Acts 2 – Practices of the Early Church – Part 6

Acts 2:37-47Practice #6 (Vs. 43) = Constant Fear / AweThe early church gathered together for worship and there was an overwhelming sense of God’s presence. This produced a continual fear in the hearts of the people as they came before God in corporate worship. The word used here which is often translated “fear” or “awe” is the Greek word, phobos. It means “fear or terror.” This is the same word which is used to describe the heart of people who watched Ananias and Sapphira die as a result of their disobedience to God.Do We Approach Worship Too Lightly?Many churches often practice worship with questionable character and judgment. Do we approach our worship too lightly in our present day? Sometimes the church can become skewed in the area of worship by focusing too much on activities or through an unhealthy view of worship itself. Worship is not about man but about God and His glory. When the focus is turned to man or entertainment, it completely does away with proper worship. Does your church have a proper approach to worship? Below are five questions to consider on the subject of worship.1. Does my church have an entertainment feel rather than a worship focus?2. Does my church have an unhealthy focus on numbers rather than a focus on God?3. Does my church place emphasis on weekly performances by people rather than worship?4. Does my church spend more time praying or doing other things like announcements?5. Does my church have a time of personal examination or personal exaltation?Do We Approach Worship Too Seriously?Is it even possible to take worship too seriously? Well, in the truest sense, no it is not possible. But, in a human centered approach – worship can be taken to a level of legalism rather than experiencing the freedom to worship. In other words, some congregations can be so cold and “serious” that if someone said – “AMEN” they would be offended. Some congregations would look at those who lifted their hands toward the Lord in a time of worship with a look of disapproval. The point I am seeking to make here is that we should have some freedom in our worship that allows for people to worship while still remaining under the umbrella of reverence, fear, and awe for a Holy God. The congregations who stifle worship by throwing cold water on those who seek to raise their hands or say “AMEN” can often have a negative effect on true worship in the same way as those who take worship too lightly. Does your church take worship too seriously? Below are 4 questions to consider on the subject of corporate worship.1 . Does my church disapprove of raising hands or clapping in a worship service?2. Does my church disapprove of someone saying “AMEN” in agreement with the pastor?3. Does my church take the bulletin and order of worship so seriously that it cannot be altered in worship?4. Does my church exalt formality over holiness?May we seek to have a sense of holy fear in our hearts as we come to worship the King of all Kings, Lord of all Lords, and the maker of both Heaven and Earth! May our worship be God centered and God glorifying rather than man centered!Rev. Josh Buice