Connecting with God: Worship Beyond Technology

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound connection between our worship practices and the heavenly worship described in Revelation 19. We learned that our worship on earth is a reflection of the eternal praise that resounds in heaven. Our God, who is worthy of all honor and glory, is ceaselessly adored by the hosts of heaven, and we join in this chorus of worship, not just as individuals, but as a family united in Christ.

We delved into the concept of connection with God, drawing parallels between our spiritual connection and the modern-day issue of nomophobia—the fear of being without a mobile phone or internet connection. This fear has become a widespread concern, reflecting our deep-seated need for connection. However, the most crucial connection we must maintain is with God, our source of power and life. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit without being connected to the vine, we cannot bear spiritual fruit without remaining united with Christ.

We were reminded that each of us is an integral part of the body of Christ. Like bricks in a building, we are being built up into a holy temple where God dwells. Our individual contributions are essential to the strength and growth of the church. We were encouraged to serve joyfully and to recognize the importance of each person's role within the church family.

The sermon concluded with a call to action, urging us to prioritize our connection with God over our attachment to technology. We were challenged to consider a "technology fast," to focus on strengthening our relationship with the Lord, and to cultivate a hunger for His presence in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- Worship is not merely a routine part of our church service; it is an echo of the eternal praise that fills the heavens. As we lift our voices in worship, we join with the angels and saints in a timeless adoration of our Almighty God. This act of worship is a foretaste of what we will experience in eternity, and it is a privilege to participate in this divine chorus here on earth. [40:36]

- Connection with God is the lifeline of our spiritual existence. Just as a mobile device is useless without power, our spiritual lives are barren without the sustaining presence of Christ. We must be vigilant to keep ourselves charged with the Holy Spirit, ensuring that we are always ready to serve and bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. [01:04:22]

- The church is not just a gathering of individuals; it is a family where each member is valued and needed. When one of us is absent, it is felt by the whole body. We must recognize our significance in God's family and commit to serving and supporting one another in love and unity. [01:00:24]

- Serving in the church is not a burden but a joyous expression of our love for God and His people. When we greet one another with a smile and a welcoming heart, we reflect the love of Christ and contribute to the warmth and inclusivity of our church community. Each act of service, no matter how small, makes a significant impact. [01:02:40]

- Our desire for God should surpass our dependency on technology. In a world where we are constantly connected to our devices, it is vital to examine our hearts and ensure that our deepest longing is for the presence of God. Let us cultivate a holy anxiety for the things of God, allowing His power and peace to fill us more than any digital connection ever could. [54:36]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 19:1-8
2. John 15:4-5
3. Ephesians 2:19-22

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Revelation 19:1-8, what are the reasons given for the heavenly hosts praising God? How does this passage describe the nature of worship in heaven?
2. In John 15:4-5, what analogy does Jesus use to describe the relationship between Himself and His followers? What is the significance of this analogy?
3. Ephesians 2:19-22 describes believers as being built into a holy temple. What roles do the apostles, prophets, and Jesus Christ play in this construction?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the description of worship in Revelation 19:1-8 help us understand the importance of our worship practices on earth? [40:36]
2. What does Jesus mean when He says, "A branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine" in John 15:4-5? How does this relate to our spiritual lives? [01:04:22]
3. Ephesians 2:19-22 speaks of believers being built together into a dwelling place for God. How does this passage emphasize the importance of community and unity within the church? [01:00:24]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal worship practices. How can you make your worship more reflective of the eternal praise described in Revelation 19? [40:36]
2. Consider your daily routine. What steps can you take to ensure that your connection with God remains strong, similar to how you might ensure your phone is always charged? [01:04:22]
3. Think about your role within the church community. How can you contribute to the unity and growth of the church, recognizing that each member is essential? [01:00:24]
4. The sermon suggested a "technology fast" to focus on strengthening our relationship with God. What specific actions can you take to reduce your dependency on technology and increase your time spent with God? [54:36]
5. How can you serve joyfully within the church, reflecting the love of Christ in your interactions with others? Identify one area where you can start serving or improve your current service. [01:02:40]
6. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper hunger for God's presence in your life, surpassing your dependency on technology? What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize your spiritual connection over digital connections? [54:36]
7. Reflect on the analogy of being a brick in a building or a branch in a vine. How does this perspective change the way you view your contributions to the church and your relationship with Christ? [01:00:24]

Devotional

Day 1: Echoes of Eternal Praise
Worship is an integral part of the Christian life, not as a mere routine, but as a profound connection to the eternal praise that fills the heavens. When voices are lifted in worship, it is more than just singing songs; it is joining a divine chorus that transcends time and space. This act of worship is a privilege, allowing a glimpse of the heavenly worship that awaits in eternity. It is a reminder that every note sung and every hand raised is part of a larger, cosmic adoration of the Almighty God. Worship is an opportunity to experience the joy and reverence of acknowledging God's glory and majesty here on earth. [40:36]

"And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!'" (Revelation 5:13 ESV)

Reflection: How can your personal worship reflect the grandeur and reverence of the eternal praise found in Revelation?

Day 2: Lifeline of Spiritual Existence
The necessity of maintaining a connection with God is paramount, akin to a mobile device that requires power to function. Without this vital connection, spiritual life becomes barren. Believers are called to be vigilant in keeping themselves charged with the Holy Spirit, ensuring readiness to serve and bear fruit for the Kingdom. This connection is not passive; it requires active engagement in prayer, study of the Word, and fellowship with other believers. It is through this connection that one finds the strength and guidance to navigate life's challenges and to grow in faith and holiness. [01:04:22]

"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5 ESV)

Reflection: What daily practices can you implement to strengthen your connection with God and remain spiritually charged?

Day 3: Valued Members of God's Family
The church is not merely a collection of individuals; it is a family where each member plays a crucial role. Just as a building is incomplete without each brick, the church requires the presence and contribution of every believer to grow and thrive. This understanding fosters a sense of belonging and purpose, as each person's gifts and service are necessary for the health and unity of the body of Christ. Recognizing one's significance in the church family is essential, and it is through this recognition that believers are encouraged to serve and support one another in love. [01:00:24]

"So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:5 ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively recognize and affirm the significance of others within your church community?

Day 4: Joyous Expression of Service
Serving within the church should be a joyous expression of love for God and His people. Each act of service, whether it is greeting others with a smile or participating in ministry activities, is a reflection of Christ's love. These acts contribute to the warmth and inclusivity of the church community and have a significant impact on its growth and health. Service is not a burden but a celebration of the gifts God has given each believer to bless others and glorify His name. [01:02:40]

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10 ESV)

Reflection: What is one act of service you can joyfully undertake this week to reflect Christ's love to your church community?

Day 5: Beyond Digital Dependency
In a world saturated with technology, it is crucial to examine the heart and ensure that the deepest longing is for the presence of God. The desire for God should surpass the dependency on digital connections. Believers are challenged to cultivate a holy anxiety for the things of God, allowing His power and peace to fill them more than any digital connection could. This may involve setting aside time for prayer and meditation, free from the distractions of devices, to seek a deeper relationship with the Lord. [54:36]

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2 ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally reduce your screen time this week to create more space for God in your daily routine?

Quotes

1) "How good it would be if we had anxiety for the things of God, but technology right now is killing us, my friends." [54:36] (Download)

2) "We are many, but we all form a single body in our relationship with Christ. As part of this body, each one belongs to the others." [01:00:56] (Download)

3) "We should have 20 or 30 women there ready to say, 'Pastor, count on me, I'm going to give the welcome,' because I already practiced my smile." [01:02:40] (Download)

4) "You and I, we have to stay connected to the source of power and give fruit. God expects us to go together and take fruit, and a lot of fruit, and that our fruit remains." [01:06:58] (Download)

5) "We are family from God. Here there is no stranger. Here we are all family from God. We are family beyond even the four walls." [56:18] (Download)

6) "We cannot risk that life does not find us without being connected, without being walking to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We cannot risk to run out of battery." [01:04:22] (Download)

7) "We are not building without you. We can't make the difference. We have to work as a team, as a unit, to achieve the objectives that God has put in front of us." [01:00:24] (Download)

8) "If you want to be connected to the source of power, stand up for a moment. Let's pray. Tell the Lord, 'Lord, I want to be connected to you. I want your energy, I want your strength, I want your blessing.'" [01:08:30] (Download)

9) "We are a body where we are. It's like being connected to a body. We all have a body, we already read it. Let's go to point number three." [01:03:18] (Download)

10) "The church is standing up saying, 'Lord, I want to be connected to you. I want to bear fruit. I want to please you. May my life please you, my God.'" [01:10:42] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?