We've seen that exalting God is our first priority in the corporate worship of God. Our worship must be God-focused (God is clearly seen), God-centered (God is clearly the priority), and God-honoring (God is clearly exalted). We should come away from corporate praise with a renewed understanding of who God is and what He has done.
A second goal of corporate worship is to encounter God. But how do we "encounter" a God who is ever-present everywhere? (Psalm 139:7-10)
Although God is omnipresent - equally present in all places at all times (ponder that for a while!) - He also reveals His presence to us in unique ways, especially as we gather in His name. One striking example occurs in 2 Chronicles 5:13-14, when God's people began to praise Him at the dedication of the temple.
"When the song was raised ... in praise to the Lord ... the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God."
God desires to come near to us as we come near to Him through our praises (James 4:8). Hebrews 4 urges us to approach the throne of grace with confidence "so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This certainly includes (although it isn't limited to) times of corporate worship.
As we worship God, He meets with us and directly ministers to us, strengthening our faith, making us more aware of His presence, and refreshing our spirits. This is what it means to encounter God.
During these times, He may also convict us of a particular area of sin in our lives, or our sinful state in general. This seems to be the effect of the prophetic utterances in the public meeting Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 14:23-25. Regardless of your view of the gift of prophecy, this passage plainly shows that God seeks to encounter us as we gather to worship Him.
In corporate worship, God encounters His people today the same way He has for centuries: through His Word and His Spirit. In one instance you may be particularly moved by a passage of Scripture that is being read. At another you may suddenly be gripped by the mercy of God as you share in the bread and cup at communion. Or, you may find yourself overflowing with joy at the glorious thought that "my sin, not in part, but the whole, has been nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more!"
I want to be clear: the primary goal of corporate worship must not be any particular emotional experience. (That is the very definition of man-centered rather than God-centered worship!) But let us not so over-react to perceived emotional excesses, whether real or imagined, that we fail to respond appropriately to God's Spirit working in our hearts. He desires and intends for us to encounter Him as we worship Him. As you enter a corporate meeting, are you actively desiring to encounter God? I trust your answer is a resounding yes.
Next time we'll discuss the third goal of corporate worship: Responding to God.
For His Glory,
Bob
Recommended Resources:
Check out the Song Sampler collection of worship songs from Sovereign Grace Music. This compilation provides a taste of the worship music that Sovereign Grace Ministries has been producing for more than 20 years. Birthed out of the worship in Sovereign Grace Ministries' local churches, these diverse songs are Christ-centered, passionate, and doctrinally rich. Available at the Sovereign Grace Store:
http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/wosa10.html
Dear Timothy: Letters on Pastoral Ministry ... As Paul imparted his wisdom to Timothy through letters, this collection of writings from seasoned pastors contains over 480 years of combined ministry experience. Old and new pastors alike will treasure this compilation of heartfelt advice and nuggets of truth that will guide them through the challenges and joys of their calling in Christ. Contributors include Joel Beeke, Ligon Duncan, Fred Malone, Mark Dever, Tedd Tripp, Ray Ortlund, Jr., C. J. Mahaney, Roger Ellsworth, and others. Available for purchase on the Sovereign Grace Store:
http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/deartimothy.html
At the WorshipGod 2004 conference we learned why and how we should worship God, and God alone, we moved beyond surface debates and got into the heart of biblical worship. We experienced main sessions and seminars that focused on worship theology, practical application, and musical skills. We deepened our passion for God's glory in Christ and increased our ability to express that passion in ways that honor God. Messages are available on CD or as downloadable MP3 files at the Sovereign Grace Store:
http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/worshipgod20041.html
