That the saints love public worship is a constant Puritan theme. Why their delight in it? Because in worship the saints do not merely seek God; they also find him. Worship is not only an expression of gratitude, but also a means of grace, whereby the hungry are fed, so that the empty are sent away rich. For 'there is in worship an approach of God to man.' [Stephen Charnock] 'God's presence in his ordinances' is a reality; God is essentially present in the world, graciously present in his church. 'God delights to approach to men, and converse with them in the worship instituted in the gospel.' [Stephen Charnock] And men honour God most when they come to worship hungry and expectant, conscious of need and looking to God to meet them and supply it.
A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life
J.I. Packer
Glad to see you blogging again. Though not your original writing, this quote is indicative of where your thoughts are.
ReplyDeleteWorship is not commonly presented or referred to as a means of grace but more as a requirement, just one more way the prosperity gospel has infiltrated the Church and grace minimized.
But this manner of worship takes the pressure off of the worshippers. The hungry show up they get fed! Like the City Mission but with an never-ending supply of bread!!