Worship Articles – GROW magazine

17 Apr

Instrumental Music in Church History

WORSHIP ARTICLE | William Stewart | Kingston, Ontario

We have in previous articles looked at instrumental music in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, and specifically in the book of Revelation. In Revelation, we found instances of the instrumental music to deal with the heavenly realm and not with the worship of the Lord’s church upon the earth. In the Old Testament, we discovered musical instruments were commanded and used in worship in Israel, but acknowledged this was not authority for us, since we are noted that none of the occurrences of instrumental music therein address worship. Rather, every example or command with regard to our worship in song calls for vocal music, not instrumental. Read More →

01 Jan

Instrumental Music in the Book of Revelation

WORSHIP ARTICLE | William Stewart | Kingston, Ontario

In the religious world, there is a basic cognizance of the need to conduct ourselves within the confines of God’s authority. The apostle Paul, when writing to the brethren at Colosse implored, “…whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of hte Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17). Such demands that we search the Scriptures to know what is and what is not acceptable to the Lord so far as religious practice and doctrine.

When we come to the subject of proper worship in song, just as with any other topic, we must seek to know what pleases the Lord. A practice or teaching may delight us, but we are not the object nor the designer of worship. How does God instruct us to worship in song? Are we to use mechanical instruments, are we to use our voices, or a combination of the two? Read More →

10 Oct

Instrumental Music in the New Testament

WORSHIP ARTICLE | William Stewart | Kingston, Ontario

In a previous article, we looked at Instrumental Music in the Old Testament (click here). We noted several instances of instrumental music used in worship as well as direct commands for such. Now, we want to focus on the New Testament. Do we see examples of worship with instruments? Are there any commands to play instruments in worship? What was the manner of music used by the early church as directed by the Spirit-inspired apostles? Read More →

17 Apr

Instrumental Music in the Old Testament

WORSHIP ARTICLE | William Stewart | Odessa, Ontario

In the search for instrumental music in the Old Testament, one need not go very far. In Genesis 4:21, among the offspring of Cain, we read of Jubal, identified as “…the father of all those who play the harp and flute.” Thus, we have the beginning of instrumental music described for us. From this point onward, we find references to instrumental music in many Old Testament passages. Read More →

28 Jan

Psalm 145 – The Mighty Works, Goodness, and Kingdom of God

WORSHIP ARTICLE | Jeremy Woodman | Kingston, Ontario

The Book of Psalms concludes with a series of psalms that praise the Lord. Some of our most popular hymns, such as “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah”, based on Psalm 148, are directly from this section of scripture. Although there are commonalities between these psalms, each also have a unique focus on various attributes, actions, or characteristics of God that are worthy of praise. For example, in Psalm 145, David focuses on the mighty works of God, the goodness of God, and the kingdom of God. Read More →

08 Oct

Psalm 61 – A Prayer : Returning to God’s Shelter

WORSHIP ARTICLE | Tim McPherson | Bountiful, Utah

Psalm 61 is a prayer we all need to pray. When do we say we need God the most? We need God in times of despair, in times of great sorrow or trouble, when we are possibly feeling distant or separated from God. Yes, many times in life we feel helpless. Who can we turn to? I turn to God. We so desperately express our need for a greater strength beyond mortal wisdom or human counsel. We look longingly for that time of Almighty God’s care. The enemy is trying to tug us away from God. Although the enemy seems to have pulled us away and we may feel in despair, we truly can draw nearer to God. Read More →

05 Jul

Psalm 136 – Give Thanks To The Lord

WORSHIP ARTICLE | Marshall McDaniel | Athens, Alabama

Ingratitude is a symptom of idolatry. Those who reject the Lord do not give thanks: “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:21, NASB; see 2 Timothy 3:2). It is sad when people fail to acknowledge the divine source of their blessings! Yet, the people of God know better (or at least, they should). They have experienced the goodness of God and hopefully respond with grace. The short admonition at the end of Colossians 3:15 says it all: “be thankful.” So, what instills within us a sense of authentic gratitude and motivates us to express our thanks to God? An ancient Hebrew song supplies the answer. Read More →

03 Jan

Psalm 95 – Wonderful Encouragement to Worship The Great God of Heaven with Heart-felt Reverence

WORSHIP ARTICLE | John Hains | Smithville, Ontario

Verse 1 – “Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.”

From our Psalm 95 text, this 1st verse invites and encourages us to come together to worship the Lord in song! Our worship to the magnificent God of heaven is something He deserves – with all of our hearts – and to the highest degree! Our hearts ought to be filled with songs of praise – and adoration – because He is great and greatly to be praised! (Psalm 96:4). The Lord is so generous and expressive to us in love, mercy, grace, and kindness that we can’t keep quiet – as our hearts overflow with songs of praise!

Have you ever noticed how many other passages in the psalms teach the same thing? So, you’ll be blessed to take the time to look up a large number of them with your concordance and a notebook. Those passages will encourage you to fill your heart with praises in song as part of your day, every day! Because – He is so worthy!

Worship On The Lord’s Day

WORSHIP ARTICLE | Sean Cavender | Wichita, Kansas

John states that he was in the Spirit on the “Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10), which has been widely accepted and identified as the day Christians assembled to worship. As you read the New Testament, it becomes clear that the early church was committed to worshiping on the first day of the week. Take note of a couple passage:

“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them…” (Acts 20:7, NASB95)

“On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:2, NASB95) Read More →

06 Jul

“Lord, Teach Us To Pray”

WORSHIP ARTICLE | Jesse Flowers | Cookeville, Tennessee

Without question, prayer is a major Bible doctrine and subject referenced throughout the Scriptures. It is one of the greatest spiritual blessings the child of God is afforded to enjoy in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:3). How wonderful and incredible that our loving and caring heavenly Father has provided to His children this means of communication with Him! Read More →