Passion and Emotion in worship....

[BrokenGhost]

So, after a conversation I was having this morning, it got me thinking, and I would love to hear what folks would have to say on this. How are we to respond to people that claim Reformed churches lack passion and emotion for God?

 

[JM]

Well, I would say that most folks don't understand the experimental aspects of biblical Christianity in the first place, so their assessment is without merit. I can't deny that some congregations are dead and lifeless but that isn't a universal truth for all Reformed Calvinists. I would say that since Calvinism rightly teaches the deadness of sinful man to effect anything toward his salvation or pleasing of God, that grace is experienced in the fullest sense. The biblical doctrine known as Calvinism strikes at the heart of pride, when this blow is struck by the Holy Spirit, we experience the deepest sense of unworthiness before God, a need for Jesus Christ and can't help but feel emotional about it.

Yours in the Lord,

jm

 

[stenerson]

So, after a conversation I was having this morning, it got me thinking, and I would love to hear what folks would have to say on this. How are we to respond to people that claim Reformed churches lack passion and emotion for God?

Entertainment worship and charismatic hysteria is running rampant in many churches. They see any church that has a sense of reverence or formality as dead.

 

[JM]

Exactly. We also insistent that scripture be our guide in how we approach God in worship.

 

[AMR]

The RPW explains the welcomed absence of happy-clappy church nonsense:
http://www.apuritansmind.com/purita...ship-a-brief-article-by-dr-c-matthew-mcmahon/

The normative principle is, if Scripture does not forbid it then it is permissible. The regulative principle is, if Scripture does not command it then it is forbidden. The normative principle is for all of life whereas the regulative principle is for faith and worship. Please see the Confession of Faith, chapter 20, section 2, for a clear statement on this difference.