Dover Assembly of God
2.16.2020 | Worship - Week 3
Locations & Times
Dover Assembly of God
4790 Carlisle Rd, Dover, PA 17315, USA
Sunday 10:30 AM
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February 16, 2020
Welcome to Dover Assembly!
We are so glad you have chosen to attend Dover Assembly this morning. It is not by accident that you are here. We believe that God has allowed you to be here so that you might receive all that He has for you. We pray you are blessed as you allow the Lord to work in your life.
THIS WEEK
Sunday
9:00 am ~ Coffee & Donuts
9:30 am ~ Sunday School
10:30 am ~ R.O.C.K. Children’s Ministries
10:30 am ~ Worship Service
1:00 pm ~ Spanish Service
3:00 pm ~ Worship Practice
Wednesday
6:30 pm ~ FAMILY NIGHT
Saturday
6:30 pm ~ Saturday Night Spanish Service
UPCOMING EVENTS
New Life For Girls
New Life for Girls will be ministering on Sun, March 1 during the 10:30 service. Be sure to come to support them and bring someone who needs to hear their testimonies. We will provide a luncheon following the service. A love offering for their ministry will be taken. Please sign up in the lower foyer to join us for the luncheon.
New Wednesday Night Youth Series
Emerge Youth has begun a new video series on Wednesday nights entitled "Who Is The Holy Spirit?" taught by the AG's National Youth Director, Josh Wellborn. Each week will tackle common questions about the Holy Spirit, helping students to fully understand the Holy Spirit and His role in their lives. All students are invited to join us for this series Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm.
Women of Purpose Spring Tour
This year’s District Spring conference will be held at Christian Life Assembly on Saturday, March 21. The speaker will be Lisa Potter. Please mark your calendars for this date! Please see the information at the sign up table in the upper foyer.
Movie Night
There is a 2-part movie coming about the Red Sea Miracle. The 1st showing will take place Tuesday, Feb 18, 7:00 pm in Hanover theater. Part 2 will be Tuesday May 5. This is a documentary on the crossing of the Red Sea.
This Bible-affirming investigation is so large that two films were required. It’s one of the greatest miracles in the Bible; Moses and the Israelites trapped at the sea by Pharaoh’s army when God miraculously parts the waters, rescuing the Israelites and destroying Pharaoh and his chariots. But is there any evidence that it really happened and if so, where? If anyone is interested in attending this movie, sign up in the lower foyer.
BODY NEWS
National BGMC Day
National Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge (BGMC) Day is Sunday, March 8. Be sure to mark your calendars as our R.O.C.K. kids will minister in the morning service. Please return your BGMC boxes that day.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Mar 1 ~ New Life for Girls & Luncheon
Mar 8 ~ National BGMC Day
Mar 21 ~ Women’s Spring Tour
PRAYER NEEDS
Please take time to review and pray for those on this list. Drop them a card or call to set up a time to visit. They will be blessed!
~ Gladys J.
~ Beulah S.
~ Olga K.
~ Marian T.
Welcome to Dover Assembly!
We are so glad you have chosen to attend Dover Assembly this morning. It is not by accident that you are here. We believe that God has allowed you to be here so that you might receive all that He has for you. We pray you are blessed as you allow the Lord to work in your life.
THIS WEEK
Sunday
9:00 am ~ Coffee & Donuts
9:30 am ~ Sunday School
10:30 am ~ R.O.C.K. Children’s Ministries
10:30 am ~ Worship Service
1:00 pm ~ Spanish Service
3:00 pm ~ Worship Practice
Wednesday
6:30 pm ~ FAMILY NIGHT
Saturday
6:30 pm ~ Saturday Night Spanish Service
UPCOMING EVENTS
New Life For Girls
New Life for Girls will be ministering on Sun, March 1 during the 10:30 service. Be sure to come to support them and bring someone who needs to hear their testimonies. We will provide a luncheon following the service. A love offering for their ministry will be taken. Please sign up in the lower foyer to join us for the luncheon.
New Wednesday Night Youth Series
Emerge Youth has begun a new video series on Wednesday nights entitled "Who Is The Holy Spirit?" taught by the AG's National Youth Director, Josh Wellborn. Each week will tackle common questions about the Holy Spirit, helping students to fully understand the Holy Spirit and His role in their lives. All students are invited to join us for this series Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm.
Women of Purpose Spring Tour
This year’s District Spring conference will be held at Christian Life Assembly on Saturday, March 21. The speaker will be Lisa Potter. Please mark your calendars for this date! Please see the information at the sign up table in the upper foyer.
Movie Night
There is a 2-part movie coming about the Red Sea Miracle. The 1st showing will take place Tuesday, Feb 18, 7:00 pm in Hanover theater. Part 2 will be Tuesday May 5. This is a documentary on the crossing of the Red Sea.
This Bible-affirming investigation is so large that two films were required. It’s one of the greatest miracles in the Bible; Moses and the Israelites trapped at the sea by Pharaoh’s army when God miraculously parts the waters, rescuing the Israelites and destroying Pharaoh and his chariots. But is there any evidence that it really happened and if so, where? If anyone is interested in attending this movie, sign up in the lower foyer.
BODY NEWS
National BGMC Day
National Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge (BGMC) Day is Sunday, March 8. Be sure to mark your calendars as our R.O.C.K. kids will minister in the morning service. Please return your BGMC boxes that day.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Mar 1 ~ New Life for Girls & Luncheon
Mar 8 ~ National BGMC Day
Mar 21 ~ Women’s Spring Tour
PRAYER NEEDS
Please take time to review and pray for those on this list. Drop them a card or call to set up a time to visit. They will be blessed!
~ Gladys J.
~ Beulah S.
~ Olga K.
~ Marian T.
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https://doverassembly.com/appThank you for your faithfulness!
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Week 3 - February 16, 2020 - Pastor Jeff Bender
This is our third week talking about worship. We talked about why we worship, what is worship, and that we worship in spirit and truth.
Today we are going to look at what does worship look like? What are the physical characteristics of worship?
In other words, what physical actions do we do that accompany worship?
First let’s see that there is a spiritual significance to what we do physically.
Today we are going to look at what does worship look like? What are the physical characteristics of worship?
In other words, what physical actions do we do that accompany worship?
First let’s see that there is a spiritual significance to what we do physically.
There was significance in the action of striking the arrows on the ground. There was a consequence, if you will, for the action.
It mattered in the King’s life what physical actions he took. It matters in our lives how we physically worship.
When Israel was about to conquer Jericho, what did God tell them to do? Walk seven times around and the last time, blow trumpets and shout.
Do you think God could have knocked the walls down without all that stuff YES. But God wanted a physical action to accompany His blessings.
Remember the story about Moses having to have his hands raised to win the battle?
It mattered in the King’s life what physical actions he took. It matters in our lives how we physically worship.
When Israel was about to conquer Jericho, what did God tell them to do? Walk seven times around and the last time, blow trumpets and shout.
Do you think God could have knocked the walls down without all that stuff YES. But God wanted a physical action to accompany His blessings.
Remember the story about Moses having to have his hands raised to win the battle?
So Aaron and Hur helped him keep his arms raised and they won.
When we follow God’s mandate for physical actions, there are spiritual blessings that go along with them. And God also has physical actions that accompany our worship.
If we look at the Psalms (God’s hymn book) we see what actions should accompany our worship. Some of these we know and like, others, well, we’ll see.
When we follow God’s mandate for physical actions, there are spiritual blessings that go along with them. And God also has physical actions that accompany our worship.
If we look at the Psalms (God’s hymn book) we see what actions should accompany our worship. Some of these we know and like, others, well, we’ll see.
I. BE STILL
There are times during our worship that we just need to stand quietly before God.
When we are quiet, we are able to listen better than if we are talking or singing. How many of you are able to pray or read your Bible if there is commotion all around you?
Sometimes we need to be quiet and allow God to do what he wants to do.
How often do our minds just go 100 mile an hour when we try to worship or pray? Just thinking about everything and anything.
That’s the time we need to be still and just quiet our thoughts and simply know that God is there. Sometimes we might not even sing, we just stand quietly and focus on God.
When we are quiet, we are able to listen better than if we are talking or singing. How many of you are able to pray or read your Bible if there is commotion all around you?
Sometimes we need to be quiet and allow God to do what he wants to do.
How often do our minds just go 100 mile an hour when we try to worship or pray? Just thinking about everything and anything.
That’s the time we need to be still and just quiet our thoughts and simply know that God is there. Sometimes we might not even sing, we just stand quietly and focus on God.
II. CLAP YOUR HANDS
This word clap is pretty vague in the Bible. It could mean clap with the music or clap for applause.
So if we clap, we are expressing our joy through clapping.
And if we want to show God we appreciate Him or something we heard that he did, we can applaud.
When we clap for applause (after a solo or a testimony) our applause should be towards God, not the person who sang or gave a testimony.
So if we clap, we are expressing our joy through clapping.
And if we want to show God we appreciate Him or something we heard that he did, we can applaud.
When we clap for applause (after a solo or a testimony) our applause should be towards God, not the person who sang or gave a testimony.
III. BOW DOWN / KNEEL
Just as much as clapping should be included in our worship, so should kneeling and bowing down.
Bowing or kneeling is an indication of humbling ourselves before God. When people see the Pope, or a King or some other person of notoriety, they bend down of kneel.
Now I understand that some of us might find that hard to do physically, but we could probably humble ourselves in a similar manner.
Remember the story of Esther? Haman, the enemy of the Jews, was promoted and then the king at Haman’s request, demanded that people bow down to him.
But also, remember that Mordecai, did not because he wasn’t worthy of that honor.
Bowing or kneeling is an indication of humbling ourselves before God. When people see the Pope, or a King or some other person of notoriety, they bend down of kneel.
Now I understand that some of us might find that hard to do physically, but we could probably humble ourselves in a similar manner.
Remember the story of Esther? Haman, the enemy of the Jews, was promoted and then the king at Haman’s request, demanded that people bow down to him.
But also, remember that Mordecai, did not because he wasn’t worthy of that honor.
God is the God of the universe and is worthy of us bowing down in His presence.
IV. SING
Did you notice that the bible never says “Sing an old song”?
Why? It’s not that old songs are bad, we had an oldies night this past Wednesday and it was great.
So why not just keep singing the same old songs? God doesn’t get bored with hearing we love him, and how amazing His grace is, so why?
I think 2 reasons:
a) Every generation needs music that they identify with and means something to them. Music that they can call their own. Songs that either through the music itself, or even the lyrics, that really touch a person.
Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, that style of secular music, was my thing, so Amazing Grace on an organ didn’t do anything for me. But then, Hosanna! Integrity came out and it was full band with different lyrics that honored God, but were new.
And how many teens really love listening to dad or mom’s music? So every generation needs new music that honor’s God that isn’t your grandparents music.
b) Singing the same old songs all the time will tend to get repetitious and stale. Every time I find a song that I love, I’ll play it to death, and after a while, it doesn’t quite have the appeal that it had at first. In fact, I might even get sick of hearing it.
In either case, constantly singing the same ones, will diminish the meaning to me and have a negative impact on my worship because I have become tired of it.
You’re singing them, but your heart’s not in it. And we talked about that last week. Going through the motions but not having your heart engaged.
Why? It’s not that old songs are bad, we had an oldies night this past Wednesday and it was great.
So why not just keep singing the same old songs? God doesn’t get bored with hearing we love him, and how amazing His grace is, so why?
I think 2 reasons:
a) Every generation needs music that they identify with and means something to them. Music that they can call their own. Songs that either through the music itself, or even the lyrics, that really touch a person.
Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, that style of secular music, was my thing, so Amazing Grace on an organ didn’t do anything for me. But then, Hosanna! Integrity came out and it was full band with different lyrics that honored God, but were new.
And how many teens really love listening to dad or mom’s music? So every generation needs new music that honor’s God that isn’t your grandparents music.
b) Singing the same old songs all the time will tend to get repetitious and stale. Every time I find a song that I love, I’ll play it to death, and after a while, it doesn’t quite have the appeal that it had at first. In fact, I might even get sick of hearing it.
In either case, constantly singing the same ones, will diminish the meaning to me and have a negative impact on my worship because I have become tired of it.
You’re singing them, but your heart’s not in it. And we talked about that last week. Going through the motions but not having your heart engaged.
V. RAISING HANDS
The symbolism of raising hands is that you are surrendering yourself to God.
I give myself to you.
I give myself to you.
VI. DANCING
And remember when the Ark was being brought back to Jerusalem after being away for so long?
They were carrying into town and it says . . .
They were carrying into town and it says . . .
Again this word dance can mean a choreographed dance or just kicking up your heels.
VII. WHAT INSTRUMENTS?
Again being in a Pentecostal church, we really don’t have an issue with this, but let’s see what it says . . .
Again being in a Pentecostal church, we really don’t have an issue with this, but let’s see what it says . . .
This list is not meant to be the only instruments we use, but a list of what was available in their time.
Note that it has wind/brass, stringed, percussion. Note also it doesn’t have piano and organ.
It just appears to say that every instrument available can be used to worship God.
When we are engaged in worship and we are engaged in physical aspect of worship, we need to remember to whom is the worship intended.
And we should be careful NOT to judge others in how they worship. Because worship is intended for God and our eyes and attention need to be pointed in that direction.
We should not be watching our neighbor, and then judging or criticizing their expressions of worship.
Note that it has wind/brass, stringed, percussion. Note also it doesn’t have piano and organ.
It just appears to say that every instrument available can be used to worship God.
When we are engaged in worship and we are engaged in physical aspect of worship, we need to remember to whom is the worship intended.
And we should be careful NOT to judge others in how they worship. Because worship is intended for God and our eyes and attention need to be pointed in that direction.
We should not be watching our neighbor, and then judging or criticizing their expressions of worship.
When we have our kids programs and all the little kids are on the platform, what invariably happens? Every child looks for their parents in the crowd and then starts to wave and smile and do things to get that parent’s attention.
Some even run off the platform to go to their parents. And none of them seem to care what any of us adults think about that because their waving and smiling is NOT for us, it’s for mom and dad.
When we worship, it isn’t for anyone else around you, it’s for your heavenly dad.
Some even run off the platform to go to their parents. And none of them seem to care what any of us adults think about that because their waving and smiling is NOT for us, it’s for mom and dad.
When we worship, it isn’t for anyone else around you, it’s for your heavenly dad.
As long as our worship is honest, biblical and honors God, we need the freedom to worship how we are directed.
Remember our lesson from last week. Worship must be in spirit and truth. Both are necessary to be true worship.
If we only worship in spirit, it becomes ONLY emotional with no basis in God’s truth. And can be disruptive. If we only worship in truth, it becomes ritual, dry and without sincerity of our hearts.
But worshipping in both spirit and truth allows us to express outwardly what God is doing in our hearts.
So when we enter into worship, feel free to allow your emotions, guided by truth, to be exhibited outwardly.
Remember our lesson from last week. Worship must be in spirit and truth. Both are necessary to be true worship.
If we only worship in spirit, it becomes ONLY emotional with no basis in God’s truth. And can be disruptive. If we only worship in truth, it becomes ritual, dry and without sincerity of our hearts.
But worshipping in both spirit and truth allows us to express outwardly what God is doing in our hearts.
So when we enter into worship, feel free to allow your emotions, guided by truth, to be exhibited outwardly.
Thank you for joining us!
If you haven't already, be sure to check out our website and follow us on social media @doverassembly! Have a great week!
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