Emotions in Worship

Because sometimes it isn't.

Joseph Botwinick

 

Why do you assume that what is outside of your tradition is simply entertaining of the lost?

 

I did not say that. I was responding to your carnal suggestion that people don't come to church because they are bored...and that church was as dry as cornbread. Certainly, you were suggesting that if we want the lost to come to church, we must entertain them and keep them from being bored.

Joseph Botwinick

 

Why do you assume that what is inside of your tradition is the right way to worship?

 

I think Tater and Joseph are right on the mark here.

Worship is about experienceing and responding to Jesus. Much of what is considered "worship" today is a mockery. Many people are so interested in the next big warm fuzzy, that they miss the daily aspect of worship in all that we do.

I am constantly amazed at the attitude of people that view worship as an event that they come to in order to get something in return. Worship is about us coming and falling on our face before a Holy and Awesome God and giving ourselves to Him. Do a study on the word worship found in the Psalms. It will challenge you as to what worship is really about.

Emotions are def part of that, but if that is all you have then your worship is pretty weak, shallow and does not honor God.

 

If the worship is in Spirit and Truth then it is accpetable worship. Spirit and Truth is the standard that I will use. not my tradition or anyone elses.
I will say that the Bible makes it clear that lifting up of hands, clapping of hands, praising on string instruments and organs, Praising with the sound of the trumpet, and dancing are biblical. Everything is to be done decently and in order and if it is important that things be done decently and in order it is important that it be done.

I think we are saying the same thing.

The main thing is that Jesus is lifted up regardless of our traditions.
As to the Brownsville Revival comment. That is between the people at Brownsville and their Pastor. The People of Brownsville would be out of line to tell your church how to worship God other than the admonishion Jesus gave that we worship God ( Who is a Spirit) in Spirit and Truth.

 

I am that we agree.

 

I think we all do. Well...maybe.

 

Hi TaterTot,
I agree, the Lord is honored when we raise our hands, and or stand while singing Praise & Worship.
I also will say amen at certain parts of the sermon.
I'm a Southern Baptist, I realize not all Baptists do that and I don't have a problem with that.
In Him,

 

oops - glad

 

Don't worry Tater,

I do all the time...

Joseph Botwinick

 

it?

 

I like CCM and P&W music. I like an organ/piano in Church as well.

What has gotten me lately in Church though is when an individual sings a song for the congregation in Church and then gets a resounding ovation. I am all for that in other places than Church. However, at Church it looks like that could lead to more edification than glorification.

I try and close my eyes and listen to the words of the song and then lift up a hallelujah or amen at the end. I am praising the emotion/revelation that the song brought me. When you clap, I think you edify the singer which may not be good.

Am I wrong to think this?

 

Kind of tired...was in the field for a few days so I am sorry I missed this thread. Admitting first of all to the fact that I have not read all the posts here I have to say that I like all the songs, both traditional and contemporary that are performed in church. Little children often make up songs about Jesus and we let them sing that too. I think it is an awesome thing to raise your voice up to celebrate the wonderful things the Lord has done for us. So if youve got a drum set and a horn...all the better! *smiles*

The "emotional" performance of a sermon - where I grew up we called that Hellfire and Brimstone Day. I would invite one of my friends to church, and without fail, our preacher would pound on the pulpit and shout, with the vein popping out of his head. It scared those friends off that were not used to that.

I do not mind that way of preaching at all really, although I get less of a lesson out of it. I think if you are filled with joy, you should share it. The hellfire and brimstone stuff just made me kind of bored. I guess I respond better to positive things instead of pounding on stuff and looking like youre mad.

 

Just a few thoughts:

I think, (correct me if I am wrong), that TaterTot is worried about those people who are more worried about having producing drama than about worshipping God. I agree that is wrong.

I think Joseph has a valid point that this same kind of thing can happen from the pulpit and not just in the choir loft. I avoid pulpit-pounding-preachers for that reason.

I think the PastorSBC is totally on target. Worship should be about God, not about "an audience."

I agree with Donna and Diane too.

The only thing I've read in this thread that really makes me go - wait a minute - is when someone said something about the word being more important than the music - on THAT - I disagree for many reasons.

1) God obvioulsy was pleased with jubilant praising of God through song (and - gasp - dance).

2) Music is a wonderful teacher. How many kids learned their A,B,C's via a little ditty? How many learned the books of the bible, in order, through another ditty? How many of us can name songs that are actually just bible-verses put to music?

3) Music ~is~ emotional and it ~can~ reach the heart in ways that the spoken word sometimes cannot - and that isn't a bad thing. When it is real, it isn't bad. How many people have sat through entire sermons telling them that they need to repent - yawning, flipping through orders of worship - checking their watches - wishing it would be over - - only to find that when it comes to the hymn asking God for forgiveness that they can't sing a note because by singing that song they've been forced to focus on the very thing they ignored the preacher on?

4) Sometimes music is the only way I can express what I feel about God. I am a writer - some people think I'm actually a good one - but - I can't express the joy God gives me with pure words.

5) Music allows the entire congregation to participate in worship - which - I believe - is how the bible intended for churches to be. Let's face it folks - this "walk in, sit down, listen to a speech, grab your bible and go home," experience is not worshipping God unless you find some way to participate individually.

I think it really often boils down to never, ever forgetting why you are doing whatever you are doing, and to try to always do whatever it is for the glory of God - whether it is preaching, teaching, singing - or mopping up the floors after a pot-luck-dinner.

 

I understand what you are saying Texasky, as I am a musician as well. But the word of God has to be central in worship, I think, and music isnt inspired in the same way Scripture is. Not saying that all "preaching" is inspired, but rightly dividing the word of truth" has to be central. I know you arent saying that its not.

 

TaterTot hits a home run once again!

 

Sorry, TexasSky, I just had to laugh at this line...already in the 1000 posts club (it took me over two years to do that!), and average words per post somewhere around 300!

Please don't be offended...I'm just having some fun with you!