Talks

Matt launched a brand-new series on Sunday morning, he explained that one of the qualities of a healthy church is: a WORSHIPPING Church.  His message was titled: “No other gods – A Biblical Foundation for Worship”
Every person worships something! It’s not a question about whether we worship but what or who we worship.  In Exodus God spoke to Moses and gave him guidelines for how to live.  He told Moses “You must not have any other gods but me”.  Not because God needs our worship or because he’s insecure or a sycophant! He gave Moses the instructions a guidelines for healthy living! Replacing God as the object of our worship either means we are in danger of wasting our lives, or worse we harming our lives and God wants neither of those, because He’s so passionate about us!
Matt talked about idols in the bible and idols today.  An idol is anything that we elevate ABOVE or substitute FOR God.  Matt gave us 3 questions (“Idol Checker”) to check whether we could have any idols in our lives.  (Watch again to see the list)
Finally, we looked at “HOW WE WORSHIP” specifically in our corporate gatherings.  Matt shared the 7 alternative Hebrew words for praise, all with a different facet of how we physically express our worship to God.  Maybe you’ve sometimes wondered why people sometimes dance, clap or shout – they are all rooted in our response to God for Who He is and All He has done. Here they are again:
Yadah – To extend or throw the hands upward in worship or thanksgiving
Towdah – A sacrifice of thanksgiving. Praise offered in advance even before the victory comes.
Barak – Means to bless God by kneeling or bowing down in reverence.
Halal – To praise enthusiastically, celebrate, or even look foolish in joy!  We should be the most joyful people in the planet! We know the Good News about Jesus and the hope He brings!
Zamar –  to praise God with musical instruments and singing To make music to God.
Shabach –  to address God with a loud voice or triumphant shout! Expresses confidence in God’s power and victory! 
Tehillah – Refers to spontaneous or heartfelt singing to God
Every time we gather to worship, we should ask ourselves the question: How can I bless God today? Maybe there’s a new or different way we should express our gratitude, reverence, honour, obedience and love for Jesus.