Four Responses to the Worship Assembly

FOUR RESPONSES TO THE WORSHIP ASSEMBLY

A. A Sense of God's Presence (Isaiah 6:1-4). God is everywhere and not confined to buildings made with hands. When we worship we should be convinced that "Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place!" The presence of God should change our response to congregational worship. We should be filled with a deep respect for the holiness, the majesty, the joy, the power of the Almighty God in our midst.

B. The Conviction of our Sinfulness (Isaiah 6:5). The closer we get to God the more we are aware of our sinfulness. The brighter the light, the more the wrinkles show. Maybe that's why the great Apostle Paul referred to himself as the "chief of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15).

C. A Joyful Reminder of God's Grace (Isaiah 6:6-7). Worship should motivate us to repent of sin, but it must not stop there. We should leave rejoicing in the knowledge that if we have submitted to Christ then "the blood of Jesus … purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

D. The Inspiration to Serve (Isaiah 6:8). Instead of an instinct to criticize, the worshiper should leave with an incentive to share the truth with the lost and to minister to the hurting in the world. Peter Marshall once prayed before the Senate, "Lord, we thank you that we can come to you just as we are. But remind us that we dare not leave as we came." The Sign over one church door: Enter to worship - Depart to Serve".

Conclusion:

1. Congregational worship is not just something that we attend, but it involves our hearts and our minds as we acknowledge the presence and holiness of God.

2. Congregational worship is a reflection of the transformed life, aimed at bringing glory to God, producing awe and joy, and encouraging us. As in Isaiah's experience, Worship should give us….

• A Sense of God's Presence
• The Conviction of Our Sinfulness
• A Joyful Reminder of God's Grace
• The Inspiration to Serve

3. Congregational worship is a vital part of the Christian life and a part of the future growth of the church because these things tend to be naturally evangelistic. I want to encourage you to: 

• Be committed to worshiping God every day in your life. 
• Be committed to being present at every opportunity to worship God study the Scriptures and fellowship with believers! 
• Be mindful of the influence that your presence brings.