The Worship War: Battle of Heaven

“The Battle of Heaven” really is where the Worship War begins. The three major battles that we will look at have one player in common, Satan. The war is between God and Satan. The Bible tells us that Lucifer was an angel, specifically a Cherubim (Ezekial 28:14), basically Satan started on the same side as God. However, in his pride at being the Archangel of God he decided to set himself up over God (Isaiah 14). Despite the fact that Satan was created by God as a being of free-will and great wisdom and power and position in heaven, it wasn’t enough. As Dr. Whaley puts it, “Though God had created the angels to serve Him, Satan coveted their service – and worship – for himself. he wanted not only to rule over the angels, but the whole universe”. (Whaley 2009, page 28-29) Ezekial 28:17 says that Satan allowed his ‘splendor’ to corrupt his wisdom.

Although it may have appeared that Satan had taken the throne of God from Him, Satan was tossed out of heaven. Revelation 12:4 tells us that ‘the dragon’ or Satan took a third of the angels with him from heaven (aka demons). Although God won this first battle decisively the cost was great, and even the earth was handed over to Satan along with a third of the angels. Lets be honest about this then. If we are worshipers of God we are stuck in the land of Satan, C.S. Lewis very bluntly stated we are behind enemy lines in Mere Christianity. If we do not worship God, well we are on the loosing side, but are in our own territory. Why is this opening battle important? Well man lives in Satan’s “Kingdom”, we are fighting this war whether we know it or not. This battle sets up the rest of the war, the rest of existence and informs and leads into the second battle: “The Battle of Eden.”

We will look into the Battle of Eden next week. 

Working Definition

In my last post I began to talk about the worship wars. A friend of mine challenged the idea that everyone worships. I believe that is because the definition of worship has become so narrow. In my experience when you ask people what worship is they define it along these lines: “Singing songs to God.” Well they got a small portion of the definition there. The word that is translated most into worship is the Greek word proskynein. This word roughly translates into bowing down or prostrating oneself before someone or something. In the biblical sense it is more given to the idea that this is the attitude of the heart, as well as an acceptable worship position. In the Old Testament if you were to dedicate yourself to the worship of a God or set of gods you dedicated your life to their service. Everything you did in your day to day life was to serve them in some capacity. This should still be true to today. This is why I claim (as Noel Due also wrote) that all people worship. Some worship God, others serve other gods. More often than not people are serving themselves, making money, and trying to get ahead for themselves. This means that more often than not people are worshiping who? Themselves, and by proxy (because of a simply devious and evil deception by The Deciever himself Satan) they are worshiping the Satan.

For the remainder of the “Worship War” series that I write I am going to be working from this definition of worship: Worship is the life consuming and life long service to a person, persons, or deity. It can include the way life is lived, how one treats those he meets, the attitude they have in work, prayers, reading of scriptures, serving, bowing down, and singing of songs among other things. Keep in mind that although I attempted to be thorough in my definition that it is still limiting as well as not the best definition of worship. I would appreciate additions to my definitions in the comment section.

How do you best worship?

The Worship War!

Dr. Vernon Whaley writes about the different worship wars that take place in the Bible in his book Called to Worship. He highlights three specific worship wars in his book, the war between Satan and God, the war between Satan and man and the war between Satan and Jesus. As you can see Satan is a primary participant in these wars. Personally I don’t see these as wars, but more as battles in an ongoing war. In most wars there are two sides, factions or nations (at the minimum) participating. Some might argue that in the worship war we have Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, New Age, etc. all fighting in the war. However, if you are not worshiping God you are practicing Idolatry and as Noel Due points out in Created for Worship, Idols represent demonic power (page 223). We know from the Bible that the demons followed Satan in rebellion against God. All this to say that the main players in the Worship Wars are Yahwah, our Lord God ALmighty, creator, and sender of Christ our Savior! and Satan, the Enemy, the Deceiver. Due also states, “There is indeed no vacuum of non-worship …” (page 230). In simple terms every human being worships, the question is are they worshiping God? Or are they worshiping the enemy.

Most people are unaware that the worship war is ongoing, we either are or choose to be ignorant of this fact. What makes matters worse is that churches have begun a ‘Civil Worship War’. If this ‘Civil War’ is allowed to continue we (as a Church) are allowing Satan to win. I am going to spend my next few blogs unpacking the previous battles in this war, and even discuss what misperceptions people have that have caused this ‘Civil War’.

Which side are you on?

Worship Confession

Christians do not like to confess short comings . . . I guess we think it destroys the image of God or Jesus, or probably more realistically it’s not about that it’s about us. The confession I need to make I am happy to make. Here it is: I have trouble worshiping authentically in corporate settings. In my living room I am free to pour out my heart and soul, put me upfront as the worship guide (I decided I like this term better than worship leader, because Christ is the real worship leader) and I can also worship authentically. However, in the congregation I tend to sing quieter, and be more reserved in my worship. I like to tell myself that it’s so I don’t distract others from worship, but it’s really because I’m self-conscious about my singing amongst the congregation. It seems silly really. If I guide (or lead) and people hear my singing in this way, it doesn’t make sense to be self-conscious without the microphone. I can’t really explain it. The reality is that we all need to worship authentically in the congregation in order to edify and uplift those around us. More importantly, because we are commanded to sing in the congregation, and we have examples of Christ singing in the congregation (Psalm 22:22). I need to do this, and I pray and hope that you, my readers will strive to do this as well.

O Holy Night . . .

“O Holy Night” is my favorite Christmas Carole. Musically it rises and falls beautifully, draws you in, and takes you on a journey. Lyrically it is thoughtful and well written. Theologically, this is why I really love it. This song lays out a great worship theology. “Fall on your knees, hear the angel’s voices.” These lines speak deeply into what worship is. The Greek word for worship is proskynein which translates into bow down, or a kiss toward. We don’t often see worship as this, we normally think worship is singing songs. This is just a part, the word proskynein does not indicate a physical reaction but an action of one’s heart. Your heart and soul are to bow before God in worship, what it be. In addition, hearing the angels is an indication of eternal worship. When we worship today, we are to look back at what God has done, worship Him in the present and for what He is doing and finally, perhaps most importantly, worship God for what He will do and the eternal worship we will enjoy with the angels and Jesus Christ in the New Earth, “forever and ever and ever . . .”

This song is not my normal worship song pick, it isn’t my style, nor is it written more recently. My second point comes from this. Style and era of the song shouldn’t matter, the author of the song shouldn’t matter either. We shouldn’t select songs because they are the most popular Hillsong songs, or Tomlin, or Redman, or Crowder, or Jesus Culture and we can hear them on the radio. We should pick them because they are musically compelling and easy to remember and more importantly because their theological and doctrinal language edifies us and glorifies God!! The song should cause us to proskynein (worship) God, not think “Oh this song is so cool and I love the author.” I am just as guilty as this as anyone, I freely admit that I have bias toward DC*B. My challenge to myself, and other worship leader, pastors and worshipers is to find songs that truly worship God, and don’t just give you the warm fuzzies. Our worship tells the story of God in a way that glorifies Him, make sure we strive to do that as well.

Focus

A few weekends ago I was sitting in a worship service enjoying singing worship songs and Christmas carols with my fellow Christians at the church I attend. Now this church is not a large church by any means. It can’t afford to have the best technology, the sleekest auditorium, and the best trained volunteers. What makes this church wonderful is the people! Many of the people that attend this church feel called to be a part of it, they weren’t attracted to it because of it’s smooth presentation and state of the art facility, they were attracted to this church because they felt God was doing something there, and that they were called to be a part of it. Well on this particular Sunday morning a video was to be shown. I have always lamented the fact that changing from PowerPoint, to video was not as smooth as it could be, but the church just doesn’t own the tech. On this Sunday there was about a minute of awkward shuffling and panic from the computer/video tech guy as he attempted to sort out the issue. I patiently waited with most of the congregation for things to sort out, as they always do. I was shocked and saddened to hear the gentleman sitting right behind me say, “Oh what a surprise technical difficulties!”

I am well aware that technology and the ‘seeker sensitive’ movement has created a mass of Christians who are consumerist in their thought toward church. I am not condemning the seeker sensitive movement it did some good stuff. What I am ashamed of as a Christian and worshiper of God is the consumerist attitude many Christians have. Despite all of this, I was surprised that someone with this attitude, someone who expected everything to go off without a hitch and as smooth as a hollywood production was sitting in our church that morning. What surprised and shocked me and saddened me the most was that this person was a long time member of the church, and a person that appeared upfront on numerous occasions to give announcements and pray. At that moment I wanted to turn around and confront the gentleman, and rebuke him for his attitude and try to correct his thought process. However, I did not in that moment, because I also became angry at this gentleman for his attitude. I never did get a chance to talk to this gentleman, which I regret.

However, it got me thinking. What is most peoples focus in worship? Do they focus on the quality of the music and production? Do they focus on whether they feel their needs are being met? Or do they focus on the worship of God and the revelation of God to us through His written Word? I am the first to admit that my focus is not always as it should be. I do get lost in some of the trivial details of church sometimes. However, the Church I attend normally does a great job in their music and video production, and more importantly they always do a great job of focusing on God, and not themselves.

My question is: What do you focus on in church? Is it what you can get out of it? Or is it how you can serve and worship God best?

Leibster Award Nomination!?!

I discovered on Saturday evening that I have been nominated by a fellow blogger (whom I respect and love reading her stuff) for the Leibster Award!

Until my nomination I had no idea that this award existed. But thanks to fellow Blogger Karina, who writes a blog Express – You Are Self I have been nominated for the award! I really didn’t know what to say or think when I saw this. Really it’s an honor that at least one person, and a fellow blogger, believes that my blog is worthy of this award! So thank you to Karina! Thanks for believing in my blog and for sharing your thoughts to us so openly and profoundly!

There are a few stipulations to this nomination. They are as follows (I’m cutting and pasting from Karina’s blog now, so I’m kinda cheating!)

1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog. (done!)
2. Link back to the blogger who awarded you. (d0ne!)
3. Copy & paste the blog award on your blog (done! it’s the graphic above)
4. Reveal your 5 blog picks.
5. Let them know you choose them by leaving a comment about their blog.

So now to pick my 5!

1. Express – You Are Self - By Karina: I don’t know how Karina stumbled upon my blog, but I am glad she did, for then I started to read her blog. This young woman shares her life’s journey with authenticity, honesty, and creativity! She shares her struggles, pains, victories and joys with all who read. Her blog can make you laugh, scratch your head and think, and something make you want to cry. Check it out, it’s great!

2. Reflections - By Becca Mann: Becca & her Husband Josh and I met briefly at a small Youth Pastor gathering, then got to know each other over Twitter to be honest. I’ve loved reading their life’s story via Twitter mostly. However, Becca writes about Life, faith, and adoption (they adopted a beautiful little girl named Mercy from Africa) on her blog. She is a profoundly thoughtful and gifted writer.

3. Worship Mythbusters – by Rich Kirkpatrick: Rich and I go way back. He is an intelligent honest man, who loves God and to see him worshiped profoundly and correctly. He began this blog to begin a discussion about myths we have about worship in the western church. While he does share his thoughts and opinions he is getting people talking and wants to learn as he teaches.

4. Amy Anderson -This is my wife. She is intelligent and beautiful. If only she’d write on her blog more I’m sure she would have quite the following at this point. What little she has written is profound and honest.

5. Finding Me - by Maribeth Hinton: Maribeth and I have been friends for a long time. Her blog struggles with issues that a new mother deals with as she tries to find her identity as a mother and wife, as well as a child of God.

The Little Drummer Boy

I mentioned in my last blog that I am not a big fan of the Christmas season. I love Christmas and what it stands for. This year I have actually been listening to more Christmas music than I normally do, and a song, quiet unexpectedly, struck me as quiet profound. This song is: The Little Drummer Boy! I’m linking the lyrics so I don’t have to post them all. What struck me as profound is what it actually communicates about worship. I don’t think most people, if anyone, actually thinks about what Christmas songs communicate about worship, but for some reason I was when I heard this song. The premise of the song is that this poor little boy is invited to join the Magi to see the Lord on the night He was born. The Magi offer Christ rich gifts that would be offered to a king. The poor little boy has nothing but a drum, and so the boy offers a song on his drum to Jesus. The Carol expresses that Jesus enjoys and approves of the song through a simple smile. Why is this so profound? It communicates that it isn’t the cost of the gift, it isn’t the extravagance of what is offered, but it is the sincerity, authenticity, and heart of the one offering the gift of worship to Christ.

Often in our churches today those that fill the seats or pews see those that serve upfront, or in more ‘public’ ways are those offering the best ‘gifts of praise.’ However, the most talented of worship leaders, and speakers can have a jaded heart, or a prideful soul as they present their offering. If you don’t have the gifts, or calling to be an upfront worshiper, if you can’t do musical offerings, or speak profound words do not fret. You are the modern day equivalent to the drummer boy. You have something to offer. Something that may be even more profoundly important than all of the elements that make a church run on a Sunday morning. Search your heart for what you can and want to offer to God as an act of worship through service and offering and give it. The same smile of approval that the baby Jesus gives the drummer boy will undoubtadly be given to you as well.

Merry Christmas!

Preparation

Well Thanksgiving is behind us, we’re all eating our leftovers, or have already eaten them all. Our attention begins to now turn to Christmas. I have shocked numerous people by saying, “I hate Christmas.” Most people wonder why I would hate such a ‘joyous’ season of giving and receiving, Christians wonder how I can hate the time of year we remember and celebrate the coming of the Christ. I choose the words carefully to get attention and start a conversation. I really hate the over-commercialization of the season, ‘Black Friday’ the excess that happens, deals, sales, Santa Claus and anything that really doesnt’ have anything to really do with Christ. I really hold the holiday of Christmas in such reverence that I am disgusted that ‘the season’ kicks of with Black Friday. I also despise any Christmas song that has nothing to do with Christ, which I get hammered for sometimes. The short of the long of it is, Christmas should be such a reverent and holy time, and often even we Christians get lost in the ‘festivities’.

All that being said, yesterday my wife, Amy, and I went to cut

down our Christmas tree, this was the first time I had ever cut down a tree for us or ever. I went with my family as a child to do this of course, but never for my wife and I. My wife and I then proceeded to set-up the tree and decorate and light it. My wife (with a giant smile) on her face decorated our apartment with Christmas decorations, she has a good eye for this kind of thing. When she was done she stood in the middle of our living area, with a giant smile on her face, and exclaimed how cute the place looked! I could only really look at her and agree. Why tell you all of this? Because of Romans 12:1, here Paul commands us to pour our lives out as a ‘drink offering’ as a way of worship. We are to serve as a part of our worship. If I was single, or didn’t love my wife as much, I would not have gone to any trouble to get a tree in this way. However, I wanted her to be happy, and to serve her in this way. In doing so I offered myself as a ‘drink offering’ before God by serving my wife.

My challenge to you is to find a way to serve others during this season. Worship God, and honor Christ, by doing this. Don’t care about what you get, or who does what for you, what deals you get at the store, or the perfect parking spot. Concern yourself with how you can serve others this Christmas. If Christmas is all about Christ, and Christ served us, then we should honor Him by doing the same!

As time goes on . . .

I’ve been blogging since I was in college (the first time) probably late 2004, back then it was on MySpace. Wait what? What’s myspace. Yea I wasn’t very legit. My focus was youth culture and youth ministries back then. Over time my blogging transitioned from MySpace to Blogger, to WordPress, where we are now. In addition, my subjects changed. I stuck with youth thing for a long time. Occasionally writing on other subjects. More recently, I have made the transition into focusing on worship. This subject came up a lot when I wrote in the youth realm, but now it is my main focus. I may sometimes stray, and share other thoughts. To me however, everything comes back to worship. We all do it, every single human worships. Not all of us do it right. (gasp!) I don’t mean that my way to worship is right, what I mean is that some of us worship celebrities, sports, ourselves, sex, idols, other gods, or perhaps the one true God. We all worship . . . the right worship is the worship of Yahwah! Creator of our universe and all in it. This is why I focus on worship, it really impacts everyone, whether they know it or not. My philosophy is that the Bible (which is the most important text we have on God) reveals to us more who God is AND how we are to worship Him correctly. The more we know about God the more truly we can worship Him. I don’t know all the latest forms, and ideas on worship. I don’t know which is the best. What I do know, is that I worship, and you worship. I just want us to worship God, the way He wants to be. “In spirit and in truth.” I hope you’ll help me figure it out, or read as I stumble upon new truths in worship. This post is really a long, long thank you. Thanks! All of you that read, whether I know you personally, or we met through the blogosphere. Thank you so much for reading, and especially for participating in the conversation on worship. Please share your thoughts on my thoughts. Together maybe we can help each other worship more correctly!

All for the glory of the One true holy and awesome God!