Was planning on zooming in mainly on the NT church as a pattern for us to follow, but might need to also take a look at how things have shifted over the last 2,000 years. Good suggestion!
No pressure either way. I’m just always curious to know when the shift happened; what factors culturally, theologically, etc may have been responsible; was this well thought out at the time the changes were made or (as in many cases) was their simple the lack of any deep though over a long period of time and it all just shifted to fit what was easy, comfortable, or more appealing. I have this unrest when it come to the “Why”
I look forward to reading part 2 & 3 of this series. This was a perspective I’ve never heard or thought of before. I’m understanding of it.
I began to realize a few years ago that worship is more than singing and raising hands. I’ve looked at it as more of a lifestyle that honors God. This gets me to dig deeper.
When you strip away the noise of religion, ambition, and even spiritual performance, one question sits quietly at the center of it all:
What is God actually looking for?
Is He scanning the earth for the most talented? The most disciplined? The most flawless performer?
No. Scripture tells us plainly:
“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully His.”
— 2 Chronicles 16:9
God is not looking for performance.
He is looking for Himself — His reflection, formed and revealed in human lives.
God Is Searching for His Image
From the beginning, creation carried a stamp. Humanity was designed as image-bearers, mirrors reflecting the invisible nature of God into the visible world.
But sin clouded the glass. Like a mirror fogged with smoke, the reflection blurred. Humanity kept moving, producing, striving — but the image was distorted.
Formation is God’s restoration project. It is the slow polishing of the soul’s mirror until His likeness shines again.
Every principle practiced, every lie replaced with truth, wipes away another layer of distortion.
Thank you for sharing. This was great
Interested to see where you take this. Any plans to cover the transition of humanities understanding of worship?
Was planning on zooming in mainly on the NT church as a pattern for us to follow, but might need to also take a look at how things have shifted over the last 2,000 years. Good suggestion!
No pressure either way. I’m just always curious to know when the shift happened; what factors culturally, theologically, etc may have been responsible; was this well thought out at the time the changes were made or (as in many cases) was their simple the lack of any deep though over a long period of time and it all just shifted to fit what was easy, comfortable, or more appealing. I have this unrest when it come to the “Why”
I look forward to reading part 2 & 3 of this series. This was a perspective I’ve never heard or thought of before. I’m understanding of it.
I began to realize a few years ago that worship is more than singing and raising hands. I’ve looked at it as more of a lifestyle that honors God. This gets me to dig deeper.
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What Is God Looking For?
The Question Behind Every Other Question
When you strip away the noise of religion, ambition, and even spiritual performance, one question sits quietly at the center of it all:
What is God actually looking for?
Is He scanning the earth for the most talented? The most disciplined? The most flawless performer?
No. Scripture tells us plainly:
“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully His.”
— 2 Chronicles 16:9
God is not looking for performance.
He is looking for Himself — His reflection, formed and revealed in human lives.
God Is Searching for His Image
From the beginning, creation carried a stamp. Humanity was designed as image-bearers, mirrors reflecting the invisible nature of God into the visible world.
But sin clouded the glass. Like a mirror fogged with smoke, the reflection blurred. Humanity kept moving, producing, striving — but the image was distorted.
Formation is God’s restoration project. It is the slow polishing of the soul’s mirror until His likeness shines again.
Every principle practiced, every lie replaced with truth, wipes away another layer of distortion.