True Worship: Encountering God in Unity and Reverence

Worship is not about tradition, performance, or personal preference—it’s about encountering the living God with reverence, authenticity, and unity. Too often, we let man-made traditions and our own baggage shape how we approach God, missing the true heart of worship. The sanctuary is not just a room; it’s the posture of our hearts, and when we gather, we should come with thanksgiving, praise, and a readiness to let the Holy Spirit move among us. When we truly worship, we prepare the way for God to work, not only in our own lives but in the lives of those around us. Our actions and attitudes in worship can be the catalyst God uses to reach someone who is desperate for hope.

The book of Revelation, often misunderstood as a book of doom, is actually a book of worship and praise. It reminds us that only God is worthy of our allegiance and adoration. Throughout Revelation, we see doxologies—expressions of praise—reminding us that worship is central to the Christian life. The church is called to be a lampstand, reflecting the light of Christ, not the light itself. We are not the source, but we are called to bear witness to the true Light, Jesus Christ, in a world that desperately needs Him.

Unity in the church is essential. Discord, gossip, and cliques can destroy what God wants to do among us. Every member is responsible for the health of the body, and we must deal directly and biblically with issues that arise, always letting the Holy Spirit lead. Respect for spiritual leadership and for one another is not optional; it’s foundational for God’s blessing. The church is not about us and them—it’s about all of us, together, being the people God has called us to be.

God is calling us to turn around, to listen for His voice, and to see Jesus at the center of our lives and our church. No matter what we face—pain, tribulation, or uncertainty—He is with us, telling us not to be afraid. Our calling is to trust Him, to worship Him in spirit and truth, and to be a unified, Spirit-filled church that shines His light in our community. If we do this, we will see lives changed, families restored, and the world around us transformed by the power of Christ.

Key Takeaways

• 1. True worship is about the heart, not tradition or performance. When we let go of man-made expectations and focus on God’s presence, we create space for the Holy Spirit to move and prepare hearts for transformation. Worship is not a show; it’s a surrender that ignites faith and unity among God’s people. [35:16]
• 2. The book of Revelation is fundamentally a book of worship, not just prophecy or warning. Its doxologies remind us that God alone is worthy of glory, honor, and power, and that our worship should be rooted in who He is, not just what He does for us. This perspective shifts our focus from fear to adoration and hope. [58:54]
• 3. The church is called to be a lampstand, reflecting the light of Christ, not generating its own. Our role is to bear witness to Jesus, the true Light, and to live in such a way that the world sees a difference in us—a difference marked by love, unity, and authentic faith. We are reflectors, not the source, and our effectiveness depends on our connection to Him. [66:44]
• 4. Unity and respect within the church are essential for God’s blessing. Discord, gossip, and disrespect for spiritual leadership can poison the whole body, just as a single rotten fruit spoils the basket. We must deal directly and biblically with issues, honor those God has placed in leadership, and remember that we are all in this together, called to build up, not tear down. [88:42]
• 5. God calls us to turn around, listen for His voice, and trust Him in every circumstance. Even in isolation, pain, or uncertainty, He is present, telling us not to be afraid. When we center our lives on Christ and trust Him through trials, we discover open doors of blessing and become the unified, Spirit-filled church He desires. [77:04]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [35:16] - The Heart of Worship: Beyond Tradition
• [36:18] - Reverence and the Modern Church
• [38:22] - Breaking Out of the Pastor’s Box
• [39:29] - Worship as Preparation for God’s Word
• [41:47] - Learning to Praise: A Personal Journey
• [42:38] - Abba Father: Intimacy in Worship
• [51:20] - Understanding the Seven Churches
• [58:54] - Revelation: A Book of Worship
• [59:53] - Doxologies in Revelation
• [62:13] - The Sevenfold Praise
• [66:44] - Reflecting the Light of Christ
• [69:57] - The Seven Churches: Lessons for Today
• [71:43] - Turning to Hear God’s Voice
• [77:04] - Encountering Christ: Do Not Be Afraid
• [79:13] - God’s Hand on the Church
• [86:49] - Respecting Spiritual Leadership
• [88:42] - Unity and the Lampstand
• [92:10] - Moving Forward in Faith
• [95:14] - Invitation and Closing Remarks
• [103:19] - Final Song and Benediction

Bible Reading

1. Revelation 1:9-20 (ESV) — > 9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
> 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet
> 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”
> 12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands,
> 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest.
> 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire,
> 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.
> 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.
> 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last,
> 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.
> 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this.
> 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

2. John 1:6-9 (ESV) — > 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
> 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.
> 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
> 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

Observation Questions

1. In Revelation 1:12-13, what does John see when he turns to hear the voice speaking to him? What do the lampstands and the figure among them represent?
2. According to the sermon, what is the true purpose of worship, and how does it differ from tradition or performance? [[35:16]]
3. In John 1:8-9, what is the difference between John the Baptist and Jesus regarding the “light”?
4. What does Jesus say to John when he falls at his feet in fear, and why is this significant? [[01:17:04]]

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says, “The sanctuary is not just a room; it’s the posture of our hearts.” What does it mean for worship to be about the heart rather than the place or the style? [[36:18]]
2. Why is it important for the church to see itself as a lampstand that reflects the light of Christ, rather than being the source of light itself? [[01:06:44]]
3. The sermon warns that “discord, gossip, and cliques can destroy what God wants to do among us.” How does this relate to the health and unity of the church as described in Revelation 1? [[01:28:42]]
4. When John encounters Jesus in his vision, he is told, “Do not be afraid.” What does this reveal about God’s presence with us in times of pain, tribulation, or uncertainty? [[01:17:04]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to let go of man-made traditions and personal preferences in worship. Are there any traditions or preferences you hold onto that might be getting in the way of truly encountering God? What would it look like to surrender those? [[35:16]]
2. When you come to church, do you come with a heart ready for thanksgiving, praise, and to let the Holy Spirit move? If not, what practical steps could you take before or during worship to prepare your heart? [[39:29]]
3. The church is called to be a lampstand, reflecting Jesus’ light. In your daily life, how can you be a better “reflector” of Christ’s love and truth to those around you? Is there a specific relationship or situation where you need to shine His light more clearly? [[01:06:44]]
4. The sermon emphasizes unity and respect for spiritual leadership. Have you ever found yourself participating in gossip, division, or disrespect within the church? How can you address or prevent these attitudes in yourself and others? [[01:28:42]]
5. God calls us to “turn around, listen for His voice, and trust Him in every circumstance.” Is there an area of your life where you need to “turn around” and refocus on Jesus? What would it look like to trust Him more fully in that area? [[01:11:43]]
6. The message says our actions and attitudes in worship can be the catalyst God uses to reach someone desperate for hope. Can you think of a time when someone else’s worship or faith encouraged you? How might your own worship impact others who are watching? [[39:29]]
7. The sermon reminds us that even in isolation, pain, or uncertainty, Jesus says, “Do not be afraid.” What is one fear or worry you need to bring to Jesus this week, trusting that He is with you? [[01:17:04]]