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Kalled2Preach said:
Not to get off topic, but I would like it ask you a question, and I ask it here cuz anyone can answer. But are not emotions supposed to be part of what we use to woship God? By keeping worship on a simply intellectual level, you risk falling into religiousness and tradition and ritual. So shouldn't we balance it out with what stirs the emotions and stirs the mind?
I don't think you're off topic. Certainly our emotions will be stired as we worship our God in Spirit and in Truth. I think some churches appeal to the emotions intentionally to try to make the worship experience a positive one for everyone both believers and non-believers alike. These kinds of contemporary seeker-friendly services leave a lot to be desired for the growing Christian because they provide little or no doctrine. If they didn't provide an emotional experience they would have little to offer.

However, you don't often find a sinner who is saved by grace who doesn't feel emotional. It's just that emotions fade away and the truth of God's word is eternal. So even when emotions aren't visible it doesn't mean that a deep sense of confidence and peace aren't flooding the soul of him who trusts in the Lord with all his heart even in difficult situations. When the Gospel is faithfully preached, and the sacraments are faithfully administered, we acknowledge these are a means of grace which transforms our thinking and stirs our passion to live grateful lives.

  • As the hart, about to falter, in its trembling agony,
    Panteth for the brooks of water, so my soul doth pant for Thee.
    Yea, athirst for Thee I cry; God of life, O when shall I
    Come again to stand before Thee in Thy temple, and adore Thee?

    Bitter tears of lamentation are my food by night and day;
    In my deep humiliation, where is not thy God? they say.
    Yea, my soul doth melt in me, when I bring to memory
    How of yore I did assemble with the joyful in Thy temple.

    O my soul, why art thou grieving, why disquieted in me?
    Hope in God, thy faith retrieving; let Him still thy refuge be.
    I shall yet extol His grace for the comfort of His face;
    He has everturned my sorrow into gladness on the morrow.



If we were to use the analogy of a train, emotions must never be the engine of the train. Faithful preaching and sound doctrine should be the engine but emotions make a good caboose.


Wes <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts