The One Thing That Matters Most in the Worship of all Churches

Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” (John 18:8)

What a mighty, equation-changing statement by Jesus! The divine exchange in one sentence—the life of the great I AM for ours—an all-sufficient ransom for many!

The Cross reveals God's love to us in power and in sacrifice! It is the reason that we are well able to join with St. Paul and declare triumphantly

"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Praise the Lord!

The Foundation of 'Christian' Worship

What do you think is the most important focus area in worship?

No, it's not the most moving worship songs or the most talented singers/musicians. Nope, not sound quality or lighting either.

Worship should be fueled by the Cross—the passion, the death and the resurrection of our Lord. For worship to be 'Christian', it needs to center on the Cross, reflect the Cross, testify to the Cross and be lived out in sacrificial love—in short, the Cross is the foundation of Christian worship.

And today my friend, instead of thinking about what songs to sing or what transition techniques to employ in the next worship session, let's take a timeout and gaze upon God's love demonstrated upon the Cross—and be in grateful awe. Let's stay silent, be still, meditate and

wonder at Christ's finished work upon the Cross wonder at the Blood that covers and washes us wonder at the grace that saves us wonder at the joy of experiencing God's presence when we worship wonder at the transforming power of the Holy Spirit who now dwells in us wonder at the reality that we are daughters and sons of God...

...just wonder.

So that the next time we worship, let it be nourished by and rooted on what is most important to our faith: the Cross.

The Mystery of Faith

While Christ's death, resurrection and promise to return to us is the foundation of our worship, it's also the mystery of our faith that we need to hold on to (1 Timothy 3:9). It's what the whole Church is called upon to declare, proclaim and witness as we wait in hope, expecting His glorious return.

It's a revealed mystery (I know, oxymoron, right?!) and yet it takes more than a lifetime to understand! Every time we worship, we are tapping into this awesome mystery and getting a closer glimpse at it—in the Word that we read, preach and teach; in the songs that we sing, in the community prayers and especially at the Table!

If the Cross is the foundation of Christian worship, then the Eucharist is it's most tangible expression. So the next time we break the Bread and raise the Cup and sing to Him, let's remember, celebrate, thank and glorify God for the mystery of our faith that is being revealed to us.

My friend, stay in wonder and worship Him, Jesus Christ has saved us!

How can we build a culture of worship that is firmly based upon the Cross? Why not leave a comment and share your thoughts?

Image: http://www.verobeachalliancechurch.com/