The Difference Between Emotion And Emotionalism In Worship
WORSHIP ARTICLE | William J. Stewart | Odessa, Ontario
The story has been told of a man who visited with a local church for their Sunday assembly. Upon hearing a powerful point from the pulpit, he hollered out, “Amen!” Everyone was quiet, somewhat taken back by his outburst. Minutes later, the preacher spoke mightily of the Lord’s victory over death, which prompted the man to give a hearty, “Praise the Lord!” Others in the crowd were visibly uncomfortable with these eruptions. After this second time, someone quietly went over to the man and whispered, “Why are you shouting out like that?” The visitor replied, “I’m praising God.” In response, he heard, “Well, we don’t do that here.” Read More
After writing an article for GROW magazine last year on the text in Romans 4 and Paul’s argument of justification by grace through faith, it seemed appropriate to address the nature of biblical faith from another important text in the New Testament—James 2. Romans 4 defends salvation by faith, not by works of the Law of Moses, and appeals to Abraham’s faith as our example. James is concerned with the general nature of faith. 
Jesus Christ came to deliver mankind from his sin (Matthew 1:21). Sin has always separated man from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), and sin caused us to be spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1). The sacrifice of Jesus’ own precious blood has redeemed us from the guilt of sin and from the power of death which sin caused (1 Peter 1:18-19; Ephesians 2:4-7). This redemption causes great joy among the saved (see Acts 8:8, 39). It is a privilege to be a child of God, and an eternal heir of the grace of life (Romans 8:16-17). 
As we open our New Testament and begin to read we see that worship is an integral part of the Christian’s life. God desires for us to worship Him. Yet worship must be as He instructs. Jesus, in His conversation with the woman at the well, gives some vital information about one’s service to Jehovah. “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). Notice at least three essential elements in our worship: (1) worship must be directed toward the Father; (2) worship must be with the right attitude – in spirit; (3) worship must be in the right way – according to truth. 
In the latter portion of James 2, we find a great discussion of faith’s dependence upon works. The writer merges a collection of examples with his constant affirmation – faith without works is dead (James 2:17, 20, 24, 26). The destitute brother or sister who receives our well wishes and nothing more is destitute still (James 2:14-16). The demons are certain of the existence of God, but their doom is equally certain, for they do not do the works of God (James 2:19). The patriarch Abraham and Rahab the harlot were both justified before God, not merely because they believed, but because they exercised faith in God (James 2:21-23, 25). 