a key part of our lives and our church services and is one of the most controversial and difficult of subjects.

James noted that two phrases are used in the Bible when talking about Worship – 'Life style' and 'Act of Devotion'. From the bible passages, including Col 3:5-17, Paul is encouraging us to use our time well and to live for our Lord. We should be excited for our Lord but all of us will respond in different ways. Some will be very exuberant and others some what less so. We should develop an attitude of thankfulness. God is our creator and redeemer – What are our reactions to him. Is our glass half full or half empty.

James was not seeing great divisions between Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. They are fundamentally all the same. James noted that the different forms can be targeted into difference areas. Praise to God, Doctrine, Devotion etc. All have a right place just as each of us had a role to play in our communities and church.

Worship is participatory and is not just music being delivered by some performer(s) at the front. The only thing should matter is 'Is my Worship (Participation) pleasing to God.

Worship must be authentic and come fro our life style and our gratitude to our God.