Worship: Beauty of Holiness Psalm 29:2 I. Introduction. A. In every age, Jehovah has been worshipped. 1. From the altars of Abel to the sacrifices of Noah to the offerings of Abraham to the requirements under Moses to the dedication of the Christians, worship has been the norm for God's people. 2. Worship is the means whereby those who recognize Jehovah dedicate themselves to His service. 3. Worship is the offering up of the human heart in praise to the one who created each one of us. 4. The Psalmist expressed it: Psalm 29:2("in the beauty of holiness"). a. Proper worship is "beauty" to God's children. b. Proper worship is awesome and magnificent. c. It is excellent in its simplicity and grace. B. Define worship: "To make obeisance..do reverence to(to kiss towards)...an act of homage...to revere, stressing the feeling of awe and devotion...to serve"(Vine). 1. Actions, feelings and emotions dedicated to God-- not man. 2. Requirements in each age were different: the attitude, awe and humility were always present. a. When Abraham offered Isaac: Genesis 22:2. b. When Noah stepped from the Ark. c. When David appeared before God. II. Body. A. The words of a prophet: Habbakuk 2:20. 1. Realized by those under Moses, as well as all predecessors. 2. Being in the presence of God by faith is different from being among humans. 3. There was a time to be in the presence of God(worship): Ecclesiastes 3:1. a. Atmosphere. (1 In and around the tabernacle. (2 In the temple. b. Attitude. (1 "Come, let us worship": Psalm 95:6. (2. Even angels: Hebrews 1:6. c. Conduct. (1 Hearken: Psalm 5:7. (2 Remember what Jesus did? Mark 11:15-17. 4. There was preparation for the worship under Moses. a. There were sacrifices to get ready. b. There were garments to wear. c. There were rituals to be remembered. d. Note: Mark 14:12f. B. Worship under Christ: John 4:23-24. 1. There are commands to be followed as to what Christians do in worship(review). a. The beauty is in the simplicity. b. For every generation, for every nation, for every disciple. 2. Disciples are encouraged: Hebrews 10:22. a. Worship is an opportunity to be closer to God. b. Note: Matthew 18:20. c. Christians assembled on the first day to worship the God of Heaven(and at other times). 3. The assembling of early Christians provided the opportunity to praise and worship God: Acts 20:7. a. They would be edified: I Corinthians 14:26. b. An orderly and decent service: I Corinthians 14:40. c. They were instructed to have a proper procedure: I Corinthians 14:27- 33(review). d. They were stedfast: Acts 2:42. C. Some observations about worship: 1. Worship is not an informal affair nor is it a formal ritual. a. Some go to extremes. b. The simplicity is the beauty. 2. Worship is not entertainment nor is it an exercise in sorrow(gladness not sadness). 3. Worship is to praise God and honor Him, His Son and the sacrifices made for us: Psalm 148:1f. 4. Worship involves: a. Preparation. (1 Physical matters(giving, etc.). (2 Emotional. (3 Intellectual. b. Participation. (1 All Christians are involved(singing, giving, Lord's Supper, praying, learning). (2 Mind is to concentrate on activities(listen & apply). (3 Conversation, mind-wandering, and other activities--loss of participation. III. Conclusion. A. Worship is an opportunity for every Christian. B. Remember: Psalm 29:2.-jy