Saturday, October 12, 2024

Reflection - In The Church - Worship And Theology

Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 35, "Worship And Theology", Page 184.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


 When A. W. Tozer declared that worship was the 'missing jewel' in the church
PHOTO: When A. W. Tozer declared that worship was the "missing jewel" in the church, [1a] it was early 20th century, when the church was more concerned about other things. Today, however, worship has become a central issue. This demonstrates a healthy interest in something that should be a core experience for all Christians.

Unfortunately, conversations about worship often focus on taste rather than truth. This is unsurprising in our day and age, when absolute truth and objective values are unfashionable concepts. Everything is said to be relative, depending on one's opinions and taste. Subjective experience has replaced objective truth. The entertainment industry is plugged in to these postmodern ideas, as their fleeting and often superficial products demonstrate.

Such trends have affected the church and its worship. Much time is spent on entertaining worshippers and ensuring their comfort. But it is precisely such matters that engage the peripheral issue of taste and not the central issue of truth. The question to ask is not "How do we make worship enjoyable?", but "How should we worship God?". This is where theology comes in.

Our Lord Jesus said that His Father in heaven is looking for worshippers who can worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). Jesus then declared: "God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). Note the close connection between theology and worship. The phrase "God is spirit" is a theological statement, saying something about who God is. This theological statement is quickly followed by a description (or rather, a prescription) of the way God is to be worshipped.

The relationship between right theology and right worship is seen throughout Scripture. Worship is not simply a matter of finding creative ways to express positive sentiments towards God. Before right worship can take place, there must be revelation. We can only worship on the basis of what God has revealed of himself to us. Attempting to worship God without basing it on revelation would lead to idolatry, as we so often discover in the Old Testament.

When Moses was with God on the mountain receiving God's law and commands, the Israelites became impatient and engaged in worship without revelation, or worship without theology (Deuteronomy 9). They ended up with a golden calf. Moses was greatly angered and God's heart was broken by the people's idolatry.

God gave Israel clear and specific instructions on how to worship Him, especially from Exodus 25 onwards and various parts of the book of Leviticus. All these instructions tell us something about what God has revealed concerning himself.

When we come to the New Testament, we meet doubting Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples. Thomas did not believe the testimony of his fellow disciples that the Master had indeed been raised from the dead. So, when the risen Christ appeared to Thomas in bodily form, Christ invited Thomas to feel His nail-pierced hands. The sight of the risen Lord stirred up the apostle's soul. Thomas worshipped Jesus by addressing Him as "my Lord and my God" (John 20:28). Note again the connection between revelation and worship, between right knowledge of God and right worship of God.

Theology is often dismissed as esoteric (secret) or irrelevant, even by Christians. Somehow, theology and worship, or theology and discipleship, are seen as antithetical (contrary to), completely opposed.

But what actually is theology? Literally, "theology" refers to the study of God. It is the disciplined reflection on what Scripture says about God, man, and creation. From this reflection, we develop statements we call "doctrines". Thus, theology is the church's reflection on God's revealed truth. Theology is essential if we want our worship and work to be guided by God's truth.

Let us confine our discussion here to how our doctrines guide our worship. Take, for instance, our belief in the Trinity. We believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And yet, in worship, we sometimes get all confused. I remember a young worship leader who would pray to "Father Jesus" during the service! I discussed the matter with him and corrected him. I have also heard leaders addressing the Father in prayer and thanking Him for dying on the cross for us, when in fact they were referring to His Son, Jesus.

The Holy Spirit is a Person, but Christians often think of Him as some impersonal force. I once heard a preacher comparing the Holy Spirit to jet fuel and urging his listeners to have more of the Holy Spirit. Suffice to say that right doctrine and good theology help us to ensure that the right words are used in worship, for words have great influence on us.

Beyond words, right doctrine and good theology also have an impact on our attitudes in worship. If we believe that God is holy and awesome, our worship should reflect the reverence due Him. Alas, such reverence is missing in much of the worship in churches today. If we believe that God is present with us when we worship, we would not be casual or nonchalant before Him, as may sometimes be the case. If we believe that we are sinners, we would come to worship God with repentant and humble hearts. But how many of our services contain adequate time for confession and repentance?

If we believe that the Bible is the Word of God, how much attention should we give to the reading and preaching of the Word? How do our doctrines of the universal church, death, and eternal life affect our services? What truths would an observer of our worship discover about God and man? The way we worship will reveal what we actually believe, and what we actually believe will affect the way we worship.

It is therefore important that we allow doctrine to guide our devotion. Otherwise, our devotion risks being idolatrous or superficial. God's truth matters. It must determine, shape, and inspire our worship. Worship is our response to God's truth. In the words of English hymnwriter and theologian F. W. Faber, "deep theology is the best fuel of devotion, it readily catches fire, and once kindled it burns long". [2] Sound doctrine produces true devotion. True devotion deepens sound doctrine. Doctrine and devotion are not strangers, or even distant cousins. They are more like hammer and nail. They make sense when they are seen together.
Picture posted by Effie Darlene Barba on 15 September 2020, Inspiring Joy in Lifes Toughest Moments
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVBxxnDgOk8Jb9HG3U-1FIG_XYGdKYdF0lyoH0IS8CETPXxlESh2QP915cYGBvl8L810bPhd9YJiZ1KKQWogBsSfwEESOe0_AZdvzM7D5HU9orU4MahUecxsfBAC-JgkAnzTsoWhalotTfboswFt9khN8Rr2KmfO8iDXGKkSigJcri21gNkZl63iGb-Y/s1024/kacas0354.png
https://i0.wp.com/myglorytoglory.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/kacas0354.jpg
https://myglorytoglory.com/blog/to-the-glory-of-his-grace/


When A. W. Tozer declared that worship was the "missing jewel" in the church, [1a] it was early 20th century, when the church was more concerned about other things. Today, however, worship has become a central issue. This demonstrates a healthy interest in something that should be a core experience for all Christians.


 When A. W. Tozer declared that worship was the 'missing jewel' in the church
PHOTO: When A. W. Tozer declared that worship was the "missing jewel" in the church, [1a] it was early 20th century, when the church was more concerned about other things. Today, however, worship has become a central issue. This demonstrates a healthy interest in something that should be a core experience for all Christians.
Picture posted by Paula on 31 August 2016
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN8b2E6pgDAK0EYyz1qjff2N0FBM2zWtIi2GNTddqPris0Bw85TVcEblNowJ_QWws9tHhNWwZuH6lXerOMZZCtqPnOuTCCpNx1QLHoUWwQIZUmex-5pZd4xspy6r03HQa0T40kS4AhVTb1eH-DnE3FfMx0MheL27ZZ5zwU4HlYm-Sq7aweizJiQhVFX4/s709/tozer-image.jpg
https://paulageister.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/tozer-image.jpg
https://paulageister.com/2016/08/31/15-a-w-tozer-quotes/


Unfortunately, conversations about worship often focus on taste rather than truth. This is unsurprising in our day and age, when absolute truth and objective values are unfashionable concepts. Everything is said to be relative, depending on one's opinions and taste. Subjective experience has replaced objective truth. The entertainment industry is plugged in to these postmodern ideas, as their fleeting and often superficial products demonstrate.

Such trends have affected the church and its worship. Much time is spent on entertaining worshippers and ensuring their comfort. But it is precisely such matters that engage the peripheral issue of taste and not the central issue of truth. The question to ask is not "How do we make worship enjoyable?", but "How should we worship God?". This is where theology comes in.


 Unfortunately, conversations about worship often focus on taste rather than truth.
PHOTO: Unfortunately, conversations about worship often focus on taste rather than truth. This is unsurprising in our day and age, when absolute truth and objective values are unfashionable concepts. Everything is said to be relative, depending on one's opinions and taste. Subjective experience has replaced objective truth. The entertainment industry is plugged in to these postmodern ideas, as their fleeting and often superficial products demonstrate.
Picture posted by Ann Wooten-Taylor - Eating As an Act of Worship
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82xhxtD5sIxLfHoNj_sU3XSq3tkGs-iAN4f9Hfnpha6dItz4ybZNqwzFUp6o7zHTO-NQytjfIKAhOpteVBSv_Y0zCn_y7eypJcpVmYmQyVY1K3XWmLCj48rKczlMojgrPqiGlOUZTlADhwCajvmJy0zpqQTyukJD0i_FwHxyDbqbN5lswVOcbp3pPCqs/s1360/71XS2a1cUtL._SL1360_.jpg
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71XS2a1cUtL._SL1360_.jpg
https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Ann-Wooten-Taylor/dp/1939654645


Our Lord Jesus said that His Father in heaven is looking for worshippers who can worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). Jesus then declared: "God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). Note the close connection between theology and worship. The phrase "God is spirit" is a theological statement, saying something about who God is. This theological statement is quickly followed by a description (or rather, a prescription) of the way God is to be worshipped.


 Our Lord Jesus said that His Father in heaven is looking for worshippers who can worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23).
PHOTO: Our Lord Jesus said that His Father in heaven is looking for worshippers who can worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23). Jesus then declared: "God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in the Spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). Note the close connection between theology and worship. The phrase "God is spirit" is a theological statement, saying something about who God is. This theological statement is quickly followed by a description (or rather, a prescription) of the way God is to be worshipped.
Picture generated by freepik AI generator - John 4:23
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuqNyyA6kokQeN5hhBD3WT-UzK16UspU4IPl_SVdR_5eIlH4Y08IgekTw8A480ejCJ3K-k0-mD6zLFlkm3BpAx9XBFg6yI3TbFS9lVFpae9hLC_rEQGohpfSKIYvz3uCA4PoStJykmuUb7IXoAqfmmZ6IaqxG_51A-oaPDzHTAfVTyUqzpKpCqJAFjmI/s1152/pikaso_edit_Candid-image-photography-natural-textures-highly-r.jpeg
pikaso_edit_Candid-image-photography-natural-textures-highly-r.jpeg
https://www.freepik.com/pikaso/ai-image-generator?prompt=kampong&style=noStyle#from_element=landing_tti


The relationship between right theology and right worship is seen throughout Scripture. Worship is not simply a matter of finding creative ways to express positive sentiments towards God. Before right worship can take place, there must be revelation. We can only worship on the basis of what God has revealed of himself to us. Attempting to worship God without basing it on revelation would lead to idolatry, as we so often discover in the Old Testament.


 The relationship between right theology and right worship is seen throughout Scripture.
PHOTO: The relationship between right theology and right worship is seen throughout Scripture. Worship is not simply a matter of finding creative ways to express positive sentiments towards God. Before right worship can take place, there must be revelation. We can only worship on the basis of what God has revealed of himself to us. Attempting to worship God without basing it on revelation would lead to idolatry, as we so often discover in the Old Testament.
Picture posted by J. B. Grant
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrxKG9uJQouc49fa-js7vYvNDmkSvXfmbuzykslqxWPUMTxrc-WDwPHvAG0NkBFRwYF4tGA7YplcIN-Ytn7wDR9PtmTB5ldpt_pNOBg8OtxQIXE52KK1DtNDmSrp6fvqxV9d3nzwZZIx4pIB_Rkdj8Nv7D7JK9WJWISdQ5Vwb659Apnsrzen0gjoL3DI/s864/AWAAQAHQ-P436778-696x864_1.jpg
https://www.framedart.com/product-images/AWAAQAHQ-P436778.jpg
https://www.framedart.com/grant/praying-hands-print-436778.htm


When Moses was with God on the mountain receiving God's law and commands, the Israelites became impatient and engaged in worship without revelation, or worship without theology (Deuteronomy 9). They ended up with a golden calf. Moses was greatly angered and God's heart was broken by the people's idolatry.

God gave Israel clear and specific instructions on how to worship Him, especially from Exodus 25 onwards and various parts of the book of Leviticus. All these instructions tell us something about what God has revealed concerning himself.


 When Moses was with God on the mountain receiving God's law and commands, the Israelites became impatient and engaged in worship without revelation, or worship without theology (Deuteronomy 9).
PHOTO: When Moses was with God on the mountain receiving God's law and commands, the Israelites became impatient and engaged in worship without revelation, or worship without theology (Deuteronomy 9). They ended up with a golden calf. Moses was greatly angered and God's heart was broken by the people's idolatry.
Picture posted by Secuit Cedings on 29 July 2021
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHULHEmgyFm3O-lUA096xm5gS3v_XJfFGarGGkv0sGkIKphoF3hCRpJCXiHRjg_f7ZHEwfj99TCuDR6qiFJ7jHIbrNJcjkI7L7J-1hzQw3kpKd076xGYWGkFGGXHWZlXBwuiJK4HLVsGhlxNFx9UYWhrRSBas9cIClJytq597dtyiv0UePSaZkRXNsNo/s1200/scale_1200.jpg
https://avatars.dzeninfra.ru/get-zen_doc/1222384/pub_6102b82d0479b84845b0ef17_6102b88c6eab830cce31bc2c/scale_1200
https://dzen.ru/a/YQK4LQR5uEhFsO8X


When we come to the New Testament, we meet doubting Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples. Thomas did not believe the testimony of his fellow disciples that the Master had indeed been raised from the dead. So, when the risen Christ appeared to Thomas in bodily form, Christ invited Thomas to feel His nail-pierced hands. The sight of the risen Lord stirred up the apostle's soul. Thomas worshipped Jesus by addressing Him as "my Lord and my God" (John 20:28). Note again the connection between revelation and worship, between right knowledge of God and right worship of God.

Theology is often dismissed as esoteric (secret) or irrelevant, even by Christians. Somehow, theology and worship, or theology and discipleship, are seen as antithetical (contrary to), completely opposed.


 When we come to the New Testament, we meet doubting Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples.
PHOTO: When we come to the New Testament, we meet doubting Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples. Thomas did not believe the testimony of his fellow disciples that the Master had indeed been raised from the dead. So, when the risen Christ appeared to Thomas in bodily form, Christ invited Thomas to feel His nail-pierced hands. The sight of the risen Lord stirred up the apostle's soul. Thomas worshipped Jesus by addressing Him as "my Lord and my God" (John 20:28). Note again the connection between revelation and worship, between right knowledge of God and right worship of God.
Picture posted by Rev. Kathleen Henrion on  28 April 2014
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7pJkcH8cE9GyKc0Ft8pZ2ZLL0nCsTM-577ZEHbNVc7u_fXXn9dF3dOpU_AnR2vb97RNUD6BFRY2HgArVQN3vOHUmmVsx61dQOKydSHH2tyQlrsh6bL5Tqb1v8QlpRAQEkDyRTNSqBG5mnQPipG25wIG5q7gAfnepeXZPY739SBHGsddvLYTNt1Q_e5I/s966/slide-6-hands.jpg
https://presbydestrian.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/slide-6-hands.jpg
https://presbydestrian.wordpress.com/tag/doubting-thomas/


But what actually is theology? Literally, "theology" refers to the study of God. It is the disciplined reflection on what Scripture says about God, man, and creation. From this reflection, we develop statements we call "doctrines". Thus, theology is the church's reflection on God's revealed truth. Theology is essential if we want our worship and work to be guided by God's truth.

Let us confine our discussion here to how our doctrines guide our worship. Take, for instance, our belief in the Trinity. We believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And yet, in worship, we sometimes get all confused. I remember a young worship leader who would pray to "Father Jesus" during the service! I discussed the matter with him and corrected him. I have also heard leaders addressing the Father in prayer and thanking Him for dying on the cross for us, when in fact they were referring to His Son, Jesus.


 But what actually is theology?
PHOTO: But what actually is theology? Literally, "theology" refers to the study of God. It is the disciplined reflection on what Scripture says about God, man, and creation. From this reflection, we develop statements we call "doctrines". Thus, theology is the church's reflection on God's revealed truth. Theology is essential if we want our worship and work to be guided by God's truth.
Picture posted by G. Connor Salter on 24 June 2024
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH7YWf8cXvw4ssfj24pn6WcQ3mxgT__lh_r4gyKJ_qas2fTPpCiXY6iZdxvh9WOSHLIgnCwgG63l_vjo2I7YsgaoX2DbDvbLp0FLUSPVghdA5oIv8wPNE4K7TYeBdZv9O_kX4fCsvv1tWQwx18aq9k_QmDfHGIWQWeHLYjO0bJOSIuIe2xkNqspwPtJA/s950/36454-god-in-storm-clouds_source_file.png
https://i.swncdn.com/media/950w/via/images/2024/06/19/36454/36454-god-in-storm-clouds_source_file.webp
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/god/do-we-know-what-god-looks-like.html


The Holy Spirit is a Person, but Christians often think of Him as some impersonal force. I once heard a preacher comparing the Holy Spirit to jet fuel and urging his listeners to have more of the Holy Spirit. Suffice to say that right doctrine and good theology help us to ensure that the right words are used in worship, for words have great influence on us.

Beyond words, right doctrine and good theology also have an impact on our attitudes in worship. If we believe that God is holy and awesome, our worship should reflect the reverence due Him. Alas, such reverence is missing in much of the worship in churches today. If we believe that God is present with us when we worship, we would not be casual or nonchalant before Him, as may sometimes be the case. If we believe that we are sinners, we would come to worship God with repentant and humble hearts. But how many of our services contain adequate time for confession and repentance?


 The Holy Spirit is a Person, but Christians often think of Him as some impersonal force.
PHOTO: The Holy Spirit is a Person, but Christians often think of Him as some impersonal force. I once heard a preacher comparing the Holy Spirit to jet fuel and urging his listeners to have more of the Holy Spirit. Suffice to say that right doctrine and good theology help us to ensure that the right words are used in worship, for words have great influence on us.
Picture posted by Deacon R. Christoph Sandoval on 14 May 2023 - THE HOLY SPIRIT: A DIVINE PERSON
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoM7gAsKuu6HGh48PyxeABCPJBFNNemOAoCPUoDjTy9SIcYyTvk440VJmPcqXNs4-GHGNjwdOMc4bh9N4y3G6mglhJEpOcN4SybvjXSQMyhNkX7aPqroxfgovlaqmp2weP2uabZBVSyHfEkD4TE87WzIoN8_GRdMBbl8Jvg33YrtCcty5o2hrgAosjUMY/s622/1684017471790.jpg
https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/v2/D5612AQGVVmS3lgjdcg/article-cover_image-shrink_720_1280/article-cover_image-shrink_720_1280/0/1684017471790?e=1733961600&v=beta&t=6d6oArENnPkKj5zsUlpp3fmldI-et4VZlCEMgDKCfUY
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/holy-spirit-divine-person-deacon-r-christoph-sandoval/


If we believe that the Bible is the Word of God, how much attention should we give to the reading and preaching of the Word? How do our doctrines of the universal church, death, and eternal life affect our services? What truths would an observer of our worship discover about God and man? The way we worship will reveal what we actually believe, and what we actually believe will affect the way we worship.
 

 If we believe that the Bible is the Word of God, how much attention should we give to the reading and preaching of the Word?
PHOTO: If we believe that the Bible is the Word of God, how much attention should we give to the reading and preaching of the Word? How do our doctrines of the universal church, death, and eternal life affect our services? What truths would an observer of our worship discover about God and man? The way we worship will reveal what we actually believe, and what we actually believe will affect the way we worship.
Picture posted by pngtree
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipe_uxJe6fefJlleKVYqlEU4ek4VJNLGrhhOF45HoUH20GiKI_7nkKiQFWMwRQv1up1obqUFMBVsZpU6w56vOUlZA9MJNgnY73YDgTNMNgbHF8OM97j9DAd8vGhy_Oofzw-pGEWAoCVmn3FWdXQwryYfJV98O9NehNbVOmdxujs_u_HOHGiESEdqPQUzw/s640/pngtree-cute-girl-character-praying-png-image_11607294.png
https://png.pngtree.com/png-vector/20240209/ourlarge/pngtree-cute-girl-character-praying-png-image_11607294.png
https://pngtree.com/freepng/cute-girl-character-praying_14710622.html


It is therefore important that we allow doctrine to guide our devotion. Otherwise, our devotion risks being idolatrous or superficial. God's truth matters. It must determine, shape, and inspire our worship. Worship is our response to God's truth. In the words of English hymnwriter and theologian F. W. Faber, "deep theology is the best fuel of devotion, it readily catches fire, and once kindled it burns long". [2] Sound doctrine produces true devotion. True devotion deepens sound doctrine. Doctrine and devotion are not strangers, or even distant cousins. They are more like hammer and nail. They make sense when they are seen together.


 It is therefore important that we allow doctrine to guide our devotion.
PHOTO: It is therefore important that we allow doctrine to guide our devotion. Otherwise, our devotion risks being idolatrous or superficial. God's truth matters. It must determine, shape, and inspire our worship. Worship is our response to God's truth. In the words of English hymnwriter and theologian F. W. Faber, "deep theology is the best fuel of devotion, it readily catches fire, and once kindled it burns long". [2] Sound doctrine produces true devotion. True devotion deepens sound doctrine. Doctrine and devotion are not strangers, or even distant cousins. They are more like hammer and nail. They make sense when they are seen together.
Picture posted by Breath of the Spirit
 

 Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we pray we allow doctrine to guide our devotion or our devotion risks being idolatrous or superficial.

God's truth matters. May it determine, shape, and inspire our worship.

Worship is our response to God's truth. May our 'deep theology be the best fuel of devotion, it readily catches fire, and once kindled it burns long'.

May our doctrine and devotion be together because sound doctrine produces true devotion, and true devotion deepens sound doctrine..

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen."
Picture posted by Bible Art
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSMrnFf6vwaID25u0ptkIVTiqRmW9EA1JMXSmRQ6bTvy-bOe95tD5smAvKEd4sLXq8PFQpOikO1n3nolZ9CZzJEh6qCEDik8F9aEGHYE4DT_1rqd2lic3Hb55LDScO2GY7ygvmMzpbG4P4s5KS8ABCF4kmFM5B6h4yaF9BhRcQul3V4vUceLQg5-KvJs/s1024/79abee36-1fd0-4a4e-9658-71137fe73e33-compressed.jpg
https://media.bible.art/79abee36-1fd0-4a4e-9658-71137fe73e33-compressed.jpg
https://bible.art/p/wbOFSxWmFlE1y7uemgGA/john-4-16

Reflection - In The Church - Worship And Theology
Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 35, "Worship And Theology", Page 184.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Other Books (Links)

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
 
 
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
 
 
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God",  © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach

 Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
 

"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-1-45.html

 
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-46-90.html
 
 
"Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Making All Things New, Chapter 1 - 28 (Links), posted on Saturday, 04 August 2024
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2024/08/reflection-making-all-things-new.html



Reference
[1] From "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon, Chapter 35, "Worship And Theology", Page 184.

[1a] A.W. Tozer, Worship: The Missing Jewel of the Evangelical Church (Camp Hill, PA,: Christian Publications, 1971).

[2] Cited in John Stort, Balanced Christianity (Downers Grove, InterVasity Press, 2014), 22.


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