The Wisdom of Worship
There is a definitive reason why we exist.
Pleasing God
March 26, 2023 • Courtney Harkness • Hebrews 13:15–16, Hebrews 12:28–29
"Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God." - Hebrews 13:15-16 (NLT) Connect - https://bit.ly/cumberlandconnectform Bulletin - https://cumberlandchurch.org/bulletin Give - https://cumberlandchurch.org/give App - https://cumberlandchurch.org/app Events - https://cumberlandchurch.org/events/ Kids Church Online - https://www.youtube.com/@cumberlandnextgenkidshttp://www.youtube.com/@cumberlandnextgenkids Weekly Email - https://mailchi.mp/cumberlandchurch.org/weeklyemail Wed @ Noon Prayer Gathering - https://bit.ly/noonprayerzoom Serve - https://cumberlandchurch.org/serve/
Living Proof
March 19, 2023 • Abraham Carrillo • Colossians 3:16–17, Hebrews 12:28–29
Would you know the difference between a fake apple and a real one? Would you be fooled? Would others? Do you think God can be fooled by “fake fruit” in our lives? It may be time to take stock of what sort of fruit we are offering “in the name of the Lord.”
Satisfying Hunger
March 12, 2023 • Maceo Lewis • Isaiah 55:1–2, Hebrews 12:28–29
The human soul longs for much more than this world can offer. Jesus presents Himself as the bread of life. Those who come to Him not only find something they want, but also something they never imagined - eternal satisfaction.
Choosing Sacrifice
March 5, 2023 • Courtney Harkness • Romans 12:1–2, Hebrews 12:28–29
The Old Testament framework of sacrifice provides one practical reminder about our access to God - it is costly! Of course, that price is paid through the work of Jesus Christ, but interestingly enough, His sacrificial death leaves an important pattern for our lives. It teaches us to live in a way that continuously chooses God’s will over our own. Jesus died for us, so that we could live for Him.
Prioritizing Obedience
February 26, 2023 • Maceo Lewis • Deuteronomy 10:12–13, Hebrews 12:28–29
The wisdom of worship points us to more than just a style of music, or even a moment of reverence on a Sunday morning. It actually reveals a lifestyle. Unfortunately, many have limited their worship expression to whatever occurs in a particular location, on a specific day of the week. The truth is that our God is much greater than what we have given Him. He deserves so much more. Our entire lives are meant to be devoted to Him, and it should be evident in whatever we do. In fact, anyone who resolves to use their opportunities, their gifts and abilities, and even their breath to give God the glory He deserves, has chosen to lead a life of worship.
Embracing Intimacy
February 19, 2023 • Courtney Harkness • John 4:21–24, Hebrews 12:28–29
Worship is always for God. But it certainly holds benefit for us as well. The New Covenant pictures this benefit in ways that OT temple worship seems to miss. And unfortunately, many people default to the same empty patterns of religion, thinking they count as true worship. Still, God wants a quality of relationship with His people that is characterized by something unique, and He gives us a glimpse of that in marriage. So, whether you are married or single, the nature of marriage is intended to point us all to what God has in mind when we fall in love with Jesus.
Discovering Beauty
February 12, 2023 • Courtney Harkness • Hebrews 12:28–29, Psalm 27:4
Solomon’s temple was one of the most extraordinary facilities ever built. With its meticulous design, its collection of rare and expensive materials, and even the ornate decorations - it was intended to not only house God’s presence, but also to reflect His glory. Anyone who saw it would be left with an obvious conclusion: Where else would God live? Of course, the full implications of this begin with the original Tabernacle in the wilderness, and they continue with the construction of the Second Temple. But what we discover about worship in their comparison leaves us impressed with much more than just a shiny, gold house. Connect - https://bit.ly/cumberlandconnectform Bulletin - https://cumberlandchurch.org/bulletin Give - https://cumberlandchurch.org/give App - https://cumberlandchurch.org/app Events - https://cumberlandchurch.org/events/ Kids Church Online - https://www.youtube.com/@cumberlandnextgenkidshttp://www.youtube.com/@cumberlandnextgenkids Weekly Email - https://mailchi.mp/cumberlandchurch.org/weeklyemail
Learning Reverence
February 5, 2023 • Courtney Harkness • Hebrews 12:28–29
There is a definitive reason why we exist. From the garden of Eden to the glory of eternity, the unfolding of time reveals the same expectation - that all of creation would honor the Creator. Needless to say, this opportunity has been consistently mishandled. But even more so, it’s intriguing to consider that it has been so dangerously misunderstood by humanity - the part of creation that is best equipped to actually do it. The distractions of life, the lies of the enemy, and the cravings of our flesh twist and distort our perspectives in such a way that we cannot see God clearly. But the Lord has given us glimpses of Himself. And whenever we respond to them, we access the only thing that brings true alignment to our lives: The Wisdom of Worship.