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Worship and Hope
worship will give us hope for today because of what the Bible teaches about the future. WORSHIP AND HOPE Worship dare not be glib or superficial, ought not to dispense false assurances or manipulate emotions. Instead, genuine worship always offers the true hope of the Gospel—neither entertainment nor escapism, neither diversion nor another sort of consumerism, but the terrible truth about sin and evil and the even greater truth (in all its glory) that on the cross and through the empty tomb Christ has been victorious o ver iniquity, injury, and death. Worship will then enfold all of us who search for hope in God’s present cosmic reign and challenge us to engage in God’s sovereign purposes of ministry to the world. Finally, worship’s celebration of God’s governance will equip us with patience and endurance to endure the hardships of this life as we await the culmination of God’s kingdom. This is all, indeed, good news for us each and together to tell our neighbors. Our goal is to bring the world to worship our God with us. —Marva J. Dawn, HOW SHALL WE WORSHIP?: BIBLICAL GUIDELINES FOR THE WORSHIP WARS, Chapter 12, "How Does Worship Form us by the Future to Live in the Present?" [Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 2003], p. 168. ISBN 0-8423-5636-3. [This little book is highly recommended. When I say "little," I mean small. It measures 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches and will fit in any Christmas stocking.] Have a great week. Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Music and Worship Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky www.carlstam.org www.sbts.edu/icw |