Book Review: Come, Let us Worship the Lord
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Come, Let us Worship the Lord
Book Author: Rev Pieter G Feenstra
Review Author: Jantina
Bunbury Free Reformed Church
Pro Ecclesia Bookshop
Come, Let us Worship the LORD.
By Rev Pieter G Feenstra
84 pages/2017
The request by the Women’s League to read and review this book came as a blessing on my path. Lately, I have been detecting subtle changes in the general attitude towards our Reformed worship services. Satan, walking around like a roaring lion, is also attacking our orthodox worship, which is faithfully summarised from the Word of God. Satan uses our tendency to serve the idols of our own hearts to pull us away from true worship to God. Our sinful inclinations are to serve and worship ourselves and to focus on those things that satisfy our needs, wants and pleasures.
But what can I say? How can I express what I know in my heart is right, to act against Satan’s attacks? Rev Feenstra, in his reflections on reformed worship, has given me many approaches to advocate our reformed worship style.
The book “Come, Let us Worship the LORD” is a revised version of what was originally presented as two speeches held during 2016 in Guelph, Canada, to commemorate 500 Years Reformation.
The book has been divided into two sections; the first part focuses on the essentials of worship. Worship is defined as the covenantal meeting between God and His children. God speaks, and the congregation responds. God speaks of grace, and the people respond in gratitude. During worship, we are put at the feet of Jesus, the leader of the worship service. Section one addresses many aspects of the worship service and their application in today’s church service as God has instructed us through His word.
True worship is God centred. To glorify God is not our natural tendency. Worship is a sacrifice of praise. It comes at a cost. As we present our bodies, minds and spirit as a living sacrifice, our true worship should be holy, set apart and counter-cultural. This is true spiritual worship as Paul beseeches us in Rom 12:1.
Section two addresses the elements in our Reformed church services. Explanations of origins of all the different components such as votum, salutation, congregational singing, prayer and scripture reading, will increase the regular attendant’s appreciation for what is taking place in the service. The reoccurring theme of the two-way covenantal dialogue in each of these components highlights the God-centredness of our worship services.
A list of thought-provoking questions at the end of each section makes this 84-page book useful for club discussions. Apart from a renewed appreciation of our Reformed worship, this book can serve as a guide to those who wish to become more acquainted with the basics of Reformed worship.
Jantina van den Dolder, FRC Bunbury
This book review was organised by Pro Ecclsia Bookshop in conjunction with Women’s League. The book is available from the Pro Ecclsia Bookshop.