FACTS ABOUT WORSHIP

God is a God of form. When the earth was without form, He formed it out of nothing. Before He created the form of the earth, there was no purpose (Gen. 1:2). God creates form and then reveals His purpose and plan through that form. Until we allow God to shape and form us, we have no purpose in life. God desires to form himself (His character and nature) within us, and when He accomplishes this, we have the ability to "say" something through our lives.... until Christ be formed within you. Gal. 4:19

This same principle applies in worship. The attitudes of worship that are a reality in the heart are demonstrated outwardly as forms of worship. As this happens there comes some understanding of the purpose and focus of our heart towards the Lord. Worship has purpose as it goes from spiritual (unseen) reality, to demonstrated expressions of our hearts.

It is possible to see this principle demonstrated through other forms used within the Christian church. Take baptism, for example. When we descend into the waters of baptism, we are showing outwardly that we have made a spiritual and inner commitment of surrendering our lives to Christ. We die to self and bury the "old man" in the water forever. The inner decision and commitment to Christ is enough, in itself, to gain the fullness of redemption. However, as we make a public demonstration of our faith through baptism, there comes a powerful "sea]" of our inner commitment. It is as if the inner commitment is made more powerful through an outward form. Going under the water alone is not the thing that causes us to be saved. There has to be an inner spiritual commitment before there is an outward physical demonstration. Somehow, by performing outwardly the issues of the heart, there comes a tangible and powerful reality to those issues. This same thing is true with communion, laying on of hands, etc.

Jesus said that we must worship in "spirit and in truth" John 4:23. In other words, we need our worship to have reality within our heart and in our outward expression.

This brings us to the issue of the forms we use in worship. One thing that is very important to note is that the forms or outward demonstrations of our heart of worship must accurately interpret the inner reality. For example, when we are happy, our face outwardly shows this by smiling or laughing. So, too, when we worship, the work of the Holy Spirit within us, and our response to the Lord is revealed through our lives in a tangible form. These forms of worship are not dependent upon, or appropriate by reason of denomination or culture. Rather, they are acceptable, relevant and appropriate because God accepts them and finds them appropriate. Often, the ways that we commune with God and respond to Him are a reflection of the worship in heaven. We read in scripture of various forms of worship being used around the throne of God:

• The elders and angels of heaven fall down before God and cast their crowns before Him. Rev. 4:8; 5:8; 5:14; 7:11; 11:16; 19:4

• Singing and playing instruments. Rev. 5:8-9; 14:2; 15:2

• Many loud voices. Rev. 5:2; 5:12; 6:10; 11:15; 12:10; 14:7; 14:15; 14:18; 19:1; 19:6

• Waving palm branches. Rev. 7:9

• Silence for half an hour. Rev. 8:1

• Voices like many waters and thunder. Rev. 1:15; 14:2; 19:6

• Voices that sound like trumpets. Rev. 1:10; 4:1

• The new song being sung. Rev. 5:9; 14:3

• Singing the song of Moses. Rev. 15:3

• Singing the song of the Lamb. Rev 15:3

• Antiphonal (responsive) singing. Is. 6:3

It is reasonable to assume that God is comfortable with these expressions of worship even though some of them are somewhat extreme. We tend to worship in ways that are suitable to us culturally and denominationally but we need to allow the Bible to be our textbook as a pattern for the forms of worship.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Col. 3:16

Paul admonishes us to teach out of the book of Psalms. The book of Psalms is full of expressive worship. Paul doesn't qualify this statement by saying which Psalms are suitable for the New Testament church. He doesn't say we can use the Psalms, but we cannot use the ones which tell us to clap our hands, shout, dance, make a loud noise, lift up banners, bow down before the Lord etc. We can only assume that all of these expressions were acceptable to the Holy Spirit and to the Apostles for use in the New Testament church. Paul did not have to write another book for the early church to explain or qualify the expressions of worship that were to be used. He referred the church to the book of Psalms and used that as a basis for worship - 1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16

The following is a list of the various forms that are found in scripture in the worship of God. None of these forms "belong" to any particular denomination. They are all expressions of worship that God accepts, and they are all acceptable forms of worship for the New Testament Church.

I. Forms of Worship Using the Body

A. STANDING

1 Ki. 8:22; 19:11; 2 Ki. 3:14; 5:16; 1 Chron. 23:30; 2 Chron. 7:6; 9:7; 29:11; 35:5; Neh. 9:5; Ps. 24:3; 134:1; 135:2; Jer. 7:10; Rom. 5:2

It is a mark of respect to stand in someone's presence. It is regarded in all cultures as a sign of great disrespect to sit in the presence of royalty. As we worship our King, there are times when the Holy Spirit draws us to our feet as an expression of honor.

B. KNEELING

1 Kings 8:54; 2 Chron. 6:13; Ezra 9:5; Ps. 95:6; Is. 45:23; Dan. 6:10; Matt. 17:14; Mark 1:40; 10:17; 15:9; Luke 5:8; 22:41; Acts 7:60; 9:40; 20:36; 21:5; Rom. 14:11; Eph. 3:14; Phil. 2:10

Kneeling is an act of submission and reverence. It is the act of placing ones self lower than the one who is kneeled to.

C. BOWING DOWN

Gen. 18:2; 19:1; 24:48; Ex. 4:31; 12:27; 34:8; Num. 22:31; 2 Chron. 20:18; 29:30; Ezra 8:6; Ps. 95:6; Is. 45:23; Micah 6:6; Matt. 27:29; Lu. 24:5; Rom. 14:11

Bowing is a further degree of placing self lower than another. We can bow the head, the waist, the knee or totally prostrate ourselves. Each of these is a further degree of obeisance.

The three Hebrew words for "worship" also include the concept of bowing:

Shachah used 171 times

Qadad used 15 times

Kara used 30 times

The primary word in Greek for "worship" is proskuneo, which also means to be prostrate.

D. DANCING

Ex. 15:20–21; Judges11:34; 21:21; 1 Sam. 18:6-7; 21:11; 29:5; 2 Sam. 6:1,4-16; 1 Chron. 15:29; Ps. 30:11; 149: 3; 150:4; Jer. 31:4, 12-13; Matt. 11:17; Lu. 7:32; 10:21; 15:25

Many of the words in Hebrew and Greek for "joy" or "rejoicing" include the understanding of dancing and other physical movement. For example, the Greek verb agalliao (noun: agallias) is used over 16 times in the New Testament and translated in the KJV as "exceeding joy," "greatly rejoice," etc., actually means in the literal derivation: "very much leaping." (Matt. 5:12; Lu. 1:14, 44, 47; 10:21; Jn. 5:35; 8:56; Acts 2:26, 46; 16:34; Heb. 1:9; 1 Pet. 1:6, 8; 4:13; Jude 24; Rev. 19:7

There are many occasions where dance is appropriate. Such as:

• Dancing in worship—2 Sam. 6:14–16; 1 Chron. 15:29 David danced before the Lord with all his might.

Ps. 30:11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing

Ps. 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance

• In times of joy and festivity—1 Ki. 19:16 Able-Meholah is called "the meadow of the dance." This is the place set a side for feast days and festivals. Elisha was born there. He is a type of the double portion ministry—another picture of the Church in the Last Days, just as dancing and celebration are marks of the Church today. The Hebrew words for "feast" and "holy day" (Ex. 12:14, 17; Lev. 23:41; Jud. 11:34; Ps. 42:4) is chagag, which is also one of the words for "dance."

• Prophetic dance—Ex. 15:1–19 is the first prophetic song recorded in the Bible. Moses sang this song following the defeat of the Egyptians at the Red Sea. Moses’ sister, Miriam and other women responded to Moses’ song with a dance (verses 20–21). 1 Sam. 18:6–7 is a prophetic song and dance declaring the exploits of David. He had just slain Goliath, but the song and dance prophesied of the victories to come.

• The dance of War—

Ø Josh. 3:13 The feet of the priests made a way for God’s people to cross the river Jordan

Ø 2 Sam. 22:37–44; Pss. 18:47; 47:3 The Lord places our enemies under our feet. Even nations will be under our feet

Ø Pss. 18:34, 40; 144:1 He teaches our hands to war

Ø Micah 1:3 The Lord comes down and treads on the high places of the earth. "Tread"

-hadak to crush with the foot (Job 40:12)

-ramak to trample; to oppress (Is. 26:6; Ez. 26:11)

-buwc to trample; loath; pollute; tread (Pss. 44:5; 60:12; 108:13; Is. 14:25; 63:3)

-darak to string a bow by treading on it and bending it, archer, guide, lead ((Ps. 91:13; Micah 1:3)

-siym cast in, change, dispose, tread down, overturn (Is. 10:6)

-pateo (Greek) to trample, tread down under foot (Lu 10:19)

Ø Heb 2:8–9 The Lord has put all things under His feet

Ø Rom. 6:13 We must yield our whole bodies as weapons that bring righteousness

Ø Rom. 16:20 God is going to crush (shatter completely) Satan under our feet

Ø Eph. 6:12 We wrestle against principalities and powers. The word for "wrestle" in Greek is pale, which comes from the Greek wrestling matches, which were fights to the death. Each warrior would attempt to crush the back of the neck of his opponent (2 Cor. 10:4)

Ø Col. 2:15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. The Greek word for "triumph" is thriambenuo, which means, "to make an acclamatory procession." This is a procession or march of victory following a battle.

E. LIFTING HANDS

There are 12 different uses for the lifting of hands outlined in scripture:

1. Supplication (A humble prayer of request.)

Ps. 28:2 Hear the voice of my supplications...when I lift my hands... Also Ps. 88:9; Lam. 2:19; Is. 1:15 (Amp.)

2. Repentance (A prayer of contrition or penitence)

Lam. 3:40-41 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.

3. Praise and blessing God

Ps. 63:4 So will I bless Thee while I live; I will lift up my hands in your name. Also Neh. 8:6; Ps. 134:2

4. Worship

Ps. 44:2 If we have stretched out our hands to a strange God… This scripture is talking about the worship of false Gods; however, we also may lift our hands as we worship our King.

5. Thirsting or seeking after God

Ps. 143:6 I spread forth my hands to you; my soul thirsts after you like a thirsty land.

6. Prayer habit

1 Tim. 2:8 I desire therefore that in every place men should pray...lifting up holy hands.

Also 1 Ki. 8:22; 8:38; 8:54; 2 Chron. 6:12; 6:19; Ps. 141:2; Is. 1:15

7. Warfare

Ex. 17:11-12 "When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed."

8. Seeking, and as a sign of, divine power

Ex. 9:15 ...I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee...

Also Ex 7:19; 8:5-6; 5:17; 9:22; 9:29; 10:21-22; 14:16; 14:26-27; Num. 20:11

9. Meditation

Ps. 119:48 My hands also will I lift up...and I will meditate on Thy statutes.

10. To bless others

Lu. 24:50 And lifting up His hands He invoked a blessing on them. Also Lev. 9:22

11. Making a solemn declaration or oath (As in a modern day court of law.)

Deut. 32:40 For I will lift up my hand to heaven and swear as I live forever...

Also Gen. 14:22; Is. 62:8; Dan. 12:7

12. A sign of the heart

Heb. 12:12 Lift up the hands that hang down.

Also Neh. 8:6; Job 11:13; Lam. 3:41

F. CLAPPING HANDS

There are 4 Hebrew root words describing the clapping of hands:

Macha–To smite hands together in exaltation. Ps 98:8; Is 55:12.

Nakah–To strike, to give wounds, to kill, to beat, to smite, to cast forth, to punish, to make a slaughter, to murder. 2 Kings 11:12.

Saphaq–To clap, to smite, to strike, to wallow, to punish, to give grief, to deride, to have indignation. Job 27:23; 34:37; Lam 2:15,

Taqa–To clatter, to thrust through, to blow a trumpet, to smite, to strike, to clang on an instrument. Ps 47:1; Nahum 3:19

Seven different uses for the clapping of hands outlined in scripture:

1. Rejoicing

Is. 55:12 "For ye shall go out with joy...and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." (We are those trees.) Also Ps. 98:8

2. Coronation

2 Ki. 11:12 "And they proclaimed him (Joash) king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands, and said 'God save the king'"

There are times in worship where we proclaim Jesus as King. It is appropriate to express this in the clapping of hands.

3. Triumph

Ps. 47:1 O clap your hands all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. Also Eze. 25:6

4.Anger

Num. 24:10 And Balak's anger was kindled against Baalam, and he smote his hands together... Also Eze. 21:14; 21:17

5. Contempt, derision, scorn

Lam. 2:15 All who pass by clap their hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying 'is this the city that men call the perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth?' Also Job 27:23; 34:37; Nah. 3:19; Eze. 25:6-7

The clapping of hands during spiritual warfare, can indicate derision and scorn for our enemy.

6. Sorrow

Eze. 6:11; 21:14

7. Making a pledge or oath

Prov. 11:21 (See 'Bible Manners And Customs' # 577) There is still a custom in parts on modern day China, that a pledge or oath is sealed by the clapping of hands.

G. SOLEMN PROCESSION/SOUND

Ex. 34:5; Ps. 68:24; 92:3; Jer. 30:21; Eze. 46:9-10; Joel 1:14; 2:15; Rev. 4:5

Solemn means with ceremony, done in due form, mysteriously impressive, sacred, full of importance, weighty, sober, deliberate, slow in movement, or action...(The Concise Oxford Dictionary–University Press 1964). The purpose of processions is to show the full extent of a victory or dominion, wealth, person, essence of someone. See also: Ps 68:24; Jer 30:21; Rev 4:5

Also in Col. 2:15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. The Greek word for "triumph" is thriambenuo, which means, "to make an acclamatory procession." This is a procession or march of victory following a battle. It was common to process the "spoils" of victory in the streets to show the power and success of the army.

Various processions in the Bible:

• The animals processed in front of Adam to be named—Gen 2:19-20

• The animals processed before Noah into the ark—Gen 7:8-9

• Mordecai was processed through the streets and city square—Es. 6:8–11

• The Lord processed through the wilderness—Ps 68:7

• The Lord processed before Moses—Ex 33:22; 34:5-7

• The prophets processed—1Sam 10:5; 10:10

• Nehemiah appointed two choirs to process on the wall–Neh 12:31 (DBY)

• There was a procession into the House of the Lord—Ps 32:4 (See also the Psalms of Ascent)

• The Lord processes in the sanctuary—Ps 68:24 (Ps 68:24–27 The word goings in Hebrew is halikah and means company or a procession in the sanctuary.)

• God’s people process before His throne–Ps 118:27

• Kings process–Is 60:11

• Jesus came into Jerusalem in a triumphant and joyous procession–Matt 21:1-11

• God leads the Church in triumphal procession–2Cor 2:14 (NIV)

H. RUNNING (Running is not necessarily a form of worship that is used in a "typical" worship service. I have included this form, however, as there are so many references to "running" in the Bible. I have also seen this expression used with great effectiveness in various worship services. On this basis we could go on to study "walking," etc.)

• Run in Battle/warfare—Run with a troop (NAS) Psalm 18:29

• Run in obedience and rejoicing—I run in the path of your commands because you have set my heart free Psalm 119:32

• Run in the strength of the Lord—When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Proverbs 4:12

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

• Run into His name— The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and they are safe. Proverbs 18:10

• Run after the Bridegroom— Draw me away! We will run after you. Song of Solomon 1:4

• Run for the nations— Surely you shall call a nation you do not know, And nations who do not know you shall run to you, Because of the LORD your God, And the Holy One of Israel; For He has glorified you. Is 55:5 (NKJV)

He will lift up a banner to the nations from afar, And will whistle to them from the end of the earth; Surely they shall come with speed, swiftly. Is. 5:26

• Run with a vision or a message—the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it." Hab 2:2

…the angel who was speaking to me left, and another angel came to meet him and said to him: "Run, tell that young man, ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of men and livestock in it. Zech. 2:3-4

• Run with a goal and with integrity—…in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Cor 9:24

• Run with endurance—Running the race with endurance. Heb 12:1

• Run to worship Him— Mark 5:6, Mark 9:15, Mark 10:17

II. Forms of Worship Using the Mouth

1. LAUGHING

Job 8:21; Ps. 2:4; 37:13; 59:8 126:2; Eccl. 3:4

In some of these scriptures, it is the Lord who is laughing at His enemies. There are times in the context of worship, where the Lord fills our mouths with laughter. This is both an expression of joy, and a weapon of derision and scorn against the enemy.

2. SHOUTING

Josh. 6:5-20; 1 Sam. 4:5-6; 2 Chron. 13:15; Ezra 3:11-13; Ps. 5:11; 32:11; 35:11; 47:1, 5; 65:13; 132:9, 16; Is. 12:6; 42:11; 44:23; Jer. 31:7; 50:15; 51:14; Zeph.3:14; Zech. 9:9; Acts 12:22; 1 Thess. 4:16

Shouting is often linked with joy and triumph against the enemy in scripture. We even see that the Lord shouts as He manifests Himself amongst His people:

Ps. 47:5 God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. (NIV)

1 Thess. 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout...

3. LOUD NOISE/LOUD VOICE

Gen. 39:14; Deut 27:14; 1 Ki. 8:55; 2 Chron. 15:1420:19; Ezra. 3:12-13; 10:12; Neh. 9:4; 12:42; Ps. 98:4; 33:3; 81:1; 150:5; Matt. 27:46, 50; Mark 15:34, 37; Lu. 17:15; 19:37; Jo. 11:43; Acts 14:10-11; 16:28; Rev. 5:12; 6:10; 7:2, 10; 8:13; 14:7, 9, 15, 18

"loud" (Strongs 1419) gâdôwl - from 1431 great in any sense, high, long, loud, mighty, more, much.

4. SINGING

There are over 120 references in the Bible to singing. This is one of the key forms of worship. Any mood of the hearts of man, or the Spirit of God can be expressed in song.

Three Key Scriptures in the New Testament about Singing:

1 Cor. 14:15-16 ...I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen" at your giving of thanks.....

Eph. 5:18b-19 ...be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

From these three Scriptures, we find the following principles in groups of three:

1. We must be filled with the Spirit so that we may:

Pray with the spirit

Sing with the spirit

Bless with the spirit

2. We must be in right relationship with one another:

Speaking to one another.

Teaching one another.

Admonishing one another.

3. We must have the Word of God in our hearts:

The Word must dwell in us.

The Word must be rich in us.

The Word must be wise in us.

4. We must sing to the Lord:

With singing in our hearts.

With melody in our hearts.

With grace in our hearts.

5. We must sing:

Psalms

Hymns

Spiritual songs

Each of these three forms of song (psalms, hymns, spiritual songs) express the nature and character of God. The psalm speaks of the past: God’s acts over all the years and His work among men. Hymns speak of the present. They talk about His character and extol His nature and work among us now as believers. The hymns were the new form of song that was adopted by the early Church in order to sing of the life and resurrection of Christ. Spiritual songs speak of the things to come. They are, by definition, prophetic. Spiritual songs call us to the ongoing work and character of God in our lives. They teach us of the revelation of God for today and beyond.

One of the most common forms of singing in Biblical times was responsive, or antiphonal singing: Hebrew–anah means to answer; bear witness; cry; shout; testify; speak; lift up. This was a fundamental form of singing in Israel. It appears that the reason for the use of this form, is to teach (Ps 145:4) and to accentuate the words of a song. The repetition causes the hearers to 'hear' the message twice, and if a response is required, then there will be a need for greater concentration, and more intelligent and thoughtful expression of worship.

There are 7 different kinds of responsive singing in scripture. We can use these forms to help our congregation participate in worship:

—Two companies or choirs Neh. 12:31, 40, 42; Ezra 3:11

—One singer to another 1 Sam. 18:7; 21:11; 29:5; Is. 6:3–4 It is possible that the whole Song of Solomon was set to this form

—One singer to a group Ex. 15:21 The Psalm headings of Psalms 44, 47, 99 indicate that these may have been written by the sons of korah who then responded to the chief musician.

—Leader to congregation Pss. 107; 136 where the response is written into the Psalm. Also Psalms 106 and 118 where the response is written at the beginning of the Psalm. Sometimes the singers used traditional folks songs where the melodies were known by the people.

—Singer to dancers Ex. 15:21 The dance probably interpreted the song, or even replied to the song.

—Singers to instruments Is. 38:20 Instruments accompanied singing in Old Testament times, but they might also have responded to the song. Many Psalms are also written with the word selah at the end of a section. Most likely, this means that the instruments play in response to the song while everyone else meditates on the Lord.

—One generation to another Ps. 145:4 This is a good way to teach children to participate in praise and worship.

5. THE NEW SONG (PROPHETIC SONG)

Ps. 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1; Is. 42:10; Rev. 5:9; 14:3

Themes of songs and prophetic songs in Scripture:

v The Song Of Deliverance

1. Psalm 32:7

2. Exodus 15:1-21—The Song of Moses

Although this song is after the fact, it's prophetic overtones set the stage for future songs of deliverance.

3. I Sam. 16:14-23 - David ministering to Saul with music.

v The Song Of War II Chron. 20:21-22:

We learn from this song that the song of war can be:

* Militant, marching like an army

* Demonstrative (e.g. halal)

* Anointed with God's power (tehillah) to the "pulling down of strongholds."

* Preceded and followed by praise. Ps. 149

* A war song need not be directed at the enemy, but may be a song of praise.

v The New Song

Ps. 33:3; Ps. 98:1; Ps. 144:9; Ps. 149:1; Rev. 5:9; 14:1-8

Isaiah 42:10,11 A song that has never been heard in the heathen world.

"Kedar" - darkness, in Arabic this word means: to be able; mighty.

Psalm 40:3 "Fresh, new thing."

* Involves revelation - comes out of lifestyle.

* Speaks to those in darkness.

* How can people "see a song?" Our walk provokes the questions.

* It is a song that glorifies God.

v The Song Of Healing

James 5:13 "...Is any merry? Let him sing psalms."

Proverbs 17:22 "...A merry heart doeth good like a medicine."

* The joyful singing heart has the power of healing.

One word in Greek for "worship" is therapeuo, meaning to cure and to heal.

v The Song Of Praise And Thanksgiving

Ps. 69:30; 95:1-2; 104:33; 108:1-3

The Song of Praise involves:

* Entrance into His presence - Ps. 100:4

* The sacrifice of praise/thanksgiving - Ps. 50:23

* Magnifying God Ps. 105:2

* Jeremiah 30:19

v The Song In The Wilderness/Night

Hosea 2:14-15; Ps. 23; Ps. 42:8; Ps. 77:6; Job 35:10; Is. 30:29

v The Song Of The Bridegroom And The Song Of The Bride

Song of Solomon; Is. 5:1; Jer. 33:11

v The Song Of Moses

Ex. 15:1; Deut. 31:19-32:44

It is interesting to note that Moses wrote one song just before the Children of Israel entered the wilderness, and one song just as they were about to leave the wilderness. The victorious saints will sing the song of Moses in Heaven - Rev. 15:2-4

v The Song Of The Lamb

Rev. 15:2-4

v The Songs Of Zion

Ps. 137:3; Is. 35:10

6. WHISTLING (This is not necessarily a form of worship that is shown in the Bible to be a form of worship for the congregation. I have included it, however, as an example of a "sound" that comes from God.)

God whistles for the nations

Is 5:26— He lifts up a banner for the distant nations, he whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Here they come, swiftly and speedily!

God whistles for worshipers

Zech. 10:8—God whistles for His people (Judah)

III. Forms of Worship Using an Implement

1. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Ex. 15:20; Ps. 71:22; 144:9; 150:3-6; Rev. 5:8

There is a wide use of musical instruments in the Bible which are divided into three categories of instruments:

String Instruments - Wind Instruments - Percussion Instruments

The instruments are also able to be played prophetically. (1 Chron. 25:1-10)

2. BANNERS

Ex. 17:15 Jehovah Nissi ("The Lord my banner")

Banners are used in scripture as beacons or articles of warfare and as instruments of worship.

Other scriptures where banners/flags are used in worship or warfare:

Pss. 20:5; 60:4; Song of Sol. 2:4; 5:10; 6:4; 6:10; Is. 5:26; 11:10, 12; 13:2; 31:9; 49:22; 59:19; 62:10; Jer. 4:6; 50:2; 51:12, 27; Zech. 9:16

Contrast Num. 21:8–9 and Jn. 12:32. When Jesus is lifted up, all men are drawn to Him.

IV. Forms of Worship Using Sacraments

sac·ra·ment n.

1. in Christianity, a rite that is considered to have been established by Jesus Christ to bring grace to those participating in or receiving it.

2. sac·ra·ment or Sac·ra·ment- the bread and wine consecrated at Communion

3. something considered to be sacred or have a special significance

(Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.)

1. BAPTISM

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Also: Acts 2:41; 8:12–13, 36–38; 9:18; 10:47–48; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:5; 22:16; Rom. 6:3–4; 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4;5; Col. 2:12; Heb. 6:2)

2. COMMUNION

1Co 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? (Also: Matt. 26:20–30; Mk. 14:17–26; Lu. 22:14–30; Jn. 13:21–30; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 11:23–26)

3. FOOTWASHING

John 13:1–20 (Also: Matt. 26:6–13; Mk. 14:3–9; Lu. 7:38–44; Jn. 12–1–11)

Footwashing is not a common practice in worship. I have seen, and participated in footwashing services that have been very meaningful, and were powerful times of worship.

V. Forms of Worship—General Congregation

1. Reading the Word—Some churches have three Bible readings (sometimes called "Lessons.") Lu. 4:16; Acts 13:27; Col. 4:16; 1 Thess. 5:27; 1 Tim. 4:13; Rev. 1:3

Old Testament

Epistle

Gospel

2.Reciting Creeds

3.Corporate Prayer/Intercession

Acts 1:14; 2:42; 6:4; 12:15; 16:13

4.Testimonies

Pss. 9:1; 26:7; 145:4–7; Acts 20:24; 1 Cor. 14:26

5.Tithes/Offerings

Mal. 3:10

It is important to recognize that offerings are an important part of worship. The way that we handle finances is an indication of how we will function as worshipers. There are over 1000 references in Scripture to offerings.

6. Gifts of the Spirit

1Co 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant

Acts 2:4, 11, 38; 10:46; 19:5–6; 1 Cor. 12–14; Heb. 2:4

The gifts of the Spirit are given to edify and perfect the Church.

Three gifts to cause us to think like God:

Word of wisdom

Word of Knowledge

Discerning of spirits

Three gifts to cause us to speak like God:

Prophecy

Different kinds of tongues

Interpretation of tongues

Three gifts that cause us to do the acts of God:

Faith

Gifts of healings

The working of miracles

There is a difference between the private use of the gifts and the public use of the gifts.

7. PREACHING

Matt. 24:14; 26:13; Acts 5:42; 6:4; 8:35; 10:42

There are too many Scriptures to include them all. It is obvious that the gathering of God’s people throughout the ages has included the preaching and teaching of the Word.

8. PRAYER FOR THE SICK OR THOSE IN NEED

Acts 5:16; Jas. 5:14–16

9. MISSION

Our worship should always lead us to our mission in the world—to minister the grace and glory of the Lord to our families, brothers and sisters, cities, and nations.