Intentional, Intense, and Inclusive Worship: A Call to Praise

 

Summary

### Summary

Tonight, we gathered to give God praise and reflect on the unique and powerful experience of worship within the African American church. We began by acknowledging God's grace and the importance of using what we have to honor Him. Drawing from an interview with President Barack Obama and the teachings of Dr. James Cone, we explored the profound impact of the Black church and its distinctive way of worshiping God. We delved into Psalm 101, examining the context of the Israelites rebuilding the temple after a period of captivity and stagnation. This act of rebuilding symbolized a shift from the stench of their past to the pleasant smell of deliverance.

We emphasized that worship should be intentional, intense, and inclusive. Intentional worship means bringing the totality of our being—mind, mouth, hands, and heart—into the act of praising God. Intense worship involves making a joyful noise, a public confession of God's attributes and works, and a continual song of praise. Inclusive worship means that everyone and everything God created should join in praising Him. We are reminded that our worship should not be confined to the sanctuary but should be a constant expression of gratitude and honor to God.

We concluded by encouraging everyone to use what they have to praise God, recognizing that He has been good to us. We reflected on the many ways God has blessed, protected, and provided for us, and we were urged to give Him the praise He deserves. The message was clear: our worship should be a reflection of our gratitude for God's goodness, and we should never let anything or anyone hinder our praise.

### Key Takeaways

1. Intentional Worship: Worship must be intentional, involving the totality of our being—mind, mouth, hands, and heart. It is not enough to be physically present; our minds and spirits must be engaged in giving God the glory He deserves. This intentionality transforms our worship from a mere ritual to a profound expression of faith and gratitude. [01:06:09]

2. Intense Worship: Worship should be intense, characterized by a joyful noise and a public confession of God's attributes and works. This intensity reflects our deep appreciation for God's blessings and our commitment to honoring Him with all that we have. It is a call to move beyond passive participation to active, heartfelt praise. [01:11:30]

3. Inclusive Worship: Worship must be inclusive, involving everyone and everything that God created. The entire creation is called to praise God, and our worship should reflect this universality. This inclusivity reminds us that we are part of a larger community of believers and that our praise contributes to a collective expression of faith. [01:19:14]

4. Reflecting on God's Goodness: Reflecting on God's goodness is essential for genuine worship. By remembering how God has protected, provided, and blessed us, we cultivate a heart of gratitude that fuels our praise. This reflection helps us to see beyond our current circumstances and recognize God's ongoing work in our lives. [01:03:19]

5. Continuous Praise: Worship should be a continuous act, not confined to specific times or places. The Psalmist's declaration to bless the Lord at all times challenges us to maintain an attitude of praise throughout our daily lives. This continuous praise keeps us connected to God and reminds us of His constant presence and faithfulness. [01:14:11]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[53:14] - Introduction: God's Grace
[54:34] - The Power of the Black Church
[55:14] - Dr. James Cone's Insights
[56:02] - Embracing Cultural Progressions
[56:47] - Rebuilding the Temple
[57:40] - The Israelites' Journey
[58:38] - The Smell of Deliverance
[59:30] - Cleaning Up Our Worship
[01:00:38] - The Purpose of Worship
[01:01:47] - The Call to Praise
[01:03:19] - Reflecting on God's Goodness
[01:04:04] - Three Points of Worship
[01:05:12] - Intentional Worship
[01:09:38] - Intense Worship
[01:14:11] - Continuous Praise
[01:19:14] - Inclusive Worship
[01:21:58] - The Call to Praise
[01:23:17] - Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving
[01:24:42] - Reasons to Praise
[01:25:45] - Testifying God's Goodness
[01:26:40] - Praise Him in All Times
[01:30:31] - Closing: The Power of Jesus' Name

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

1. Psalm 101:1-2 (NIV): "I will sing of your love and justice; to you, Lord, I will sing praise. I will be careful to lead a blameless life—when will you come to me? I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart."
2. Psalm 34:1 (NIV): "I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips."
3. Psalm 98:4 (NIV): "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music."

### Observation Questions

1. What does Psalm 101:1-2 suggest about the nature of worship and the conduct of one's life?
2. According to Psalm 34:1, how often should we praise the Lord, and what does this imply about our daily lives?
3. In Psalm 98:4, who is called to shout for joy to the Lord, and what does this indicate about the inclusivity of worship?

### Interpretation Questions

1. How does the act of rebuilding the temple in Psalm 101 symbolize a shift from the past to a future of deliverance? ([59:30])
2. What does it mean for worship to be "intentional" and how can this transform our worship experience? ([01:06:09])
3. How can making a "joyful noise" be seen as a public confession of God's attributes and works? ([01:11:30])
4. Why is it important for worship to be inclusive, involving everyone and everything that God created? ([01:19:14])

### Application Questions

1. Reflect on your own worship practices. How can you make your worship more intentional, involving your mind, mouth, hands, and heart? ([01:06:09])
2. Think about a time when you felt intense joy in worship. What contributed to that experience, and how can you cultivate that intensity in your regular worship? ([01:11:30])
3. How can you ensure that your worship is inclusive, inviting others to join in and recognizing the collective expression of faith? ([01:19:14])
4. In what ways can you reflect on God's goodness in your life to fuel your worship? Consider specific instances where God has protected, provided, or blessed you. ([01:03:19])
5. Worship should be a continuous act. How can you incorporate praise into your daily routine, beyond just the times you are in church? ([01:14:11])
6. Identify one area of your life where you feel stagnant or captive. How can you use worship as a means to shift from the "stench of the past" to the "pleasant smell of deliverance"? ([59:30])
7. How can you use what you have—your talents, resources, and experiences—to honor God in your worship and daily life? ([53:14])

Devotional

Day 1: Engaging the Whole Self in Worship
Description: Worship must be intentional, involving the totality of our being—mind, mouth, hands, and heart. It is not enough to be physically present; our minds and spirits must be engaged in giving God the glory He deserves. This intentionality transforms our worship from a mere ritual to a profound expression of faith and gratitude. When we bring our full selves into worship, we create a deeper connection with God and allow His presence to permeate every aspect of our lives. [01:06:09]

Intentional worship is about more than just showing up; it’s about being fully present and engaged. It means that our thoughts, words, actions, and emotions are all directed towards honoring God. This kind of worship requires preparation and mindfulness, ensuring that we are not distracted or half-hearted in our praise. By being intentional, we acknowledge the significance of worship and the honor it brings to God.

Psalm 103:1-2 (ESV): "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."

Reflection: How can you prepare yourself to be fully present in worship this week? What steps can you take to ensure that your mind, mouth, hands, and heart are all engaged in praising God?


Day 2: The Power of Intense Worship
Description: Worship should be intense, characterized by a joyful noise and a public confession of God's attributes and works. This intensity reflects our deep appreciation for God's blessings and our commitment to honoring Him with all that we have. It is a call to move beyond passive participation to active, heartfelt praise. Intense worship is about expressing our love and gratitude to God with enthusiasm and passion, making it clear to ourselves and others that God is worthy of our highest praise. [01:11:30]

Intense worship is not about volume or outward displays alone; it’s about the fervor and sincerity of our hearts. When we worship intensely, we are making a statement about the greatness of God and our deep reverence for Him. This kind of worship can be contagious, inspiring others to join in and experience the joy of praising God with their whole being. It’s a reminder that worship is not a passive activity but an active, dynamic expression of our faith.

Psalm 95:1-2 (ESV): "Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!"

Reflection: Think about a time when you felt truly passionate in worship. What was different about that experience? How can you bring that same intensity to your worship this week?


Day 3: Embracing Inclusive Worship
Description: Worship must be inclusive, involving everyone and everything that God created. The entire creation is called to praise God, and our worship should reflect this universality. This inclusivity reminds us that we are part of a larger community of believers and that our praise contributes to a collective expression of faith. Inclusive worship means recognizing that every person, regardless of background or status, has a place in the worship of God. [01:19:14]

Inclusive worship is about breaking down barriers and inviting everyone to participate in the praise of God. It’s a reminder that worship is not just for a select few but for all of creation. This kind of worship celebrates diversity and unity, acknowledging that we are all part of God’s family. By embracing inclusive worship, we reflect the heart of God, who desires that all people come to know and worship Him.

Psalm 148:11-13 (ESV): "Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together, old men and children! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven."

Reflection: How can you make your worship more inclusive this week? Are there people in your community who feel left out or marginalized? How can you invite them to join in the praise of God?


Day 4: Reflecting on God's Goodness
Description: Reflecting on God's goodness is essential for genuine worship. By remembering how God has protected, provided, and blessed us, we cultivate a heart of gratitude that fuels our praise. This reflection helps us to see beyond our current circumstances and recognize God's ongoing work in our lives. When we take the time to reflect on God's goodness, we are reminded of His faithfulness and love, which inspires us to worship Him with a grateful heart. [01:03:19]

Reflecting on God’s goodness involves looking back on our lives and acknowledging the many ways He has been present and active. It’s about recognizing the blessings, big and small, that we often take for granted. This reflection can deepen our appreciation for God and strengthen our faith, as we see evidence of His hand at work. By focusing on God’s goodness, we shift our perspective from our problems to His provision, which leads to a more genuine and heartfelt worship.

Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV): "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."

Reflection: Take a few moments to write down specific ways God has been good to you in the past month. How does reflecting on these blessings change your attitude towards worship?


Day 5: Living a Life of Continuous Praise
Description: Worship should be a continuous act, not confined to specific times or places. The Psalmist's declaration to bless the Lord at all times challenges us to maintain an attitude of praise throughout our daily lives. This continuous praise keeps us connected to God and reminds us of His constant presence and faithfulness. By making praise a regular part of our routine, we cultivate a lifestyle of worship that honors God in all circumstances. [01:14:11]

Continuous praise means that our worship is not limited to Sunday services or specific moments of prayer. It’s about carrying an attitude of gratitude and reverence for God throughout our daily activities. This kind of worship transforms the mundane into the sacred, as we acknowledge God’s presence in every aspect of our lives. By continually praising God, we stay mindful of His goodness and remain connected to Him, no matter what we are doing.

Psalm 34:1 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth."

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can incorporate praise into your daily routine? How can you remind yourself to maintain an attitude of worship throughout the day?

Quotes

1. "Tonight, my brothers and sisters, God has been so good to each and every one of us that he has graced us all with something. There is no other person, there is no other body who can use what we already have than the African American. Even when we come to church, there is nothing, no other person who can have church like we have church in the African American church." [53:14] (73 seconds) ( | | )

2. "In good church, there's nothing better than coming together to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth. There's nothing better than coming together and testifying of God's goodness, nothing better than coming together and testifying of how we got over and how our souls look back and wonder how we got over." [56:02] (26 seconds) ( | | )

3. "I might've came in a certain way, but I'm using everything that I have just to give God praise. He says tonight, we ought to use what we have. This text tonight is rich with preaching possibility, and it's tailored to teach us a couple things on using what we have." [56:47] (26 seconds) ( | | )

4. "Understand tonight, church, that they are recovering after having been mismanaged, by God. By a king which produced a season and a spirit of stagnation. This time, it produced a spirit and a season of captivity. This season produced a spirit of complacency among the children of Israel. The text presented to us tonight, the children of Israel, finally, have arrived at the rebuilding season." [58:38] (41 seconds) ( | | )

5. "This is why, my brothers and sisters tonight, you cannot and worship cannot be an expressive stench of the past. But it must be a pleasant smell of deliverance for the future. In other words, church, have you ever walked into your home after leaving the trash out? It begins to smell with a stench that hits you at the entrance of the door. And no matter how much you spray, the stench is still there until you clean it up." [59:30] (31 seconds) ( | | )

6. "Every time we come into God's house, we ought to come tonight to do one thing and one thing only. It's not to look at what you got on. It's not to get the latest gossip of what's going on. It's not to get the latest news on what's going on in the streets. But when you come into God's house, you ought to come to worship him." [01:00:38] (23 seconds) ( | | )

7. "If we are to be like the children of Israel in the text, God in his wise providence could give us 80 years worth of blessings that have been withheld if we just take a moment and give him 80 years worth of praise that's overdue because the reality of it is, church, we've been sitting down far too long, and the God we serve is worth much more than the praise that we've been giving him." [01:01:47] (32 seconds) ( | | )

8. "If we are going to use what we have to give God praise. The first thing in the text, it says, our praise and our worship must be intentional. Somebody say intentional. If we are to use what we have, we have to be intentional about using it. If you don't believe me, it's right there in the text. The very first word says to make." [01:04:04] (27 seconds) ( | | )

9. "In essence, when you are intentional about worshiping God and using what you have. You have to bring the totality of your being. Which suggests you've got to bring your ears. You've got to bring your hands. You've got to bring. Your mouth. And you've got to bring your mind. You cannot worship without your mind. And you cannot worship without your mouth." [01:06:09] (25 seconds) ( | | )

10. "Nobody ought to have to call you into worship. Nobody should have to pump and pry you to give God praise. Nobody should have to tell you to say amen. Nobody should have to tell you to lift up your hands. Nobody should have to tell you to give God a dance. Because when. You think about everything that God has done for you. you think about the doors that he's open. When you think with your mind about how he snatched you out of the hand of the enemy. Your mouth should give him glory, thanksgiving and honor." [01:08:26] (43 seconds) ( | | )

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Transcript
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