The Worship Quote of the Week for (06/10/2008):

Proclaim His Salvation What part does proclamation of the gospel play in authentic Christian worship? The psalmist declares, "Sing to the LORD, praise His Name; proclaim his salvation day after day" (Psalm 96:2); but what does it mean to proclaim His salvation? Is that just for the benefit of unbelievers? Today's WORSHIP QUOTE is from Bob Kauflin's new book and is part of his explanation of what it means to be a faithful worship leader. PROCLAIM HIS SALVATION Biblical worship involves proclamation and leads to proclaiming God's truth with our lives. We're doing more than emoting or having a "worship experience." We're declaring why God is so great, what he has accomplished, and all that he has promised. We all need to be reminded, and proclamation helps us remember. Peter tells us that we have been saved "that [we] may proclaim the excellencies of him who called [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). We're meant to fulfill this command both in our meetings and in our lives. People come into our churches proclaiming all sorts of things with their words and actions. Through close-fisted giving, some are asserting how much their own personal wealth matters. Others, by their complaining, are declaring that personal comfort matters. Teens in the latest fashions may be proclaiming that being cool matters. Others confirm through their smiles or frowns that their musical preferences matter. But we want each of them to leave proclaiming this: THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST MATTERS. God's Word commands us to "proclaim his salvation day after day" (Psalm 96:2, NIV). Proclaiming this salvation should be a daily practice and preoccupation for as long as we live. --Bob Kauflin, WORSHIP MATTERS: LEADING OTHERS TO ENCOUNTER THE GREATNESS OF GOD. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2008, pp. 129-130. ISBN-13: 978-1-58134-824-8. Highly recommended--this is a fantastic volume. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to unpacking Kauflin's thoughtful definition of a faithful worship leader. Here it is: A faithful worship leader magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit by skillfully combining God's Word with music, thereby motivating the gathered church to proclaim the gospel, to cherish God's presence, and to live for God's glory. (p. 55) [Here is one more thing about proclamation: Our church has adopted a mission statement that has helped our congregation to see the proper place of proclamation. What do you think? Clifton Baptist Church exists for the proclamation of God in Christ for the transformation of God's people for the exaltation of God in all things.] Have a great week, Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Music and Worship The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky www.wqotw.org www.sbts.edu/icw =========================== WORSHIP QUOTE OF THE WEEK: To subscribe, unsubscribe, or view a complete index of worship quotes, please visit http://www.wqotw.org. ===========================