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Assignments for this course take the form of written summaries, research, and analysis. They are designed to help us work through the course
objectives, while keeping a focus on our spiritual growth through conceptual learning.
Foundations-Philosophy of Instruction
As an
introduction to instruction, I believe we must first lay
a strong foundation regarding creativity, knowledge,
wisdom, and understanding. When I think of these
characteristics, the first thing I do is reflect on and
seek the Lord who created humanity and everything else -
the Master Artist (Jesus Christ). In fact, the Lord
tells us that, “The earth is His [the Lord’s], and
everything in it, the world and all who live in it”
(Psalm 24:1, NIV).
As
creative beings made in the image of God, we must always
search for ways to express His creativity through us to
make His presence known to the world and to help
humanity see the reality of a God who loves them, who
was willing to pay the ultimate price for their
redemption so that they could have a relationship with
Him. God is capable of meeting us right where we are at
in our lives and the creative arts can help express this
reality. How wonderful it is for us to be used of God
to bring forth His message in the creative arts because
the creative arts have a way of directly speaking to and
touching the heart in ways that other forms of
communication do not. The creative arts, when expressed
from a humble heart surrendered to God, are a wonderful
way to see how “we do not have a high priest [Jesus] who
is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have
one who has been tempted in everyway, just as we
are---yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15, NIV). This is
why we can approach Him with confidence “so that we may
receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of
need” (Hebrews 4:16, NIV). Therefore, what better
Person to be connected with than the very Creator
(Master Artist) Himself. Only in Him, not in the
creation, is all knowledge and understanding for He is
the very Author of life.
The
Lord is the Master Artist (in which He is the Master
Composer-Musician). The Word of God provides much
information regarding creativity, knowledge, wisdom,
understanding, and relationship. Therefore, our
foundation for this course will be centered on the
foundation for life – God’s Word (the Bible).
Assignment #1
Resources: Unceasing Worship
Introduction
Part 1: Unceasing Worship as
Continuous Outpouring
Chapter 1: Nobody Does Not
Worship
Chapter 2: What is Authentic
Worship?
Developing An Atmosphere
of Worship—Course
Reader
Part I: Introduction to “Third Day” Worship
Application:
Using your Bible (which you will cite scriptural
passages from), your course reader and your text (which
you will cite specific quotes and or paraphrases with
page numbers) as primary sources, compose a 5-6 page
commentary on what worship is and what it is not.
Explain your personal understanding and
experience of worship. You may want to think about
these questions as you compose your commentary: What is
authentic worship? How does ‘continuous outpouring
express the nature of God? What roles do faith, hope,
and faith play in a life of worship? Be sure to express
your ideas completely and follow MLA writing standards.
Assignment #2
Resources: Unceasing Worship
Part 1: Unceasing Worship as
Continuous Outpouring
Chapter 3: Mutual Indwelling: The Final Geography
of Worship
Chapter 4: The Corporate Gathering and Authentic
Worship
Developing An Atmosphere
of Worship— Course
Reader
Part II: Developing an
Atmosphere of Worship
Application:
Reflect on the concept of “mutual indwelling”. As you
receive direction and revelation from the Lord, write
down your comments and observations regarding these
concepts. Use your comments and observations as a basis
for a 4-5 page response to how we attract God’s presence
when we worship: When God is present with us when we
worship, what is it that attract God to us? Why is the
condition of our heart important in respect to worship?
You are encouraged to support your comments with
scriptural references and follow MLA writing standards.
Assignment #3
Resources: Unceasing Worship
Part 1: Unceasing Worship as
Continuous Outpouring
Chapter 5: Worship and Witness:The Indivisible Task of Continuous
Outpouring
Chapter 6: Worship, Praying and
Preaching
Developing An Atmosphere
of Worship— Course
Reader
Part III: Entering Into Throne
Room Worship
Application:
Consider the meaning of “Throne Room Worship”and your
personal experience of it. Compose a reflection essay of
5-6 pages in length of how throne room worship relates
to worship, prayer, and preaching. Approach this
assignment with prayer and ask the Lord to reveal to you
His purpose for you as a ‘priest’ in His Kingdom. Use
your Bible and scriptural references as well as your
course reader and your text and to support your
reflections. Express your ideas completely and adhere
to MLA writing standards.
Assignment #4
Resources: Unceasing Worship
Part 2: Unceasing Worship and
the Arts
Chapter 7: Continuous Outpouring and Artistic Action
Chapter 8: What Creative People
Can Learn from God’s Creation
Chapter 9: The Peculiarity of
Music and Its Unique Role
Developing An Atmosphere
of Worship—Course
Reader
Part IV: Releasing the Presence
and Power of God
Application:
Open your heart to the Lord in your own time of worship
with Him and write down
your experience. What is the Lord saying to you? In
what ways is He drawing you
into closer intimacy and communion with Him? How does
your individual relationship with the Lord allow you to
be free to be used as His vessel to bring His presence
to other? Your responses can be any length you choose;
however, just
express your thoughts clearly and thoroughly.
Assignment #5
Resources: Unceasing Worship
Part 2: Unceasing Worship and
the Arts
Chapter 10: The Arts in
Contrast: Allowing Art to Be Art
Chapter 11: “You Shall Not
Worship Me This Way”: Worship, Art and
Incipient Idolatry
Developing An Atmosphere
of Worship— Course
Reader
Part V: Conclusion
Application:
Consider the concept of ‘idolatry’ which is worship that
has been misdirected. In what ways have you been tempted
to ‘worship’ the gifts God gave you to serve Him? For
creative artists (musicians, composers, writers, etc.)
this is a very strong temptation. How do we safeguard
ourselves against worshipping our ‘God-given gifts’ and
keeping our hearts focused on the Lord (the Giver of our
gifts)? Your responses can be any length you choose;
however, just express your thoughts clearly and
thoroughly.
Assignment #6
Resources: Unceasing Worship
Part 2: Unceasing Worship and
the Arts
Chapter 12: The Cultural
Expanse, Part 1: Realities and Unities
Chapter 13: The Cultural Expanse, Part 2: Issues
Chapter 14: What is Quality
Epilogue
Application:
Examine the role of culture with respect to worship. In
what ways has culture affected our worship towards God?
Do you believe that culture is expression of how
we
live in communion with God? Why of Why not? Respond
with a 4-5 page commentary answering the above
questions. Use your Bible and scriptural references as
well as your course reader and your text to support your
views. Express your ideas completely and adhere to MLA
writing standards.
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