Steppingstone Discipleship Series Booklet
Lesson Eight
Worshipping God
What is worship?
Worship is the act of recognizing God for who he is. It includes an attitude of reverence, devotion, and adoration as a person thinks about God. Worship is the human reaction to the glory, majesty, and power of God.
Worship can also be thought of as celebration. God’s people meet to celebrate the resurrection of Christ, and to rejoice over what God has done and is currently doing in and through their lives.
The Elements of a Worship Service
Music
Across the ages music has been an important element in worship. It has a large place in the Bible. For example, the Psalms are basically hymns. We are often exhorted to worship with songs and musical instruments. Music is often used to “set the mood” or prepare our hearts and minds to worship. It also enables us to express our feelings in beautiful or inspiring language.
Sometimes we direct our singing to God. This is usually the case in what we call hymns. On other occasions “gospel songs” may be directed to each other or the unbelievers in our midst. It is important to meditate on the meaning of the words as we sing.
Prayer
Prayer is almost always included in worship as we praise and give thanks, or present our requests to God.
In a church service the pastor may pray a “pastoral prayer” in which he/she presents the needs of the congregation to God.
Praise and Thanksgiving
Praise and thanksgiving may be expressed not only in prayer but through singing and personal testimony.
An Offering
“No man should appear before the LORD empty-handed: Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you” Deut
Bible
One of the most important aspects of worship is hearing God’s Word. God speaks to us through his Word.
A Sermon
In public worship a sermon is usually included as a part of the service. True preaching is based on Bible-truth. As God’s Word is preached, we receive blessing, inspiration, strength, and guidance.
The Sacraments
Periodically the sacraments are used in worship. A sacrament is a symbolic ceremony that represents an internal experience. There are two sacraments: (
Baptism with water is symbolic of being born again and the beginning of a new life by a new believer. (More attention will be given to baptism in a later lesson.)
The Lord’s Supper was established by Jesus himself. It is done by eating a small piece of bread which represents his broken body, and drinking a small amount of grape juice which represents the shed blood of Christ. Jesus commanded us to do it in “remembrance” of Him. (You can read more about it in Mt.
Different Kinds of Worship
While all worship is essentially the same, it may take place in varying circumstances.
Public Worship
Public or social worship usually takes place in a church service or a gathering of believers. The Bible exhorts us, “Let us not give up meeting together … but let us encourage one another” (Heb.
The important thing to remember about public worship is that the participants are not mere spectators. The pastor or worship leaders may direct our thoughts, but they are also worshipers. They do not do the worship while others watch. All present are to join together as they lead in the act of worship.
For example, when the pastor or another person leads the congregation in prayer, all persons present should join with him/her in prayer and faith, praying for the same thing in a united way.
Private Worship
Private worship can take place in two ways: (
When a person sets aside a certain time every day to worship, it is usually called “personal devotions” or “quiet time.” The basic elements are reading the Bible (sometimes adding an inspirational passage from a devotional book), and prayer. Most Christians have found it best to do it at the beginning of the day.
Personal worship may also take place anytime. It may be inspired by a beautiful scene or a sunset. A lovely flower or a friendship may prompt us to give thanks to God. A close call in a dangerous situation may evoke a response of thanksgiving. There are many circumstances that can turn our attention to God for a moment of worship.
Family Worship
It is very important for families to worship together. Families that pray are happier families. It should be done on the level that is understood by children present. It may include reading a passage from the Bible, talking about the meaning of the passage, a song, and prayer (the leading of which may be rotated among the family members). It should be kept relatively short, interesting, and meaningful to current experience.
The Benefits of Worship
The benefits of worship are many, including:
The Correct Attitude in Worship
For a worship experience to be meaningful a person must be absolutely sincere with God. You cannot fool Him or play games with Him. He already knows what is in you heart!
He is not interested in what is only empty ritual or ceremony. Of this kind of worship the Lord said, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Isa.
It is also important to approach God in a spirit of obedience and submission to his will. In the book of James we are exhorted, “Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says” (
Concentrate on God. Put your heart into it. Lay aside all other thoughts and distractions and focus only on God and spiritual things. Express your love with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. (See Lk.
What Does It Mean When...?
... People raise their hands while singing or praying? Raising hands toward God is a symbol of agreement or response to what is being sung or prayed. It can also signify surrender to the will of God. These actions are not required, but some people find them to be a meaningful physical expression of their emotions.
... People go forward to kneel at an altar? The altar is nothing more than a piece of wooden furniture, but it is used as a convenient place to kneel for special prayers. Sometimes it is used for special praise, thanksgiving, or supplication. Sometimes sinners are invited to the altar to pray a prayer of repentance. It is a sacred place for Christians because God often meets the needs of people there.
Something to Do
This lesson is different from the previous ones. There are not a lot of questions to answer or Bible texts to look up. Worship can only be learned by experience. Please participate in the following exercises, and check the appropriate box when each is completed.
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Steppingstone Discipleship Series Booklet
Lesson Nine
Taking a Stand
(Baptism and Church Membership)
Introduction:
Baptism and church membership are two entirely different things. They are grouped together in this lesson simply because they are similar in the sense that they both relate to a public testimony and commitment. In baptism, a person gives public testimony to his/her identification with the Christian faith. By becoming a member of the church, a person identifies himself/herself with a local congregation of believers and the denomination of which it forms a part. Both of these acts often occur at approximately the same time in Christian experience. We will look at each one of these acts separately.
Baptism
How is a person baptized?
The most common form of baptism is by immersion. It is a solemn ceremony in which a person is briefly submerged in water. In special cases, it may be administered by pouring or sprinkling.
What is baptism?
The act of baptism is a sacrament. A sacrament is defined as an “outward symbol of an inward grace.” It is a public testimony that symbolizes an experience in the heart of a believer.
What does it symbolize?
It represents the death and burial of the “old” self and a resurrection to new spiritual life. (
Does baptism change a person?
No. It is a testimony to a change that has already taken place. If there are unforgiven sins in the life of the person, baptism only changes him/her from a dry sinner to a wet sinner. However, if a person properly understands its meaning, it will be a moment of rejoicing and blessing.
Why is baptism important?
Baptism is important because it is commanded by Christ (Mk.
It is also important because Jesus said a public acceptance of Him is a condition of His acceptance of us before His Father in heaven (Mt.
The world does not understand a lot about Christian beliefs and practices, but when a person states that he/she has been baptized, it is generally understood to mean a serious commitment to Christ.
When should a person be baptized?
A person should seek to be baptized as soon as possible following his/her conversion (allowing for some instruction in the Christian faith in order to fully understand the meaning of baptism).
What are the requirements for baptism?
Baptism in the New Testament
It is interesting that, while it was not necessary for Him, Christ set the example for us by being baptized himself (Lk.
In the New Testament, there are many examples of baptism following conversion. (See Acts
Church Membership
The visible vs. the invisible church
When talking about church membership, it is important to distinguish between the visible church (a human organization), and the invisible church (true believers whose names are recorded in the Book of Life in heaven, sometimes called the “body of Christ.”) A church should do everything possible to ensure that only true believers are kept on its membership roll, but only God knows what is in the heart (
Having your name on a church membership roll does not guarantee your salvation.
What are the benefits of joining a church?
There are many benefits:
What are the requirements for joining the church?
When can a person join the church?
At any time he/she is ready to fulfil the requirements outlined above.
How is a person received into membership?
In a public service, the pastor will call the candidates forward and ask that they respond to the questions concerning the requirements for membership. He will then shake your hand as a symbol of welcome into the fellowship of the church.
And now what?
We strongly urge you to make an appointment with your pastor to talk about both baptism and church membership. Do not put it off too long.
After You Join…
After you have been received into the membership of the local church, here are some important things you can do:
Steppingstone Discipleship Series Booklet
Lesson Ten
Memorizing God’s Word
God’s word (the Bible) is very important in the life of a Christian. It is an unending source of knowledge, strength, and inspiration. We have already learned about the value of reading it daily. However, there is also great value in having selected texts memorized. This is what the writer had in mind when he said, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalms
On many occasions memorized Scripture texts will come to your mind when you need them and do not have time to go to the Bible to look them up. For example, a memorized Scripture verse will help:
When you are tempted, it will help you resist the devil.
When you are attacked by the enemy, it will help you defend yourself.
When you are discouraged, a memorized text can bring inspiration.
When you feel weak, it can give you strength.
When you are joyful, it will help you express praise.
In conversation, it will give authority to your words.
Some Suggestions
Set your own pace, but try to do it regularly. Even one verse per week will soon add up to a significant resource.
Repeat the verse often while learning it. Write it on a card and carry it with you. Refer to it as often as necessary until you have memorized it.
Constantly review the verses you have learned so you will not lose them.
You might find it helpful to find someone to join you and help each other.
The rest of the space in this lesson will be given to suggesting some verses you might find helpful.
SUGGESTED HELPFUL VERSES TO MEMORIZE
Forgiveness: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
“Come now; let us reason together," Says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah
Sin: “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans
Salvation: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Acts
“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, then you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans
Resources: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
Temptation: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Power: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians
Promise: “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians
Protection: “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalms
Help: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalms
Prayer: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah
Eternal Life: “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him.” John
Impossibilities: "'If you can?’ said Jesus. ‘ Everything is possible for him who believes.’” Mark
Mercy: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Rest: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew
Holiness: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified; that you should avoid sexual immorality.”
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew
“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
Peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians
Trial: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James
Grace: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.”
Trust: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs
God’s Love: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans
Guidance: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalms
Renewal: “…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
Blessing: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.” Psalms
Reward: “He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” Revelation
ENTIRE CHAPTERS
If you feel ambitious enough to memorize larger portions or entire chapters, you might try the following:
The Ten Commandments: Exodus
The Beatitudes: Matthew
The Love Chapter:
Psalms: Chapters
