Worship with Intimacy

I came across a new phrase in a discussion this week - Verbal Plenary Inspiration. I hadn’t a clue what this statement meant. Verbal I took to mean, communication; Plenary I took to mean an ending or summation; and inspiration implied something that stimulated a thought or an expressive act through any number of media. On doing a bit of reading however, I recognised that it was a hermeneutic concerning the authority and inspiration of scripture. Hermeneutic? This is the interpretation of scripture from an objective, reasoned position of truth… it also supports a position held of the scriptures as being inerrant – having no error or fault in them.

We were having a discussion about the role of theology in the types of song that we sing in churches today. There appeared to be two sides to the conversation; the literal use of scripture within the lyric used in the song to convey truth and one where we have an emotive use of scripture in crafting a lyric. Both approaches infer truth within the liturgy contained in the song but some might argue that the content or lyric of more emotive songs do not convey a scripturally robust hermeneutic.

This is why the connection to verbal plenary inspiration was made. It was a statement used to argue against a more emotive response to God through the singing of songs in favour of a more literal response to God. Verbal Plenary Inspiration means that the very words of the original manuscripts used in the creation of the scriptures we have translated today, were directly inspired by God, although he did not change the author's intelligence or understanding while doing so. Meaning, that God choose, inspired and sovereignly guided the biblical authors who were equipped by him to write the very words of scripture.

This allows for the personalities of the writers to be revealed alongside the eternal truth of the character of God and his omniscience. It enables men to be inspired by God through the Holy Spirit at work within them for the purpose to which they are being equipped; to expound the Gospel metanarrative to the cultural context in which we live.

The Holy Spirit touches our hearts in a constant flow of renewal, some of which we are not all conscious of but are made aware of as he refines us by his grace. For each holy moment that we encounter in worship, we can often find ourselves in a place where God has led us through a narrow valley and out into the open pasture of his provision. Another metaphor is the gardener who prunes back that which bears no fruit, as witnessed by the incident with the fig tree that bore no fruit in Matthew 21:18-22, which symbolised the nation of Israel.

In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up. The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”

Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”

As the Holy Spirit prunes us during our study of the word and our subsequent expression of faith in the truth of what we believe, our hearts turn to praise. In that place we are empowered through our worship to turn our faith into action… sometimes however, our gift of worship can be more contemplative or even desperate in nature, rather than celebratory. Some suggest that we should always be expressing our praises to God with joy but in my experience, this is not always the place where we as humans exist in the natural. It takes a disciple of Jesus, to be able to understand the nuance of praise and adoration in times of adversity. For many of us, we can be swayed by the way that we feel about God at that moment in time, rather than what we know of God. The unravelling of the mystery of God is what Paul was keen to teach to all who would hear him. He gave instructions in the preparation of our hearts for the worship of our saviour.

We are conflicted by many different emotions: guilt, apathy and dare I say apostasy. We can be physically and spiritually tired. In worship we come to the Lord with a wide range of these different facets of our character because although we renounce our sin and choose to live for Christ, we are still ‘us’ underneath. We are still in a spiritual battle – the enemy will try every trick and distraction for us to lose confidence in what we believe.

There are those of us who have been gifted with such a strong assurance of faith by the Holy Spirit, that we cannot understand why others seem to be blown one way or the other, by their emotions. This response to God however, is not ours to judge. Our purpose in these matters is to nurture those who struggle with their esteem within the saving grace that God freely offers, a more consistent understanding of God’s eternal truth. We need to constantly remind those with a more transient faith, that we honour God through our worship. In worship, we can affirm our place within that truth while being encouraged to be obedient to him through living a life that honours his name.

This is why timing and intimacy are so important in worship, particularly in the Vineyard. It isn’t all about declaring who God is, what his character is like, and what his plan for the world he created is; although we do sing and want to continue to sing of God in this way. There are other ways that we can stimulate the mind, than just singing about a literal doxology in one particular type of format or style.

 

 

Giving space for the worshipper to align their hearts and minds to the love that God has for us is also an important part of worship, particularly in the Vineyard because it is done from a position of weakness, not of strength. Therefore the song style changes to allow space for the intonation of the Spirit to work amongst the congregation in affirming the work he has started within them. The theology doesn’t change, just the form in which it is expressed. That is why early Vineyard songs are simple and repetitive at times so that space is given for the worshipper to express their hearts desire to honour God with their lives, whilst asking for the comforter to draw alongside us and bring us Christ’s counsel.

 

 

As the Holy Spirit works in us and refines our broken souls, we are going to be left undone; it is going to be messy and we will need to be equipped by the gifts of the spirit to enable us to serve him. In order to serve, we must first be willing to let Christ into our innermost being – this is really hard because our inner hurts define our character to the point that we become unaware that these hurts that have bound us. They can become so ingrained into our subconscious behaviours that we need the refiners fire to cleanse us deep within. This is what intimacy in worship is designed to achieve: To fill the hearts of the lost and broken with that ever present desire to follow Christ, the author and perfector of our faith. As worship leaders, we are not forcing anything or trying to illicit any kind of response other than our devotion to the one who saves us from our sin.

Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12: 2 NLT)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

(Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT)

I have never been in Vineyard worship where I have ever seen any form of shepherding taking place; this is where a leader has a specific motivation in the worship to influence the direction of our devotion in a way that suits their own ambition, however godly they may feel that influence is, in place of the direction that God intended. John Wimber, one of the founders of the Vineyard movement would suggest that we wait and see what the Lord is doing and go with his lead. 

 

 

As worship leaders, we are sensitive to the move of the Spirit and choose songs appropriate to what he is doing. Some styles of song do not facilitate this approach in worship and can interrupt what the Lord is doing. The worship leader’s role is to watch out for the move of the Spirit so that we do not get in the way of what God is doing amongst the people in the congregation. Just as some may not like the over sentimentality of some forms of worship songs over others, the reverse can also be said of a verse heavy, doctrinal style of song. Getting the correct balance is the art of putting together the correct combination of songs that have been inspired by our own personal relationship with the father. 

 

 

Some can be fearful of emotionalism in worship. Sentimentality can almost be considered inappropriate or perhaps even sinful. Quite rightly, worship is not about how God makes us feel, but rather what God has done for us however, this does involve our emotions. We offer him our adoration and praise for the plans he has for us and the sacrifice that he made through the death of his son. Should our emotional response to what he has done for us be tempered for the security of those who may not want to express this outwardly? Is that what King David did? Not at all… David’s worship was characterised by his musical abilities and his propensity to strip off his royal robes and dance. This is exuberant worship because David knew what he had been saved from. I am always perturbed when there are those that orchestrate only one style of expression in worship, namely a literal one.

 And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment.

(2 Samuel 6: 14 NLT)

The young women will dance for joy, and the men — old and young — will join in the celebration. I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.

(Jeremiah 31: 13 NLT)

The people of faith are God’s instruments in this world; they are in preparation for what is to come. Southend Storehouse is an outward expression of the worshipping community from within Southend Vineyard, where men and women of faith pick up the challenge to serve our wider community. In so doing, the people who volunteer to serve the homeless and those on the fringes of our society, act as Christ’s ambassadors in a community of faith that shines Christ’s light for all to see. This light draws unbelievers to the Lord as they witness the goodness and wholeness of God’s spirit breaking out in acts of kindness and generosity. This is the Kingdom come… otherwise we would just wait in our church communities for the Lord to return, trimming our lamps.  

“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

“At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’

“But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

(Matthew 25: 1-13 NLT)

This is a strongly spoken parable about those who know that the Messiah was to come but due to the negligence of the bridesmaids in maintaining their vigil, they missed the greatest reward. This message was spoken to the chosen children of God, the Jews, but also applies to all people in all nations, whatever their race, ethnicity, political ideal or creed. The church is the bridesmaid and Jesus is the bridegroom… we wait in anticipation of his return but until he does, we will worship him with our whole being and serve him with our lives.

Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and as such, we carry that spirit into the world. We live to reveal the fruit of the Spirit at work in us. This is not some gnostic, pagan or new age concept but one Christ modelled to his disciples… the disciples hearts burned within them as they carried out his work on their missionary journeys when they healed people and cast out demons in Jesus’ name.

When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” (Luke 10: 17 NLT)

This story of the disciple’s joy at seeing God’s kingdom breaking into the lives of ordinary people is what Jesus was talking about when he stated that if we had the faith to believe, we can move a mountain. We pray in Jesus name, that sickness would go from a person’s body… God honours our faith in him by healing people’s sickness so that the church is encouraged by the works of the Spirit who bear testimony to Jesus Christ who redeemed the world. We are not to know why prayer is not always answered; nor will we understand why some are healed and others bear the burden of unanswered prayer. A short answer to these questions that I am always reminded of is our testimony of faith; what we choose to believe, even though we have never seen God, yet we know him through the scriptures and through the work of the Holy Spirit who sustains us in life’s Journey.

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold; though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honour on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

(1 Peter 1: 6-9)

The Roman centurion who says to Jesus: ‘Just give the word and I will know it will be done’ is an example of how our understanding of the authority given to us in Jesus, and the faith we exercise in expressing that truth, is what Jesus is ultimately looking for in our worship.

But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed…When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!  (Matthew 8: 8, 10)

We also understand that God is with us in all things, and works through all things for good: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). This is what turns our sadness into praise, even though for a while we will endure hardship. Being reminded of the character of God and all that he has achieved for us on the cross, and in each individuals journey into faith, we endure. We put on the whole armour of God and we stand as a congregation and proclaim the Lord’s name.  

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world; against mighty powers in this dark world; and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armour so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armour of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

(Ephesians 6: 10-18)

Ellie and John Mumford as the National Directors of the Vineyard movement talk about the theology of ‘the now and the not yet.’ We live out our lives in expectation of Christ’s return and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth where we will receive new bodies, free from sickness and death. We will witness justice prevailing against the evil in the world, and creation restored to its rightful purpose in glorifying God.

For now, we live on the earth in the death throes of a spiritual battle where the devil has been defeated and death, the ultimate penalty for living a sinful life, has been overcome through the actions of Jesus on the cross. But for a time, the enemy will try and draw as many as he can to himself until that trumpet call is sounded. Until then, we live in expectation that the Lord continues to reach out and save those who are lost; the kingdom breaks in to our present when one sinner repents. We reveal Christ by the life we live through our understanding of what we have been rescued from; to which we offer all praise and glory to the one who saves.

Our worship becomes a symphony as we sing with the angels and all of the heavenly hosts, proclaiming the holiness of God and his unending righteousness. We give honour to our relationship to the Father. For me personally, I have acquired a degree of head knowledge and have benefitted from my daily reflections of scripture through 30 years of being a Christian… I have received some good discipleship training over the years but unfortunately experienced a lot of bad stuff when I dabbled with aspects of legalism and Calvinism that placed a religious burden on my ‘faith’ life that was not healthy.

When I came to the Vineyard, I was searching for a fresh expression of my faith born from my experience of the charismatic renewal with David Watson at St Michael le Belfry in the City of York and the Christian Union I attended as a University student. I realised that I had grown out of singing songs ‘about’ God and grown ‘into’ singing songs ‘to’ God; songs about his mercy towards me; songs about a sinner deserving of death, set free. 

I learned that as I honoured God by singing about my commitment to his work in me, I was becoming more and more obedient to him; as much as through listening to the message in a sermon. My worship was based in my belief in the truth that had grown in my faith. I began to understand that as I offered up my heart in worship to honour what God has done for me, that I got his blessing in return for my expression of faith. 

As worship leaders in the Vineyard, we have modelled what John Wimber learned of in defining worship: 1-The call to worship; singing about the glory of God and his mighty work of salvation; 2-Engaging with the truth of who God is; 3-Expressing our Worship of God that anticipates an intimacy inherent of the relationship we can have with the father as we offer him praise; 4-Meditating on God’s truth; as a result of expressing our hearts desire to honour God, we anticipate a connection with God as he dwells amongst his people as a by-product of the relationship we have with him; we enter into a period of intercession on behalf of others and of our own need, asking for his anointing through the power of the Holy Spirit; 5-We surrender ourselves into his service for the sake of the kingdom, making a commitment of faith to honour God with our lives.

In this ‘Holy’ moment, we are reconciled to the father through the blood of the son, knowing that we are loved unconditionally and can have our sin forgiven and our hearts set free.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18 NIV)

As people of faith, we need to develop a desire to worship God with our whole being. We place Jesus at the centre of our worship as our Lord and Saviour.  We want to see Spirit-enabled worship in a style that is intimate, dynamic and life changing. By worship, we mean living lives that are subservient to the purposes and person of God… that we live in such a way as to bring glory to God. Worship is more than just the singing of songs; worship should be seen in our daily lives – the way we deal with other people, our clients, patients, the boss, our pupils, husband and wife, children, parents... We are all ministers of God’s grace to each other so let us all reach out to one another in love, with thanksgiving in our hearts.

He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life.

(2 Corinthians 3:8 NLT)