THE WORSHIP GOD IS SEEKING

Ruis, David. The Worship God is Seeking. Ventura, California: Regal Books, 2005.

1) Without our realizing it, worship can become a commodity, or used as a means to an end. This creates an ever-increasing pressure within the church to see worship as something to be used for many different purposes: a church growth tool, evangelistic device, warm-up for preaching the Word, and a host of other reasons. It would seem that we are at risk of creating a church culture in which aesthetics and entertainment become the watermark for a great worship experience. Pg 14

2) We are constantly evaluating the effectiveness of worship by the response of the people. We paint a picture of God as a Being who is there for our benefit, and we view worship as designed to reinforce our basic selfishness, masked under ‘meeting our needs.’ Pg 14-15

3) Worship is not a result of our moving toward God, it is our response to His overture of grace toward us. Pg 33

4) Worship is no longer just an activity—it is now our identity. Impassioned by mercy, something is released in us that religious experience alone cannot touch. No longer are we trying to attain to something in God’s presence—we have become worshippers by His grace. It has become our very nature to worship. Pg 40

5) To come into His presence is not a meeting of the minds or a matching of wills. Not just one physical presence dominating another. No, the arena of worship is in the place of spirit where God encounters humanity in the rawness of His presence and the vulnerability of our brokenness. Pg 61

6) The end or goal of worship is to connect with God, not to ‘get in touch with ourselves.’ Pg 63

7) [Talking about our relationship with God] Our feelings do not diminish, nor do we submerge them under a religious cloak; but they are released under His watchful eye and tamed by His love for us. Pg 67

8) God designed worship to come to Him from everything He created. The angels worship. The elders fall down before Him. The living beasts give glory, honor, and praise. If we, His people, do not give Him glory, the very rocks of the earth would do so. Such worship cannot be fully expressed in one liturgy or style of music. Such praise cannot be displayed through just one language or cultural perspective. No, from the vantage point of God’s eternal throne, we can see a symphony of worship and adoration coming before Him from every tongue, tribe, and nation. There are songs and chants, dances and rhythms, melodies and tunes being released across the spectrum of the nations and denominations weaving in and out of each other to reach God’s ear for His delight and pleasure. Pg 91

9) God is seeking a worship that reflects His heart. He delights in worship that echoes the creativity and passion that He put into creation. He longs for worship that reflects not only the expanse of creation, but also the fullest expression of His crown creation: redeemed humanity worshipping Him from every tongue, tribe, and nation. We need to cultivate creativity and artistic expression in our worship; not to impress God or to show off our talents; but simply because He enjoys it. This is the worship He seeks. Pg 98-99

10) Worship is not an escape. It is perspective. What or whom we worship shapes our worldview; and it is from this vantage point that we see people and the world around us. Pg 102

11) Expectation makes all the difference in how we encounter God. Pg 130

12) Worship must flow out of community. One of the greatest needs in the local church is for a sense of the journey together, not just pulling off another service. Pg 135.

13) Worship is the corporate language of faith for a community. Each community needs song and art that express their stage of the journey—that reflects the current challenges, successes, struggles, joys, and issues facing the local church. Pg 135