August 3, 2025
Worship
Revelation 19:1-8
You might remember that not long ago I raised the question what does
worship mean to you? This morning, we aren’t going to look at that
question again I am going to give you some examples of worship that
has encouraged me. Two of them Cathy and I experienced firsthand, 1
of them is an example recorded almost 25 years ago.
I will admit that singing and music get me in the mood or in an attitude
of worship better than almost anything else although I will admit the
beauty of God’s creation is right in there as well. One example in the
New Testament is when the announcement was made to the shepherds
when Jesus was born and the Heavenly Host came singing glory to God
on the highest, this compelled the Shepards to go so they could see and
worship the new born king.
In the verses we read today it doesn’t necessarily say that the great
multitude was singing but it does state they were shouting Hallelujah,
salvation and glory and power belong to our God. Which lead the 24
elders and the 4 living creatures to fall down and worship God. So
powerful music, words or events can cause the creation of God to
worship.
The first example I am sharing today is from a Christian concert that
happened on May 3 rd of this year. Stacie helped get this loaded and
now the pressure is on Cathy to bring it up. I recorded about 2 minutes
of this particular song which is entitled Hey Girl. I originally thought of
using it on Mother’s Day but went a different direction. What you
aren’t going to be able to pick up on is the conditions that evening.
What was so powerful to me that evening is that I came to realize what
our worship in the presence of God will be like when we get to Heaven
by the example, we witnessed that night.
That evening wasn’t hot by any stretch of the imagination but with how
we were dressed it wasn’t cold either. What it was rainy. It rained the
entire evening and this was an outdoor concert. Now the singers and
most of those attending were under cover but there were probably 100
or more that had paid more to be right in front of the stage. They were
out in the rain and it absolutely poured at times during the evening. In
spite of that I didn’t see 1 person give up and seek cover.
That’s the kind of love, devotion and commitment we will all have for
worship when we are face to face with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The second example is a from a concert Cathy our daughter Tara and
granddaughter Adddison as well as myself went to Thursday at the
Devon. One additional comment is the 4 of us also went to the concert
in May as well.
The song I recorded is entitled “When We Pray”, the artist is Tauren
Wells. This was just a great time joining together with fellow believers
to celebrate and also worship the Lord. Which leads to our final video I
am going to ask Cathy to play for us. This is from a concert that
happened almost 25 years ago. It isn’t a concert we attended it is a
concert I have on DVD. I have mentioned before my favorite solo
Christian artist is Michael W. Smith. This song is part of a concert in
which the tour that year was called Worship. The song that is going to
be played is Awesome God. So, let’s see what happened as he
performed this song on this evening.
I don’t know if you picked up on it or not but before Michael ever
began singing those in the audience began singing the song.
Throughout that night it seemed most weren’t there to see Michael W.
Smith they were there to praise and worship God. That is what true
worship is. It’s not about anything other than seeking and feeling the
presence of God in our lives.
In just a few minutes we all have an opportunity to Worship God in a
completely different way. While music can and does set the tone for
many when it comes to worship there are other ways to worship God
and our Savior Jesus Christ as well. One of those ways is with the bread
and cup. The communion service is one of the most powerful forms of
worship there is. This is an acknowledgement of who Jesus is and what
he has done for us. When we join together with our brothers and
sisters we are saying to the Lord, “Thank You for loving me enough to
pay the price for my sins you alone are worthy of praise.”
So, after we sing our closing hymn, we will offer God worship by sharing
in the bread and the cup. God is pleased every time we celebrate this
most important sacrament. When we come to him with an attitude of
worship and thanksgiving.
Pastor Larry
Announcements
August 10--Larry and Cathy's last Sunday with us. We will have a potluck dinner after worship with the meat and drink provided. All are welcome
2:00-4:00 CUIC ice cream social at Born Park
August 17--Doug Larrick gives the message in song.
August 20--12:00 Women's Fellowship lunch; meal is provided
