Who Does Your Worship Look Like?

by Pastor Mark Chin

If we were to take a road trip across America, visiting a different evangelical church every Sunday, I suspect we would soon discover that there are as many different styles of worship as there are churches. At times these differences have been the source of encouragement and help as they challenge our own preferences and styles of worship. At times these differences have been the source of confusion and offense, creating distance between fellow believers. These differences raise some necessary questions. What is Christian worship all about? What is Christian worship supposed to look like? What is Christian worship?

The temptation is to build our view and definition of worship around what we do at church on Sunday mornings. Sometimes our view and definition of worship can be reduced to the singing of praise songs. Frequently the term “worship team” is used primarily to identify the musicians who lead us in songs of praise on Sunday morning. But if “they” are the worship team – then what does that say about everyone else – the Sunday School teachers, the refreshment team, the cleaning team, etc.? To what degree is our worship defined by what we do and who we are – as opposed to who God is and what He has done in Christ in your life and mine? Is it all about me?

It helps to define what one means by worship. Allen P. Ross defines worship in this way. “Thus, in general terms, ‘worship’ refers to the appropriate response to the revelation of the holy God of glory. More specifically, Christian worship, whether individual or collective, is the structured and ordered expression of the proper response of the people of God to the revelation of God in Christ.” [1] In light of this definition, one might add that Christian worship is to be the right response and participation in the Gospel that is made possible by grace through faith in Christ alone, in accordance with the will and Word of God.

Defined as such, the testimony of Scripture clearly demonstrates that true worship begins and ends in one place – and that place is not with us. Though the technical terms, styles, songs, and practices of worship may change, there is one overwhelming constant of all true biblical worship. From the creation of the world to the New Jerusalem, from the Holy of Holies to the cross at Calvary, from the Passover to the Lord’s Supper, from the tabernacle of Sinai to the temple of New Covenant saints, the constant that initiates, defines, sustains, and accomplishes true worship in each case is the God of the Bible, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – His person, His Word, and the presence of His glory. Without the person of God and the presence of His glory, there is no true worship. This is the testimony of Moses (Ex. 33:12-16), Ezekiel (Ez. 10), Jesus (Mt. 23:37-39), Paul (Rom. 1:22-23) and every saint of the Bible, Old Testament and New. So John Owen says, “ The principal and adequate reason of all divine worship, and that which makes it such, is what God is in himself.” [2]

From the creation of the universe, to the giving of the Law of the Mosaic Covenant, to the inauguration of the New Covenant by the flesh and blood of Christ, to the coming of the New Jerusalem, the creator, author, designer, and giver of all true worship is not man, but the God of the Bible. Worship, like salvation, is entirely a work of God’s grace in which God’s people have been called to participate. Its starting point, like the salvation of God’s people, is the will and the word of God. Any deviation from His will and His word is a departure from true biblical worship and an embrace of false worship (Ex.32:1-10; Rom.1:18-32). Worship that is truly God’s is worship that is wrought by His Holy Spirit who always acts in accordance with the Word He has given us. As such it is characterized by a clear and faithful expression of His person, His will and His word, in every aspect. This is a worship that is most fully expressed in the ministry of His Son – His life, His death, His resurrection, His present ministry at the right hand of the Father and in His bride, the Church. Does our worship look like Jesus? Is that what a visitor would say as he leaves the church doors?

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:36). [3] If the starting and end point of all worship is the God of the Bible and His Word, then the defining characteristic of all worship and the end of all worship is the glory of the God of the Bible. From the Hebrew term kabod to the Greek term doxa, Allen P. Ross notes the following: “When the Bible uses the word “glory” or “glorious” with reference to the LORD, it is basically saying that he is the most important or preeminent person in this or any other universe. And when the Bible refers to the ‘glory of the LORD,’ it is usually referring to all the evidence of God’s preeminence.” [4] That evidence, as John Owen points out, is the revelation and manifestation of His divine attributes, the fullness of God’s nature, His attributes, and His will – in short, the totality of His essential being. [5] Is God and His glory preeminent in our worship?

The glory of God, then, is the essential quality of all true worship, the purpose of all true worship, and the end of all worship. If worship does not exalt the preeminence of God through a clear manifestation and revelation of His truth and grace, as opposed to the needs or desires of worshippers, then it is not true biblical worship that is from God or for God. That is not to say that the God of the Bible ignores our needs or desires. To the contrary, He is greatly concerned about the needs and desires of His children. However, when our needs and our desires become preeminent, then we are worshipping a different god. True worship exalts God by placing His glory on display, not that of man, doing so according to the will and word of God. The attributes of true worship, then, are nothing less than the attributes of the God of worship.

From the human perspective, the beginning of biblical worship, then, is the beholding of the glory of God (Isa. 6:1-5). The NT informs us explicitly that we behold this glory in the person of Jesus Christ (Heb 1:1-4). “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The NT also informs us that it is only by faith which is a gift of God’s grace that we are able to see the glory of Christ (Matt 11:25, 16:17; Lk 10:21; Rom 1:17; Eph 2:8; Heb 11:3 ). This faith comes from hearing the Word of God. “So faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ,” (Rom 10:17). That faith through the word is needed for true worship serves as a reminder that the greatest hindrance to true worship is us – specifically our sinfulness and sin which is an offense to the holiness of God and which blinds our eyes to His glory. It is only the forgiveness of sin that comes from Christ’s death on the cross and that is received by faith in Christ alone that removes the scales of sin from our eyes. So it is the Gospel, as presented in the written Word of God, that serves both as the path and pattern of worship that places the fullness of God’s glory in Christ on display and that enables the blind sinner to see His glory when it is embrace by faith in Christ alone.

Such worship is nothing less than transformative for the beholder of divine glory. “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as through the Lord, the Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:18). Transformation, then, is one of the essential consequences of true worship in the life of the worshipper and the worshipping community of God’s people – a transformation into the image and glory of God, not into the image and glory of the surrounding culture. It is a transformation wrought by the Spirit of God through the Good News of God’s written Word. As such, worship that is transformed by God and His Gospel looks like God and His Gospel, as do the worshippers who are transformed by God and His Gospel. Such truth begs the question, who and what does our worship look like? Does it look like us or does it look like Him? Have we been transformed by His worship lately? As a pastor, these are questions that I need to be confronted with on a regular basis – questions that bring me to my knees at the foot of the cross as they show me my desperate need for Christ and the Gospel of His Word.

[1] Allen P. Ross, Recalling the Hope of Glory: Biblical Worship from the Garden to the New Creation. (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2006), 50.

[2] Sinclair Ferguson, John Owen on the Christian Life. (Carlisle: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1987), 274,

[3] All Scripture references, unless otherwise specified, have been taken from the NASB.

[4] Allen P. Ross, Recalling the Hope of Glory: Biblical Worship from the Garden to the New Creation. (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2006), 47.

[5] John Owen, The Glory of Christ: His Office and Grace. (Fearn, UK: Christian Heritage, 2004), 54.

Let Us Go Forth Into The Field…Let Us See If The Vine Flourish

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Song of Solomon 7:11,12

The church was about to engage in earnest labour, and desired her Lord’s company in it. She does not say, ‘I will go,’ but ‘let us go.’ It is blessed working when Jesus is at our side! It is the business of God’s people to be trimmers of God’s vines. Like our first parents, we are put into the garden of the Lord for usefulness; let us therefore go forth into the field.

Observe that the church, when she is in her right mind, in all her many labours desires to enjoy communion with Christ. Some imagine that they cannot serve Christ actively, and yet have fellowship with Him: they are mistaken. Doubtless it is very easy to fritter away our inward life in outward exercises, and come to complain with the spouse, ‘They made me keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept:’ but there is no reason why this should be the case except our own folly and neglect. Certain is it that a professor may do nothing, and yet grow quite as lifeless in spiritual things as those who are most busy. Mary was not praised for sitting still; but for her sitting at Jesus’ feet. Even so, Christians are not to be praised for neglecting duties under the pretence of having secret fellowship with Jesus: it is not sitting, but sitting at Jesus’ feet which is commendable. Do not think that activity is in itself an evil: it is a great blessing, and a means of grace to us. Paul called it a grace given to him to be allowed to preach; and every form of Christian service may become a personal blessing to those engaged in it.

Those who have most fellowship with Christ are not recluses or hermits, who have much time to spare, but indefatigable labourers who are toiling for Jesus, and who, in their toil, have Him side by side with them, so that they are workers together with God. Let us remember then, in anything we have to do for Jesus, that we can do it, and should do it in close communion with Him.

5.9p

Weekly Links (11/6/2015)

“Your faith will not fail while God sustains it; you are no strong enough to fall away while God is resolved to hold you.” (JI Packer)

by Stephen Rodgers

I know a lot of folks at LBCSD are in a bit of a tizzy since they’re getting ready for the All-Church Retreat, so I’ll keep this one brief:

  • The free audio book from christianaudio.com this month is Paul David Tripp’s Sex & Money. Get it.
  • The free resource of the month from Logos.com is Hermeneia: Matthew 1-7. I genuinely have no clue about this, but hey, if you’re a Logos user, knock yourself out.
  • This month’s edition of Tabletalk from Ligonier is on the issue of “The Christian Sexual Ethic.” Given recent cultural shifts, that’s going to be something we could all stand to do a bit more reading on.

That’s it! Told you it’d be brief.

Pro Rege

Declaration of Dependence

by Elder Johnny Kim

One of the cooler things I get to witness as a parent is how my children gradually grow and develop. It’s particularly interesting to realize how they grow to become more and more independent from us as their parents. As newborn babies and infants, they are initially dependent on us for everything. They need us to feed them, to bathe them, to clothe them, and to pick them up to move them from one spot to another. But as they get older, some of the things that would have been impossible for them to accomplish apart from us, they start gaining the ability to do all by themselves. Before we know it, we find that our children can finally feed themselves, go to the bathroom by themselves, and dress themselves among other things.

As children physically grow and mature, it’s natural that they would grow in their independence as well. In fact, part of our job as parents is to train and equip our children to be self-sufficient with respect to practical matters. Yet while we might desire for them to cultivate a greater independence in certain aspects of life, our chief desire should be that spiritually, they would grow to be completely dependent on the one true and living God who is sovereign over all things. Likewise, when it comes to the youth of our church, our desire ought to be that they would constantly grow in their dependence on God to the point that they would live in light of the truth that apart from Him, they can do nothing. At the same time that we cultivate a practical independence, we are cultivating a far greater and more important dependence; a dependence that acknowledges that we always have a desperate need for God regardless of who we are or what we’ve accomplished.

In a culture and society that promotes and values independence and self-reliance, dependence is a biblical principle that stands opposed, but a biblical principle nonetheless. While the world would tell our youth that they can always pull themselves up by their own bootstraps, we must remind our youth that God alone can rescue us and provide us with refuge (Matthew 11:28-30). While the world would tell our youth that sheer determination is a powerful force, we must remind our youth that there is no power greater than our God (Psalm 145:1-3). While the world would tell our youth that they can accomplish anything by themselves so long as they set their mind to it, we must remind our youth that they are insufficient in and of themselves (John 15:5).

Youth often find themselves at a pivotal stage in life with new found independence and liberties. Yet in the midst of these things, our hope as a ministry is that they would recognize an active and ongoing dependence on God for all things. The One who created the universe and everything in it is the One who gives us all breath (Job 34:14-15). We not only depend on Him for our very lives, but for all the lesser things as well.

Who Hath Blessed Us With All Spiritual Blessings

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Ephesians 1:3

All the goodness of the past, the present, and the future, Christ bestows upon His people.

  • In the mysterious ages of the past the Lord Jesus was His Father’s first elect, and in His election He gave us an interest, for we were chosen in Him from before the foundation of the world.
  • He had from all eternity the prerogatives of Sonship, as His Father’s only-begotten and well-beloved Son, and He has, in the riches of His grace, by adoption and regeneration, elevated us to sonship also, so that to us He has given ‘power to become the sons of God.’
  • The eternal covenant, based upon suretiship and confirmed by oath, is ours, for our strong consolation and security.
  • In the everlasting settlements of predestinating wisdom and omnipotent decree, the eye of the Lord Jesus was ever fixed on us; and we may rest assured that in the whole roll of destiny there is not a line which militates against the interests of His redeemed.
  • The great betrothal of the Prince of Glory is ours, for it is to us that He is affianced, as the sacred nuptials shall ere long declare to an assembled universe.
  • The marvellous incarnation of the God of heaven, with all the amazing condescension and humiliation which attended it, is ours.
  • The bloody sweat, the scourge, the cross, are ours for ever. Whatever blissful consequences flow from perfect obedience, finished atonement, resurrection, ascension, or intercession, all are ours by His own gift. Upon His breastplate he is now bearing our names; and in His authoritative pleadings at the throne He remembers our persons and pleads our cause.
  • His dominion over principalities and powers, and His absolute majesty in heaven, He employs for the benefit of them who trust in Him.

His high estate is as much at our service as was His condition of abasement. He who gave Himself for us in the depths of woe and death, doth not withdraw the grant now that He is enthroned in the highest heavens.

5.9a

Weekly Links (10/30/2015)

“I sometimes wonder if one reason for the failure of the evening service reflects more on the failure of the church to understand she is a family, where relationships are to be cultivated, not taken for granted. The early church gave themselves to fellowship (Acts 2:42). The time after the services on the Lord’s day is a wonderful opportunity for God’s people to fellowship, ask questions about how each other is doing, see how we can better pray for one another, and build one another up (1 Thess. 5:11). Why do some Christians consistently love to leave so quickly after church?” (Mark Jones)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! It’s been quite a busy week in the blogosphere, with much to pass along. I hope the week has been fruitful and that these links will draw you closer and closer to Christ!

  • The Center for Medical Progress has posted their 11th video highlighting an abortion provider of Planned Parenthood discuss how she performs a second-trimester abortion procedure. CMP argues this is identical to performing partial-birth abortion, which is illegal. Joe Carter addresses what effects current state-level anti-abortion laws are having in the US today.
  • Sundays may be hard to prepare for, but this may be an area that we need to grow in. Specifically aimed at fathers, Jeremy Kimble at CBMW advises men to shepherd their families before, during and after the Sunday service. Are you prepared to receive God’s Word this coming Lord’s day?
  • Do you happen to know the many names of God written in Scripture? If not, and you’re what the point of looking at His many names are, look no further.
  • For most in the church, seminary isn’t an option many consider, even if one goes into full-time ministry. For those in the pew, how can laymen (and women) get some further training? Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie provides some solid advice for women, though I’d consider this solid advice for men as well.
  • Who would you list as examples of masculinity? Who comes to mind as the epitome of manhood? Would you be surprised that Scripture points to Jesus as the perfect example? Nicholas Batzig provides quite the compelling case.
  • Tomorrow will be the 498th anniversary of the Reformation, which celebrates the posting of the 95 theses by Martin Luther on the doors of the church in Wittenburg, Germany. If you aren’t aware of what the issues were that brought about that momentous act, Eric Davis writes an informative overview. Stephen Nichols sums up the events that led to the posting of those theses, and elsewhere considers if the Reformation still matters today.
  • Glory Books, which is Dr. Greg Harris’ website, has a podcast that covers various topics in the Christian life. The most recent episode deals with Sarah Young’s book, Jesus Calling, assessing whether it has theological merit and is worth picking up. May be of interest to you.

That’s all for this week! Remember that Lumos and College Life are meeting tonight, and that we will be having our annual Fall Festival tomorrow night, all at church. See you then!

Soli Deo Gloria

LBCSD SPARK – October 29, 2015

by Pastor Patrick Cho

Dear LBCSD family and friends!

I hope you are doing well and walking in the Lord. As always, there is a lot going on at the church during the fall and winter season! Please read through the opportunities below to get further plugged into the church and to grow with one another in Christ. There are many things going on to help facilitate our fellowship and to serve one another.

In His grace,

Pastor Patrick

Here are some ministry opportunities for your consideration!

  1. Midweek Bible Studies. Grace Life Family Ministry meets on Thursdays from 6:30-8:00 PM! This Thursday, our LADIES will meet for Bible study in Room 108. Please come having completed the assignment for Lesson 1 and having memorized the Scripture passage. If you would like more information about Grace Life, please contact Pastor Patrick (pastorpatrick@gmail.com) or Christine Cho (christinescho@gmail.com). College Life and Lumos Youth meet on Fridays at 7:00 PM. All Bible studies meet at the church. Visit the church website for more information.
  2. Lighthouse Kids Club. LKC continues to meet this Thursday from 6:30-8:00 PM. It’s not too late to register your child (ages 5 to fifth grade). Visit the welcoming table on Thursday for a registration form. Contact Pastor Patrick if you have any questions or require more information. See the church calendar for the complete LKC schedule for 2015-2016.
  3. All-Church Retreat. Registration is now closed for our All-Church Retreat, but if you are a member and not planning to go to retreat and plan to be at LBC on Sunday, November 8, please contact Pastor Patrick (pastorpatrick@gmail.com). We could use some help to conduct that Sunday morning worship service.
  4. Fall Festival. Our annual Fall Festival is this Saturday, October 31, from 5:00-8:00 PM. Come out and bring the kids for a night full of great fun! Everyone from the church is invited to participate. Please bring your friends as well! The cost is only $5/adult (children 0-12 and first time guests are free!). There will be plenty of games and food for all. You are also encouraged to dress up in a costume, but please don’t come dressed as anything scary or promoting evil. Costumes should be church appropriate. If you are wondering whether your costume is appropriate or not, maybe wear something else. But there will be prizes for the best costumes, so be creative!
  5. Communion. We will be taking communion this Sunday so please prepare your heart for that time!
  6. Baptism Class. Baptism is an ordinance commanded by our Lord. If you have not yet been baptized as a believer in obedience to Scripture, please make plans to come to our baptism class. Because of some people’s scheduling conflicts, we will be offering two baptism classes on Tuesday, November 3 and Wednesday, November 4. Both classes will begin at 7:00 PM and will be at the church. You DO NOT need to attend both.
  7. Baptism Service. The baptism service will be on Sunday, November 15, at 4:30 PM. Come out and hear the testimonies of those who will be baptized!
  8. All-Church Thanksgiving Potluck. We will be having our annual Thanksgiving potluck on Sunday, November 22, at 5:00 PM. More information will be forthcoming! Please mark your calendars!
  9. Christmas Concert. If you are interested in performing in this year’s Christmas Concert, please contact Eugene Park for more information (e1park@gmail.com). The Christmas Concert will be on Saturday, December 12.

Sparklers Update

by Kyle Grindley

I have been on Sparklers staff for a while, and now that I have a daughter of my own, more than a few people have commented “Being in Sparklers must have made you feel more prepared for fatherhood” My first reaction is usually to point out that being with pre-schoolers for an hour a week, is a lot different than providing 24/7 care for a helpless infant. However, when I step back I must admit that Sparklers has given me one great advantage as I become a father; godly examples.

God has built wonderful supports into the church, where believers sharpen each other and the older instruct the younger through shared joys and struggles, advice from experience, and candor through the day-in-day-out challenges we all face. But as the church grows, it becomes harder to have contact across life stages. I often find it awkward to have conversations with people not in my affinity group or small group, or to ask a question to an older brother or sister who might have a helpful perspective on something I am experiencing.

Standing by the Sparklers door, checking kids out and exchanging brief updates with the parents has served as a great ice breaker that allows me to have these sharpening interactions with parents who are ahead of me. It has allowed me to maintain relationships with people who I wouldn’t normally have much opportunity to interact with.

These interactions have given me years of insights on the challenges faced by different parents with different kids. I have heard God’s faithfulness, working patience and perseverance in the parents as they work to strengthen their kid’s weaknesses, and to show them their sin and the Savior.

Often times a discipline issue during class gives me a peek behind the curtain at how the parent is shepherding their child throughout the week. I have been privileged to see how parents adjust their counsel and guidance to suit the differences from child to child, even within one family.

Sparklers has also given me a familiarity with parents that makes it easier to ask questions, to get advice. Sometimes it is very practical, something that came up just this past week. Other times it is addressing some anxiety I have about the challenges parenting will bring. Sometimes I am affirmed in my thinking, others I am given something new to consider. In all of it I am encouraged to look toward God; His past faithfulness to them reassures me of His promise of faithfulness to me.

The view from Sparklers has also humbled me, no parent has ever communicated that they everything all figured out, even the most experienced. The variety in the children’s personalities and bents means that I can never expect to get to a point in parenting where I have everything figured out. I will always need to lean on God.

So, yes, being on Sparklers staff has made me more ready to be a father; more confident in assuming the role. Not because of any practice that experience with the Sparklers has afforded, but because of the wealth of wisdom and encouragement I come face to face with at the end of each service when I get to squeeze in a quick chat with the parents.