GOOD READS recommended by Pastor Crandell Hemphill.
Should you desire to purchase this book, you may obtain your copy online.
Suggested providers: Christianbook Distributors or Amazon
UNDERSTANDING WORSHIP: BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR DELIGHTING IN AND FEASTING ON GOD by Sam Storms is a charismatic but trustworthy pastoral voice on how the Church praises God. Come, explore, and gain a transformational understanding of the depths of true worship in spirit and truth through the insights presented by Storms.
Worship is far more than tradition, routines, or just attending church in person or online. Worship is not about what we can get from God. Worship is all about what we offer to Him. It is connecting with your eternal almighty Creator God in a more heartfelt manner that deepens your relationship with Him. Your life is about bringing a humble heart to worship resulting in God being glorified. We do not worship God because He is needy. God delights in His relationship with you. He desires to meet with you in worship. If you come to worship for any other reason than the joy, delight, and satisfaction that are to be found in God, you dishonor Him. You are called to feast on God as His beloved child in the power of the resurrected Jesus Christ.
Storms’s book is easy to read and will take you to a place of refreshment in your personal and corporate worship. His book will allow you to reflect on how to worship God without insulting Him, the contrast of Old and New Testament worship, seeking to know God in His fullest glory at His throne of mercy and grace, and how to express your faith, resulting in greater joy and increased reverence for God. Truly a must read.
WORSHIP: REFORMED ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURE by Hughes Oliphant Old
Old begins his book with the statement, “We worship God because God created us to worship Him. Worship is at the center of our existence, at the heart of our reason for being. God created us in His image-an image that would reflect His glory. In fact, the whole of creation was brought into existence to reflect His divine glory.” (pg1) Worship is not about yourself, your self-fulfillment, or your happiness, nor is it entered into lightly, to make you appear holy. True worship serves, above all else, to bring glory and praise to God.
Old’s book takes you on a historical journey through the ages regarding Reformed liturgical worship and the development of worship. He summarizes the worship of Israel and the early church and traces the development of worship throughout the period of the Reformation, the 16th century and the Puritans of the 17th century. Studying the various aspects of worship throughout scripture will help you to better understand the strong Biblical roots that Old references in his book. Through worship God builds up His church. It is the Holy Spirit who purifies your worship as it ascends to the Father. Old discusses baptism, the Lord’s Day, the ministry of praise and the Word, the Lord’s Supper, daily prayer, and the gift of giving. It is through these aspects of worship that God transforms you into His image and brings glory to His holy Name. Old’s book will help you to better understand the theology, tradition, and scriptural roots of worship.
GOD MADE ME FOR WORSHIP: HELPING CHILDREN UNDERSTAND CHURCH by Jared Kennedy
Helping a child learn, grow in faith, and walk with Jesus Christ can be a challenging journey for the parent, grandparent, or friend of the family. Kennedy’s book is designed to help children from the ages of four to eight piece together various aspects of worship by looking at Isaiah’s vision in Isaiah 6. Understanding the purpose of corporate worship can be a difficult concept for a child to understand at any age. Corporate worship is a time when we all gather to hear God speak and bring glory to His name. Worship is more than singing and the preaching of the Word. For each child worship is a time to gain a greater understanding of who God is and His great love for them. It is a time when the child can grow and learn how to express love back to God. Kennedy’s goal is that children will see and understand the plan and purpose of the Gospel message in their own lives.
As you read this book with your children, grandchildren or friends, they will learn to love and understand the gatherings of the family of Christ as we worship and hear the Word of God. Worship doesn’t stop for any of us when go home. Worship needs to encompass every aspect of our lives – young or old. Kennedy’s book is filled with wonderful illustrations and simple language a child can relate to. A definite must read.