Changing Face of Worship

If you are reading this review on the Sabbath, then I would like to wish you a Sabbath filled with the presence of God.

Our review is for the documentary, Changing Face of Worship

Description

The Church in a Post-Modern World.. Explores the changing expressions of modern-day worship as churches use visual arts, edgy music, or even a chat room online to offer experiences.

Several of the people who contributed to this documentary reminded us how Jesus went out into the world, and that the world did not come to Him. I remember seeing both in the Bible.  The Bible speaks of the multitude following Jesus.  Matthew 8:1 - When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him.  Matthew 12:15 - Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all. On the other hand, Matthew 28:19-20 says, 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

We also have the parable of the lost sheep that Jesus told, recorded in Luke 15:3-7

3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

In his priestly prayer, Jesus says,  I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.  John 17:15 

One presenter said that in the room, there was no outward difference in appearance between the Christians and the ones they were seeking to teach about Jesus - their faith was the difference.

1 Corinthians 9:20 says, To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 

The Bible has many verses that point us to what Christian living looks like. For example, Psalm 1:1-2, Galatians 5:16-25.  

The point is that this film is controversial, in the sense that these churches are relying on going to the places the post-modern culture hangs out in.  Or mirroring the post-modern culture, in order to reach them for Christ. 

Jesus reached out to people in society that other people would not associate with.  However, Jesus was perfect, without sin, 100% connected to the Father and able to approach, receive, mingle, preach to, heal, etc, sinners without being soiled himself.  Romans 12:2 says - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

These people are trying to reach the unreached or those who have typically not wanted to be reached by the traditional church. That was me over a decade ago.  However, we all have different ways of worshipping and if true worship is God focused, and the worshipping these communities are doing is God focused - then why should their methods be questioned?  So whether the people in this documentary have been called by God and therefore equipped to do what they are doing, is between them and God.  If these churches are being driven by the Holy Spirit - then all is well.

Changing the Face of worship gives us a peek into the world that many Christians have left behind or were never a part of.   It’s a world many Christians may want to avoid.  But there are still people to be called.  There is a huge harvest and God needs labourers to help in His work. The commission remains: Matthew 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

So after the film was finished, I was left with the sentiment of what one of the contributors said:  “Just because it is not the type of worship you would want to be part of, it doesn’t means that God is not present”.

And most importantly, I am reminded of Isaiah 55:8 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

My thoughts are with all the contributors in this film - praying that each and every one of them be led by the Holy Spirit.

Changing Face of Worship was an interesting watch and a lot to digest if your worship style, like mine, is traditional. However, the parable of the lost sheep, in Luke 15, reminds us that God goes to find us, wherever we are, to bring us to Christ. Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace.

I watched, Changing Face of Worship via Vision Video’s website.

Thank you for reading this review.  Until next time - peace be with you.

Thumbnail and film source: https://www.visionvideo.com