LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Summary Analysis Peterson
Submitted to Dr. Richard Connell
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
WRSP 635 – D01
Building a Theology of Worship
by
Student
Andrea L. MacLeod
L30754096
Summer D01
Engaging with God; A Biblical Theology of Worship
David Peterson
Chapter 1: Engaging with God in the Old Testament
Summary:
This chapter identifies the role that the Old Testament plays in the worship theology of
Christians. The author begins by chiding Christians for sometimes neglecting or disregarding the
foundational truths expressed within the OT. Peterson shows that worship themes that must be
visible in sound theology are a revelation, covenant, redemption, and living a life called out and
set apart. God defines His relationship with His children through revelation and response. He is
consistent to reveal His character through His redemptive and faithful nature and we are called to
respond to this information with love and adoration for the King.
As the chapter continues, Peterson reminds the reader what worship was like in the pagan
religions of the era. He parallels the sacrificial atonement system established in Exodus and those
of pagan nations but is quick to discern what sets Israel’s worship apart from the worship of false
gods. From purification rituals to types of sacrifices acceptable, the worship of Jehovah
demonstrated that it was not centered on a god of man’s creation. Unfortunately, even the
worship that was conducted through the temple had the possibility of corruption because the
temple itself became and aspect of idol worship. Not following the guidelines set out by God
would result is a judgement from the Creator, even if Israel was his special possession.
Analysis:
Peterson utilizes the pages of the first chapter to truly explain the intricate details of what makes
the atonement system of the OT similar and different from those of the pagan nations. This is a
necessary aspect of apologetics that is not taught enough about. Many times Christians are
confronted with the fact that the ways of OT are similar to that of the occults. When reading this
portion of the book, I felt like I had a deeper grasp of what actually separates the worship of the
OT and that of the Pagan nations that surrounded it. The author brought strong conclusions to the
idea that even the worship through the temple could be tainted and idolized if the people of Israel
were not careful. When he drew the conclusion that the prophets reminded the children of Israel
that His protection was contingent on their faithfulness, I was able to connect this idea with the
state of the Church in America. When the worship of our religions resembles the world more
than the theology of the Bible, we are in jeopardy of stepping out of His protection due to our
unfaithfulness.
What I Have Learned:
I learned that ritual sacrifice in the OT is discernably different from that of pagan nations of the
past.
Andrea L. MacLeod
L30754096
Summer D01 2020
Engaging with God; A Biblical Theology of Worship
David Peterson
Chapter 2: Honouring, serving, and respecting God
Summary:
Chapter two begins with identifying that the word worship in the English language does not hold
the clout and depth that the words for worship in Greek and Hebrew. The chapter continues by t
looking more in-depth at the idea of worship as homage, service, and reverence to God. He
begins by dissecting the idea of worship with respect to the physical act of submission. This act
of homage is powerful but physicality is not the only act of homage as worship. The intent is not
to neglect that some acts of homage may be conducted through an act of sacrifice.
This depiction fo worship continues as Peterson swiftly moves into the next realm of worship
described in this chapter. This idea of worship as service focuses on that of service to the
community and the church. It is through these demonstrations of genuine worship through
service that God is adorned. The main theme that the author tried to disseminate to the reader is
that service is not just a one time and done act, but it is a lifestyle or life pattern that must be
consistently and appropriately practiced.
Worship as reverence or more effectively stated, respect, assumes the position that God is worthy
of the honor due Him. He is a fearsome deity that is worthy of awe and trembling. An important
aspect of the reverence that God seeks is that of acts of obedience from the life, mouth, and
actions of the believer.
Analysis:
While this chapter was informative, it felt as if the aspect of homage and service demonstrated
two unique forms of worship. Reverence on the other hand seemed to be closely woven through
homage and service. Almost as if the concepts were intersecting more than expressing unique
ways to focus on the Lord’s glory. The worship of reverence, as described was more like the by-
product of the acts under the worship of homage or service. It is through the commitment to God
through homage and service that a true understanding of God is revealed and the reality of His
greatness shines the brightest. With all of the terms to support the word ‘worship’ throughout the
Bible, it would be good to see Peterson pick three distinct categorize to focus on.
What I Have Learned:
I learned that worship in the English language cannot begin to express the full magnitude of this
verb.
Andrea L. MacLeod
L30754096
Summer D01 2020
Engaging with God; A Biblical Theology of Worship
David Peterson
Chapter 3: Jesus and the new temple
Summary:
In this chapter Peterson points out the many names of Jesus and what He means to Christianity
as a whole. He does this first by looking at the different perspectives of the Matthew and John. In
Matthew he begins with identifying Christ’s character as Emmanuel. He continues by
acknowledging that Jesus refers to Himself as the new temple. As the text goes on we see how
Jesus is for filling prophecy’s from the Old Testament as well as being honored as the King of
Kings. Aspects of prophecies that Christ is fulfilling is the cleansing of the temple, fulfilling the
promises of Abraham and David, and challenging Israel to be God’s chosen again.
Through The perspective of John we see the parallels between the two disciples. John also
discusses how Christ is God with us and how he represents the new temple. But John goes into
ideas of how we will worship in spirit and truth through the person of Christ. Both disciples
identify that God is bringing people unto Himself through the work of his son Jesus.
Analysis:
Peterson‘s analysis of the two perspectives of John and Matthew is excellent. He seems to draw
the parallels very easily between the two writers. The challenge that seems to be issued through
identifying the importance of Christ ensuring that believers know who God is through Christ
Jesus. It is impossible to witness to a world about a redemption and saving grace when we do not
know the full role of Christ with in that plan.
What I Have Learned:
I learned that the importance of Christ rule in our world goes far beyond the cross and infiltrates
many aspects of the lives of believers.
Andrea L. MacLeod
L30754096
Summer D01 2020
Engaging with God; A Biblical Theology of Worship
David Peterson
Chapter 4: Jesus and the new covenant
Summary:
Peterson begins this chapter by acknowledging that when Christ replaced the temple the new
covenant was installed. He demonstrates how Christ used even the old testament verses to be
able to command Satan to leave. This shows that Christ did not mean to fall into temptation it
was offered to him by the enemy because worship would eventually be subject to Jesus as the
Way. Throughout Jesus‘s life he demonstrates that he does not ever make a move without God
first willing and guiding his actions.
It is not only through the replacement of the temple that Jesus changes the way worship would be
initiated. It is through Christ that the old law of Moses was considered fulfilled, null, and void.
Peterson continues to identify that Christ is referred to as the Lord of the Sabbath. This is what
change the perspective of behavior for the Sabbath day. As the crucifixion of Christ Drew near
the disconnection between pagan offerings and holy offerings came in to play. Peterson identifies
that Jesus was a sacrificial lamb by choice not by force. The other also points to the partaking of
the eucharist in the form of the Lord supper. It is in this final celebration of the Passover that
Jesus fulfills another aspect of prophecy.
Analysis:
I seem to me that the author really wanted to drive home the different aspects of how Christ
fulfilled the new covenant. The connections that were drawn concerning ways of the Old
Testament and the new establish rituals of the New Testament fully engaged the idea that Christ
was a culmination of God‘s redemptive plan that was set into motion during the creation of the
earth. They did seem to be some sort of emotional disconnect as Peterson wrote about the
importance of Christ role in all of these different prophetic fulfillments.
What I Have Learned:
I learned that Jesus was referred to as the Lord of the Sabbath.
Andrea L. MacLeod
L30754096
Summer D01 2020
Engaging with God; A Biblical Theology of Worship
David Peterson
Chapter 5: Temple and community in the Acts of the Apostles
Summary:
In this chapter the author connects the idea that the disciples were still at a loss of how to
conduct Christian services. Since many of the disciples were originally Jews they still had
connection and habit of attending worship at the temple. It was through this time that Christians
connected there hope for the Jesus the Messiah with the hope that Jews had for their promised
messianic king. It was through a lot of this preaching that the apostles were uninvited to continue
worship in the Jewish temple.
Peterson continues he begins to depict the importance of different disciples such as Stephen. One
aspect of Stephen‘s work was to continually point Israel back to Christ as the Son of Man. The
most important aspect of the book of acts is to act as a witness to the fact that Jesus lives and is
the present Lord. It is also in this part of the New Testament that we see that the new covenant is
not just for the Jews before the Gentiles as well. Christ rule in this new belief system what is that
of mediator. This directed the prayers of believers to go through Christ.
The other continues on by describing characteristics of Early Church gatherings. It is here when I
spoke about how teaching occurred, how believers gathered and fellowship together, and partook
in the Lord's supper on a regular basis. It is also during this time that praise and prayer became
even more intentional and exuberant.
Analysis:
Peterson really took time to explain the difficulties that the early church had in creating the
liturgies based on what they had learned from Christ. Well these things seem normal to us in our
present age, these men were relying heavily on the Holy Spirit to ensure that they were able to
worship God the way that Jesus had taught and in a form that is acceptable to the Father.
What I Have Learned:
I learned at a new level the difficulties that the disciples faced while trying to establish a belief
system in Christ.
Andrea L. MacLeod
L30754096
Summer D01 2020
Engaging with God; A Biblical Theology of Worship
David Peterson
Chapter 6: Paul and the service of the gospel
Summary:
Entering into an aspect of dissecting some of Paul’s work in the new testament, Peterson begins
by identifying that worship in Christianity should be set apart from that of the pagans that
surrounded the church. This meant that they needed to live in a way that demonstrated their life
was consecrated unto the Lord. One of the ways that Paul offered guidance and understanding
the difference between acceptable worship and sacrifice was by describing the intentionality that
one must have worshiping God.
Paul makes it known that it is through Christ that we are able to worship God in spirit and in
truth, as well as the Father being able to dwell among us. Continuously through his writings in
the New Testament Paul reminds believers that they must renew their mind on a constant basis.
The intention is to always fill their hearts with what is true, good, and beautiful. Throughout this
chapter the author continually refers back to the sacrifice that Jesus made and how it impacts the
lives of believers.
Analysis:
In this chapter, Peterson did an excellent job of reminding the reader what positive intention is in
his writings. The conclusion kept being drawn back to every day life being the most important
aspect of worship. Well this was settled throughout the entirety of the chapter, it seemed as if
Peterson did not trust that the reader understood this concept. In the conclusion of the chapter, it
was as if Peterson felt he needed to hit his readers over the head with the fact that Paul called for
the lifestyle of worship. This was unnecessary and caused me to feel as if I was unable to grasp
what Paul speaks about in the Bible.
What I Have Learned:
I learned that the Bible continuously tells believers that every aspect of their life should be
conducted as a form of worship to God.
Andrea L. MacLeod
L30754096
Summer D01 2020
Engaging with God; A Biblical Theology of Worship
David Peterson
Chapter 7: Serving God in the assembly of his people
Summary:
In the section of the book, we are reminded of the importance of corporate worship. Peterson
describes what a genuine relationship of God will entail. If one is in a true relationship with the
creator, then they will engage in acts of obedience, faith, and love. It is also here that we see the
importance of prophecy inside of the congregation. It is important to allow the Holy Spirit to do
the prompting towards such acts of prophetic words, but human beings must allow God to move
within this realm.
Emphasis is strongly put on the idea that corporate worship is there to strengthen and encourage
fellow believers. This can be done through singing, praise, prayer, and of thanksgiving. The
session continues by reminding the reader that God‘s temple here on earth is no longer housed in
a building but is within each believer that constitutes the church. Since the church is more than
just a building, it represents the body of Christ. This new concept allows for more than just the
Jews to participate in a grace offered from the Lord.
Analysis:
It was refreshing and encouraging to hear Peterson‘s point of you on The use of prophecy within
a church gathering. It seems that not all religions acknowledge the importance of this aspect of
the New Testament. One of the more encouraging aspects of recognizing the Holy Spirit’s work
within specific corporate worship services was that it will never contradict what God has written
within his word.
What I Have Learned:
I learned the importance of knowing Christ's role in both the Old and New Testaments.
Andrea L. MacLeod
L30754096
Summer D01 2020
Engaging with God; A Biblical Theology of Worship
David Peterson
Chapter 8: The book of Hebrews and the worship of Jesus
Summary:
Peterson opens this chapter by acknowledging the theological prowess that comes from the book
of Hebrews. He identifies that Jesus please the role of a high priest as well as a mediator under
the new covenant. He addresses the fact that the old covenant was more of an outward
expression of what is now an inward transformation. Since Christ is the sacrifice that establishes
the new covenant, it is important that believers pay homage to God’s Son.
As the chapter continues Peterson reflects on the ways that believers can participate in worship
of Jesus. Some aspects that he reviews are to draw near to God, service to God, and appropriate
corporate fellowship. Specific aspects of Christian fellowship would be mutual encouragement.
This is where believers can influence, encourage, and bring correction to fellow Christians.
Analysis:
This is one of the stronger chapters within Peterson‘s book. In all of my studies I have not come
across in any writing that depicts more efficiently the necessity of the book of Hebrews. The way
that the book was analyzed offered new insight into why Christians fellowship and gather the
way that they do. It also did not neglect the importance of the old testament under the new
covenant.
What I Have Learned:
I learned about the value and necessity of the book of Hebrews with in my development of a
strong worship theology.
Andrea L. MacLeod
L30754096
Summer D01 2020
Engaging with God; A Biblical Theology of Worship
David Peterson
Chapter 9: Worship in the Revelation of John
Summary:
This chapter immediately jumps into the importance of the Christian influence on political,
social, and economic areas of society. John demonstrates that there needs to be a commitment on
the part of Christians to be willing to live a life constantly set apart for God. Peterson identifies
two distinctive categories of worshipers as identified in the book of Revelations . These
categories are worshipers that are true and those that are idolatrous.
Peterson continues on to identify the struggle that true worshipers will have in the end times. He
also outlines that there will be blessings for these persecution and acts of loyalty. As the chapter
continues, the author delves in to the heavenly aspect that is written out within John’s vision.
Near the conclusion of this chapter, The author does not neglect to recognize God‘s victory on
the earth and how that will impact humanity. It is within this book of the Bible that the
importance of praise is emphasized continuously
Analysis:
While the book of Revelations is intense, Peterson begins to break down the categories in a way
that are more digestible. This is a chapter that one needs to revisit multiple times in their life in
order to be able to understand what it is that God is saying within this book of the Bible. While
Peterson makes the content more accessible, it is still a difficult concept for most individuals to
be able to synthesize immediately.
What I Have Learned:
I learned that the book of revelations is more than just a scary book of prophecy, its intention is
to remind us to be disciplined in our walk with Christ.
Andrea L. MacLeod
L30754096
Summer D01 2020
Engaging with God; A Biblical Theology of Worship
David Peterson
Chapter 10: Worship and the gospel—a summary
Summary:
In this concluding chapter the author writes about what is acceptable worship when attempting to
engage and approach God. We are reminded time and time again that Jesus is the center of
worship under the new covenant. It is to that end that we must submit our whole life to the
authority Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. He reminds the reader of the purpose of
Christian gatherings is not to be neglected. These gatherings must edify the body of Christ
physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.
It is through Jesus Christ that the redemption story can be completed. Christ replaces The old
covenant under the old law, this revitalization of God‘s love and grace can only be achieved
through the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. Peterson and the book reminding believers
that the Bible is a message of God‘s mercy for all people Who choose to believe in Christ Jesus.
Analysis:
Peterson does a great job executing his intention for this book. It was refreshing that in the last
chapter I was able to feel like I had actually understood what the writer was trying to say. He
synthesized the majority of the information effectively but thoroughly within the pages of
the/chapter. It would be reassuring if other authors would follow suit and create a final review for
their readers.
What I Have Learned:
I learned importance of the work of the Messiah in God‘s plan of redemption.
