Worship and the Word Authentic Worship November 25, 2012

The word of God is the essential part of worship – “Word and worship belong indissolubly to each other. All worship is an intelligent and loving response to the revelation of God, because it is the adoration of his Name. Therefore accepting worship is impossible without preaching. For preaching is making known the Name of the Lord, and worship is praising the Name of the Lord made known. Far from being an alien intrusion into worship, the reading and preaching of the word are actually indispensable to it.” -C. S. Lewis – Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. – 1 Timothy 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. The word is preached in worship; some from the preacher

Palm Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. 91 Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. 92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. 94 Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. 95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. 96 To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless.

– 89 Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. – 90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. – 91 Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. – 96 To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless 。 God works through his word God reveals himself through his word We marvel at his word and we worship God

– 92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. – 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. – 94 Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts. – 95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. When the word of God becomes your prayer, it is yours truly- connecting the mind and the heart, and the “I” and “you” Worship God with his word to save ourselves from the brokenness and sinfulness of the world

Small group Question – V How does God do his work in creation? (let there be light) How does God do his work with His people? (covenant, prophet) How does God do his work in salvation? (the Word, Jesus) – How does God reveal himself through his word? (Exodus 34:6, Heb 1:1-2, 1 John 1:18) – How can the love of the word of God save us? When do we make the word of God truly ours and is useful to us? – Do you pray while you are reading the Bible? How do I have a deeper worship of God with God's word? Prayer: Pray for the church to embrace year 2013 with the theme of "Discipleship- loving obedience"