{"id":970,"date":"2023-11-26T21:36:52","date_gmt":"2023-11-26T21:36:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/?p=970"},"modified":"2024-05-21T20:23:01","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T20:23:01","slug":"you-are-invited-to-worship-rehearsal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/2023\/11\/26\/you-are-invited-to-worship-rehearsal\/","title":{"rendered":"You are Invited to Worship Rehearsal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cWorship is a memory problem.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pastor Jarrett recently made this statement in an all-staff chapel. What does it mean? Does our memory really help us worship?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask my wife or family members about my memory, and you\u2019ll likely hear them explain how bad it is. I live and survive by making lists. I\u2019m forgetful. I depend on lists to remind me what I need to be reminded about. You may not have the same level of forgetfulness, but I\u2019m convinced Pastor Jarrett is right: we are all forgetful in ways that impact our worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, come with me to a worship rehearsal. This isn\u2019t a music rehearsal; It’s a truth rehearsal. When we rehearse truth, we are reminded of God\u2019s character and plan seen through the Word of God, the Gospel, and the pattern of God\u2019s faithfulness in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Word of God<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is no greater truth than what is found in God\u2019s Word. It is the only absolute truth. His Word reveals his character. John Piper says this about the role God\u2019s Word should play in our lives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWithout the written word\u2014explaining and preserving for us who God is and what he has done\u2014there would be no saving knowledge of God, no new birth, no faith, no seeing and savoring of God\u2019s glory, no experience of forgiveness, no transformation, and, in the end, no completed and beautified Bride for the Son, and no white-hot worshipping family for the Father.”1<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

True worship rehearsal occurs when we rightly behold God and his character in his Word. There is no better place to learn about who God is and what He has done. Filling your heart daily with God\u2019s Word through devotion and memorization will result in sanctification marked by regular worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Gospel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is a cyclical pattern that emerges when rehearsing Gospel truths. Milton Vincent writes, \u201cThe gracious love of God, lavished on me because of Christ\u2019s death, is always humbling to remember, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the Hell I deserve.”2<\/a><\/sup> Gospel remembrance should lead us to respond in two ways. First, we should live in consistent repentance. When we remember and are humbled by our need for God and His pardon of our sin, we repent. Second, we should rightfully respond with thanksgiving and praise (worship). Gospel grace reminds us that we have freedom from sin and are justified, adopted sons and daughters of the Father. When we remember how much we have been forgiven, we can\u2019t help but worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His Pattern of Faithfulness<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is easy to forget the many blessings of God when we face sorrow, loss, fear, anxiety, depression, anger, etc. However, when we intentionally meditate on specific ways the Lord has been faithful, we should be filled with hope and gratitude. Just as I make lists to remember what groceries to get at HEB on my way home from work, we must stop and consider the list of God’s faithfulness in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the things you prayed for that God has answered? What are ways God has provided for you when you felt helpless? Who has God placed in your life that reminds you of truth? What would your life be like without God\u2019s presence and work in your life? These questions remind us of all God has done, and we can trust Him to be what he has always been: faithful. Practically, this task looks different for everyone. For some, this is rehearsed through journaling, conversations with others, prayer, etc. Whatever way you choose to remember, take the time to reflect and meditate on how God has been faithful, trusting that He will continue to be faithful.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since worship is a memory problem, I hope you utilize God\u2019s Word, the Gospel, and His past faithfulness to remind yourself to worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. John Piper, “The Ultimate Goal of Reading the Bible<\/a>,” Desiring God, September 23, 2016. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  2. Milton Vincent,\u00a0The Gospel Primer,<\/em>\u00a0(Focus Publishing, 2008), 32. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><\/ol>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Come with me to worship rehearsal. This isn\u2019t a music rehearsal; it’s a truth rehearsal. When we rehearse truth, we are led to worship.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":972,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"\n

    As teachers, we are blessed with a sacred opportunity. We are co-laborers with the Holy Spirit who walk alongside others, pointing them to the magnificent truths contained within God\u2019s self-revelation. It is unsurprising that the responsibility can feel overwhelming, especially for those new to the calling. Fortunately, we are not alone. We stand on the shoulders of scholars and theologians of the past and present, whose wisdom is available across multiple platforms. There are a wealth of resources available to us that can significantly complement our study and prayer. The blending of the Spirit's wisdom and these supplemental tools enables us, whether lay teachers or pastors, to serve those in our charge more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Accordingly, I have provided a non-exhaustive list of such resources in this article that I, a lay leader, have found helpful in my study, preparation, and presentation. I have included an asterisk next to the resources that are particularly helpful in my study and preparation. But before I share a list of valuable resources, I would be remiss if I didn\u2019t include this disclaimer: Only Scripture is perfect, and these resources\u2014all of them\u2014are imperfect. As you incorporate these resources into your toolbox, approach them prayerfully and with discernment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Libraries<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Libraries are a cost-effective way to get your hands on much of the material I suggest in this article. Theological and church libraries especially provide access to an extensive collection of commentaries, Bible dictionaries, topical books, and other resources to enrich your lesson preparation. While online research is convenient, exploring the physical stacks allows one to discover lesser-known gems, study multiple viewpoints side-by-side, and immerse yourself in the focused environment libraries provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Church Libraries <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n