Entering Worship

Global Worship

Read John 17:20-26

Why is it important for believers to be as "one" like God and Jesus?

How  can we be one when everyone is also unique?  Read Ephesians 4:2-6.

        What are the ways we are united as Christ followers? 

How does our connection with Rwanda and Southeast Asia help you feel unified with other believers around the world?

Read Matthew 24:14.  Why is it important to preach to the whole world?  Pray for all believers and for those who will believe in the future?

Read Psalm 98

Whom is God's salvation for?  Is anyone excluded?

What is the response of the world to this gift?

Read Luke 24:46,47.  Why is it important to share the message of repentance and forgiveness of sins?  How can you share the truth about Jesus?

For additional study through the week:

Read 2 Corinthians 7:5-7   How does God comfort Paul?  How is Paul's life like ours today?  How can we be a comfort to others as a part of a community?

Read Philippians 4:10-20  What are the different ways the Philippians encourage Paul?  What different ways can you encourage believers around the world?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-20  How does love give us a new vocation?  Why does God want us to be "Christ's ambassadors" to the world?

Ancient Rites Revisited

Read John 4:19-26

How would you describe the life of the early church? What liturgy (ie what they did together ) does this list here?

What does it mean, in your mind, to follow a discipline of worship?

How do the more ancient elements at Cambridge-the Creeds, prayers, and liturgy-help you engage in worship?

    What can make these elements difficult to engage in?

What else jumps out at you from this passage? Why?

Read Luke 11:1-4

What are the disciples asking about in this passage? How does Jesus instruct them?

How is this "formula" for prayer helpful?

Read Acts 4:23-26 and 31. Why do you think there is power when we pray together? What about praying together on Sundays helps you worship God?

What aspect of the Lord's Prayer do you need to experience and pray most today? Why?

For additional study through the week:

Read Romans 10:8-11 How does this apply to our worship liturgy on Sundays? How does the challenge to link heart and mouth inform your worship?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 This is one of the earliest "creeds" of the church. What does Paul say about these truths? Why is it significant that we recite these things each Sunday (through one of the Creeds)? What does it mean to you?

Read Philippians 2:1-11 What do you think is Paul's point in this passage? How does this early creedal hymn communicate that truth? How does our liturgy accomplish this unity and humility?

Songs from the Heart

Read John 4:19-26

How would you describe the context of this conversation with Jesus? What is the primary topic? Why?

What does it mean, in your mind, to worship?

    In spirit? In truth?

How does music help you engage in worship?

What else jumps out at you from this passage? Why?

Read Luke 7:36-50

Imagine yourself in the story as the woman...what are you thinking / feeling? What do you think is her intent?

How is this a picture of real worship?

How does that challenge you in your faith? In your worship-specifically through and in the music on Sundays?

What is Jesus' response to the woman? What does it say about God's heart?

For additional study through the week:

Read Psalm 34:1-8 What truths does this passage communicate about worship? How does it apply to our singing on Sunday mornings? How is that helpful?

Read Romans 12:1-2 What does this passage have to say about worship? What does it mean to "offer your bodies as living sacrifices?"

Read Philippians 4:4-9 What is the