Ears To Hear
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Series: Worship the King
DescriptionWorship the King #4 “Ears to Hear Him” Isaiah 6:8 (Acts 17)Intro: Weldon Gaddy grew up in a Baptist Church in the South. His parents took him to Church as a baby…rest of his life! Book, “The Gift of Worship” observes he seldom heard the Word, “Worship.” • Sunday School class asked, “Are you staying for church?” • Afternoon conversation, “How was Church today? • Children, “Do we have to go to church tonight?” We are gathered as His Worshipping People. (central to our purpose) In Worship we bow before our LORD in submission declaring Our great need and His great glory! Isaiah 6 – As model for Worship (responsive reading) Revelation In Worship, we see the LORD; and ourselves in the Light of His glory. Adoration In Worship, we Adore the LORD (heart, lives, lips) expressing love and respect. Confession In Worship, we Confess our Sin Eliminate Pride; Ease Guilt/Shame; Establish Authenticity In Worship, We Hear God’s Word Proclaimed. Vs. 8 – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord…” Next week we will talk about the content of the message. Today, settle on this marvelous reality… … Isaiah Heard the Lord… In Worship, We Hear God’s Word Proclaimed Note: Not proclamation AFTER Worship, but Proclamation AS Worship! We Proclaim God’s Word in Song, Scripture Reading, Baptism and Lord’s Supper… Primarily… The Sermon. Luther, “Faith is an acoustical Affair.” Faith comes by Hearing; Hearing by the Word… Preaching stands at the center of Worship and Church. • Pulpit replaces Altar at center; Reformers as Preachers; Justin (d. 165) “the memoirs of the Apostles or writings of the prophets are read…the president in a discourse admonishes and exhorts us to imitate these good things.” • Pastorals; Pastor/Teacher; Acts 6; Pentecost & Preaching; Jesus came Preaching… In Worship, We Hear God’s Word Proclaimed. ILL – Soren Kierkegaard… Worship Model of Theater a) Ministers as Actors; Congregation as Audience; God as Director. b) Ministers as Directors; Congregation as Actors; and God as Audience! Point: In Worship, we are Active… Not passive Audience! “Auditorium” “Hearing” is not Passive… Active Participation in Proclamation. Speaking God’s Word To Me …. “Oh My!” Speaking God’s Word For Me …. “Amen.” In Worship, We Hear God’s Word Proclaimed. A Model for Preaching and Active Hearing (Acts 17) How We Preach - The Birth of the Church at Thessalonica (17:1-3) “Explaining” = Opening Up; “Evidence” = Placing before… • Preaching From the Bible • Preaching Focused on Jesus How We Hear – The Birth of the Church at Berea (17: 10-13) • Stay Hungry “They Received the Word with Great Eagerness” (vs. 11) Readiness; Rushing forward ILL – Hungry people in food distribution during Haiti relief effort • Eat Healthy “Examining the Scriptures to see if so…” (vs. 11) You can listen faster than I can speak for a Reason! ILL – Isaiah 6: 9-10 --- The Rebellion of Israel as Poor Hearing! Conclusion In Worship, We Hear God’s Word Proclaimed. I Thought about the day Jesus took Peter, James & John aside, up onto a high mountain…. (Matthew 17) A voice from a bright cloud spoke, “This is My beloved son, with Whom I am well pleased; Listen To Him!” We Hear the Word in Worship, … in expression of our Glad submission to our Rightful Lord! ILL – The best way my grown sons show me love and Respect, When they Listen to Me. • Privately • Publicly |