Why Modern Worship Has Lost Its Power | Bobby Schuller | Podcast Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Why Modern Worship Has Lost Its Power

Shepherd's Grove • Apr 23, 2026 • 22 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

Modern church culture often treats Christians like consumers seeking entertainment or personal fulfillment rather than priests called to minister to God. When believers prioritize ministering to the Lord first—offering sacrifices of praise, lifting hands, and humbling themselves in reverence—God's presence and power rest upon His church. By shifting our focus from what we receive to what sacrifice we present to God, we restore true biblical worship and spiritual vitality.

Themes

Ministering to the LordBiblical WorshipPriesthood of BelieversFear of the LordHumility and Reverence

Key Points

1.
The primary role of the church is to minister to the Lord first, before equipping the saints or reaching the lost.
2.
When churches prioritize being relevant to the world over ministering to God, they lose His presence and power.
3.
Scriptural priesthood focuses on what sacrifice is brought to God rather than what the consumer receives.
4.
In the Old Testament, when Eli's sons neglected their priestly duties, God's revelation became rare, but young Samuel's faithful ministry brought God's presence back.
5.
Modern worship requires a holy fear and reverence of the Lord, recognizing His awesome majesty when gathering in His house.
6.
Biblical worship is a physical and spiritual sacrifice of humbling oneself, such as lifting holy hands or kneeling in reverence.
7.
Loving God means worshipping Him according to His preferences revealed in Scripture rather than according to personal comfort or modern culture.

Sermon Moments

“A priest doesn't ask the question, 'What am I getting out of this?' The priest asks the question, 'Did I bring a Cain offering or did I bring an Abel offering?'”

“We're asking, did the people out there get something? We're not asking, did God get something? We're asking, was the church relevant to the world? We're not saying, is the church relevant to God?”

“Because Eli's sons were not ministering to the Lord, the revelation of God wasn't there. Then one little eight-year-old boy, Samuel, ministers to the Lord, and the presence of the Lord comes back because of one little boy.”

“The Bible never says that God will humble you. It always says humble yourself.”

“You love God the way God wants to be loved. You don't love God in your own way.”

“I'm so over trying to create a church the world loves. Any church the world loves is not the church.”

“It's not emotional. It's pride. I'm here to humble myself before the Lord.”

This Week

Approach weekly church gatherings with the mindset of a priest asking what sacrifice of praise you can bring to God.

Practice physical postures of reverence in worship, such as lifting holy hands or kneeling, even when it feels unnatural to your pride.

Cultivate a holy fear and awe of God's presence whenever you gather with other believers.

Commit to gathering faithfully with your local church community every week unless you are ill or traveling.

Offer your financial giving as an intentional act of sacrifice and worship to the Lord rather than viewing offerings as routine.

Evaluate worship by whether God receives what He desires rather than whether the service caters to your personal preferences.

Lay down your pride during worship, choosing to focus entirely on honoring God rather than worrying about what others around you think.

Remember This

True biblical worship is not about receiving personal fulfillment as a consumer, but about entering God's house as a priest to minister to Him through humble sacrifice and reverence.

A Challenge for You

When you go to church, do not ask whether you should go or what you will get out of it. Enter as a priest asking, 'What offering of praise am I going to bring to the Lord today?' Humble yourself before Him and bring a sacrifice that honors His name.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.