AY Honors/Christian Worship/Answer Key

Christian Worship

Skill Level

2

Year

2011

Version

21.10.2025

Approval authority

South Pacific Division

INTRODUCTION: BEFORE YOU START The aim of this honour is to give an introduction to the wonderful topic of Christian Worship. Christian Worship comes from the heart. The love of God for each of is difficult to comprehend. When we study His scriptures, we are best to just accept it and wait for Heaven.

Important: Each of the topics in this Honour can be a source of many day’s prayerful study (or even years). Use your creativity and imagination. Call on Divine assistance to make each topic real. The message will lose its impact if the honour is dragged out.

1

To help appreciate the character and majesty of the Christian God, briefly discuss what the Scriptures have to say about the following:

The purpose of this requirement is to give a basic insight into the character of the Christian God. Whether we like it or not, we humans are caught up in a titanic struggle between good and evil. Each one of us can freely choose what side we are on. We want this to be a snapshot of world history – the conflict between good and evil.

1a

Satan’s pride, conflict in heaven, Satan thrown out of heaven

Ezekiel 28:17. Isaiah 14:13-14. Revelation 12:7-9.

1b

Creation of the earth and its inhabitants

Genesis 1:1-2:3. The story of creation of the earth.

Genesis 1:27. Psalms 8:5. Psalm 139:14.

1c

Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and their expulsion

The Garden of Eden was a wonderful place, but Adam and Eve had some serious shortcomings. Perhaps we may have done the same things as they did.

• God creates the Garden of Eden, places people in it and gives specific instructions. Genesis 2:8-17
• God places people in the Garden and gives specific instructions. Genesis 2:15-17
• Satan, disguised as a serpent, talks to the woman Eve. Genesis 3:1-5
• Eve is deceived. She eats the fruit and gives some to her husband Adam. Genesis 3:6
• Initial results of eating the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3:7-13
• Terrible results of disobedience - eating the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3:14-24

1d

The shortcomings of the human race

• The source of human shortcomings. Ephesians 6:12. John 8:44. 1 Peter 5:8.
• Some shortcomings of those who have gone before us and which may affect us today. Romans 5:12. Psalm 14:1. Psalm 78:32. Isaiah 46:6, 53:6. Matthew 6:19. Acts 7:52. Revelation 3:16. Romans 3:23.

1e

God’s iron-clad promise to the human race

• God’s fall-back plan before the creation of the earth. Ephesians 1:3-4. 2 Timothy 1:9.
• God’s pledge to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation. Genesis 17:1-2. Genesis 12:3. Genesis 22:18.
• God’s pledge to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. Exodus 19:5.
• God’s pledge to send the Messiah:

One of the central themes in the Old Testament is the promise of the coming Messiah. There are more than 3000 verses dedicated to this wonderful pledge. The faithful of the Jewish nation longed for this event.

The word ‘Messiah’ means ‘Anointed One’ (in Greek ‘Christ’). It comes from the Jewish practice of anointing their priests and kings. It points forward to a future King who would be sent from God to save the human race. Here’s some texts:

• The Messiah would be the born of a woman and would crush the head of Satan. Genesis 3:15.
• He would be a descendent of Abraham and would bless all the nations on earth. Genesis 12:3.
• He would be born in Bethlehem of Judah. Micah 5:2.
• He would be born of a virgin. Isaiah 7:14.
• He would be pierced for our transgression and crushed for our iniquities. Isaiah 53:5.
• He would die among the wicked ones but be buried with the rich. Isaiah 53:9.
• He would be resurrected from the grave, for God would not allow His Holy One to suffer decay. Psalm 16:10.

1f

The birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ

• The lineage of Jesus the Messiah Matthew 1:17.
• Jesus’ earthly parents and events leading up to His birth: Matthew 1:18-25.
• The birth of the Messiah – Jesus: Luke 2:1-7.
• Worship: shepherds and angels: Luke 2:8-20.
• Worship by the Wise Men: see Matthew 2:1-12.

1g

The ministry of Jesus Christ

• Jesus' childhood: Luke 2:39-52.
• John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus’ ministry: Matthew 3.
• Jesus begins His ministry: Luke 3:23.
• The Baptism of Jesus: Matthew 3.
• Why Jesus He came to earth

The word ‘gospel’ means ‘good news’- God's plan to offer the opportunity for salvation to all humanity. This leads to eternal life in God’s Kingdom.

• To spread the good news of salvation. Mark 1:14-15.
• To save the lost: Luke 19:10. John 3:16-18.
• To do God’s will. John 6:38.
• To be the light of the world. John 12:46}}.
• To fulfil the Law. Matthew 5:17-19.
• To serve. Mark 10:42-45.

• Other aspects of Jesus ministry:

• He healed the sick as well as proclaiming the good news. Matthew 9:35.
• He performed miracles to demonstrate His divine power. Matthew 9:5-7.
• He used Parables to explain the Gospel in readily-understood terms. Matthew 13:33-34.
• He blessed the little children. Matthew 19:13-14.
• He explained what the greatest commandment was. Matthew 22:37-40.
• He described the ‘new’ commandment. John 13:34-35.
• He predicted His death on the cross to pay for our sins. John 12:27. Matthew 12:38-40.

1h

The death of Jesus Christ on the cross

We have only included Matthew’s account found in Chapters 26 and 27. It is recommended that you check out Mark 14-15; Luke 22-23 and John 18-19.

• The plot to kill Jesus. Matthew 26:1-5.
• The anointing at Bethany. Matthew 26:6-13.
• The disciple Judas agrees to betray Jesus. Matthew 26:14-16.
• Jesus celebrates Passover with His disciples. Matthew 26:17-25.
• Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper. Matthew 26:26-30.
• Jesus predicts that His disciple Peter would deny Him. Matthew 26:31-35.
• Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Matthew 26:36-46.
• Jesus’ betrayal and arrest in Gethsemane. Matthew 26:47-56.
• Jesus faces the Sanhedrin. Matthew 26:57-68.
• Peter denies Jesus, and weeps bitterly. Matthew 26:69-75.
• Jesus handed over to Pontius Pilate. Matthew 27:1-2.
• Judas hangs himself. Matthew 27:3-10.
• Jesus Faces Pilate. Matthew 27:11-14.
• Jesus takes the place of the criminal Barabbas. Matthew 27:15-26.
• The Soldiers Mock Jesus. Matthew 27:27-31.
• The King on a Cross. Matthew 27:32-44.
• Jesus Dies on the Cross. Matthew 27:45-56.
• Jesus Buried in Joseph’s Tomb. Matthew 27:57-61.
• Pilate Sets a Guard over the tomb of Jesus. Matthew 27:62-66.

1i

The resurrection of Jesus, His ascension to heaven and promise to return

Scripture references: Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-49; John 20:1-21:25.

• He Is Risen. Matthew 28: 1-8.
• The Women Worship the Risen Lord. Matthew 28:9-10.
• The Soldiers Are Bribed. Matthew 28:11-15.
• The Road to Emmaus; see Luke 24:13-34.
• Jesus Appears to His Disciples Luke 24:36-43.
• Jesus explains the fulfilment of the Scriptures: Luke 24:44-48.
• Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit after he ascends into heaven: Acts 1:4-8.
• Jesus ascends into heaven and the promise of His return: Acts 2:9-11.

1j

The Holy Spirit is received and the gospel is preached worldwide

• The promised Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost. Acts 2:1-13.
• Peter Addresses the Crowd. Acts 2:14-41.
• Some more Scripture references that help explain why Jesus died for us.

• Titus 3:4-7. 1 Timothy 1:15-17. Hebrews 4:14-15. Ephesians 2:19-20.

• The Gospel commission – to tell the world of the good news of salvation. Isaiah 49:5-8, Matthew 28:18-25.
• Apostles Paul and Barnabas in action at Antioch. Acts 13:14-48.

1k

Christ returns to claim His own; those who are alive, and those who are not

• Jesus describes His second coming John 5:24-30.
• The scriptures describe Jesus Second Coming:

• Jesus will return the same way as He ascended to heaven Acts 2:9-11.
• It will be one, huge, worldwide event. No one will miss it. Matthew 24:26-27.
• It will be heard by everyone Matthew 24:31.
• It will be visible to everyone. Matthew 24:30.
• The righteous dead will come back to life. 1 Thessalonians 4:16.
• The saved – those still alive and those raised from the dead - will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

1l

Christ’s people in Heaven and the New Earth forever and ever

• Isaiah’s vision of heaven and the new earth Isaiah 1:6-9.
• Paul’s encouragement to those who have lost loved ones. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
• John’s vision of heaven and the new earth Revelation 7:13-17.
• John’s vision of heaven and the new Jerusalem see Revelation 21.
• John’s vision of heaven and the new earth Revelation 22:1-5.

2

Describe the modern meaning of the word ‘worship’ and words of the original Scriptures which have be translated as ‘worship’.

The English word ‘worship’ has its origins in the Old English / West Saxon languages of about the 12th century AD. It was originally the noun ‘worth-ship’ which was comprised of the adjective ‘worth’ and the suffix ‘ship’ denoting a state or condition – the condition of being ‘worthy’, ‘of renown’ or ‘of honour’. Over time, this meaning changed somewhat to refer to ‘respect’ and ‘reverence’. In about 1300, it was used to describe ‘reverence paid to a supernatural or divine being’.Sources: Word Origins and Etym Online.

This certainly gives God the recognition He deserves. However, there are other words in the original Hebrew and Greek that give more meaning to the act of Christian worship. Often there are no English words that accurately translate the original meanings.

Consider the Hebrew word ‘shachah’ and the Greek word ‘proskuneo’. These are frequently translated as an act of worship. In simple terms, both these words mean ‘to bow down’.

The Hebrew word ‘shachah’ (Strong’s no 7812) describes bowing or prostrating oneself, often before a superior or before God. In the ancient Biblical times, people bowed down before those to whom they wanted to show respect or honour. This act of falling down is often translated as ‘worship’ in the King James Bible. It reveals the feelings of the worshipper; respect and honour towards the one / object being worshipped. In more recent translations is rendered as ‘bowed down’ as a token of deep adoration.

Exodus 32:8 King James Version (KJV)

They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

Exodus 32:8 New International Version (NIV)

They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’

The Greek word ‘proskuneo’ (Strong’s no 4505) literally means to ‘kiss the hand toward’ someone in a token of reverence. In the New Testament, it means kneeling or prostrating oneself to do homage, to make obeisance, to express respect or to make supplication.

Another important term associated with worship is homologia. Worshippers frequently spend some or all of their time professing faith, praising God, thanking God and proclaiming truths about God.

3

Choose at least six (6) scripture references which refer to the true worship of God. Briefly describe how each can be applied to your life.

4

Act out at least two of the following and discuss where each was not according to God’s will:

4a

Cain’s sacrifice of the ‘fruit of the ground’ (Genesis 4:2-8)

4b

Worship of the golden calf by the Israelites (Exodus 32)

4c

Nadab and Abihu’s big mistake. (Leviticus 10:1-7)

4d

The Pharisee’s and the tax collector’s prayers. (Luke 18:9-14)

5

Discuss how the instructions and illustrations provided in the Scriptures can be applied to Christian Worship today. Take into account the locality where you worship.

5a

When and where to worship

5b

How to worship

5c

What topics to focus on

6

Leadership in worship: Outline considerations and potential pitfalls under the following headings:

6a

Preparation and prayer

6b

The worship topic and appropriate music

6c

The worship ‘team’ (musicians, speakers, deacons, public address people, etc.)

6d

The congregation (ages, language, personal issues, expectations, cultural background, etc.)

7

Do the following: Complete the Christian Worship Honours: Evaluation Form for at least two of the following:

7a

Conduct a series of private (ie just you & God) Christian Worship services

7b

Be part of the congregation of a Christian Worship service

7c

Participate in a worship team

7d

Lead out in a Christian Worship service for a group of at least 5 people.

For this requirement you will need to print out, complete, and turn in to your instructor the Evaluation Form found HERE.

Private worship, corporate worship, participating in leading worship and leading worship are all somewhat different experiences. This is why you need to evaluate from at least two of these perspectives.

References

• Australian Union Helps for Christian Worship
• South Pacific Division Helps for Christian Worship