Biblical Basis
I’m wondering something. And the more I ponder it, the more I’m wondering. I’ve pondered this before but I’m actually downright disturbed over it at the moment (it’s called being desperate for the glory of God… 
)
Is there a biblical basis for the way most churches operate? (Let’s stoically sing a couple songs, let the choir sing through the offering, and then the pastor preaches… same same every week)
Just curious if anyone knows of a biblical basis or precedent for church happening that way.
April 23rd, 2008 at 8:07 am
“Is there a biblical basis for the way most churches operate?”
How else would a church operate? Music, preaching a sermon, taking up an offering, etc. - seems to me there would only be so many ways you could go…
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Yes, but if you sing and dance and pray and preach and tithe but never *encounter* the Lord, what have you accomplished? You’ve just sung and danced and talked and preached and paid.
The New Testament church was alive (and still is in many places) because the people not only knew the Lord, they enjoyed His presence.
Moses said, “Show me your glory” and was transformed to the point that people couldn’t look at him, he was so bright!!
Why do we think we can just show up and go through the motions?
Sighs.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:31 am
Maybe these are intended to be activities that leave folks receptive. I mean, you can do lots of things in a group setting, but what goes on between you and your understanding of the divine is ultimately personal.
Which I guess would be why churches can be so different; not everyone will feel receptive in the same circumstances.
And fellowship really does help cement a faith community, and encourage individuals to understand the world in terms of what is being taught and accepted in the community. Even if a person doesn’t “encounter” God in a church, being part of a church increases the likelihood that if and when they do encounter the ineffable, they will understand it in Christian terms.
Er…thinking in terms of my own experience, I should add the caveat: as long as the ineffable being encountered is not itself at odds with what the church has conditioned that person to encounter.
April 24th, 2008 at 1:56 am
Hi Kathi,
Liturgy, good liturgy, is normally based in scripture and from church history (often the early church)as a framework to allow people to enter into worship with God.
This is not ‘ritual’ for rituals own sake and it should not be a cage that restricts growth rather it should be a support to allow people to grow in the virtual space where Christian’s gather together in fellowship to share with one another and with God and make space for God to be worshiped as a subject rather than an object.
Music was used in worship by the Hebrew people, teaching and preaching happen in both the OT and NT, people gather together to worship God in both the OT and NT and people took their offerings to the temple.
You may find it helpful to read up on the various denominations takes on liturgy [Charismatic does have its own liturgy but they tend not to use the word in its technical sense as I am doing now preferring ‘worship’. I suggest comparing and contrasting it against other denoms’ and trads’ and considering what is needed by the group you care for to worship God in honesty and to grow in their relationships with Him.
Worship is strange we can show up not expecting anything but because it is a ’space’ we make for God God can choose to use it and touch us when we had not planned on Him doing so or in ways we do not expect. Worship is not something we do its something God gets involved in He is not merely an object of worship, he is Heavens King and whilst we may ‘worship’ and wonder why on earth we are there there is nothing to stop Him from moving off that throne and coming to be with us.
Hope that is a helpful start point.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:11 am
“Moses said, “Show me your glory” and was transformed to the point that people couldn’t look at him, he was so bright!!”
“Let the Hebrews go, Great One, or we are all dead men.” Thud…