The Message of Worship: Celebrating The Glory of God In The Whole of Life (The Bible Speaks Today Themes)

by John Risbridger

Publisher:

Inter-Varsity

, 2015

Overview

The invitation to worship God is the highest privilege of human beings - a privilege squandered by sinful rebellion, but also gloriously restored to us through the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. Biblical worship is a response to God's revelation of himself, empowered by the Holy Spirit, which finds expression in every aspect of human life and experience.

At the same time, there is a great deal of music and song in the Bible. Music is a wonderful gift of God in creation, and there is every reason to embrace its riches and harness its power responsibly for the glory of God and the blessing of his people.

However, Christians have often been divided over the theology and practice of worship, with differing views about spiritual gifts, the place of liturgy, priorities attached to various functions of the church, the weight given to congregational and 'whole-life' worship, and the role and style of music.

While many of these areas are touched on in John Risbridger's excellent exposition, his intention is not to court controversy, but simply to allow Scripture to speak, in the hope of establishing as much common ground as possible. He follows a loosely trinitarian structure, in which the main sections explore the connection between worship and the purpose of the Father, the supremacy of the Son and life of the Holy Spirit. Each section concludes with two chapters on the Psalms, in which we hear a variety of 'voices', and learn to join their distinctive song.

Key Features

• Reveals how deeply the message of worship is woven into the pages of the Bible from beginning to end
• Contains exegesis of key passages from the Old and New Testaments synthesise a biblical, systematic and pastoral theology of worship
• Includes at the end of each section two chapters on the Psalms, in which it's hear a variety of 'voices', and learn to join their distinctive song

Contents

Worship and the glory of God

• Worship and the music of creation (Psalm 8; Hebrews 2:5-18)
• Worship and the story of salvation (Exodus 3 - 4)
• Worship catastrophe (Exodus 32 - 34; Isaiah 1)
• The perfect worshipper (Matthew 1 - 4)
• In Spirit and truth (John 4:1-42)
• The ultimate worship (Revelation 4 and 7)
• The voice of celebration: A joyful noise (Psalm 100)
• The voice of adoration: A trembling world (Psalm 99)

Worship and the supremacy of Christ

• All fulfilled (Hebrews 9:1 - 10:25)
• All for Jesus (Colossians 1:15-23)
• All of life (Romans 12)
• Remember me (Luke 22:7-30)
• The voice of repentance: A broken man (Psalm 51)
• The voice of proclamation: A global call (Psalm 96)

Worship and the life of the Holy Spirit

• The transformative Spirit (2 Corinthians 3)
• The empowering Spirit I: The gifts of the Spirit for the church (1 Corinthians 12 - 13)
• The empowering Spirit II: The gifts of the Spirit in the church (1 Corinthians 14)
• The dynamic Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-21; Colossians 3:15-17)
• The voice of lament: A troubled soul (Psalms 42 - 43)
• The voice of desire: A raging thirst (Psalms 63 and 85)

Praise for The Message of Worship

John Risbridger skilfully reveals how deeply the message of worship is woven into the pages of the Bible from beginning to end, how indelibly the passion for 'Spirit and truth' worshippers is written on God the Father's heart and how, far from being a matter of taste or preference or a product we consume, worship is about the whole of life, all of us, and the future of all there is. For those desiring to be the kind of worshipper God is seeking, and to be better equipped to lead others in that path, this book is an invaluable resource.

—Graham Kendrick, Worship Leader and Songwriter

Sadly, different approaches to worship have often proved to be a major cause of division within the church. The great strength of this new contribution to the BST series is that it allows the Bible to set the agenda rather than our own opinions, traditions, or preferences. John Risbridger writes from his considerable experience as both a pastor and a worship leader. His clear exegesis of key passages from the Old and New Testaments synthesis a biblical, systematic, and pastoral theology of worship. Contemporary illustration, moving personal testimony and thoughtful practical application help the reader not just to understand worship better, but to become a more faithful worshipper in Spirit and in truth. This book will stir your mind, heart, and soul, and rekindle the wonderful privilege we have of worshiping our glorious God with our whole life in joyful response to all that Jesus has done for us.

—John Stevens, National Director, FIEC

The Message of Worship is a pure delight to read. It is a deep book, but it is not a heavy book, written in the easy, readable style of one who is an experienced and accomplished preacher. In tackling the subject of worship - such a hot, at times controversial, topic in the church today - John Risbridger successfully combines serious theological discussion with devotional warmth and pastoral sensitivity. I have read dozens of books on worship. What makes this book stand out for me is its firm grounding in the exposition of key biblical passages which then provide the foundation, not only for the author's deep theological reflections on the nature of worship, but also for his thoughtful, and thought-provoking, application, as well as for a wealth of practical insights. 'The Message of Worship' is a must-read for those who want a sound biblical understanding of worship, for those involved in worship planning or leading, or, perhaps most of all, for those who simply want to be true worshippers of the one true God. After nearly twenty years of teaching worship, I can think of no book on worship for a general readership that I would recommend above this one. It's the one I wish I had written!

—Chris Jack, Director of Postgraduate Studies, Moorlands College

Product Details

• Title: The Message of Worship: Celebrating the Glory of God in the Whole of Life
• Author: John Risbridger
• Series: The Bible Speaks Today: Bible Themes Series
• Publisher: Inter-Varsity
• Print Publication Date: 2015
• Logos Release Date: 2023
• Pages: 293
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Worship in the Bible; Worship › Biblical teaching; Religion › Christian Life--General
• ISBNs: 9781783592968, 1783592966
• Resource ID: LLS:BSTTWORSHIP
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-10-27T23:48:51Z