About the Author

Dr. Peter Masters has been Minister of the world-famous Metropolitan Tabernacle (Spurgeon's) in central London since 1970. He edits the international magazine Sword & Trowel (started by Spurgeon in 1865) and directs the studies of aspiring pastors in the Tabernacle's adjunct seminary.

Publisher's Description

New trends in worship have shaken traditional concepts and attitudes, giving rise to much heart-searching and a flurry of books. Is it all just a matter of generation and taste? Are the traditions of today only the innovations of yesterday? This lively and clearly reasoned book focuses on four crucial principles of worship laid down by Christ and strongly re-affirmed at the Reformation. These central pillars are rapidly passing out of sight today, yet it is surely by these that all new ideas should be assessed. Here also is a fascinating view of how they worshipped in Bible times, including the Old Testament rules for the use of instruments, and New Testament light on all the elements of worship normative for today. Worship in the Melting Pot has instantly become core reading among British evangelical pastors and lay people. Searching and challenging; dealing with principles not personalities. Chapters include: Three Broken Principles: 1. Spiritual or Aesthetic Worship? 2. Rational or Ecstatic Worship? 3. Sacred or Profane Worship? Reverence Begins in the Place of Worship Let the Lord Define Worship Brass, Strings and Percussion in the Bible Services of Worship in the Bible What Really Happened at Corinth? Why Raise Hands? When Hymns Were Born Seven Standards for Worthy Hymns Practical Rules for Public Prayer

Endorsement

There is SO much emphasis today on HOW to improve worship (methodology), but so little available which focuses on the biblical teaching and examples regarding worship. This book has been of great help to our church, and I very highly recommend it to every pastor, worship leader, and any believer, as an excellent tool to better understand the various aspects of public worship from a biblical perspective. In past centuries, preaching was seen as the heart of the Sunday worship service. Today, in many churches, the music and other aspects have taken the spotlight. Is the way we worship simply a matter of preference or a cultural issue? Does the Bible give any clear principles upon which to build? These are vital questions, which are rarely being asked, and it is even more difficult to find answers which are grounded in God's Word.
As believers, it is so very important to evaluate each issue in life on the basis of biblical principles, but to do that, we need to know the principles. This book helps to clarify the biblical principles regarding worship.
Any Christian reading this book with an open heart and mind will definitely be stimulated to more carefully evaluate his or her position (or lack of position) regarding worship.
I thank God for this book, and the help it will be for many. I heartily recommend it.
Marco deFelice, pastor