Touching the Heart of God through Intimate Worship

True worship does not come from people whose feelings are like air ferns with no root in the solid ground of biblical doctrine. The only affections that honor God are those rooted in the rock of biblical truth....True worship comes from people who are deeply emotional and who love deep and sound doctrine. Strong affections for God rooted in truth are the bone and marrow of biblical worship.
John Piper, Desiring God

Rev. 4: 8-11

8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come. 9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, 11 You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.

Worship
Greek Proskuneo which literally means to kiss, like a dog licking his masters hand; to fawn or crouch to, prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore): worship Ones dignity is not preserved in this posture but the Kings majesty is presented! -Tommy Tenney

WORSHIP
Worship is a natural instinct and a basic need for every person. A simple definition of worship is to regard with great devotion or to honor as a divine being. It's a command from God. In Matthew 4:10, Jesus says, "Worship the Lord your God and serve him only."

Worship truly pleases the Lord

1 Samuel 12:14,20 Now if you fear and worship the Lord and listen to His voice, and if you dont rebel against His commands, then both you and your king will show that you recognize the Lord as your God Dont be afraid, Samuel reassured, them, You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the Lord with all your heart, and dont turn your back on Him.

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

God deserves our praise and worship
Psalm 48:9,10 O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your temple. As your name deserves O God, you will be praised to the ends of the earth. Your strong right hand is filled with victory. Psa. 95:6 Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God

Praise and Worship

Outer courts Psalm 100:4 (NIV) 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name
1 Chronicles 16:29 (KJV)

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Intimate Worship
The King or the Kingdom The Palace or His Presence? Ephesians 5:25-29 describes the relationship of Jesus Christ and the church as bride and bridegroom.

The Lord is calling us to greater intimacy as part of our preparation for the day when both the Spirit and the Bride will say, "Come." The return of Jesus will be ushered in by a church that has found her way into the bridal chambers of heaven and whose passion demands a consummation of the marriage.

Daring to be Intimate with God

". . .As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you." Isaiah 62:5 Marriage - implies intimacy, and intimacy implies vulnerability
A true marriage is a union of one spirit with another. It is a deeply intimate binding of two souls, where more than just thoughts and secrets are shared.

God is looking for a Song-of-Songs Relationship

Worship: Intimacy with God

John & Carol Wimber

We learned that what happens when we are alone with the Lord, determines how intimate and deep the worship will be when we come together Phases in the Heart 1. The Call to Worship invitation directed to the people; It is an invitation to worship Come, now is the time to worship 2. Engagement - the electrifying dynamic of connection to God and to each other; we praise God for who he is through music as well as prayer - from fast beat or praise songs (which may be expressed through dance)

Worship: Intimacy with God (continued)

John & Carol Wimber

3. Expression meditate on our relationship with Him, even as we are singing; conviction may set in which leads us to confession; - in this phase, we are wakened to His presence; we recall vows - singing of intimate love songs 4. Visitation - in this phase, we wait in silence for God to respond - a zenith, a climatic point, not unlike physical lovemaking (doesn't Solomon use the same analogy in the Song of Songs?) 5. Giving of substance

Worship and Evangelism

The purpose of evangelism is to turn people into worshippers.
In Revelation 5:11-12, we read: Then I looked and I heard the voice of many angels numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne, and the living creatures and the elders, and in a loud voice they sang, Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise. And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever.

Worship and Evangelism

The worth of a soul The prodigal love of the Father The word prodigal literally means extravagant, wasteful, lavish.
1. Gifts
There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, Father, give me my share of the estate. (Luke 15:11-12) 2. Freedom (free will)
And not long after that, the younger son gathered everything he had and headed off for a distant country. (Luke 15:12-13)

Worship and Evangelism

3. Forgiveness
And the son ran to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his servants, Quick, bring the best robe
(Luke 15:20-22)

Worship is our thankful response to the prodigality of God. It is the natural response to being apprehended by His mercy.

THE POWER OF MUSIC

1 Samuel 16:16,23 (NLT) Let us find a good musician to play the harp whenever the tormenting spirit troubles you. He will play soothing music, and you will soon be well again. And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would go away.

IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC
It inspires the worship (Psa.27:6)

Psalm 27:6
Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the LORD with music.

IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC
It inspires the worship (Psa.27:6) It helps set the atmosphere for worship (Psa.81:1-5)

Psalm 81:1-5
1 Sing praises to God, our strength. Sing to the God of Jacob. 2 Sing! Beat the tambourine. Play the sweet lyre and the harp. 3 Blow the ram's horn at new moon, and again at full moon to call a festival! 4 For this is required by the decrees of Israel; it is a regulation of the God of Jacob. 5 He made it a law for Israel* when he attacked Egypt to set us free.

IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC
It inspires the worship (Psa.27:6) It helps set the atmosphere for worship (Psa.81:1-5) Disperse the power of darkness over us (I Sam. 16:23 David and Saul)

IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC
It inspires the worship (Psa.27:6) It helps set the atmosphere for worship (Psa.81:1-5) Disperse the power of darkness over us (I Sam. 16:23) Helps us to flow into the presence of God
(Psa. 98:5,6)

Psalm 98:5,6
5 Sing your praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, 6 with trumpets and the sound of the ram's horn. Make a joyful symphony before the LORD, the King!

IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC
It inspires the worship (Psa.27:6) It helps set the atmosphere for worship (Psa.81:1-5) Disperse the power of darkness over us (I Sam. 16:23) Helps us to flow into the presence of God
(Psa. 98:5,6)

Sets the mood for spiritual gifts to operate (II Kings 3:11,15,16)

II Kings 3:14-16
14 Elisha replied, "As surely as the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, I wouldn't even bother with you except for my respect for King Jehoshaphat of Judah. 15 Now bring me someone who can play the harp." While the harp was being played, the power of the LORD came upon Elisha, 16 and he said, "This is what the LORD says: This dry valley will be filled with pools of water!

IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC
It inspires the worship (Psa.27:6) It helps set the atmosphere for worship (Psa.81:1-5) Disperse the power of darkness over us (I Sam. 16:23) Helps us to flow into the presence of God
(Psa. 98:5,6)

Sets the mood for spiritual gifts to operate (II Kings 3:11,15,16) Helps us retain the Word of God in us

 Know the language Know the basics (major, minor, scales) The key component is excellence Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. Psalm 33:3 (NIV) When David played his harp, he played it skillfully that Gods power flowed with his music. We offer our skills and talents with excellence because that is what our God deserves nothing less. Just the same, the noise we produce can be a distraction/hindrance in worship.

Know the language Know the basics (major, minor, scales) The key component of excellence is knowledge Phil. 1:9-10 Music is the language of the heart We cannot effectively communicate unless we know the language Faithful stewards of the talents Hes invested in us (The Parable of The Talents) Be excellent (Rom.16:19) The benefits: more efficient rehearsals, facilitates flow in worship, allows deeper worship

The Role of Worship in the Local Church

Worship is the key to the way we relate to God (John 4: 21-22) Worship allows Gods power and authority to be released in the local church (Psa. 22:3) Worship allows the local church to experience the presence of God corporately. Worship brings the presence of God to the congregation (If we build it, He will come)

The Worship Leader

 Dealing with Pride

1. Make a choice to walk in humility Choose to point people to the Bridegroom avoid stealing glimpses from the Bride 2. Confess your motives and attitudes to others(Jm 5:16) 3. Keep your leadership in perspective

Songs To Worship By
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Pray and Worship Use familiar songs Choose songs that make God famous Vary your themes Use songs and arrangements that are appropriate Sing songs that work Keep spoken introductions brief

Songs To Worship By (cont.)

8. Dont overlead 9. Be tasteful 10.Rehearse intros and transitions 11.Know your congregations age and style preferences 12.Take calculated risks 13.Show restraint

THE JOB OF A WORSHIP LEADER

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Prepare himself before leading worship Prayerfully select the right songs Pray with the musicians Regular practice with musicians Establish rapport with the musicians Pray and fast Listen to new songs Discuss with the pastor Enforce policies to team members

QUALIFICATIONS OF A WORSHIP LEADER

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Must be committed to God Must be a worshipper himself Must be spiritually matured Must know he is called and has a gift Must have the burden and a personal revelation from the Lord about worship Must be inclined to music Must be a disciple Must be leading and living a holy life Must be creative

The Back-up Vocalists

Mainly supports the worship leader Must not overlap with the worship leaders role Must be sensitive to the move of God and to the Worship leaders cueing Must lead a life of worship Must possess the gift and have the clear calling Must know how to work in a team

The Musician
Serving as a Musician in Gods House (1 Chron. 25:1-8) 1. We are to be set apart for God >Separate in thought >Separate in what we do >Separate in heart attitude 2. We are to minister prophetically 3. We are to submit to God-ordained authority 4. We are to serve 5. We are to be trained and skilled 6. Seek to teach and to learn

The Musician
Developing personal confidence (Hebrews 10:35) 1. We must establish our worth according to Gods value system 2. We must have a sense of calling for our life 3. We must learn all we can 4. We must focus on God rather than on the situation 5. We must gain experience 6. We must not compare ourselves with others 7. We must constantly remind ourselves that it is not by our might nor power but by His Spirit

The Musician
Improve your ear, improve your serve > Playing music is dialogue, not monologue >Practice makes >Take some lessons, learn some music theory, read some music books, magazines, research the Internet, buy CDsGROW! > The ability to hear

ROLE OF THE MUSICIANS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Exo. 32:25; I Chron. 15:16-22 Accompanist of the congregation Worship along with the instrument (II Chron.29:11) Must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit Must observe unity and coordination Carry the vision of progressive worship together with the Pastor/ WL Flow with the WL Must be creative

6. 7.

RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Must pray for the service 2. Must be prepared spiritually before the service 3. Must know the songs and the possible songs that will be used 4. Must be in church at least 30min. before the service 5. Must join the pre-service intercession 6. Must report to the worship service with an expectant heart

QUALIFICATIONS
1. Not a new convert 2. Must have gone through discipleship program or being discipled 3. Must be submissive to the leaders 4. Must have good moral standing in the community 5. Willing to learn humble 6. Willing to work in a team 7. Committed to the ministry

DISCIPLINE
1. Under the supervision of the Pastor / Elder in-charge 2. Must spend time with the Word 3. Devote time to intercede with the team 4. Devote time to practice at least 2x a week 5. Seek to improve ones skills

HEART ATTITUDES FOR THE WORSHIP TEAM

I. The Foundation Gods grace, Gods call, Gods glory A. Gods grace is the foundation for our worship (Eph. 2:8-10, 1Pet.4:10, 2Cor.9:8) B. Gods call is the reason we are in the worship team C. Gods glory is our primary goal in serving on the worship team

II. Our Main Problem A. Idolatry, exalting or seeking to be satisfied in objects other than God, is an ever present enemy of true worship (Jer.2:11-13) B. We can worship God externally but worship idols internally (2Kings 17:41; Colossians 3) C. Idolatry and worship of God are mutually exclusive (Jonah 2:8) D. Common idols include mans approval, pleasure, self-sufficiency

HEART ATTITUDES FOR THE WORSHIP TEAM

HEART ATTITUDES FOR THE WORSHIP TEAM III. Attitudes to develop A. God-worshipper (Psa. 34:1) B. Fear of God (Psa. 86:11-12)
Evidences of fear of man include: 1. Insecurity about how others might perceive us, sometimes leading to fear of stepping out. 2. Being distracted by others gift 3. Comparing self to others 4. Frequently asking people, How did I do?

C. Humility (Isa. 66:1-2)

HEART ATTITUDES FOR THE WORSHIP TEAM

Evidences of pride include: 1. Heart preparation is minimized or ignored altogether. There is no sense of a need for God. 2. I am threatened by the ideas of others, rather than wanting them to succeed. I am not suspicious of my own motives in presenting ideas. 3. I am bitter or depressed about not being chosen or used more. 4. I constantly reflect on how God used me. 5. I receive critique or no feedback and Im offended.

D. TEACHABLENESS (Psa 32:8-9 NIV) I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

HEART ATTITUDES FOR THE WORSHIP TEAM

1. Recognizing my need for correction and appreciating it. 2. Asking for input a. Dont ask others for input hoping to hear good things. b. Our motive for requesting input should be to serve others more effectively and bring God greater glory.

E. GRATEFULNESS (Psa 50:23 NIV) He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God."

HEART ATTITUDES FOR THE WORSHIP TEAM

1. For the mercy of God revealed in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. 2. For our relationship with God and all that it entails. 3. For countless blessings God has bestowed. 4. For your church, your leaders, and those on your worship team. 5. For EVERYTHING. (1 Thess. 5:18)

HEART ATTITUDES FOR THE WORSHIP TEAM E. GRATEFULNESS (continued) Evidences of ungratefulness include: 1. Being more aware of changes that need to be made than evidences of Gods grace on your worship team. 2. A critical, judgmental, or gossiping spirit. 3. An absence of encouragement.

HEART ATTITUDES FOR THE WORSHIP TEAM

F. FAITHFULNESS (1 Cor 4:2 NIV) Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 1. Keeping commitments 2. Being punctual 3. Maintaining an organized notebook 4. Practicing my instrument 5. Caring for my instrument

HEART ATTITUDES FOR THE WORSHIP TEAM G. ENCOURAGEMENT (Heb 10:25 NIV) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 1. Of the leader 2. Of those you serve with on the team 3. If there is an absence of encouragement in our lives, we should discover why.

HEART ATTITUDES FOR THE WORSHIP TEAM

H. CONTINUAL LEARNER
(Phil 3:10-12 NIV) I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

1. About God 2. About your instrument 3. About how you can best serve in the church for Gods glory

Rehearsal Tips That Work 8 Things to Rehearse

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Count-offs Musical Introductions Key Changes Tempo Changes Transitions and Segues Dynamics Endings Hand signals

Rehearsal Tips That Work

1.Start and end ON TIME 2. Start with a group worship & prayer/intercession 3. New songs must be individually familiarized and rehearsed before practice schedule. 4. The worship leader determines the key for the musicians to follow 5. Each one may suggest on songs, transitions, musical arrangements 6. Maintain an attitude of worship as you practice 7. Maintain sensitivity towards Gods leading and the other team members 8. End only when everyone is confident with the rehearsal and always close in prayer.

ROLE OF THE PEOPLE IN WORSHIP

4 Important Components of Worship: 1. Godhead object of worship 2. Pastor / Worship Leader Leaders in worship 3. Musicians assists in worship

4. Congregation - worshippers

ROLE
Prepared Responsive Submissive participants

RESPONSIBILITIES (Life & Conduct)

Lead a life of worship (Romans12:1) > Constant, total submission to God > Life of Holiness (II Cor.7:1) Lead a life that seeks to know God (II Tim. 1:12) Lead a life thats consecrated (11Chron.29:11, Lev. 20:7) Lead a life that is ruled by a holy fear of God (Deut.10:12) Guarded conversation A life characterized by worship (John 4:23)

RESPONSIBILITIES BEFORE THE SERVICE

Come to the worship service prepared Set your heart to worship the Lord (Eph.5:19) Learn to unload yourself from concerns that will hinder your worship Come to the service with a repentant heart Worship at home before coming to the service Guard your Sat. night activities Prov.4:23 Ask the Lord on how you can be used in worship Instruct the children to behave during the service Come on time Practice the presence of God Be responsive to the worship leaders direction

RESPONSIBILITIES BEFORE THE SERVICE cont.

During praise, give yourself to it. Decide to enter into the flow of the Spirit Be sensitive to the moving of the Holy Spirit Guard yourself against the spirit of pride and criticism Be a willing vessel of the Holy Spirit to be used for the release of gifts Pay attention to prophecy and allow the Word to settle in your hearts Wait for the Pastor / Worship Leaders direction before you continue Plan to stay late after worship services

DEVELOPING WORSHIP IN YOUR CHURCH

1. Importance of songs right choices >There must be progress of songs >There must be coordination between the WL and Pastor > Use of Scripture in songs 2. Proper use of talents in your church 3. Pastors role 4. Intercession : worship + prayer 5. Allow silence during worship 6. Worship always individually and whenever you come together as a group

DEVELOPING WORSHIP IN YOUR CHURCH

6. Worship always individually and whenever you come together as a group

This promotes awareness of Gods presence whenever you come together, protecting yourselves from careless speech and actions.

James 3:12 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

(2 Chron. 16:9 NIV) For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.