2 MIKE MAZZALONGO The Practice of Biblical Worship

2 MIKE MAZZALONGO The Practice of Biblical Worship: Submission

Worship • Hebrew: Shachah • Greek: Proskunéo – to bow down – to kiss (forward) – to prostrate – to do reverence

Question How do we improve our worship services? Answer Learn and practice greater submission to God

Muslim 5 Pillars of Faith • Pillar 1 – Confession • Pillar 2 – Alms Giving • Pillar 3 – Prayer • Pillar 4 – Fasting • Pillar 5 – Pilgrimage

Sikh’s - 5 K’s 1. Kesh 2. Kangha 3. Kachh 4. Karpa 5. Kirpan

Church of Christ’s Attempt to Improve Worship • • • Improve singing ability Improve building Improve A/V Improve ministers Improve methods

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit, you will not reject a broken and repentant heart O God. - Psalms 51: 12 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. – Psalms 34: 18 Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5: 3

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. - Romans 12: 1

Worship Computers Rituals Order Building Hardware Language of communication Praise, Request Confession, etc. Software Submission of one’s will Internet Connection

Common Worship Mistakes 1. It’s all about the Hardware

Common Worship Mistakes 1. It’s all about the Hardware 2. It’s all about the Software

Submission on a daily basis permits one to be in a worship mode constantly. – An idea much superior to the Muslim concept of repetitious prayer facing east.

The answer to corporate worship problems was to be in submission to God’s will for public worship just as one was in submission to His will for private/personal devotion.

Because of submission to God’s will which is the true practice of worship. . . 1. Woman submitted to cultural & eternal norms. 2. Men submitted to orderly process in the assembly. 3. Men & women submitted to one another in love.

Avoid the Extremes Focus on Rituals ←→ Invent new Rituals

. . . we become broken bread and poured out wine. My Utmost for His Highest Oswald Chambers