“Among the greatest privileges afforded to man is the opportunity to worship the Creator–to bow down before him in reverent acknowledgment of Who He is, to thank Him for His goodness, and to offer Him our praise,” wrote Dan Petty in the introduction of the 2005 Florida College Lectures, “True Worship.
“Worship,” Dan wrote, “gives meaning to a life devoted to serving God.” Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
Gladys Dunn had recently moved into a retirement community and was looking for a church to attend. Fortunately, she found a congregation to attend within walking distance.
When she arrived on Sunday, she found the building attractive and inviting. The people were friendly. The singing was enthusiastic and edifying. The prayers were fervent. And the communion service was reflective and thought-provoking. Continue reading
Filed under Preaching, Sunday Seed Thoughts
My older readers remember when every church had a printed bulletin and mailed them out. I used to get them from all over the country.
One of the regular writers who must have been a syndicated columnist was “Selected.” I suppose he was related to “Anonymous,” and “Anon” who were also regular contributors.
In my worship folder is a short list by “Brother Selected” on things to bring to worship and things to leave at home. Here they are with a few brief comments and scriptural references. Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
From my “worship folder,” here are a few seed thoughts to consider as we focus on attending Sunday worship services.
“Worship is a verb.” –Robert E. Webber
“As a verb, “worship” is active, not passive. Worship is not an event to be watched, but an activity to be joined.” Sheldon W. Sarge
“Leaders in worship should work to avoid mistakes and do their work effectively. But acceptable worship depends far more on the heart and attitude of the worshiper than on the abilities of leaders.” –Bill Hall Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
Admittedly, there’s a lot of junk posted on social media in general, and on facebook specifically. However, there is a lot of good stuff too.
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
There’s an old story that made the rounds several years ago in church bulletins. It may be apocryphal but it makes a good point.
A church member once wrote a letter to the editor of a local newspaper complaining that it made no sense to attend church every Sunday. “I’ve gone for 30 years,” he wrote, “and in that time I’ve heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me. I can’t remember a single one of them.”
He then concluded, “So, I think I’m wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.” Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world,” wrote Martin Luther in the foreword of a 1538 symphony by George Rhau.
“Music controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits,” Luther further observed. “The precious gift of music has been given to man alone that he might thereby remind himself that God has created man for the express purpose of praising and extolling God.” Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
Once upon a time, there was a man who had nothing … and God gave him ten apples.
He gave him three apples to eat, three to trade for shelter from the sun and rain, and three apples to trade for clothing to wear. He gave him one apple so that the man might have something to give back to God to show his gratitude for the other nine. Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
Power.
Leaders lust for it. People are impressed by it. And others are dominated by it.
Military might. Political position. Economic Status. Physical strength. All are symbols of power.
The power in Jesus’ day resided in Rome. Everyone knew it. Their empirical rule reached across the known world. The power was evident in their army. Their outposts of culture. Their massive building programs. Their roads. And, of course, their ruler. Pontifex Maximus. Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
Steve Shepherd tells about a fellow who was answering questions for a national poll. When asked for his church preference, he responded, “Redbrick.”
Some time ago in a door-to-door survey, a suburban Chicago church asked people in their community, “If you don’t go to church, why? Continue reading
Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts
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