Pastor Lindsay's sermon begins with two illustrations—a child questioning the need for sleep and a phone plugged into the wrong charger—to show how rest and connection are vital to life. Just as our bodies need rest to be restored, our souls need worship to be spiritually renewed.

The message connects to the church’s five spiritual practices—Gather, Get Connected, Grow, Go, and Give—rooted in Acts 2:42 –47. This sermon focuses on Gathering, or worshiping God.

The biblical concept of First Fruits teaches that God deserves our first and best—our time, devotion, and resources. Worship means placing God above everything else and adoring Him for who He is. Psalm 103 gives reasons to worship: God forgives, heals, saves, loves, and sustains us endlessly.

True worship is not passive attendance but offering our whole being—our thoughts, emotions, doubts, and gratitude—to God. Worship isn’t about what we get out of it, but about honoring God because He is worthy. Yet, as a side benefit, worship restores our spirit, just as sleep restores the body.

The sermon shares powerful examples of worship’s impact—from personal experiences of deep connection during services to stories of global believers finding joy in worship despite hardship.

Ultimately, worship honors God and transforms us. It reminds us of God’s goodness, recenters our hearts, and renews our spiritual strength. The invitation closes by urging everyone to “praise the Lord and forget not all His benefits,” finding rest and restoration in Him.

fmhouston.com