MUSIC,

THE PRAISE
\N«4
AND HE WORSHIPED HER
MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP
We can observe through the Bible that in heaven there is continuous worship of God, and it
is duly carried out, it is a totally different environment from what we know, the presence of
God fills everything and his praise is continuous.
In Revelation chapter 4 and 5 we can see that: the seraphim, the cherubim, the living
beings, the angels... millions of millions worship him who lives forever and ever, and we
also worship him and will worship him, because we will be forever with the Lord.
In order for the praise and adoration that we give to the Lord to be like a fragrant aroma in
His presence, we must first know what music, praise and worship are, so that we do it
correctly and with conviction and not just out of emotion.
Psalms 33:3 “Sing to him a new song; do it well, playing with joy.”

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 2

 MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP
What is music?
Praise and Worship What is Praise? What is Adoration?
1.
Christian music
2.
Congregational Praise
3.
Situation in the current Church Worship that pleases God
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 3

1 WHAT IS MUSIC?
According to the
dictionary
The art of itcombining
is sounds in a temporal sequence according to the
laws of harmony, melody and rhythm, or of producing them with
musical instruments.
Set of successive sounds combined according to this art, which
generally produce an aesthetic or expressive effect and are pleasant to
the ear.
1. WHAT IS MUSIC?

1.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSIC

Music can be defined very broadly as an organized, coherent, meaningful sound. It is
characterized by the use of sounds (and the instruments to produce them) with the
aim of producing an aesthetically appreciable and significant sequence.
Music is made up of four fundamental parameters, which are:
The height

The
duration
The intensity
The
ringer
MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 5
1. WHAT IS MUSIC?

1.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSIC

• Height : It is the frequency of the sounds produced, this is classified as bass or low, and
treble or high.
• Duration : It is the time in which the instruments remain vibrating or emitting a sound.
• Intensity : It is the force with which a sound is produced.
• Timbre : It is the quality of the sound determined by the shape of the waves that compose it
and is what allows us to distinguish the different instruments that sound in an orchestra.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 6

1. WHAT IS MUSIC?

1.2 ELEMENTS OF MUSIC

The fundamental elements of music tend to always be three. These elements are:
Melody : It refers to the set of sounds that, within the same specific sound area, sound
successively, that is, one after the other, and that, when perceived as a complete unit of
sound, have their own identity and meaning.
Harmony : In this case we refer to the effect that results from combining two or more
musical notes, and which can be more or less pleasant to the ear (more or less
harmonious). A set of matching sounds makes up a chord, and they are all played at the
same time.
Rhythm : This element is what links music with time, allowing it to transmit a certain
emotion depending on the vertiginousness, placidity or the ways in which the previous
elements are manifested.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 7

1. WHAT IS MUSIC?
1.2 ELEMENTS OF MUSIC
These three elements of music go hand in hand with the tripartite man, in short they go hand
in hand with the spirit, the soul and the body.
• The melody of a song is what our heart (or spirit) follows. A well-crafted melody can lift
our hearts as the melody escalates. It can put our heart at rest as the melody descends,
and it can give us a sense of accomplishment when the melodic line is completed.
• Harmony is the combination of notes or chords added to the melody of the song and that
work together to add “feeling” or mood to the music. This is because our soul (our mind
and feelings) relates to the harmony of music. When these notes are combined to make
major chords, a feeling of joy is produced, just as when minor chords are used, the music
can “feel” sad.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 8

1. WHAT IS MUSIC?

1.2 ELEMENTS OF MUSIC

Rhythm or beat is the beat that is emphasized during music, to give speed and mark
time. This is the part of music that our body relates to, because our body itself is regulated
by many rhythms, such as heartbeat and breathing.
These three parts of music must have the correct balance in order to be a channel of the
Holy Spirit. Melody must guide harmony and rhythm, just as our spirit must guide our soul
and body, for a person to be spiritual. In the same way that a carnal person is guided by his
flesh, so a carnal music will be guided by rhythm or beat.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 9

1. WHAT IS MUSIC?

1.3 MUSIC IN THE BIBLE

to. Music in the Old Testament
Throughout the long historical period covered by the Bible, many references to music
are found in the lives of its peoples and cultures. Music took place in almost all activities
in the life of the people of Israel.
The oldest reference to music is found in the list of Cain's descendants in the book of
Genesis 4:20-21 , where it tells us that Jubal was the father of all those who play the harp
and flute.
Some ancient songs relate to specific events such as victory over enemies ( Exodus 15:1-
18; Judges 5:1-31) or ritual at a well ( Numbers 21:17-18 ). Other references suggest
vigorous music accompanied by physical movement, musical instruments, singing, and
dancing.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 10

1. WHAT IS MUSIC?

1.3 MUSIC IN THE BIBLE

b. Music in the New Testament
The destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 AD It caused Jews to develop new forms of
musical expression. By then restrictions had already been imposed on the public use of
music and dance in the Sabbath celebration. As a result of Greco-Roman power and culture,
restrictions increased even more.
Music in the synagogue served a function of emotional help and as an instrument in
teaching for the maintenance of the Jewish faith and lifestyle.
Temple choirs no longer existed and instrumental music was prohibited in the synagogue.
The psalms, prayers and readings were sung in recitative form. The early Christians
probably adapted to their own worship what they already knew about music in the
synagogue, in the form of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and praising the Lord
( Ephesians 5:19 ).

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 11

1. WHAT IS MUSIC?

1.3 MUSIC IN THE BIBLE

c. Musical instruments
The study of musical instruments that were used during the biblical period, especially in the
Old Testament, is really difficult. Several of the Hebrew words referring to instruments do not
coincide with instruments known or used today. We can classify the musical instruments that
are cited in the Bible:
String instruments or chordophones
Wind instruments or aerophones
Percussion instruments or idiophones

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 12

c. Musical instruments flute, tube
Khalil, Masroqita (flute)
Nechilot (flutes)

1. WHAT IS MUSIC? Aulos, auleô, aulêtês (flute)

Bagpipe (timpani, large drum)
Sumfonyah (bagpipe, panpipe)
1.3 MUSIC IN THE BIBLE
String instruments or chordophones
• Lira
• Nevel (Psalter)
• Kinnor
• Kithara, Psanterin, Kinura (harp)
• Kathros (zither)

Wind instruments or aerophones

• horn, ram's horn, shofar
• Yovel (ram's horn, horn)
Qeren garna (trumpet, horns)
Shofar (horn, trumpet, horn)
Taqoa, Salpigx, Salpizô (trumpet)
Jasosrah, Qeren (trumpet)
trumpet, trumpet
MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 13
1. WHAT IS MUSIC?

1.3 MUSIC IN THE BIBLE

c. Musical instruments
Percussion instruments or idiophones Shaker, drum
•
Tambourine Menaanim (castanets, sistrums, rattles)
•
Salis (musical instruments, cymbals) rattlesnake, bell
•
Cymbal Paamon (bell)
•
Mesiltayim, Selselim (cymbals, cymbals) Kôdôn (Bellbell)
•
Kumbalon (cymbal, cymbal) Drum, manual drum, framed drum
•
Gong Tof, tafaf (drum, tambourine)
Jalkos (resonating metal, loud bell) Tumpanon (drum)
Maracas, drum

Psalms 150:3-5

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 14

It is not unusual to hear references to “praise and worship” as if they were identical entities, or at
least combined to form a complete whole. Praise and worship are mutually cooperative activities,

2. PRAISE AND WORSHIP

and are often very similar in the manner of outward expression, but they are not the same thing.
Each one has its own essence and purpose. Some of us are very expressive in praise, but very
introverted when it comes to worship. And for others, it seems relatively easy to enter the
sweetness of worship, but they have not yet learned the dynamics of praise. Balancing the two is
easier once we recognize the differences and functions of praise and worship.
Psalms 150:6 “Let everything that breathes praise the LORD! Hallelujah!"

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 16

3. WHAT IS PRAISE?

What is praise? What does praise consist of? When we mention this word, the Idea of
music comes to our mind. And this is true in part, because praise includes music, but it
encompasses much more. In addition to music, it includes poetry, and any act that is
done with the purpose of exalting the greatness of our God, who is the King of our life.
Psalms 9:11 says, "Sing to the Lord who dwells in Zion; publish his works among the people
."
Hebrews 13:15 "Therefore let us always offer to God through him the sacrifice of praise,
that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name . "
It's celebrating, like when a child sees his dad. The boy is happy when he sees his father
and runs to meet him. He laughs and sincerely shows the appreciation and love he feels
for his dad.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 18

3. WHAT IS PRAISE?
3.1 NOW WE WILL SEE WHAT PRAISE MEANS:
Genesis 29:35 “She conceived again and gave birth to a son, and said, This time I will praise
• (H3034) the Lord; therefore he called his name Judah (H3063); and stopped giving light
H3034 ָ‫ יָ דה‬- Yada primary root; used only as the denominative of H3027; literally use (ie
• reach out; physically throw (a stone, an arrow) at or into the distance; specifically revere
or worship (with outstretched hands); intensive lament (wringing hands) - acclaim,
praise, praise, sing, celebrate, confess, confession, give, declare, tear down, exalt,
glorify, (give) thanks, put, throw .
Yadah ( ָ‫ ָידה‬, H3034), “give thanks, praise and praise.” This is a Hebrew word very
• common to all periods and a very important term in the language of praise. Yadah is
found almost 120 times in the Hebrew Bible. The first of these cases is found in the story
of the birth of Judah, the son of Jacob and Leah.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 19

3. WHAT IS PRAISE?

H3063 ְ‫ יּהוָ דה‬- Yejudah of H3034; celebrated ; Jeudah (or Judah), name of five Israelites; also
of the tribe descended from the first and of its territory - Judah.
▪ Judah : may He (God) be praised; praise, I will praise the Lord.
▪ Praise : Praise, celebrate, celebration.
Judah was Jacob's fourth son with Leah and was given birthright to him for mistakes made
by his older brothers (Reuben, Simeon and Levi).
This birthright was shared with Joseph (but in this case we will talk about who interests us),
and these rights are:
1. Authority in the family (patriarchy)
2. Double portion of the inheritance
3. The father's name (something like the “last name”, nowadays)

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 20

3. WHAT IS PRAISE?

• So Judah was named prince among his brothers, and was the possessor of the largest and
most powerful army, for this reason Judah went in front of the other tribes, and God gave
them victory.
• Judges 1:1-2 (NLT) “ After Joshua died, the Israelites asked the LORD: Which tribe should
be the first to attack the Canaanites? The LORD answered, Judah, because I have given him
victory over the land.
• PRAISE WILL GO FIRST!
• Praise is the joyful and exalting expression of love for God. When you praise God, you
usually do it standing up, out loud, even raising your hands, jumping or dancing. We see
examples of praise in Psalms 149 and 150: "Praise him with drums and dance, with psaltery
and trumpet..." Praise is external, free and celebratory . Normally our entire body is
involved.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 21

3. WHAT IS PRAISE?

In reality, praise goes far beyond singing, since it is not an activity but a way of living. There
is no “hour of praise” but we must give praise all day, all the time with our lives, in Psalm
104:33 (NLT) tells us: “I will sing to the LORD as long as I live. I will praise my God until my last
breath!” The Bible teaches us that we can praise Him by learning from His Word, committing
to Him, doing and bearing fruits of righteousness, having faith, confessing our sins among
many other things.
The command to praise God appears more than 330 times in the Bible. The direction to
rejoice is mentioned 288 times. It is obvious that God considers praise and thanksgiving to
be high spiritual priorities in the life of every Christian.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 22

3. WHAT IS PRAISE?

Biblical praise is closely linked to music, both instrumental and vocal ( Psalm 150:3-5 “Praise
him with the sound of a trumpet; Praise him with the psaltery and the harp. Praise him with
tambourine and dance; Praise him with strings and flutes. Praise him with resounding cymbals;
Praise him with cymbals of joy.” ). Biblical songs of praise vary: some are energetic,
spontaneous personal expressions of gratitude for some powerful act of God ( Exodus 15:1-
18; Judges 5; 1 Samuel 2; 1-10; Luke 1:46-55 ). Others are solemn hymns and psalms
written for corporate praise in the old tabernacle ( 2 Chronicles 29:30 ). Still, there are others
written for the new covenant church ( Colossians 3:16 ).
Although there are more than 300 commands to praise God, the scripture also emphatically
warns us about the quality of praise. Praise and worship must originate in the heart, not just
be an external spectacle ( Matthew 15:8 “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart
is far from me.” ).

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 23

3. WHAT IS PRAISE?

Praise in the congregation must be done decently and in order ( 1 Corinthians 14:40 ). A life
of praise and worship is also emphasized in order.
Many of the expressions of praise and worship mentioned in the Bible took place at the time
of David's tabernacle and are still practical aspects today that help us in our attitude
regarding our praise and service to God.
And while it is true there are countless biblical quotes that tell us about praise through music,
singing, and voice, God himself says: “This people honors me with their lips; But, his heart is
away from me." Matthew 15:8
It makes us understand that praise does not only have to do with the act of singing or
performing any action in itself, but with the attitude with which it is done and with the
holiness of the heart.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 24

3. WHAT IS PRAISE?

In such a way that our entire life must be for the praise of Him. In fact, we were created to
praise Him. Not only we but the entire creation is destined to praise Him. Praise to God is
a function and requirement of our existence.
So how important is praise? It is essential, it is fundamental in our lives. For the same
reason, we must not forget that what praises God is holiness and simplicity of heart.
It is no coincidence that the Bible tells about the life of the first disciples, saying “ And
continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house,
they ate together with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God, and having favor with
all the people. And the Lord added daily to the church those who were to be saved.”Acts
2:46 47 . And living praising God also implies humility and love for one's brothers.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 25

3. WHAT IS PRAISE?

3.2 WHY SHOULD WE PRAISE GOD?

•"HisFirst of all, Psalm 65:1 says "Praise is yours in Zion, O God, and to you will the vows be paid."
is the praise, the glory and all the honor."
• What is the purpose of man on this Earth? Isaiah 43:7 .
• He made us, he is our creator, and therefore he is the only one who deserves our praise.
There is no other being on earth or in the entire universe who deserves our worship but only
God.
•rescue
In addition to what he made us, Jesus bought us with his blood, coming to die for us to
us from the pit of sin in which we lived. So we are doubly His.
1 Corinthians 6:20
• Praise is a fruit of communion with God, a consequence.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 26

3. WHAT IS PRAISE?

HOW SHOULD WE PRAISE?

The Bible gives specific orders for how our praise should be. Psalms 9:1
In addition to doing it from the heart, Psalms 47:7 says that we must sing with intelligence,
that is, thinking about what we are singing, with understanding. If we sing "Smile" we have
to smile, if we sing about greeting each other, we have to do it. That is not Irreverence.
What is irreverent is singing something on "autopilot", inertia or mechanically.
The Bible also highlights the fact of praising God with joy and joy. Psalms 63:5b says
"...and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips."
Zephaniah 3:14-18

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 27

3. WHAT IS PRAISE?

3.3 HOW SHOULD WE PRAISE?

These verses confirm again and again that praise must be with joy, with joy, and explain that it
must be this way because God has withdrawn his judgments that he had on us. He even says that
God rejoices and sings. We have enclosed God in a sphere of mystery and we have distanced Him
from this earth, thinking that He is not interested in our entire life, and we have forgotten that He
is our Father, and He is interested in even the smallest detail of our lives. life. The Christian life
should not be a heavy life but a joyful one, because He saved us and gives us that salvation.
In the Bible we find many examples of praise, because the people of Israel had a sincere way of
praising, Psalms 47:1 "All you people, clap your hands! Shout out to God with a voice of joy!" What
are the voices of joy? The ones we use when someone scores a goal, when we win an award or
recognition, etc. Why does the Bible say this? Because we already said that everything is for God,
even our joys must be for Him.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 28

4. WHAT IS WORSHIP?
4. WHAT IS WORSHIP?

Did you know that the word “ worship ” is not found in the Bible (at least in the 1960 Reina-
Valera version)? Now, the word “ worship ” does appear, about 150 times.
Worship is not limited to singing, playing an instrument or dancing in the presence of God.
Worship is surrendering your entire life before God, it is a way of living. Live in worship, live
in obedience, live doing the will of God.
Worshiping God is the most noble, elevated and important activity that human beings can
perform. We were created for that, and when man sinned, thus breaking his relationship
with God, he sent his own Son in order to redeem us so that we could be true worshipers
again. This is what Jesus wanted to convey to the woman when he told her: "the Father
seeks such worshipers to worship him." The topic is so important that worship will be our
main activity throughout eternity. We can frequently see this in the book of Revelation,
where all heavenly beings worship God without ceasing. Revelation 4:8-11

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 30

4. WHAT IS WORSHIP?

Now, when we ask ourselves what worship is, we find that, as is usual in the Bible, it does
not offer us any definition, but rather its way of teaching us is by showing us numerous
examples of people who worshiped God in order that Through them we can learn how we
should do it.
Since worship is the attitude or inner intention of man's heart toward God, it implies
obedience, service, surrender, love, etc. That is, it implies a way of life that allows one to
have communion with the Holy Spirit ( John 4:24 “God is a Spirit; and those who worship
him must worship him in spirit and in truth ”).

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 31

4. WHAT IS WORSHIP?

4.1 OLD TESTAMENT

Job 1:20-21 Then Job arose, and tore his cloak, and shaved his head, and fell down on the ground
and worshiped (H7812), and said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked will I return
thither. The Lord gave, and the Lord took away; Blessed be the name of Jehovah.
H7812 ָׁ‫ שָׁ חה‬Shakkha primary root; depress, ie prostrate (especially ref. in homage to royalty
or God) - worship, kneel, lower, worship, worship, bow, humiliate. -se, bow, -se, prostrate,
render, reverence.
H7812 - Shajah (ùÑÈçÈä, H7812), "worship, prostrate, lower, bow." This word is found in
modern Hebrew in the sense of "bow down or crouch," but not in the general sense of
"worship." The fact that it is found more than 170 times in the Old Testament demonstrates a
bit of its cultural significance. We find it for the first time in Genesis 18:2 where Abraham "fell
prostrate to the ground" before the three messengers who announced to him that Sarah
would have a son.
MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 32
4. WHAT IS WORSHIP?

4.2 NEW TESTAMENT

John 4:23-24 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers (G4353) will
worship (G4352) the Father in spirit and in truth; because the Father also seeks such
worshipers (G4353) that they worship Him (G4352). God is Spirit; and those who worship
him (G4353) must worship him in spirit and in truth (G4352).
G4352 - Proskuneo (προσκυνέω, G4352), see WORSHIP , A, No. 2. It is translated "they
bowed" ( from pros, towards, and kuneo, to kiss ). It is the word most often translated
worship. ( Mark 15:19 ; KJV: "worshipped"); see also KNEEL, PROSTRATE, BEG.
G4353 προσκυνητής - Proskunetés of G4352; worshiper - worshiper.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 33

4. WHAT IS WORSHIP?

Worship is an attitude of the spirit. Because it is an internal and individual action,

Christians worship constantly, seven days a week. When we formally gather in worship,
the emphasis should still be on individually worshiping the Lord. Even as part of a
congregation, each participant must be aware that he or she is worshiping God on an
individual level.
The nature of worship is from the inside out, and has two equally important qualities “In
spirit and in truth.”

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 34

4. WHAT IS WORSHIP?

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 35

4. WHAT IS WORSHIP?

4.3 WORSHIP “IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH” (John 4:23-24)

Worshiping in spirit is not just about a physical posture. It has to do with the deepest part
of our being and requires several things.
1. We must be born again. (1 Corinthians 2:11 )
2. Worshiping in the spirit requires a mind centered on God and renewed by truth .
(Romans 12:1-2)
3. We can only worship in the spirit if we have a pure, open and repentant heart . ( 2
Samuel 11, Psalms 32:3-4, Psalms 51:17 )

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 36

4. WHAT IS WORSHIP?

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 37

4. WHAT IS WORSHIP?

4.4 WHAT IS DONE “IN TRUTH”

All worship is a response to truth, and what better measurer of truth than the Word of God? Jesus said to
His Father, "Your word is truth" (John 17:17) . Psalm 119 says, "Your law is truth" (v. 142) and "Your word is
truth" (v. 160). To truly worship God, we must understand who He is and what He has done, and the only
place where this has been fully revealed is in the Bible. Worship is an expression of praise from the depths
of our hearts to a God who is understood through His Word. If we do not have the truth of the Bible, we do
not know God and we cannot truly worship.
Then we can see that true worship is not confined to just singing in church or praise time each Sunday
(although these things are good and we are recommended to do them in the Bible), but is the sincere
recognition of God and all his power and glory in the things we do. To truly worship God, we must know
Him and not be ignorant of His good and glorious nature ( Acts 17:23 ). In short, to worship is to glorify and
exalt God.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 38

 ai

Christian music is music created and performed as an

expression of Christianity. This expression encompasses a
great diversity of musical styles that contain biblical
messages or lyrics that involve different types of prayer
(worship, thanksgiving, petition), and whose main
motivation is the Christian faith.

THE MUSIC, THE PRAISE AND WORSHIP

5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.1 ORIGIN
Christian music is of Jewish origin; The musical liturgy of the synagogue, in particular the
psalmodic chant of the Jews as a musical poetic unit, was a precious legacy transmitted
from ancient Israel to early Christianity, as a way of manifesting both personal and
communal levels of religious beliefs and faith in God.
The definition of Christian music, as well as its fundamental role, its composition and its
importance, come to have diverse perspectives that sometimes vary depending on the
denomination in question. Some consider it a useful way both to evangelize, teach and
disciple the believer, and to address aspects of the Christian lifestyle.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 40

5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 41

5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

to. biblical times
In the Bible, the role of music for the Christian people fulfills the function of praise,
adoration and glorification of God. An example is found in chapter 150 of the book of
Psalms, where there is an exhortation to praise God with wind, string and percussion
musical instruments.
In the New Testament, the use that the apostles and followers of Christ make of
Christian music demonstrates its character as a form of worship, exaltation, and
gratitude to God.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 42

5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

a. biblical times
Throughout the great historical period covered by the biblical stories, there are many
references to musical activity in the life of ancient people. Music had an important place
in much of the life of the people of Israel. Some ancient songs, such as that of Mary and
Moses, relate to specific events such as the liberation of believers persecuted by
enemies, or holidays such as Easter. In religious services, musicians came from the Tribe
of Levi, as noted in 1 Chronicles 15:16 and Nehemiah 11:22 . The role of King David as a
musician stands out, who played his harp to calm the tormented spirit of King Saul, and
later obtained the right to appoint the temple musicians. David is also the primary
author of the Psalms.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 43

5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

Early Christianity
In the past, the Levites had been appointed temple singers and players, however, their
musical works were lost over the generations. In the year 70d. C., the Second Temple
was destroyed by the troops of Emperor Titus, and in the following years, the Levites,
along with most of the Jews fled Palestine. Some think that as a result synagogue music
lost the joyful character and the great instrumental forces that it initially had in the
Jewish Temple.
Various musicologists agree that much of Christian music at the beginning of the
millennium was influenced by Hebrew music and contained various musical features and
traditions of the Jewish people.

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 44

5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

Early Christianity
In general, little is known about the music of early Christianity because much of it was not
written down, but was primarily passed down orally from generation to generation.
Likewise, it is unknown what the melodies or rhythms of the music of the Christian
communities of the first centuries were like, although it is thought that the pieces consisted
of simple melodies that accompanied prayers and spiritual vocalic prayers.
It is believed that there may have been influence from Eastern Greek music because there
are musical records that were written in Greek; but this idea is not shared by many, since the
fact that the hymns were written in Greek does not necessarily imply the influence of Greek
music, in addition to the fact that little is known about the style and melody of Greek music
and its history. .

MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 45

5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

b. Early Christianity
• The Oxyrhincos papyrus is one of the first examples of Christian music at the beginning
of the millennium, of which there is an archaeological record. In this was found the
manuscript of a Christian hymn (P. Oxy. XV) which contained both the lyrics and the
musical notation. The text, in Greek, written in a poetic way, calls for silence so that
the Trinity can be praised. The music contained is completely diatonic, the notation is
hypolydian, and the meter is essentially anapestic. Musical paleography studies on the
musical structure of the papyrus denoted that the melody results from a group of
formulas characteristic of Semitic melodic composition that did not exist in ancient
Greek music. When Christianity spread throughout the Mediterranean countries, this
principle of musical composition was incorporated into the style of European music in
subsequent centuries.

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5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

c. Middle Ages
The uses that were given to music in the religious services of Christian communities
expanded during the Middle Ages, when it took on a more transcendental character in the
lives of people. With the division of the Roman Empire in the year 395, Christian chant in
Eastern Europe began to be characterized by its production in the Greek language, in
Byzantine chant, while, in Western Europe, it was produced more in the Latin language,
resembling more to Gregorian chant.
During its earliest manifestations in Europe, most music involved singing, either by the entire
congregation (montage) or by a singing subgroup, such as a choir or worship musical group.
Christian music was also produced in the Byzantine Empire. This usually manifested itself in
large buildings or closed places such as monasteries, cathedrals or temples.

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5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

c. Middle Ages
The Eastern Orthodox Churches preferred that the songs be performed in temples or places
of worship where the atmosphere was solemn and the sonority of the human voice was not
interrupted. The religious services of the Orthodox Church used phrases that came from
Jewish traditions and were sparsely accompanied by musical instruments, especially in the
temples of Byzantium and Macedonia. Some instruments used were the lute and bells.
Between the 5th and 6th centuries, Greek musical theory was made known by Boethius, and
it began to be used in the West with a Latin alphabetical notation. Later, musical reading was
organized according to its style in syllabic singing (psalmody), where each sign represented a
sound, or in melismatic singing (hymnal), where each syllable of the text represented several
sounds of different pitch.

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5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

c. Middle Ages
Plainchant (also known as Gregorian music) was used during the Middle Ages as a more
Western expression of religious art. In large contemplative monasteries such as the
Benedictines, countless unique songs were developed that were part of the praise and
musical heritage of the time. In this context, the musical contributions of Guido of
Arezzo and his relationship with Christianity stand out historically.

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5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

d. Renaissance
Because the Renaissance did not emerge at the same time throughout Europe, musical
and artistic progress manifested itself in various forms in different places, not always
innovating the medieval Christian musical tradition. Furthermore, it is considered that in
many areas of Christian music musical instruments that had been popular during the
Middle Ages, such as string instruments and percussion instruments, were reintroduced
to accompany various choirs. Then liturgical texts and musical antiphons were used that
continued to be used abundantly in subsequent centuries.

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5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

d. Renaissance
With the travels of Marco Polo and the discovery of the American continent, religious
worship music diversified. The Christmas carol stood out as one of the musical
expressions (mainly Catholic), emerging in the Iberian Peninsula as popular music that
took on a secular character within some towns, and spread to all of America.

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5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

Baroque music
During the Baroque period, Christian music became much more complex in terms of
instruments; The harpsichord, the organ and the piano were integrated both into the
architectural space and into the choirs and European Christian music orchestras. In
America and the East, music was a present form in the evangelization of native peoples,
especially in New Spain. The music of Christians in the Middle East was more indigenous
compared to the music of the American colonies and that of the Philippine Islands due to
the colonization process suffered by the indigenous peoples.

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5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

Baroque music
In the European Baroque there are several aesthetic manifestations within the musical
genres, it was the Italians and central Europeans who created compositions of Christian
music of such recognition that they are part of the classics. In the case of the Italian
cities, the Kingdom of Spain and the Kingdom of Portugal, there is a Mannerist current.
During the Baroque period in Europe, the choral prelude (for organ) was widely used.

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5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

Baroque music
Some of the best-known exponents of this type of compositions: Antonio Vivaldi
(composer of Gloria), Johann Sebastian Bach (greatest exponent of the baroque organ),
Dieterich Buxtehude, George Frideric Handel (one of the most influential of baroque
music, the symphony being of Halleluia one of the best known), François Couperin,
César Franck and Charles-Marie Widor to name a few. Several composers have written
notes of Christian instrumental music, within European music as acts of worship,
including the organ repertoire known by composers such as Olivier Messiaen, Louis
Vierne, Maurice Duruflé, and Jean Langlais.

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5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC f.

Instrumental music
Throughout history, mainly during Protestantism, Christian music in various circles was
characterized by being simply instrumental. During the Baroque period in Europe, the
choral prelude for the organ was widely used, which was reflected in popular hymn
pieces and classical music compositions. Some of the most prominent exponents of this
type of music include Johann Sebastian Bach with famous works such as Jesus, Joy of
Men and the St. Matthew Passion; Georg Friedrich Händel with The Messiah,
Buxtehude, Couperin, César Franck, Charles-Marie Widoramong others.

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5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

Christian hymns
Hymns are songs of praise and exaltation to God. Its use in Christian practice is
mentioned in the New Testament, in Matthew 26:30 when, after Jesus Christ and his
disciples had dined, it is reported that together they sang a hymn whose name is not
mentioned.
During the Protestant Reformation the appreciation of hymns gave rise to at least two
types of musical approaches. One was mainly Calvinist and radical, and considered that
Christian music would have to contain almost quotations from the Bible, or else it would
be rejected and banned. In some churches, instead of hymns, only biblical psalms were
chanted with very basic melodies that often had no instrumental accompaniment.

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5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

Christian hymns
Another, more flexible reformist approach allowed for an explosion of musical
compositions and congregational singing. One such reformer was Martin Luther, who
not only participated in the religious reform but was also the author of many hymns,
including Ein feste Burg unser Gott ist (A strong castle is our God), and Gelobet seist du,
Jesu Cristo ( Praise to You Jesus Christ). Luther and his supporters often used hymns or
choruses to teach principles of faith.

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5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

g. Christian hymns
• The first Protestant hymnal was published in Bohemia in 1532. On the other hand, Count
Zinzendorf, leader of the Moravian Church in the 18th century, wrote about 2,000 hymns.
Also early English writers tended to paraphrase biblical texts, especially the Psalms, for
example, Isaac Watts who is recognized as a great hymn composer, and is credited with the
first English hymn: "Behold the glories of the Lamb" ( Behold the glory of the Lamb).
Hymns and choral songs were also common in the Anglican church.
• The hymns of Charles Wesley and his brother John stood out not only within Methodism,
but in many Protestant churches, since they developed an approach in which personal
feelings were expressed that reflected a lyric that spoke of a personal relationship with
God, and the desire for His praise.

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5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

g. Christian hymns
• Wesley's contributions, coupled with the Second Great Awakening in the United States,
helped form the background of a new style that would be known as gospel. Thus
began a new stage in the history of Christian music, in which there was an explosion of
Christian compositions by lyricists and musicians, of which Fanny Crosby, Lina Sandell,
Philip Bliss, Ira D. Sankey, and other songwriters who participated in revivals, camp
meetings, and evangelistic crusades. The style or melodic form of such works is
generally designated as "gospel songs," as opposed to hymns. Gospel songs include a
chorus (or chorus) and usually (but not always) a faster tempo than hymns. As
examples of the distinction, "Amazing Grace" is a hymn (without a chorus), while "How
Great Thou Art" is a gospel song.

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5. C
As a result of musical innovations and the passage of time, elements of Christian music from
HRISTIAN MUSIC

past eras were combined with new styles that were being formed by African-American
American Christians, who composed everything from hymns to the so-called black
spirituals, and work songs that They reflected the Christian faith. The songs diversified
until they formed the gospel genre and paved the way to further expand the variety of

5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC

Christian hymns
subsequent musical styles. The spiritual blacks were songs accompanied by great choral
content and participation of the Christian congregation, and these were present in
Methodist, Episcopal, Baptist, and non-denominational churches, among others.

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5. CHRISTIAN MUSIC
5.2 HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC
Christian music was transformed little by little until it consolidated what is known as the so-called
contemporary Christian music, which dates back to the second half of the 20th century. This was
mainly cultivated by various denominations, highlighting the evangelical ones.

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1 Corinthians 14:33 (BTX3) “for God is not one of disorder (G181), but of peace, as in all the
churches of the saints.”
Akatastasia ( ἀ καταστασία, G181), instability, (a, negative; kata, down; stasis, to be), denotes
a state of disorder, disturbance, confusion, disorder.
God has given us the greatest example of order in all of his word and we will specifically see it
in Genesis with creation. He took on the task of creating an ideal environment for when his
greatest creation arrived and was placed in Eden and we see that at the end of each day we
can read: “And God saw that it was good.”
1 Corinthians 14:40 “But let everything be done decently and in order.”
Two actions that must be applied to any service within the Church: Preparation and Order .
So we can say that “ biblical protocol ” is considered essential for order in our service to God.

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6.
. CONGREGATIONAL PRAISE
CONGREGATIONAL PRAISE

πρωτ ό κολλον “ protocol ” which is a Greek word that derives from πρωτ ό “ first ” κολλον “
to stick, adhere ”; And it means: Set of first instructions or rules that must be established for a
service. The protocol was the first sheet of instruction that was attached to the scroll or
parchment of certain ancient acts or ceremonies.
Understanding this then we can see that within the congregational praise service there is an
order according to the Bible, although it may vary depending on the movement of the Holy
Spirit and this is identified by the praise director, but generally we can see it this way:
6.1 ENTER WITH THANKSGIVING - Psalm 100:4a
6.2 GO FORWARD WITH PRAISE - Psalm 100:4b
6.3 COME WITH WORSHIP - Psalm 95:6

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6.1 ENTER WITH THANKSGIVING
Psalm 100:4a “Enter his doors with thanksgiving,”
Thanksgiving:
IT IS OUR RESPONSE TO YOUR WORKS IN OUR FAVOR
Psalm 103:1-5 Bless the Lord, my soul, and let my whole being bless his holy name. Bless the Lord,
my soul, and do not forget any of his benefits. They are the one…
Forgive all your iniquities
Heal all your ailments
Rescue your life from the hole
Crowns you with favors and mercies
Satisfy your mouth with goodness so that you become rejuvenated like the eagle.

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6. 6.1 ENTER WITH THANKSGIVING
CONGREGATIONAL PRAISE

Gratitude is the mother of all virtues, and ingratitude is the mother of all vices.
Thanksgiving Process:
to. Remember

b. To
meditate
c.
Appreciat
d. Express

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6. CONGREGATIONAL PRAISE

6.2 ADVANCE WITH PRAISE

Psalm 100:4b Through his courts with praise; Praise him, bless his name.
We don't move forward because instead of PRAISE we are
complaining.
Praise:
OUR RESPONSE TO ITS ATTRIBUTES.
Big • Merciful
Powerful
•
Majestic
Beautiful
•Faithf
Winner
• Strong
ul
Kind
• Admirable…etc.
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6. CONGREGATIONAL PRAISE

6.3 COME WITH WORSHIP

Psalm 95:6 Come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker.
Worship:
IT IS OUR RESPONSE TO HIS PRESENCE.
True worship They are not melancholic or sad songs, true worship is an attitude that is accompanied
with singing and music.
Worship is: OBEDIENCE, SUBMISSION, SURRENDER, SURRENDER AND SACRIFICE.

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MUSIC, PRAISE AND WORSHIP 66
7. SITUATION IN THE CURRENT CHURCH

a. Praise and worship times or SHOWS?

1. Nowadays it is notorious that in many churches there is a “Show” instead of times of Praise
and Worship in which God is exalted and glorified. Let us remember that our praise and
worship must be directed only to our God. And we can find four points on which we can
meditate.
2. The focus is not on God
3. Popular influence
4. It weakens true Christian music
• “The musician is an artist, but the Christian musician is a minister”
5. Vulgarizes Christian music

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7. SITUATION IN THE CURRENT CHURCH

b. Beware of “white or neutral music”

• What is White or Neutral Music? They are songs performed by musicians generally
recognized as Christians, who, although they hint at Christian truths, do not expose them
directly, nor are they addressed to God, their lyrics only deal with ethical concepts generally in
accordance with Christianity without committing to any Biblical truth or taking sides with no
particular theological position.
• In this type of music the lyrics are not committed to anything. You may not be a Christian
and love the song. These songs have no Biblical foundation, but they use beautiful and striking
concepts that seem to be Biblical, but are only humanistic.
•andIncan
these songs we can see that the subject to whom the song is addressed is not established
be taken for God as for someone else.

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7. SITUATION IN THE CURRENT CHURCH

b. Beware of “white or neutral music”

•This leads us to say that Christian music must have a Biblical approach, an approach where
Christ remains the center.
•One of the greatest current dangers is superficiality, it is the little interest in the study of the
word of God.
•Music expresses emotions, but it must have a very clear and defined message; But if only
music moves the emotion and does not reach the intellect, it does not fulfill the function it
should fulfill.
•In the church, music should not be an end in itself, that is, singing for the sake of singing or
playing instruments for the sake of playing them.

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7. SITUATION IN THE CURRENT CHURCH

b. Beware of “white or neutral music”

• But music must be understood as a very appropriate, very valuable vehicle of worship,
which must express a message, which must have lyrics that exalt, that adore God, that pay
tribute to the only one who deserves it.
• Something that we must be very clear about is that in order to identify if a song has neutral
content and does not identify the subject of worship, it is the Holy Spirit who reveals to us
whether or not it worships God.

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7. SITUATION IN THE CURRENT CHURCH
Exampl Babylon, there we sat down Yeah, we wept, when
we remembered Zion//
es of
secular music “white There the wicked Carried us away in captivity
or Required from us a song
Now how shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange
neutral land?
music”
Psalm 137:1-4 (21st Century King James Version)
1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down;
Rivers of yea, we wept when we remembered Zion.
Babylon 2
We hung our harps upon the willows in the midst
(Boney of it.
M.) 3
For there they that carried us away captive
//By the required of us a song, and they that wasted us
rivers of required of us mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the

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7.
songsSITUATION
4
of Zion!”
IN THE CURRENT CHURCH

How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?

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7. SITUATION IN THE CURRENT CHURCH

Examples of
“white or
secular music
neutral music”

//Jesus Christ,
Jesus Christ, Jesus
Christ, I am here//
I look at the sky
and I see a white
cloud that is
passing I look at
the Earth and I see

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7. SITUATION IN THE CURRENT CHURCH

a crowd that is walking Like that white cloud, those people

do not know where they are going Who can tell them: "the
true path is our Lord"?
//Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, I am here//
All that crowd carries love and peace in their chests
And, despite everything, hope increases more
Looking at the flower that is born in the soil of the one who
has love
I look at the sky and feel my faith in my Savior increase.

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7. SITUATION IN THE CURRENT CHURCH

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7. SITUATION IN THE CURRENT CHURCH

Examples of “white or neutral music”

Therefore, for a long time I wanted to find the solution to

that great emptiness that I had inside me I tried everything,
wherever I wanted I looked for you You were my need, I
raised my face and
You came and everything changed
You arrived, hope triumphed
You arrived, I was born again
You arrived (Jesse & Joy)

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7. SITUATION IN THE CURRENT CHURCH

Examples of “white or neutral music”

Christian music"
It's beautiful to be asleep with your heart awake, it's so nice
to see you and so sweet to listen.
You alone, hope my beloved, are in the colors, in the roses
that bloom, are in my songs, in the wind and the sea.
You stole my heart even though I was forgotten and I like to
be like this with my heart in love with you

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7. SITUATION IN THE CURRENT CHURCH

Examples of “white or neutral music”

Christian music"
How to heal a wound, When forgiving is so difficult
And when forgetting is not possible, How to face life With a
heart in pieces When disappointment
It breaks your world and hits a low blow
I never imagined crying your deception
In the midst of pain My strength was my faith And in my
lament Looking for breath Look up to the sky and ask

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7.Examples of “white or neutral music”
SITUATION IN THE CURRENT CHURCH

Christian music"
Yesterday I saw you, it was clearer than the moon
There were no doubts left in me, it was a clear appearance
My heart jumped when I saw you
Yesterday I saw you, after looking for you so much before the sun rose
And ask you to let me see your face in prayer, yesterday I saw you
I saw you in the troubled face of a terminally ill patient Without hope of living, tired of suffering so
I sawyesterday I saw you
much,
you in
I saw
you in
I saw

a street child without a place to sleep

his hands
MUSIC, extended
PRAISE asking for bread to live
AND WORSHIP 82
his pleading eyes and his hesitant smile, yesterday I saw
7. SITUATION IN THE CURRENT CHURCH

Beware of “white or neutral music”

We cannot also disqualify songs of praise and worship from ministers of God who have been
inspired by the Holy Spirit just because they do not mention Jesus or God or the Holy Spirit,
but we can see that their lyrics contain their attributes and it is clear who they are. that is
being sung. We can find that the book of Psalms is full of the name of God in its verses, but
we can also see that the book of Esther does not mention God in any of its verses and that
does not mean that his presence and essence is within this book. . So the only filter we have
to be able to see whether or not it is music that praises God or not, is the Holy Spirit. But we
must see that it is very important that God be established as the subject to whom it is
directed.

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7. SITUATION IN THE CURRENT CHURCH

c. God does not like any type of “worship”

•The prophets of old warned the people of Israel that much of the worship they offered to God, he
hated. Let's look at the strong terms in which God expressed this:

•Isaiah 1:12-14 "Who requires this at your hands, when you come to stand before me to trample my
courts? Bring me no more vain offering; incense is an abomination to me; new moon and day of rest,
calling assemblies, I cannot bear it; your solemn festivals are iniquity. My soul hates your new moons
and your solemn festivals; They are burdensome to me; "I'm tired of enduring them."
Amos 5:21-24 "I have hated, I have abhorred your solemnities, and I will have no pleasure in your
•assemblies. And if you offer me your burnt offerings and your offerings, I will not receive them, nor will
I look at the peace offerings of your fat animals. Take away from me the multitude of your songs, for I
will not hear the psalmodies of your instruments. But let judgment roll down like waters, and justice
like a mighty stream. “

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d. Worshiping incorrectly can be dangerous

•We must keep in mind that the true worshiper always approaches God aware of his own
unworthiness. Let us remember the words of the prophet Isaiah when he saw the Lord on his
high and lifted throne: Isaiah 6:5 "Then I said, 'Woe is me! that I am dead; For being a man of
unclean lips, and dwelling among a people that have unclean lips, my eyes have seen the King,
Jehovah of hosts."
•Job's words: Job 42:5-6 "I had heard you by hearsay; but now my eyes see you. Therefore I hate
myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
•those of the apostle Peter: Luke 5:8 "When Simon Peter saw this, he fell on his knees before
Jesus, saying, Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man."

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7.
d. Worshiping incorrectly can be dangerous
SITUATION IN THE CURRENT CHURCH

We too must recover this holy fear and reverence before the Lord, not forgetting that God is a
•consuming fire ( Hebrews 12:28-28 “ Therefore, since we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let
us have gratitude, and through it let us serve God, pleasing Him with fear and reverence; " ).
Let us take note and pay attention to the case of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of the high priest Aaron,
who offered strange fire that God had not asked of them and were consumed by it within the same
•tabernacle ( Leviticus 10:2 “Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, each of them took his censer, and put fire
in them, on which they put incense, and they offered strange fire before the Lord, which he never
commanded them. 2 And fire came out from before the Lord and burned them, and they died before the
Lord.” ).

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8. WORSHIP THAT PLEASES GOD

John 4:20-24
During his conversation with the Samaritan woman, the Lord addressed the topic of worship
with a completely new breadth and depth. In this way he answered the woman's concerns,
also leaving us with very valuable information that we need to be able to offer God a worship
that is to his liking. Because we must not forget that worshiping God is a very serious matter
that we cannot take lightly. And this passage warns us of the possibility of believing that we
are worshiping God, when in reality what we do may be something very different. For
example, the Lord disqualified the worship of the Samaritans when he told the woman: "You
worship what you do not know." Therefore, it is important that we learn from His Word how
we should do it so as not to make similar mistakes.

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8. WORSHIP THAT PLEASES GOD

to. Worship is not an optional activity

We must also say that this recognition of the absolute dignity of God that we do through
worship is not an optional activity. God is looking for his people to be a people of
worshippers, who proclaim the virtues of him who called them out of darkness into his
marvelous light ( 1 Peter 2:9 ). The theme is so important that it appears again and again
throughout the entire Bible.
It all began in the Garden of Eden when man decided he was going to stop worshiping God.
Later, God called Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans to form from him a people who, leaving
the pagan gods that were around them, would worship the only true God. In this way, both
Abraham, his son Isaac and his grandson Jacob were characterized as men of the tent and
altar, that is, pilgrims and worshipers.

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8. WORSHIP THAT PLEASES GOD

to. Worship is not an optional activity

• In the book of Exodus we see that God sent Moses to free Israel from slavery in Egypt so that
they could worship him. In this sense it is interesting to note the fight that Pharaoh had with
Moses with the purpose of preventing the people from worshiping God. At first he refused
completely, but after the various plagues took their toll on him, he gave in, but always setting
conditions: in principle, forcing them to offer their sacrifices to God within the land of Egypt (
Exodus 8:25). -27 ), then allowing only the men of the people to go ( Exodus 10:8-11 ), later
preventing them from bringing animals for sacrifice ( Exodus 10:24-26 ), until finally, as it
could not be otherwise So he let them leave without conditions so that they could worship
their God outside of Egypt with everything they were and had.

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 8. WORSHIP THAT PLEASES GOD

to. Worship is not an optional activity

• Later, we see throughout all the historical and prophetic books of the Old Testament the
emphasis and importance that worship had in the life of the people of Israel. In relation to
this, King David played a very important role, because he had it in his heart to build a
permanent house for God where his people could worship him. And although he could not
materialize the project, he left everything ready for his son Solomon to carry it out. This
example was also followed by some of the kings who succeeded them on the throne, but in
contrast to this, we must highlight the sin of Jeroboam, the king who made Israel sin by
building two places of idolatrous worship, which served to the people will abandon the
worship of Jehovah. Many were the prophets who denounced their sin and called upon the
nation to turn to the worship of the one true God. Unfortunately they were not successful,
and because of their insistence on following the pagan gods, the nation was taken into
captivity; Israel to Assyria and Judah to Babylon.

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8. WORSHIP THAT PLEASES GOD

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8. WORSHIP THAT PLEASES GOD

to. Worship is not an optional activity

The apostles who preached the gospel in the midst of pagan cultures had the objective of reconciling
men with the only true God, so that they would become his worshipers. Paul exhorted the idolaters of
Lystra in this way: "And saying, Men, why do you this? We also are men like you, proclaiming to you that
you should turn from these vanities to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that
is in them" ( Acts 14:15 ). And in another place, the same apostle denounced the pagans in Rome “For
when they knew God, they did not glorify him as God, nor give thanks to him, but they became futile in
their thoughts, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and
changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of an image of corruptible man, of birds, of
four-footed animals, and of reptiles. Therefore God also gave them over to uncleanness, in the lusts of
their hearts, so that they dishonored their own bodies among themselves, since they exchanged the truth
of God for a lie, honoring and worshiping the creatures rather than the Creator. , which is blessed forever.
Amen" ( Romans 1:21-25 ). And this attitude of man always attracts the wrath of God upon him.

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a. Worship is not an optional activity

In the book of Revelation we see that the constant activity in heaven is worship. In fact, this book
teaches us that the act that determines our final destiny is worship: Will we worship God or the
beast and his image? We all worship something, even if we don't realize it. If we do not worship
God, we will worship something or someone else. And in Revelation we see that the end of our
story is decided by the question of whom we worship.
It is clear throughout all biblical revelation that the purpose for which we have been created and
redeemed is so that we may be worshipers of God. And as we said, this is not an optional activity,
but as King David did, we must continually exhort ourselves to worship him:
Psalms 103:1-2 "Bless the Lord, my soul, and let my whole being bless his holy name. Bless the Lord,
my soul, and forget not any of his benefits."

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b. Public and private worship

• Many Christians assume that certain church gatherings have a special relationship to
worship, and this is undoubtedly entirely correct. But it is possible to make the mistake of
thinking that only in these meetings can we worship God. Thinking like this would be a serious
mistake, because God expects us to worship him in every moment of our lives. Therefore,
along with our daily prayer time we must also dedicate time to worship.
• In reality, the times we dedicate in church meetings to praise God are a reflection of what
we do daily in intimacy with the Lord. If we do not spend time each day worshiping God, our
attitude toward our brothers in meetings will be cold. And the pastor or the worship group
cannot be held solely responsible for this. Every believer must be prepared to worship God.

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. Public and private worship

Let us remember the ordinance in the Old Testament that forbade any Israelite to appear
before the Lord empty-handed ( Exodus 23:15 ) ( Exodus 34:20 ). The type of offerings could
vary; there were calves, sheep, goats or even pigeons. A person could bring anything from an
animal as large as a calf to one as small as a palomino, but in no way could he go empty-
handed. And now in our time, we cannot gather together and expect to see what the pastors
or the praisers have prepared, unloading on them all our responsibility to worship God. Each
of us must get involved in it, and for this it is essential to be prepared from our homes, having
spent time each day of the week in the presence of the Lord.

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Worship and service

Sometimes worship can seem very theoretical and abstract, but there is no way we can understand it
that way. The Lord Jesus taught us that worship and service have to be closely linked. ( Matthew 4:10 )
"Then Jesus said to him, Go away, Satan, for it is written: You shall worship the Lord your God, and him
only you shall serve."
Worship that does not involve our service to God is not true. Doing it well involves giving God our
energy, time, work, loyalty, love, everything we are and have.
And it also involves service to our fellow human beings.
Hebrews 13:16 "And do not forget to do good and to help one another; for God is pleased with such
sacrifices."
Philippians 4:18 "But I have received all things, and have abundance; I am full, having received from
Epaphroditus what you sent; a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God."

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