Tony,
From what I can read, the basic premise of your post and issue is based on this summary:
Quote:
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Now I've been told that when we 'enter into worship' it is solely for God and we should not go into the experience selfishly, looking for anything of our own to take away from it.
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First thought is that we must be careful not to use the words "music" and "worship" interchangeably, as if they are necessarily the same thing.
Ultimately, I think "music" can definitely be entertaining.
Now, I've not read Hayford's book, and he's a voice that I deeply respect. But my first impression is that "worship" is meant for God. Ultimately, the purpose of "worship" is to glorify God, to make Him known, to exalt and magnify (draw attention to) God Himself. HOWEVER, if we, the worshiper, get a benefit from that - (and I would say we DEFINITELY DO), my response would be "so what!?" ....
Ultimately, it's the very nature of God to bless us. I can't think of ANYTHING that we can do for God that doesn't come back and bless us. It's that reciprocal nature of God.
However, Tony - I think this is the bigger issue is the fact that we shouldn't let this be a "big issue". Honestly, I mean - some think that we shouldn't get ANYTHING out of worship. (I doubt that's REALLY what they mean, they are likely referring to our MOTIVES behind worship). Others think that we DO get benefits from worship. What is the "main thing"? WORSHIP.
I mean, in church-dom ... we are always going to disagree about some various philosophy and even some points of doctrine. What's important is that we come together and keep the "Main Thing" the "main thing".
I could see Satan using this disagreement in philosophy to sow seeds of discord and division into the church, and even in your own heart. First, it's just a curious question as to "which thought process is correct". Then, it's a more serious question as to 'why do they think that way". Next, it's a lie that somehow "you're on the outside" and "you don't fit in anymore". The relationship gets strained, and you and they start feeling suspicious and "weird" around each other. Before you know it, you don't think you can submit to that leadership anymore.
Don't get me wrong, Tony - I think it's great to have questions, disagreements, differing thoughts, etc. That's the BEAUTY of TWC forum, too - you can vent those out. But when it's all said and done, we just have to work to keep unity at work.
For what it's worth - music IS stimulating. Music is therapy (there are professions called "Music Therapy"). Music can manipulate, stir, calm, excite ... and so, since "music" is often a part of "worship", it only makes sense that these same thing can happen in worship.
Honestly, though - even in reading your synopsis of "The Sermon", I seem to read-between-the-lines a bit differently - that your leadership would be teaching that worship is for God, and that although we may experience some blessing or benefit in the midst of it, the ultimate PURPOSE, MOTIVE, and REASON that we worship should NOT be for our personal edification; rather, for the glory of God.
So, my response is waaaayyy too long already ... so let me just conclude by saying and encouraging you to NOT let this get to you ... don't let it stir around in your mind too much. This hill, IMHO, isn't worthy dying on. I'm not saying you are doing that, except for the line where you said "Now I feel suddenly on the outs with some of my close friends, and also with my pastor" ... and that greatly concerns me. It's not worth that ... just agree to disagree, or just don't even feel like it has to stay in a state of debate.
At our
church, we have so many angles and views on various elements of the Gospel, though we all wholeheartedly agree with the core elements of the Gospel and Bible. But on issues such as charismatic gifts, expressions of worship, healing and miracles, suffering and sovereignty, "baptism of the Holy Spirit", etc ... we have MANY different viewpoints ... yet, we focus on what we AGREE on, and as a result, have a powerful team.
Hope this helps, man!
For the Kingdom,
Fred