Authentic Worship 101

By Rick Serra

Authentic Worship 101 is a book that teaches the basic principles of how to prepare for worship. This book will help those who are new to Christianity and may feel uncomfortable during worship simply because they do not yet understan what worship is all about. It is also helpful for seasoned Christians who may have lost their passion in worship. Rather than a nuts and bolts tutorial on how to worship, Authentic Worship 101 focuses on establishing an intimate relationship with the Lord. Author Rick Serra explains how life circumstances can draw us closer to the Lord. As you read this book, you will see why "it's not about the road, it's about the journey."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rick Serra
• Release date: Aug 22, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476432175

Rick Serra

Rick Serra is a long time resident of Orlando, Florida. He as two grown daughters and one grand daughter. Back in 1980 Rick accepted Christ and began his music ministry playing the saxophone in a church band. Over the years he has written many gospel songs and has played on four gospel albums. In his spare time Rick likes to be creative by designing graphics and making videos. ​ Authentic Worship 101 has been a long journey of development for Rick. He first envisioned the idea for this book in 1992. After this dream was birthed in his heart, Rick walked through some painful times. Those paiful times have served as valuable life lessons that is reflected in his book. As you read of his journey, you will see why Rick says, " It's not about the road... It's about the jouney."

Book preview

Authentic Worship

101

Rick Serra

-

Smashwords Edition

Copyright Rick Serra 2009

License Notes: This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Contents

Forward

Introduction

Chapter 1 "The Journey Begins

* Birth Of A Passion "

* Death Of A Seed

Chapter 2 Preparation

* Purity In Worship

* Repentance Precedes Worship

* What Do We Really Worship?

Chapter 3 The Heart Of Worship

* David’s Expression

* Music And Emotion

* Who Let The Dogs Out?

Chapter 4 Connected

* The Torn Veil

* The Hungry Worshiper

* Job’s Response To Tragedy

Chapter 5 Problems In Worship

* Common Law Salvation

* Where Is The Romance?

* Mr. Showboat

* Unity

* Status Quo Christianity

Chapter 6 The Musician’s Prayer

Chapter 7 Practical Application

Forward

In today’s church, we have so many activities that sometimes it begs to ask, What is important to me as a Christian and to our Church? What is important, what is a priority? Most people point to what gives them the most pleasure or what they do very well. The most important area of my life and my church is worshiping the Lord in Spirit and in Truth.

Worshiping the Lord has many definitions but the best one is that I am in His presence and we are in dialog about what He has in store for me. It’s all about Him, not me. Never should I think of Him confined to a box or even defined at all. He defies all definition, all equations and all perspectives.

Worshiping the Lord requires effort and instruction. Rick Serra shows worship as personal, intimate and refreshing. Authenticity is difficult to define, so he sows the seeds for authenticity. If you are new to our faith, then this is your primer. Many years with the Lord? This is your refreshing way of learning more about our Lord.

Authentic Worship 101 brings together multiple ways of centering your life with the Lord of Peace. Read it slowly, savor the multiple images of worship and learn new avenues of intimacy with Him. It’s both inspirational and very instructional. Allow it to move you along in your journey!

This is a great tool to bring God and you closer to each other! Read it, apply it and rejoice in it!

Harry Stoorza, Ph.D

Introduction

Many new Christians, and even some seasoned Christians, feel awkward during worship at church. They may not be certain what they are supposed to do. Even though there may be people around them who are worshiping, they just aren’t feeling it. Are you a person who would like to worship God but you’re not quite sure how to do it? If so, this book is for you. Are you a Christian who used to feel passionate for the Lord, able to freely worship, but you seem to have lost that passion? If so, this book is for you. Authentic Worship 101 will take you through some of the foundational truths that will introduce you to a lifestyle of meaningful expression. You will see that worship is so much more than singing a song in church. First, let’s take a comical look at what this awkwardness in worship looks like.

Rowan Atkinson, a well-known British comedian, is most commonly known for portraying a character named Mr. Bean. In one episode, Mr. Bean visits a church. Mr. Bean enters the church while the congregation is singing a hymn. The only seat available is in the front row next to a stuffy, snooty gentleman. Everyone is dressed in their Sunday best attire and the scene is very stoic. The awkwardness Mr. Bean feels is very obvious as he tries to acclimate himself to the customs of this church. Towards the end of this episode the congregation stands to sing another Hymn. Everyone in the church except for Mr. Bean knows the exact time to stand up. The snooty gentleman next to Mr. Bean refuses to share the Hymnal and Mr. Bean does not know the words to the song. He mumbles the words until during the chorus of the Hymn he recognizes the part and bellows out Alleluia, alleluia. Describing this scene on paper doesn’t give it justice. If you have the opportunity to see this episode, please do so.

The awkwardness that Mr. Bean feels in this church is very similar to the awkwardness you may feel during worship at your church. While others around you seem to know what they are doing, you feel lost and confused. It’s like you are in a foreign country, trying to blend in with the customs you know very little about.

I have heard it said that in Heaven we will be worshiping God for eternity. Based on your own personal experiences in church you may be asking, We’re supposed to do that for eternity? Some may be envisioning a stuffy old hymn with a million verses. Others may see a band of musicians who mean well but