Worship:
The most famous of questions asked from the Westminster Catechism is, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer to this question is “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”
Here at Prairie Vineyard we believe that not only is the chief end of man is to
glorify God and enjoy him forever -
Personally over the years I have noticed that a lot of bumps on the road of many a church has been the issue of worship. Recently my wife and I had the privilege of taking a small winter vacation to a land where they are blessed with tropical climate. Renting a car and using a tourism book, we went in search of secluded beaches. Hearing of a particular beautiful beach we left, looking forward to sand and sun. To arrive at that particular destination however we were told that the road was very rough and we might want to consider a 4X4. Off we went, however, in a small Hyundai and into a couple of miles of bumps and pot holes, wondering along the way if we were on the right road and should we turn around. Eventually we arrived and found one of the island’s most beautiful beaches there for us to enjoy for the day. To purpose to worship God when we gather together as a church is often like getting to that beach. The questions, bumps and sometimes uneasy feelings come along because we focus on the road and not the destination.
The main purpose of Prairie Vineyard is to worship God, whatever the journey looks like. He is the prize and the destination. The journey of learning to worship therefore is never about us, but always about Him. We will purpose therefore to build an environment of Worshiping God through his Son, Jesus.
Worship takes on many forms and has many styles (none of which really matter to God), and we will partake in many of its forms including: the giving of our substance, the preaching of God’s word, offering spiritual sacrifices, doing good to others, forgiving, speaking and singing our thanksgiving and praise. Emphasizing all these forms of worship we will spend a great deal of time and resources in developing corporate worship through the channel of music. Even the purpose of gathering in a larger building has the simple single purpose to allow for ease of corporate worship.
Worship is a Choice
Hebrews 12:28 and 29 tells us: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." (NIV) Through the pages of the whole bible we are encouraged to make the choice and worship God. It is totally a decision we have to make. Because worshiping God is a decision it is also a privilege!
Near the end of what is called “the love chapter” (1 Corinthians 13) it states, “We now see just a poor reflection as in a mirror; but then we shall see face to face. We now know in part; then we shall know fully, even as we are fully known” (see verse 12). For us, to choose to worship God in our present state of only seeing just a poor reflection of God and all His glory, how much more is He honoured than if we worship not knowing fully. As we choose to press in and worship God here and now, with all the distractions and bumps on the road, God is honoured much more. When worship is a breeze. A.W. Tozer is also quoted from his book “The Purpose of Man” as saying, “You will be worshiping God long after everything else has ceased to exist. Too bad if you do not learn to worship him now so that you do not have to cram for the last examination.”
Our chief purpose here at Prairie Vineyard is to come together and worship God. We intend to stay on this road, press in, and in spite of the bumps and desires to turn around, worship God through Jesus on whatever vehicle we can use. We will speak and sing together of His wonders and praise.
Bill
Galston -
