Worship MUST be Evangelistic





Psalm 105:1 (ESV) Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

This Psalm recounts the entire history of Abraham's children in the Old Testament. It's a song about the deeds of the Lord on their behalf and the first part of a two-part hymn with Psalm 106. Here in 105, the song is positive, recalling the deeds of the Lord, remembering and declaring His goodness to the people of Israel, calling them into thankful praise.

 We need to do this in our worship. I'm not a big fan of the me-central worship that is going on in a lot of churches. Songs that talk about my personal intimacy with God. Yes, there are some Psalms like that, David's in particular, but most of them extol the Lord's works over the world and His people. This kind of worship is evangelistic. 



Psalm 105:2 (ESV) Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!

When the Church gathers to sing, we sing TO Him for the sake of others. I once had a conversation with a worship leader who really believed it was not proper for Christian worship to happen with unbelievers present. I was taken aback. I wondered if he should expect us to enact a survey on the way in to every Sunday morning to make certain every person in the audience was saved. How ludicrous. He eventually left the church. I was glad.

 Worship is meant for God's glory in the presence of those who do not yet know Him. It builds the reputation of our God to those around us.This is a wonderful way to share about our Lord! What an opportunity we have every time we gather to express our thanks and praise for His wonderful deeds.

The problem is most churches need to pull teeth to get some Christians to sing. Worship for many is the pre-game show where spectators watch and performers sing. This must not be. We have an obligation to sing! To share in song the goodness of our God. If you go to a rock concert, they are usually singing about someone far less worthy than God! Yet the people raise hands, tear up and experience ecstatic "worship" to someone they will never know or meet personally. My wife attended a concert with my daughter this year for a famous "boy band." She recounted how the girls behind them were literally in tears and shaking during the singing!

How silly to sing for someone who takes your money first!

God has GIVEN us HIMSELF, freely and graciously! That's why the first three words of this song are, "Oh give thanks!" Yes! Thank Him! He's worthy.

Psalm 105:3 (ESV) Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

 Sing to God! Sing with thanks! Sing with joy! Sing with your whole heart. When we make His praise glorious people who do not know Him grow curious!

Worship is a witness. Let's make it count.

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