BIG IDEA

We worship together because we’re God’s family.

MESSAGE NOTES:

WHAT:

Being a part of a group of people and joining voices can be powerful. Worshiping together has the same effect. There’s something about singing together that unites us and amplifies the meaning of the words we’re singing or speaking. There are times that you can and should have alone time with God. You can worship God though song, prayer, serving others and many more. There is no one way to worship God. But there’s something really important about worshiping together in a group, surrounded by others people who believe like you do.

SO WHAT:

One of the books of the Bible called Psalms was written with songs specifically for singing by a group, a community of people worshiping God together. The writer is trying to tell people “Come and hear!” He wants to share the praises with others so everyone can experience the blessings of God.

Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is. Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! Your enemies cringe before your mighty power. Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs.” Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people! He made a dry path through the Red Sea, and his people went across on foot. There we rejoiced in him. For by his great power he rules forever. He watches every movement of the nations; let no rebel rise in defiance. Psalm 66:1-7

As we move towards the more recent church worship in the Bible in what is called the New Testament, we see people who are following Jesus come together to worship and experience some awesome things.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

NOW WHAT:

As you’ve heard though out this series: worship doesn’t just mean singing. We can worship God through:

- Nature

- The arts

- Spiritual practices like prayer, youth group, reading the Bible

- Being a voice for righteousness and justice: speaking out, demonstrating,

educating, praying, and confronting injustices and evil in the world - together

- Caring for others by serving, mentoring

- Sharing your faith story with people who think like you and those that don’t

There are many ways to worship God together and you have the ability to try out each way to figure out what works best for you. However you decide to worship God, I want to encourage you to do with others because we are all a part of God’s family.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q1: What's something fun you love to do with your friends but would hate to do all alone?

Q2: When have you most felt like part of a group?

Q3: What do you think are the benefits of worshiping God alone? What are the benefits of worshiping in community?

Q4: There are lots of ways to worship God, but which ones are your favorites?

Q5: This week, what’s one way you can be more intentional about worshipping God with with others?