When Worship Comes to Life

(This is a summary of the message from January 7, 2007.)

Like John’s experience on a Sunday on the Mediterranean isle of Patmos, worship can come alive with passion and clarity within you.

What do you think of when you think of the Revelation? The four horsemen of the apocalypse, the deceit of Jezebel, the seven bowls of wrath, the mark of the beast, the lake of fire, or the judgment seat of Christ. I hope after this month of study, when you think of the Revelation, you will think of the faithful witness, the Alpha and Omega, the vials of tears, the equitable and eternal judgment of God, and the New Jerusalem.

Written at the height of Christian persecution, the Revelation is a record of a vision by John on the isle of Patmos. Reminding us of the historical context of Revelation, Dr. Bill Turner reminds us that, "In a world of hostile misunderstandings and adverse circumstances, these believers were building their lives on something much deeper and stronger. They had found someone who could see them through the worst of life and death."

1. When worship comes to life, you hear the voice of God.

"It was Sunday and I was in the Spirit, praying. I heard a loud voice behind me, trumpet-clear and piercing." Rev 1:10 TM

2. When worship comes to life, God speaks to the mind and the emotions.

3. When worship comes to life, the primary focus is on Jesus.

"Glory and strength to Christ, who loves us,
who blood-washed our sins from our lives,
Who made us a Kingdom, Priests for his Father,
forever—and yes, he's on his way!" Revelation 1:6 TM

Worship should not be measured on how much worship reinforces your presuppositions but how it realigns your life with the teachings and mission of Jesus.

4. When worship comes to life, our energy is channeled into the mission of the church.

When you truly begin following Jesus, you become passionate about the mission of the church. Worship doesn’t lead you to go out and privatize your Christian faith. Worship calls you to participate and cooperate with imperfect people who will disappoint you and frustrate you and bless you and lift you up, all at the same time.

As we begin a new year, would you invest yourself in the faithful gathering of this community so that worship can come alive for us?

“Then every church will know that appearances don't impress me. I x-ray every motive...” Revelation 2:23 TM

“Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches.” Revelation 2:29 TM