Psalm 100 and the Old Testament tabernacle/temple worship model give us the following thoughts:
Enter . . . His Gates with Thanksgiving. We should always come to worship with a spirit of thanksgiving and gratitude for all of God's provision and faithfulness. An attitude of gratitude should precede our worship.
Enter . . . His Courts with Praise. As we move into the inner court of worship we have come with thanksgiving and now enter into praise. We glorify, bless, magnify, acclaim and honor Him. We see that praise creates an atmosphere for the presence of the Lord (Ps. 22:3).
Enter . . . His Worship with Adoration. By the blood of the lamb, we are able to enter into His Worship expressing our love relationship with God. Entering the Holy of Holies, in His Holy presence we now worship Him intimately, setting our minds on the things above. He reveals His truth, will and purpose for our lives as our full focus is on Him.
Enter . . . His World in Obedience. After the sacrifice of praise and worship has been made and God has revealed Himself, as in the Old Testament, the priest would offer a challenge within a blessing or benediction. We move into the outer court and into the world to reveal to others all He has revealed to us; living out our faith in ministry to others.
This is the basis of our theme as a worship-leading choir at First Baptist Church, Rockwall. We will focus on this model as we lead worship and minister in His name this coming year. mjm
