Raise a Hallelujah Sermon Series - Part 1

Sermon Follow-up 10/14/24

Introduction
Today, we embark on a new sermon series titled "Raise a Hallelujah," focusing on the essence of worship. Worship is more than just singing songs; it's about experiencing God's presence and allowing it to transform us. Let's dive into Psalm 96 to understand what worship truly means and how it impacts our lives.

What is Worship?

• Defining Worship - Worship is the act of ascribing worth to God. It's about giving our whole lives to the one who saves, the one who is great, the one who is worthy, and the one who reigns. In simpler terms, worship is raising a hallelujah, which means praising the Lord with all our hearts and lives.
• Experiencing God's Presence - In worship, we experience God's presence in a new way. Psalm 22:3 tells us that God is enthroned on the praises of Israel. When we worship, we create a "thin place" where the distance between heaven and earth shrinks, allowing us to feel God's presence more intimately.

Why Do We Worship?

• Created for Worship - We were created to worship God. Psalm 16:8-11 highlights that in God's presence, there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. Worship is the essence of what we gather every Sunday to do, and it's through worship that we walk in the reality of what we were created to do.
• Transformation Through Worship - When we worship, the Holy Spirit goes to work on our desires and hearts, transforming us. This transformation empowers us to grow in love for our families, step out in faith, and even place our trust in God for the first time.

Who Do We Worship?

• The One Who Saves - Psalm 96:1-3 emphasizes that we worship the one who saves. Just as Desmond Doss saved 75 men during the Battle of Okinawa, Jesus came on a rescue mission to save us. When we raise a hallelujah, we are praising the God who saves.
• The One Who is Great - Verses 4-6 of Psalm 96 remind us that God is great and greatly to be praised. Unlike human figures who may struggle under the weight of worship, God is the only one truly worthy of our praise.
• The One Who is Worthy - Verses 7-9 highlight that we worship the one who is worthy. Worship is not about what we get but what we give. Revelation 4:11 tells us that God is worthy to receive glory, honor, and power because He created all things.
• The One Who Reigns - Finally, verses 10-13 of Psalm 96 declare that we worship the one who reigns and will continue to reign. Despite the brokenness around us, we can trust that God will come again to set everything right.

Applying Worship in Daily Life
Worship is not confined to Sunday services; it should permeate every aspect of our lives. Whether we are at work, at home, or in our communities, we can turn every act into an act of worship. As we continue this series, let's commit to deepening our understanding and practice of worship, allowing it to transform us and draw us closer to God.

Challenge for the Week
This week, challenge yourself to find moments of worship in your everyday life. Whether it's through prayer, singing, or simply acknowledging God's presence, make an effort to raise a hallelujah in all that you do.