by Denis Beausejour, 4/17/2005
Series: A Church Even I Could Join!

Message #1 A Church That Really Worships
John 4:23-24

1. Introduction to this series

A. This Church belongs to Jesus:
It is about Him, His Grace, and adjusting ourselves to Him

B. The Great Commandment of Jesus - Matthew 22:37-40
The Great Commission of Jesus - Matthew 28:18-20

C. Five Key Purposes for the Church (and every Christ-follower!):

a. Worshiping God in spirit and in truth, with gratitude
b. Serving People as we would ourselves, with generosity
c. Introducing Jesus to those around us, with intentionality
d. Building Christ-followers that are fruitful, with care
e. Enjoying Community in Christ forever, with unity

D. A "snapshot" of the early church functioning "on purpose": Acts 2:42-47

2. Job #1: A Church that Really Worships

A. Worship in the Scriptures

a. Key words - "falling prostrate in reverence" , "serving", "magnifying"
b. Results of worship: 1) we delight in God (Ps 84:1-4); 2) God delights in us (Zeph 3:17); 3) we can draw near to God (Heb 10:22); 4) God draws near to us (James 4:8); 5) God ministers to us (Heb 4:16); 6) the Lord's enemies flee (2 Chron 20:21-22); 7) Non-Christians know they are in God's presence (1 Cor 14:25)

B. John 4:23-24 - The worship revolution of Jesus

a. in spirit - authentic
b. in truth - accurate
c. reasonable living - Romans 12:1

C. New Testament Worship at MCC

a. Principles- biblical, unity, richness, excellence, accessibility
b. Values - awe, authenticity, joy, surrender, gratitude, celebration, participation, affection

3. My Worship Manifesto: what I will give to my God

Resources for further study:
1. The Unquenchable Worshipper by Matt Redman

2. Worship Chapter 51 in Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology

3. Focus on the essence of worship not the form, Chapter 28 in John Piper's book Brothers, We Are NOT Professionals