Worship

What is Biblical Worship?

by Dale Partridge

When we think of worship our minds generate images of hands in the air singing Christian songs. But is worship more than religious actions? Does worship go beyond singing to God? Jerry Bridges brought clarity to this discussion when he said, “Worship is the specific act of ascribing to God the glory, majesty, honor, and worthiness which are His.”

In other words, the physical manifestations of worship (e.g. singing) are not the goal, they are the result. The goal is to have a heart yielded to the awe and wonder of God. When the heart is right the body will bow or lift its hands or lay on the floor. In this episode of Real Christianity, Dale Partridge discusses worship according to the Bible.

This Episode’s Question

“Pastor Dale, I was reading John 4 and verse 24 jumped off the page. In this verse, Jesus says, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” My understanding of worship is singing songs to God. But is worship deeper than this? Does worship go beyond my physical actions? I guess what I’m really looking to understand is, what is biblical worship?

Tabitha -Oakland, CA

Additional Resources

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Scripture References

  • Matthew 15:8

    “These people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me”

  • Matthew 7:21-23

    “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

  • John 4:24

    “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

  • John 14:6

    “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

What is Biblical House Church?

Learn more about the thousands of Christians who are gathering in intimate, missional, and biblical communities. Get started by downloading our free PDF titled "The Basics of Biblical House Church."

After watching or listening to this episode, what is your opinion? Do you have any questions or comments? Maybe you have something to add to the discussion? If so, let us know in the comments below.

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