This work addresses worship themes developed in both the Old and New Testaments in four separate parts: an introduction to worship in the Bible, focusing on both the Hebrew tradition and the primitive Christian Church; a survey of the history and institutions of Biblical Worship, specifically the Tabernacle, the Synagogue, and the New Testament Church; the Biblical role of festivals in worship; music and the arts in worship.
Christian Worship deals with the importance of the Word and sacrament in a time when congregations are questioning the form and relevance of worship. Does it matter what happens in worship? What is the motivation for worship? Can more than one generation worship together? Commissioned by the Office of Theology and Worship of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), this volume suggests that the answers to these and other questions have always been available in the rich treasury of the Church's theology. That treasury need only be reexamined in light of contemporary faith to provide renewal and a sense of vitality to worship.
What is worship? Biblically-speaking, worship might mean a lot of things: a celebration of God and his glory, a display of reverence and awe, an act of humility or prostration before our Creator. But what does this look like today? And do churches of today—of any tradition or denomination—really worship in a way that's biblical? Called to Worship is a deep dive into what worship means in the Bible. Vernon Whaley—Dean of the school of music at Liberty University—investigates each individual book of Scripture to uncover the tapestry of instruction and insight into God's idea of worship. With this book, you'll learn: How to see through the comfort zones of the modern church's worship rituals and routines. The biblical principles of worship and why understanding these principles is essential in our discipleship and important to our creator. How the life of Christ serves as a living guide to worship throughout the entire Bible and the history of Christianity. The Bible describes a rich history of Yahweh worship—offered first by the hosts of heaven in eternity past, and then by mankind, from Creation to present day. This book is a call to understand and participate in that richness.
Twenty Centuries of Christian Worship is a valuable resource for exploring the richly textured worship heritage of the Christian church. It is at once broad and specific, with a clarity of focus that challenges readers to understand the present by looking at the past and to think critically but sensitively about why and how Christians worship. Edith Blumhofer, Executive Director, Institute for the Study of American Evangelicals
Christian Worship (revised and expanded in this third edition) is the complete reference handbook on the meaning, expression, and conducting of worship, from its foundational elements to the very latest contemporary issues. Taking into account cultural and denominational differences, this broad resource clearly directs all church members in the number one priority of worshipping God. Among the subjects addressed are: Banners and Symbolism (Do they have a place in worship?); Children in Worship; Copyright Laws (Does your church comply?); Drama; and Elements of Worship (What are the specific roles of music, prayer, Scripture reading, baptism, preaching, and the Lord’s Supper?).
This book explores the foundations of Christian worship and addresses both age-old traditional questions and takes up the latest in contemporary controversies.
The NIV Application Commentary helps you communicate and apply biblical text effectively in today's context. To bring the ancient messages of the Bible into today's world, each passage is treated in three sections: Original Meaning. Concise exegesis to help readers understand the original meaning of the biblical text in its historical, literary, and cultural context. Bridging Contexts. A bridge between the world of the Bible and the world of today, built by discerning what is timeless in the timely pages of the Bible. Contemporary Significance. This section identifies comparable situations to those faced in the Bible and explores relevant application of the biblical messages. The author alerts the readers of problems they may encounter when seeking to apply the passage and helps them think through the issues involved. This unique, award-winning commentary is the ideal resource for today's preachers, teachers, and serious students of the Bible, giving them the tools, ideas, and insights they need to communicate God's Word with the same powerful impact it had when it was first written.
An exhaustive study of what the Old Testament says about worship renewal, including its form, function, place, and expression. Includes illustrations. As worship leaders struggle to keep (or make) worship alive and meaningful, they are compelled to study the biblical teaching on the subject. They could do no better than turn to Andrew Hill's robust contribution. Hill contends that the Old Testament has much to teach New Testament believers about worship--by theological principle if not by explicit example and direct application. With exceptional care and thoroughness, Hill explores the multifaceted aspects related to worship in the Old Testament. These include worship's form and function, place and piety, arts and actions. In a review in Presbyterion, Robert Yarbrough of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School had this to say about the author's study: "Hill provides solid review of Old Testament history as it relates to development of worship views and styles. He interweaves questions, concerns, and insights, however, that are distinctly modern, making his book engrossing rather than dry reading." This book, explains Hill, should be regarded as one ingredient necessary to concoct a serum for worship renewal in the church. Indeed, the Old Testament has much to teach us about worship. While the needs of individual churches differ, all approaches to worship renewal must be comprehensive enough to consider the biblical, historical, and theological sources of Christian worship.
It is because we believe the Bible is God's Word to his people that we have worked together to create this volume. All the contributors affirm the complete veracity and total authority of the Bible. Since this is the case, we believe it is important that the Bible be studied and applied properly. All of us, like the readers of this volume, face the challenge of what it means to hear and obey God's Word, to learn it, and to put it into practice. In order to interpret the Bible correctly we recognize the need to understand historical background material, cultural issues and contexts, ancient languages, hermeneutical practices, and the theological significance of the biblical text. This book is intended to be an introductory textbook for beginning students in college and seminary, but it can also serve as an update for ministers and Bible teachers as well. - Preface.
