Final post

To sum up an entire semester's worth of reading and discussing about the philosophy of worship, the most important concept would have to be logocentricity or Word-centrality. (I just like using fancy, made-up Greek words that need to be italicized.) Christian worship must be characterized by preaching the Word, praying the Word, seeing the Word and singing the Word. The only thing that has the power to change hearts is the Word of God. Therefore our reliance on other means is but in vain. The God of the Bible is revealed in the preaching of the Word. Therefore our hearts must be examined and prepared before attending to the Word. Our hearts are deceitful and wicked, escaping much examination. Therefore the Word must be brought to bear on it in testing. Affections wild, by sin defiled, are prone to go astray. But the Word provides such a range of expression, such a helpful focus!
Burrows' work is a treasure, Give Praise to God a mine, and Lewis' article a gem. Each to bathe in, delve in, and examine thoroughly, time and again.

Conclusion Post

This class has been so beneficial. The seriousness of Biblically-based and Doctrinally sound worship was most definitely portrayed and as Aaron and I pursue an occupation in worship leading, this is something we are serious about teaching those we work with and those we lead. Here are a few truths I learned by taking this class:

1) Doctrine and the Gospel must be central to our worship
2) Affections in worship are not wrong. However, in order to produce Biblical affections in worship, they must be based on sound doctrine.
3) One must prepare the heart and mind before coming to worship to put all worldiness aside and sanctify the name of God in worship.

Thanks for teaching us, Doc. I learn so much from you in and out of class, through your worship leading in chapel, and even through your relationship with Aaron. What a great class!

Last Blog

I don't really have any questions. However, I enjoyed reading about prayer in GW.

We are to prepare our hearts for prayer by
1)Keep all things clear between God and your soul (pg 271)
2) Understand our dependence on Him
3) Separate your heart from the world (pg 273)

what should we pray for?
1) the glory of God (273)
2)Our own good (275)
3) the good of others (276)

If true religious affections are produced only through the Spirit, and of course "the Spirit cannot be manipulated," then what is the role of the music? Can we "set the mood?" Can we implement variety within a series of songs to attempt to produce an emotional response? What then is the end of our service planning? Why do we practice crescendos and sudden pianos in our worship songs? Or is it right that there should be no guarantee of proper emotional response, without the work of the Spirit, who is beyond our control?

Emotions/Lord's Table

GPTG:
pg 355 - What do you think is a good length of time for a pastor to stay in a single ministry?

page 365 - "Jesus must always be central in our worship because He is always the object of our faith and the true inspiration of faith's genuine affections"

GW:
pg 251 - What does "renewing this covenant" mean? Is he saying it is a re-dedication, a remembrance or the act of once again receiving salvation?

pg 256 - I have never heard of the "seeing" aspect of breaking bread and pouring wine..is this really important?

Family in church

How are family devotions helpful to a family-oriented mindset in a church? Is this mindset needed, is it lacking in the church?

How can you encourage and help parents with organizing and leading family devotions?

blog 10

GPTG pg 312
How would you explain to someone the concept of God being a consuming fire?

Do you have any creative ideas that you do to worship privately?

GW:
How seriously are we to take "whosoever eats and drinks unworthily he is guilty of the body and blood of Christ...he eats and drinks his own damnation" (218)?