The Pattern of the Christian Year (Bible Study)
Worship planning assumes that a calendar is used. The assumption in worship planning is that we anticipate future worship.
October 19, 2010
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8 min read
The Prayers of the People (Bible Study)
Reformed worship is built on the conviction that congregational worship is essentially a conversation with God. In some elements of the worship service, such as the greeting, scripture reading, sermon, and benediction, God speaks to us. In other parts of the worship service, the worshipers speak to God through songs, commitments, and prayers.
October 19, 2010
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7 min read
The Service of Renewal in Grace (Bible Study)
Vital worship, like a healthy marriage, requires honesty and openness in order to thrive. God longs for our honesty before him. We are deeply in need of his renewing pardon.
October 19, 2010
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7 min read
Worship as Listening and Responding (Bible Study)
We look in vain for any passage of Scripture that gives us the precise order of worship, rules for the practice of worship, or simple instructions that say, "THIS is the way worship must be!" Unfortunately, this has led some to believe that it doesn't matter how we structure worship, as though it's only a matter of personal preference or local custom.
October 19, 2010
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8 min read
Confident Prayer (Philippians 1)
The relationship between Paul and the Philippian Christians is a model for all congregations. Paul and the Christians in Philippi recognized the deep work of God in each other, prayed passionately for each other, and fervently desired to see God-glorifying fruitfulness in each other.
October 19, 2010
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9 min read
Writing a Congregational Worship Statement (Bible Study)
This Bible study looks at and goes through the steps to creating a worship statement. It suggests that a properly authorized group of leaders decide and articulate the worship values of a congregation.
October 19, 2010
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6 min read
Participants in Worship: Seen and Unseen (Bible Study)
Remember that you are getting a view of the throne room of heaven. Notice the throne, the One on it, the crowd around it, and the nature of the worship they are bringing.
October 19, 2010
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6 min read
Issues in Worship Renewal (I) (Bible Study)
The theme of worship is very prominent in the Scriptures. Many of the references are calls to worship in which God's children are told that worship is their joy and their privilege. But many other passages indicate that the worship life of the church requires constant assessment. It can get off course and need to be redirected; it can face new opportunities and need new forms; and it can benefit from new insights and experiences.
October 19, 2010
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7 min read
Responding in Praise and Thanks (Bible Study)
In corporate worship we are expected to give a response to what God has said and done. So we talk about the "service of response" of a worship liturgy, and it always follows the proclamation of God's word in the sermon. When God has spoken his word of hope and grace, it is unthinkable that we would leave church without a response. The dialogue of worship always includes the assumption that God waits for some response to his word.
October 19, 2010
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9 min read
Proclaiming the Word (Bible Study)
This Bible study lesson explores how to proclaim the Word of God.
October 19, 2010
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6 min read
Preparation for Worship (Bible Study)
This Bible Study looks at preparing for worship and that it is possible to "come to church" and still miss worship. And good preparation will likely be the key that makes the difference.
October 19, 2010
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7 min read
Congregational Song (Bible Study)
In the dialogue of worship in the Reformed tradition, congregational song has primarily had the role of the people's response to God. And that role has been shaped by Scripture, as shown through a study of the Psalms as the songbook of the Bible. In our discussion on congregational song, we will examine closely the nature of the Psalm songs and how that can serve as a model for our songs today.
October 19, 2010
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8 min read
