Worship: Always Special

Growing up in the Church of Christ has been a true blessing. Growing up in the Church of Christ and being able to worship with Christians all over the United States has been an even greater blessing.

I have attended worship services in hundreds of Churches of Christ in several states, coast to coast during my lifetime. I have attended churches with over 4,000 members as well as churches with 20 in attendance. I have worshiped in special settings with over 15,000 Christians in attendance. I have worshipped in the inner city as well as in small towns and country family churches. I have attended worship conferences, lectureships and even attended a Christian College for two years as well as taught at one where I experienced a daily worship service.

It still amazes me with all of the experiences that I have encountered, that Sunday morning worship for the most part looks the same in churches across the U.S.

This is what you usually experience: announcements, three songs and a prayer, a song, communion, contribution, a message, then a closing song and prayer. Not much difference across the country. Right?

I have seen changes the last few years in worship among Churches of Christ. Most, I feel, have been positive changes. Ones that have taken us out of our traditional comfort zones and made us focus more on why we are doing some of the things that we are called to do through scripture.

I am happy to see more scripture being emphasized. I am happy that we are emphasizing more praise and worship songs instead of the songs that tell stories that sometimes don't glorify the Father or aren't even scriptural words, but we sing them anyway because we have for years.

I am happy to see a more significant importance placed on the Lord's Supper. I am happy to see God's Word being preached boldly with grace being emphasized.

Many times, on Sunday as I worship, my mind thinks back to Acts 2 and the early church. Wonder what worship was like for them? I can't help but believe it was even more of a special time because they actually beheld the Son of God. You think their worship services were emotional? You don't think tears flowed and hands were raised to the Lord of Lord's?

I hope we never forget that powerful event. I hope we don't become so callous from the many years that have passed that we don't emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually see the sacrifice and feel the pain our Savior went through for us. Thank You Lord for the opportunity to worship YOU!.

Thank you for the cross Lord,
Thank you for the price You paid
Bearing all my sin and shame
In love You came
And gave amazing grace
Thank you for this love, Lord
Thank you for the nail pierced hands
Washed me in Your cleansing flow
Now all I know
Your forgiveness and embrace
Worthy is the Lamb
Seated on the throne
Crown You now with many crowns
You reign victorious
High and lifted up
Jesus Son of God
The Darling of Heaven crucified
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb