The Church - Worship: June 15, 2025

What Kind of Worship Does God Really Want?

Happy belated Father's Day to all the dads, grandpas, and great-grandpas out there! Isaac kicked off his recent sermon by giving a huge shout-out to all the "really cool dudes" who are fathers, and we couldn't agree more – we're super grateful for you all!

This past Sunday, Isaac started an exciting new series, building on the recent focus on the church. He, along with David, Tony, and Angel, will each be diving into different topics related to the church. First up? Worship.

Isaac took us to John chapter 4, where Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at the well. This is a powerful passage, and the Samaritan woman asks a question that still resonates today: "Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship."

Think about that for a second. How often do we get caught up in the "where" and "how" of worship? The style of music, the structure of the service, even the bulletin design! While these things aren't bad in themselves, Isaac reminded us that they can often distract us from the true purpose of worship.

Beyond the Program: A Deeper Question

Isaac shared his own journey, recalling a time when he was on the worship team, going through the motions without fully grasping what worship truly meant. It wasn't until college, through a brilliant (and quirky!) professor, Dr. Mooney, that his perspective shifted. Dr. Mooney's love for the book of Leviticus – yes, Leviticus! – opened Isaac's eyes to the holiness of God and what worship truly looks like in our lives and in the church.

This experience led Isaac to a crucial question: What kind of worship does God truly desire?

Jesus' response to the Samaritan woman cuts right to the chase, moving past the geographical "where" to the heart of the matter. He says in John 4:23-24:

"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

This isn't just a suggestion; it's a "must." Jesus emphasizes that true worship isn't about a specific place or external performance, but something much deeper.

Worshiping in Spirit and Truth

Isaac broke down these two vital components of true worship:

1. Worship in Truth

To worship in truth means to worship according to what is true about God, as revealed in His Word. Our thoughts about God are incredibly important because they shape our worship and our lives. As Isaac beautifully illustrated with his dad marveling at the stars, when we truly grasp who God is – the Creator of billions of stars who knows us by name – worship becomes a natural response.

Any misunderstanding or "failure in worship, doctrine, or practice," as Isaac noted, can often be traced back to wrong thoughts about God. God isn't just a "buddy" or a "slot machine" where we put in scripture to get what we want. He is worthy of our awe and reverence.

Worship in truth also means engaging our minds. It's not a mindless activity. When we sing songs, we should be thinking about who God is and what He's done, connecting with the scriptures woven into the lyrics. We need to hold contrasting truths about God in devotional tension – recognizing Him as both the transcendent Creator and the loving Father who longs to gather us.

2. Worship in Spirit

Worshiping in spirit isn't about worshiping in the Holy Spirit, but rather with our human spirit – the very core of our being. This means authentic worship comes from within, not just outward performances. You can sing the songs, pray the prayers, or put money in the offering, but if your heart isn't in it, as Charles Spurgeon said, "God does not regard our voices. He hears our hearts."

Think about Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail. Beaten, chained, and in the worst circumstances, they broke out into a "church service," singing and worshiping God. Worship can happen anywhere, at any time, in any circumstance – good, bad, or weird!

When we become believers, our capacity for worship expands infinitely because the Holy Spirit renews our hearts, giving us an enlarged hunger for God. Worship isn't confined to a certain style or type of music; it's our response to God's revelation – who He is and what He has done for us.

The Father is Seeking True Worshipers

One of the most profound truths Isaac shared is found in John 4:23: "For the Father is seeking such people to worship him." The central reality of worship isn't that we're seeking God, but that He is seeking us!

So, how will you respond? Isaac left us with some powerful questions:

• If you're a believer:

  • Is what I'm singing or saying found in the Word of God?

  • Do I approach Him with reverence, awe, and honesty?

  • Have I made my worship about my preferences or about His presence?

• If you're not a believer: Jesus met the Samaritan woman as she was, sin and all, and invited her into a new life of worship. He offers the same to you today – a relationship that begins with Him.

Let's strive to be a church that doesn't just put on a program, but a community whose worship flows from deep within, shaped by truth. Because as Isaac concluded, "When we truly see God for who He is, worship becomes our natural response."

May we be those true worshipers the Father is seeking!