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Intro
God created us with a worship instinct. Everyone, regardless of life station, worships; whether some deity, personality, possessions, or even self. Simply put, we all express or ascribe supreme value or worth to something or someone, aptly expressed in the Olde English word “woerthscipe,” literally “worth-ship.”
Worship takes on many expressions throughout Scripture, yet central to biblical worship is the ever-present theme of sacrifice. The Book of Revelation unveils worship in the heavenly realm and sets the gold standard. Chapter four opens a window into the celestial worship, with its deepening focus upon the Lamb who was slain for the sins of the world, transcendent holy adoration which is occurring now and happening all of the time, which our earthly worship is to reflect.
Meantime, here in the world the situation remains dire. It seems a religious test is upon us all. In the fiery trial, where do we really stand? To whom shall we turn to save us, to entrust ourselves, our loved ones? Who, or what, do we truly worship?
Call to Worship - Revelation 4:1-2, 8-11; 5:11-14
After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.” Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne. …
And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.”
And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
… Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice,
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”
And every created thing which is in heaven and on the 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 blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”
And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.
Worship Songs
[The songs for today are: Agnus Dei, Lion of Judah, Be Magnified, and The Heart of Worship. These songs have been grouped in the playlist accessible through the video below. You are invited to sing and worship along following the on-screen lyrics. (Note: you might have to skip some advertisements.)]
Scripture - Hebrews 12:26-29
And [the Lord’s] voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.” This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.
Sermon by Sean O'Leary
“Biblical Worship: Much More Than A Song”
(audio version only)
Closing Song - The Servant King
Prayer
Lord, we surrender our hearts to You. Please help our unbelief; increase our faith. Be magnified, O most high God, be highly exalted. We fix our eyes upon You and on things above where Christ is seated in the heavenlies; grant us Your strength. We aspire to be true worshippers, those whom You are seeking, dear Abba Father. May we bring delight and blessing to Your kindly heart. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Benediction (Romans 15:13, Numbers 6:22-27)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Amen!
And now may the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.