Worship Wars

May 14, 2012 Monday Message: 

“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” Psalms 47:1 TNIV 

What’s with all the clapping in churches nowadays? When I attended church as a child, we wore suits and ties and sat in straight rows on wooden benches. We sang or read with the leader in a quiet and dignified manner. To its credit, that worship style invokes a certain “reverence” for the Lord, pointing to the seriousness of what’s taking place. 

But 3000 years ago, believers worshiped with a lot more enthusiasm. God’s people let their hair down and danced in the streets. There was excitement about being able to serve the Lord. The sons of Korah, presumably leaders of worship, instructed the choir director to have everyone clap their hands and shout for joy. David told his congregation to make a joyful noise and sing a new song! 

There are many styles of worship, but there is only one Gospel, one story of Good News. So first, get the message right; and then, worship with all your might, regardless of how that might look for you, your friends or your congregation. That’s what they did in the Bible. 

Norton Lawellin 

At Jesus in the City Fellowship, Minneapolis, we’ll soon begin a series on Galatians. So for this Friday’s 7pm Chapel at New Hope Center, I’ll walk us through an intro to Galatians, laying a little foundation for the upcoming series. Jesus in the City desperately needs a new venue for Sunday worship, as well as a permanent home. We’re blessed to have solutions in our sights, and your prayers will help us connect with God’s agenda.