Navigating Cultural and Religious Differences in Worship and Society
Explore the intersection of culture, creed, and worship practices in various contexts like the Philippines, Sierra Leone, the United States, and more. Reflect on changing cultural norms, attitudes of laxness, and the impact on worship attire and demeanor. Consider how to address cultural shifts and maintain reverence in worship settings amidst changing societal trends.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
You are allowed to download the files provided on this website for personal or commercial use, subject to the condition that they are used lawfully. All files are the property of their respective owners.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20
Authorized Worship On the Lord s Day The Lord s Supper Collection Prayers Singing Preaching/Teaching
Cultural Differences Observed The head covering in Corinth (1 Cor. 11:1-16). The Lord s Supper and collection in the Philippines. Bible classes in Sierra Leone, Africa. Different parts of the United States. Lord s Supper Collection
Cultural Changes Observed WWII shift work led to local churches offering a second service on Lord s Day. Recently, trend has gone in the opposite direction. Local churches are having all their services in a single block of time. Duration of Gospel Meetings has changed. 4 weeks 2 weeks 1 week weekend
Cultural Changes Observed Not every cultural change can be expressed in the worship of the local church! Instrumental music. Women preachers. Fellowship with denominations. Acceptance of Homosexuality.
1. Attitude of Laxness In Our Culture Casual Friday has turned into casual everyday. People and things that were once respected are now openly disrespected by some. People show up late for things. Profanity is common.
1. Attitude of Laxness Our Dress There is no official dress code in the Bible, but Biblical principles would have us conclude we must wear our best to be respectful. Men are encouraged to wear their best when serving in the worship. Genesis 41:14 1 Peter 3:4
1. Attitude of Laxness Our Demeanor We are not engaged in worship, attentive in spirit, when we are slumped over or laying down. This is not a lounge or a theater. We are not being entertained. We are participants actively offering worship to God.
2. Food and Drinks The Corinthians were told to do their eating and drinking somewhere else (1 Cor. 11:17-22). The Romans were told not to destroy fellow Christians in order to enjoy food (Rom. 14:15-20). Water is needed at times. Babies need to be fed. Medicinal purposes.
3. Distractions The way we keep our worship spiritual is for every member to maintain their focus. All things in our worship services are to be done decently and in order, not in a state of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33, 40). Some distractions are acceptable. Some distractions are not acceptable.
Regardless of where the assembly is, God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him (Psalm 89:7). And, we are to serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:28-29).
