The Intentional Response of Worship

Grace Chapel Wilsonville

The Intentional Response of Worship

Worship is more than just songs, it's about giving our whole selves to God.

June 23, 2024 • Jake Schwein • Hebrews 12:2–3, Luke 7:36–50, Psalm 145:3, Romans 11:33–36, Psalm 96:4–9

Pastor Jake Schwein's sermon emphasizes the importance of worship as the intentional response of every believer, not limited to church gatherings. He highlights that worship involves giving our whole selves to God, recognizing His worthiness and our dependence on Him. Pastor Jake points out the key postures of humility, sincerity, gratitude, awe, and love in worship, urging believers to align their affections and heart postures with God's desires. Ultimately, the sermon challenges believers to worship with their whole being, being undignified in passion, relentless in pursuit, and sacrificial in offering — recognizing that worship is transformative and has the power to change lives.

Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to give our whole selves to God in worship?

Why is Jesus described as the center of our affection and the focal point of our faith and adoration?

What are some ways we can display the key postures of worship in our lives?

How can we extend our worship to every area of our lives?

Why is being intentional in our response to God important in our worship?

Worship Seasons

June 30, 2024 • Jen McCourt • 1 Samuel 16—30, 2 Samuel 5—10, 2 Samuel 11:1—12:13, 2 Samuel 12:13–24, 2 Samuel 15:1—16:14

In her sermon "Worship Seasons," Pastor Jen navigates the concept of contrasting seasons believers may encounter on their spiritual path. She underlines that worship extends beyond singing in the church, involving a profound bond with God that manifests in diverse forms. Drawing from her personal journey, Pastor Jen demonstrates that one's unique expressions of worship can thrive outside conventional religious settings. Expounding on the idea of worship seasons, Pastor Jen deciphers it using the life of King David in the book of Samuel. Each season, marked by distinct emotions and circumstances, provides both hurdles and opportunities to fortify faith. In the desert season, where hardships are prevalent, believers are urged to remain steadfast in their faith, undeterred by obstacles such as feelings of failure. When in the season of delight, generosity, humility, and dependency toward God are paramount. However, the season of distance, characterized by a seeming disconnection with God despite blessings, calls for a steady faith. Here, believers must trust in God's presence even when it's not immediately perceptible. Confronting despair and loss in the season of darkness, Pastor Jen encourages believers to retain a raw faith that embraces sorrow while remaining grounded in the essence of God. In practical aspect of the sermon, the congregation gets an opportunity to pen their psalms, reflecting on their worship experiences in each season. This segment culminates in a communal worship session, encompassing various personal modes of worship. Significantly, Pastor Jen ends the sermon reminding believers that the ultimate goal of worship, regardless of the season or circumstance, is to glorify God and express gratitude for His unfailing presence and unwavering faithfulness.

Does God Have All Of You?

June 9, 2024 • Mike Tatlock • Romans 12:1–2, Isaiah 43:7, Revelation 4:11, Psalm 18:3, 2 Corinthians 11:3–4

Pastor Mike Tatlock's sermon on worshipping God with our bodies and sexuality explores the depths of true worship in all aspects of life. Framed within the context of recent baptisms and a sermon series on discipleship, he challenges the congregation to surrender all to God and live in rhythm with Jesus' teachings. By discussing the biblical foundation for viewing our bodies as instruments of worship, Pastor Mike addresses the uncomfortable topic of sexuality with compassion and clarity. He navigates the cultural influences on sexuality while urging the church to uphold biblical principles and extend love and grace to those struggling with brokenness. The sermon concludes by calling believers to honor God with their bodies, flee from sexual immorality, and embrace the redemption and guidance offered by surrendering to God in all areas of life.