#4: Worship Alone, in our Families, and Together

Biblical Emphases Private Worship – intimacy and secrecy Family Worship – instruction and example Corporate Worship – edification and celebration

I. Worshipping Alone Early Influences Marriage Dr. Graham Miller Bible Reading Notes The “Quiet Time” by Dr. Stephen Olford Marriage Dr. Graham Miller

Journalling Rediscovered The occasion Hybels – “ Too Busy Not to Pray” Whitney – “Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life” The practice The value

Solitude and Silence Quarterly “advances” Planned openness Receptivity and responsiveness

Spiritual Formation The idea Its aim “Spiritual formation is the process through which those who love and trust Jesus Christ effectively take on his character” Its aim Transformation by grace of the inner man resulting in outward conformity to the life of Jesus

Spiritual Disciplines Activities intentionally undertaken involving the Word and Spirit to train a person in godliness (1 Timothy 4:7; Colossians 3:5ff.) Disciplines of abstinence (e.g., fasting, solitude, frugality, secrecy) and engagement (study, worship, prayer, fellowship etc.)

II. Worshipping as a Family Upbringing A “churched” upbringing Little “home religion” Examples Dutch mentors “Opening” and “closing” the table

Children! Engagement from the beginning Adapting to their abilities Visitors

A Family Among Families Corporate worship on Sundays Intentional training Helpful disciplines and habits

A Key Verse “For I have chosen him [Abraham], that he may command his children and household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he promised him.” (Genesis 18:19)

Blessings Following in our footsteps A query in South Sudan A son’s encouraging testimony

III. Worshipping Together More than just “going to church on Sunday” Traditional views challenged A growing appreciation of togetherness

Things I Appreciate The order of a classical worship service Its movement towards God Its meeting with God Its going forth from God The special value of corporate singing In unifying a body of people In elevating a body of people In fostering holistic engagement

4. The sacraments as means of grace 3. The uniqueness of prayer in corporate worship Its character Its effects Its neglect 4. The sacraments as means of grace Pictures of the gospel More than empty signs

6. The Holy Spirit and corporate worship 5. The centrality of the Word read, prayed and preached Its transforming power Its absolute necessity 6. The Holy Spirit and corporate worship His special presence His needed presence