Dear Church,
This morning, I want to speak about worship with a gentle spirit and an open Bible, because nothing matters more than that we return to the heart of worship. I consider Worship as our wholehearted response of God’s people to God Himself, His worth, His beauty, His holiness, His mercy, and His gospel.
“Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.” (Psalm 29:2) “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice… which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1)
Yes, worship is our whole life. But Sunday morning is a sacred gathering where the church proclaims the gospel together. We sing truth, confess need, remember Christ, and respond with gratitude and surrender. Singing in worship is not entertainment; it is discipleship. It is the Word of God taking residence in us and rising back to God in praise.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” (Colossians 3:16) “Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…” (Ephesians 5:19)
Scripture gives us a breadth of song. God’s people have always sung old songs and new songs. “Sing to the Lord a new song.” (Psalm 96:1) If the lyrics are true, Christ-exalting, and biblically faithful, then whether the melody is centuries old or newly written, the aim is the same: to magnify God together.
The Bible also gives freedom in how worship is expressed, because worship involves both heart and body. “Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!” (Psalm 47:1) “Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord!” (Psalm 134:2) “Come, let us worship and bow down…” (Psalm 95:6) Some express worship with lifted hands; some with quiet reverence; some with tears; some with bowed heads. The question is not whether others worship like me. The question is whether Christ is being honored, and whether hearts are engaged with God in truth.
We must also be careful not to turn preferences into tests of faithfulness. It is possible to love hymns and miss the heart. It is possible to prefer modern songs and still worship yourself. It is possible to look reverent outwardly while the heart drifts inwardly. “This people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” (Matthew 15:8)
The enemy does not care what style we sing, if he can use it to divide Christ’s people and distract us from the gospel.
So here is what I am calling us to as a church:
Let us worship God for who He is, not for what fits our preferences.
Let us sing with conviction, because Christ is worthy.
Let us practice charity in non-essentials and unity in essentials.
Let us refuse suspicion and choose love.
Let us remember why we gather: to exalt Jesus and be formed by His Word.
“Whatever you do… do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17)
If you love hymns, keep loving them, and sing them with all your heart. If you love newer songs, let them be rich with Scripture and centered on Christ. If you lift your hands, do it unto the Lord. If you do not, worship deeply anyway, with sincerity and joy.
Above all, let us not make worship about my style, my comfort, or my control. Let us make worship about His glory. When we go back to the heart of worship, we will be able to say with one voice: “Jesus, You are worth it.”
Be Encouraged,
Mathews
