https://www.bible.com/events/49401981

Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus

Beyond The Song: A life of worship Part 2

Take your everyday, ordinary life, and place it before the Lord as an offering.

Today we are continuing in our 4-part teaching series called Beyond the Song: A life of worship.

Throughout this series, we want to be challenged to re-frame our thinking on worship. That we would not only think of worship as somewhere we go on Sunday mornings, or a certain song we sing, but that we would see all of our lives as an opportunity to worship the Lord.

Worship- if you look it up in the dictionary, you will find definitions like:

-to honor or show reverence for a divine being or supernatural power

-to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion

Worship is action or response ascribing value to someone or something.

For us, that someone and something is the Lord.

When we worship, we are expressing how much God means to us, how much we value and honor him.

Today we are continuing to explore a life of worship asking questions like:

How should we approach worship Monday through Saturday? How should we think about it?

Is there a right way and a wrong way to express worship throughout the week? What should we look out for?

These are necessary questions to consider as we continue to explore worship Monday-Saturday because as we will see, a decision about worship is at the heart of nearly every temptation we face.

Matthew 4:8-11

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

If you look back in this chapter, the devils first temptation is that Jesus would turn stones into bread. He was trying to get Jesus to use his power to meet is needs, in his own way, rather than trusting the Father’s plan.

The second temptation was that he would leap from the pinnacle of the temple and allow God’s angels to rescue him. The temptation seems to be that Jesus would take for granted, for his own purposes, the protection of the father. By taking that leap, he wouldn’t have to endure the cross. Again, using what was available to him to meet his own desires and needs, rather than the will of God.

At the core of these first two temptations is the matter of loyalty and devotion.

Who is Jesus going to live his life for? Will he take matters into his own hands, use his power to make things easier for himself? Or will he stick fast to the plans of the heavenly father?

And Here in this third and final temptation in verse 8-9, the devil offers Jesus everything this world has to offer, all the power, al the wealth, all the glory- all the goods, if only he will worship him. What has been implied in each temptation before, is explicitly brought forward here.

It’s a matter of worship.

Who are you ultimately going to worship? The Lord? or the devil?

And Friends, this is the heart of the matter of your life, and mine. Who are we going to worship? Who are we going to obey?

What we give our lives to is critical. As we think about Monday through Saturday worship- It’s not just about K-Love on the radio or even saying prayer before a meal. It’s the very core decision we make every day. Who am I living for today? What am I worshipping?

It’s a question that’s the very essence of our relationship with the Lord.

A conscious surrender to living out his plans for our lives.

Romans 12:1 MSG

So, here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.

John 4:19-24

“Oh, so you’re a prophet! Well, tell me this: Our ancestors worshiped God at this mountain, but you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place for worship, right?” “Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this mountain nor there in Jerusalem. You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day. God’s way of salvation is made available through the Jews. But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you’re called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter. “It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”

Within Jesus’ description of worship, we see a few key truths that I believe will help us as we seek to reframe our thinking on worship.

– True worship flows from a place of relationship with The Father.

– Jesus says true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth.

– True worshippers will worship the father in Spirit AND Truth.

– Finally, the Father is seeking worshippers like this.

Will he find one in you?

WORSHIP ISN’T

· CONFINED TO A SUNDAY MORNING EXPERIENCE

· SINGING ONLY-SINGING IS AN ACT/FORM WORSHIP

· ABOUT YOU- ITS ABOUT GOD- WHAT HE RECEIVES

· COMPARTMENTALIZED-IT’S A LIFESTYLE

· CLOSED FISTED- ITS OPEN HANDED

· CONFINED TO CERTAIN SPACES

· WHAT YOU DO-IT’S WHO YOU ARE

Worship

Expressing our love and gratitude to God, for who He is, what He’s done, what He’s said, and what He’s promised to do.

 22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

ROMANS 12:1-2 THE WORSHIP LIFE

1-2 So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you and quickly respond to it.

Matthew 14:22-33

“MANY SPIRIT FILLED AUTHORS HAVE EXHAUSTED THE THESAURUS IN ORDER TO DESCRIBE GOD WITH THE GLORY HE DESERVES, HIS PERFECT HOLINESS, BY DEFINITION ASSURES US THAT OUR WORDS CAN’T CONTAIN. ISN’T IT A COMFORT TO WORSHIP A GOD WE CANNOT EXAGGERATE? FRANCIS CHAN

LUKE 17:11

11. “NOW ON HIS WAY TO JERUSALEM, JESUS TRAVELED ALONG THE BORDER BETWEEN SAMARIA AND GALILEE. AS HE WAS GOING INTO THE VILLAGE, TEN MEN WHO HAD LEPROSY MET HIM. THEY STOOD AT A DISTANCE AND CALLED OUT IN A LOUD VOICE, “JESUS, MASTER HAVE PITY ON US!’

LUKE 17:14

14. “WHEN HE SAW THEM, HE SAID, “GO SHOW YOURSELVES TO THE PRIESTS.” AND AS THEY WENT, THEY WERE CLEANSED. ONE OF THEM, WHEN HE SAW HE WAS HEALED, CAME BACK PRAISING GOD IN A LOUD VOICE.

LUKE 17:16

16. HE THREW HIMSELF AT JESUS’ FEET AND THANKED HIM AND HE WAS A SAMARITAN. JESUS ASKED, “WERE NOT ALL TEN CLEANSED? WHERE ARE THE OTHER NINE?

HAS NO ONE RETURNED TO PRAISE GOD EXCEPT THIS FOREIGNER?’ THEN HE SAID TO HIM, “RISE AND GO; YOUR FAITH HAS MADE YOU WELL.

2 JESUS MIRACLES: 2 VERY DIFFERENT RESPONSES

· FIRST STORY-DISCIPLES EVEN INITIALLY AFRAID

· THEY WORSHIP JESUS

· SECOND STORY- ONLY 1 COMES BACK?

· AND A SAMARITAN TO BOOT? WOW

· 1 GROUP WORSHIPS JESUS WHAT HE CAN DO

· THE OTHER GROUP WORSHIPS FOR WHO HE IS

HEBREW TERMS FOR WORSHIP

SHACHAH: TO BOW DOWN (ANGELS APPEARED)

BARAK: BEND AT WAIST-SPECIAL AUTHORITY

TODAH: YADAH- THANKSGIVING/A THANK OFFERING

ZAMAR: MAKE MUSIC IN PRAISE OF GOD (DAVIDS LYRE)

HALAL: TO GIVE FOOLISH GLORY-SHINE/CELEBRATE

WORD IN VERSE 17 THANKED MEANS (GIVING THANKS)

EUCHARIST

PSALM 47:1

1. “CLAP YOUR HANDS, ALL YOU NATIONS; SHOUT TO GOD WITH CRIES OF JOY.

PSALM 47:1

1. “CLAP YOUR HANDS, ALL YOU NATIONS; SHOUT TO GOD WITH CRIES OF JOY.

ROMANS 12:1-2 THE WORSHIP LIFE

1-2 So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best

thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you and quickly respond to it.

STORY FROM LUKE 17

ONE OF THEM CAME BACK TO JESUS PRAISING HIM IN A LOUD VOICE.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADMIRATION AND WORSHIP AND FANDOM

REVELATION 4

https://www.bible.com/events/49398704

Church of the Nazarene – East Rockingham Campus

Beyond The Song: A life of worship Part 1

Take your everyday, ordinary life, and place it before the Lord as an offering.

Today we are starting a 4-part teaching series called Beyond the Song: A life of worship.

Throughout this series, we want to be challenged to re-frame our thinking on worship. That we would not only think of worship as somewhere we go on Sunday mornings, or a certain song we sing, but that we would see all of our lives as an opportunity to worship the Lord.

Worship- if you look it up in the dictionary, you will find definitions like:

-to honor or show reverence for a divine being or supernatural power

-to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion

Worship is action or response ascribing value to someone or something.

For us, that someone and something is the Lord.

When we worship, we are expressing how much God means to us, how much we value and honor him.

That’s worship.

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Paul addresses the WHY of worship. He says “In view of God’s MERCY”…

The reason we are called to worship is because of who God is, and all that he has done.

We worship God because he is Holy, Righteous, and perfect in all of his ways.

We worship him first for who he is. Sovereign creator and sustainer of all the earth.

Paul said earlier in Romans “While we were yet sinners Christ died for us”. God’s mercy is on perhaps its fullest display in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross.

It’s a love that demands a response, that’s what worship is. An expression our thanks and gratitude, our great debt as sinful people for salvation and life in Christ.

Paul calls us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to him.

The word here in Romans 12 for worship is closely related to the idea of service.

Actions directed at or motivated by a love or reverence for another. In this case, the Lord.

In it’s most basic form you could say worship is worth-ship. We are ascribing, giving, expressing worth and value to God.

When we commit to doing life God’s way, that’s living worship.

When we love our enemies, when we turn the other cheek. When we love our neighbors and help the poor. When we say NO to the desires of our flesh or of our temper, and YES to the will of God for our lives. When we use the talents and gifts that God has given us to meet the needs of others, to help provide a service, to make a living for our family.

That’s worship.

When we make prepare a meal and take it to someone who is recovering from surgery or lost a loved one. That’s worship.

When we serve in Kids City or Nursery neighborhood, teaching future generations about Jesus- That’s worship. That’s offering your life to the Lord. That’s worship.

That’s your true and proper response to who God is. Worship beyond the song.

Romans 12:1

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

This Sunday we had guest speaker Pastor Noel Gandy with us. Pastor Noel Gandy was our Hunt to Harvest speaker. Pastor Noel is currently serving as a pastor in Shenandoah, Iowa.

1 A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Mark 2:1-12

u joined us last week you are aware that we began a new series entitled, “RELATIONSHIP GOALS”  For some of us that was a new concept.  Today we will take a look at “FAMILY GOALS”

The word “family” alone could evoke a wide variety of responses in all of us.

From Thankfulness to Anx.   Delight to grief.   

The mere mention may bring tears of joy. Or tears of hurt.

I have a disclaimer – Pastor Kevin did not invite me to bring this message because the Kohl family has it all figured out, I don’t have it mastered as a mom, wife, sister or daughter.  Often when I get the opportunity to share, the message is to deepen me.

And I am pretty sure, the reason I was given this topic is because we are uniquely in the throws of parenting.  PICTURE of my family.

Here is a PICTURE of my family. My college sweetheart and husband of 27 years, Our oldest daughter Gwenna – she is a freshman at Liberty. Eli is a sophomore at East Rock. And Ivy is 4 and in Preschool. 

I would not want you to get distracted trying to figure out just how old I was when our youngest was born – I was 44. And for those of you who love statistics, there is only a 2-3% chance of two 44 years olds to have a child naturally – even less when being prevented. NOW THAT THAT’S CLEARED UP.  I will say I call that our “ONLY GOD” story.

 And though we would have never imagined that surprise in our family – we have seen the goodness of God. I remind you that the same powerful God is at work in your life and in your families – not to bring you all babies in your old age but to meet the needs you may not even know you have.

Last week Pastor Kevin shared that just as the world was created, we see how the Lord Places us, Provides for us, gives us purpose, gives parameters, and is the place we find our IDENTITY. 

                Our goal should be abandoning any image of myself that God doesn’t say about me.

This is KEY to any healthy, vibrant relationship!

What is a family?

Family – a group of people who are related to each other, including parents, children, and close relatives. – Oxford dictionary

Another source defines it as

family, a group of persons united by the ties of marriage, blood, or adoption, constituting a single household and interacting with each other in their respective social positions, usually those of spouses, parents, children, and siblings.

Marriage and family are Gods institutions.  God created the family when he made the first man and woman – telling them to be fruitful and multiply in Genesis 1:28

God wastes no time developing marriage and family. Marriage is a foundational unit of society.

Shortly after , we see sin enter the scene. Self-sufficiency enters and so does family disfunction.

The effects of sin, destroy families and society – wreak havoc, create unimaginable suffering, leading many to a Christless society and life.

In Genesis 4, we meet Cain and Abel, Adam and Eve’s first and second born son.

In Genesis 4:3-5, God favors Abels offering over Cains

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

Genesis 4:6-7

Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.”[a] While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Genesis 4:8

Then Cain ran away to avoid punishment – creating yet more challenge and hurt.

This is not to discourage, but to remind us that as soon as sin entered so did the battle against and with family.

Though today’s challenges likely look different than God giving favor to one offering over another – Jealousy is a hurt that still reigns as destructive. The family is in battle.

Life, Hope, Truth.com research reveals that the some of the greatest or top THREATS that come against our families today are:

Materialism – keeping our families focused on acquiring more and more – and our children believing that material possessions are where happiness is.

                Secularism – 25% of Americans claim no religious affiliation

                                                Compared to 6% in 1991

                Negative Media Influence – not only bringing constant unwholesome influence, but                                                                                    keeping families from interacting.

But we all know, the ultimate enemy is not a physical enemy but a spiritual one – satan himself.

1 Peter 5:8-9 tells us

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Why is this?

This quote by John Pale sums it up for me:

“God designed the family to fill the earth with His glory” -John Pale

Let’s visit our brother Joseph to see how this played out in his family.  His story takes up 14 chapters in Genesis – so though I would love to read it all to you this morning – I better just give you a quick summary…

Joseph – Genesis 37-50

Summary of the life of joseph

• Favored son:

Jacob openly favored Joseph, giving him a special coat, which further fueled his brother’s resentment. 

• Prophetic dreams:

Joseph had dreams where his family bowed down to him, which he interpreted as a sign of future power, further angering his brothers. 

• Sold into slavery:

Due to jealousy, Joseph’s brothers sold him to traders who took him to Egypt where he was sold to Potiphar, an Egyptian official. 

• False accusation and imprisonment:

When Joseph resisted the advances of Potiphar’s wife, she falsely accused him of rape, leading to his imprisonment. 

• Interpreting dreams:

While in prison, Joseph gained a reputation for accurately interpreting dreams, including those of the Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. 

• Ruling Egypt:

Pharaoh, troubled by a dream, summoned Joseph to interpret it, which revealed a coming famine. Impressed by Joseph’s wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as second in command, allowing him to prepare Egypt for the famine by storing grain. 

• Reunion with family:

During the famine, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt to buy food, and he revealed himself to them, ultimately forgiving them and reuniting with his family. 

• Throughout Genesis 37-50, Joseph’s story showcases his reliance on God: despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned. 
• His forgiveness of his brothers in Genesis 45: is a powerful example of how he trusted God’s plan even when faced with betrayal. 

The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master.  His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands. Genesis 39:2-3

In the Bible, Joseph turned to God in family trouble by trusting in God’s sovereignty and forgiving his brothers¹. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph eventually rose to become the second most powerful man in Egypt and provided food for Egypt and his own family during a severe famine²

When you are asked to speak on family, you naturally reflect on your own.

My parents divorced when I was 2 – when I was around 3 or 4 my stepmom entered the family. When I was 13, my only child life ended as my beautiful fabulous sister entered the world, though I did not always think that when she was 2 and I was 15!

Early on labeled my family as my “happy dysfunction”. If you know me well, you know, I like things to be pretty and tied up with a bow.

But the truth of the matter the division of my family and all of its circumstances were not always happy.  My pretty bow was often removed or pushed to the side.

Here in the midst of these family circumstances is where I discovered that I needed Jesus.

I was desperate for him – his care, his comfort, his truth, his constant presence, his strength, his love, his grace, HIS ALL.

I am thankful for my story because it brought me to Jesus.

Do you let the story of your family take you to Jesus?

Whether it is the story of your youth, memories, or the moments you are living right now.

Whether you are from a family of Godly heritage – do you let your story lead and keep you in Jesus?

Whether you had a story you would have preferred to be different, do you let your story lead you to Jesus?

Regardless of our past stories and the ones we are currently living – there is a family goal that we can all choose.

Family Goal #1

Regardless of my family story and circumstances, I will let it take me to Jesus.

What does this look like Angela?

Story of laying on the floor praying when I had toddlers?

There is one other goal – I’m going to ask that we commit to together

Family Goal #2 

Regardless of where my family is now, the future will be for God’s glory.

                JOSEPHS STORY TELLS US ABOUT OUR FAMILY DIRECTION CHANGING WITH JESUS

I know that my family’s tomorrow can be different because of Jesus and it starts with me.

This is not about you taking more control of your family, but surrendering it to God. This doesn’t mean by choosing Jesus that everything will be easy, but I promise your trajectory will be better – because you will be different in Him.

Your part is surrender

Your part is trust

Your part is

Your part is to be unrelenting light.

We need to hear this – ALL GOALS REQUIRE GODS HELP!

Psalm 121 tells us – My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth.

The same helper that came along side of me as a child, has and continues to be the one who helps me as the mama of my 3 babies. Helps me as a, sister, daughter.

Mention Davids return?

Use COURAGEOUS VIDEO –   SUMMARIZE!

So, I invite us to commit to these goals together as the FAMILY of God

 (these goals apply to this family as well…          )

Family Goal #1

Regardless of my family story and circumstances, I will let it take me to Jesus.

Family Goal #2 

Regardless of where my family is now, the future will be for God’s glory.

And now,  what are your personal goals for your family?

Pastor Kevin asked me this same question this week as we discussed this weeks message.

Here are the goals that were on my heart

Angela’s Family Goals:

1. I will be as hip and lively when Ivy is 18 as I am now when Gwenna is 18!
   1. Each of us would know and love Jesus deeply and personally.
   2. We will love one another well and reflect Christ, starting at home.
   3. My kids will always want to come home.
   4. Our family will be light and draw others to Jesus.

What about you this morning?  Will you bring your stories to Jesus?

Will you join me in seeking Family Goals for your family?

Grandmas, Grandpas, Mom, Dad, Single parent, step parent, Teen, Sister, Brother, son, daughter – what are your goals this morning.

We have cards all around the room on the alters, on the tables,

Come seek the Lord with me for your family as we “run to the Father”