Gordon Cook
Today we are hearing a cacophony of voices and incessant cries for relevance and change when it comes to Worship. With the influence of the entertainment industry and it’s dazzling sights and sounds, plus the carnal itch to be fashionable, we are witnessing dramatic changes across Western Christendom.
We are even losing the distinctive elements of a worship service; hymns are disappearing, prayer meetings are vanishing, a faithful ministry of biblical exposition is becoming passe.
But there’s something else that we are losing when it comes to worship— we’re losing the day itself – a distinctive worship day. It’s becoming increasingly rare to find churches open for a whole day. The day is shrinking as the world encroaches. More and more churches have been cajoled and pressured to shrink the day to a “McSabbath” day– keep it short — make it quick.
In a series of messages on worship with a clear focus upon the special day of worship. Pastor Cook uses the biblical plot line – creation -fall- redemption – to show that God’s people have always had a worship day.
One of the things that Pastor Cook impresses upon us is that Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. He came to liberate the Sabbath from pharisaical bondage. However his mission was more then just one of restoration but one of transformation.
Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath will also affect a momentous change by doing something that only Jesus could do– he will rise from the dead and conquer the grave. What an event!– what a stupendous miracle– it will change worship!
The resurrected Christ will change the worship day– from a Jewish seventh day Sabbath to a first day Lord’s day.
Yes, one day in seven – there is a continuity between old and new but there is also a discontinuity – it’s a new day {the first day of the week} with a new focus {a Christological focus} and new dynamics {gospel dynamics}.
The day becomes far more glorious, more memorable and even more delightful under the new covenant!
May God help us to sanctify and treasure this precious gift of a distinctive worship day originally given at creation and beautifully enhanced in redemption.
The Creational Sabbath
Lord of the Sabbath
The Purpose of the Sabbath
Recommended Reading:
Principles of Conduct
Call the Sabbath a Delight