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Online links to scriptures (New International Version [NIV] unless otherwise stated) are shown in blue
| WORSHIP: AN EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE v A WAY OF LIFE
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| Greek (Western) |
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 Worship is an experience to be entered into and enjoyed at specific times.
Our approach to worship derives from the Greek concept of proskuneo, a specific act of reverence or homage. Many large coliseums were built in which to worship and honour the many different gods of Greece on their various designated celebratory occasions, with music, singing and dancing. People were happy and content after having worshipped.
Does this not sound like our church? We go to special purpose buildings to sing, and perhaps dance, to music provided by the worship team, generally on a Sunday morning. Like the Greeks, it is a special occasion experience, not a general part of our day to day life. Pseudo worship, today too, is found at sports events, where we are generally given to more overt displays of enthusiasm than at church! Again, these are an experience taking us away from the reality of day to day life, for a period of time.
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| Eastern (Hebrew) |
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 Worship is a continuous act, being a part of work or service, as well as being practised on special occasions.
In Hebrew culture, worship is considered to be a part of everyday life.
Psalm 100
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 There is no separation of the theological from the practical. Worship is found in looking after your spouse, being at work and while participating in community service.
Deuteronomy 28:12-13
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 A practical example of this is found in the Wife of Noble Character of Proverbs 31.....
Proverbs 31:30-31
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 Observant Jews consider our Western 'worship services' of 1-2 hours a week as serving a part-time God! For we then move back into the secular world until the next week or other worship occasion. While we might get down on bended knees to worship God in the safe environment of our place of worship, we would not dream of doing so at work. For, unlike the Jews, we separate the two, the religious from the secular. I know, for it applies to me too!
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| SOME SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY |
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 1. We need to learn to give God thanks in all things, at all times.
2. We need to learn to rely upon God in the secular as well as the spiritual.
3. To do so is the only way we can truly become 'the light of the world' that Jesus desires us to become.
The Lamp of the Body
33 “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. 35 See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. 36 Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.” (Luke 11:33-6)
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| <i>NEXT WEEK:</i> THINKING GREEK OR HEBREW continues..... |
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 ..... looking at PRAYER.
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| A NOTE FROM DAVID |
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 We must understand that worship is not simply an emotional experience on a Sunday, but a 24/7 life commitment of mind, emotions and will, every day. May we learn to worship the Lord in all that we do.
IMAGES AND ART: Jerusalem
Jewish Quarter
Jewish Ritual Bath
Numerous mikvot were discovered in the excavations of the Jewish Quarter, attesting to the importance of ritual purity for Jews in the first century A.D. Larger mikvot were often divided by a low wall or column to separate those entering the bath from those exiting. Construction and use of these baths was governed by strict Jewish laws.
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So until next week.......
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOU BLESS GOD!
His servant and yours
Learn more about us at...
www.wwj.org.nz/about.php
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A DAVID'S DOODLING
631. True worship is reflected in positive actions.
David Tait
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Check
out the WWJ website for….
More David's Doodlings: www.wwj.org.nz/dd.php
What We're All About: http://www.wwj.org.nz/about.php
PGIM! Weekly Encouragement Ezine : http://www.wwj.org.nz/wwword.php
Reports on past Ministry visits: http://www.wwj.org.nz/diary.php
Eagles Fly High!: http://www.wwj.org.nz/eagle.php
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Worship is found in the beauty of nature..... 
Worship is seen in our work....