I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
Christianity grew out of Judaism and its first adherents were Jews. They lived and worshiped like Jews and continued to observe all Jewish festivals. Most of these were incorporated in Christian worship. The purpose of this course; as a matter of fact, is:
- to enable the students, understand the origin, the development, need and value of Christian worship so that he /she leads others in worshipping God, he /she value.
According to New Bible Dictionary (1996:1250) stated that is composed by two words: (Worth-ship) originally referred to the action of human beings in expressing homage to God because he is worthy of it. It covers such activities as adoration, thanksgiving, prayers, offerings and sacrifices. meanwhile ‘worship is used for any kind of interaction between God and his people, expressed in formal activity by a religious group or individuals.
Richard Niebuhr (2017) also summarized that in worship and Culture, the church has always related to the surrounding culture in a variety of ways. Obviously, Christian preaching and worship are the best illustrations of the relationship between culture and the Christian faith.
Richard added that in the twenty-first century’s globalized world, most people are living in multicultural environments, locally and globally, and it is inevitable that the church takes seriously this changing cultural context for its ministry.
Rick Warren (2002) emphasized that Worship is not a part of your life, it is your life. It's not just for church services. The Bible tells us to "worship him continually."
You were planned for God's pleasure and the moment you were born into the world, God was there as an unseen witness, smiling at your birth. He wanted you alive, and your arrival gave him great pleasure. God did not need to create you, but he chose to create you for his own enjoyment. You exist for his benefit, his glory, his purpose, and his delight.
Worship is as natural as eating or breathing. If we fail to worship God, we always find a substitute, even if it ends up being ourselves. The reason God made us with this desire is that he desires worshipers. Jesus said, The Father seeks worshipers. You may think of church services with singing, praying, and listening to a sermon. Or you may think of ceremonies, candles, and communion. Worship can include these elements, but worship is far more than these expressions until we are convinced that Worship is a lifestyle.