Applying the Gospel Study Bible
For Teens and College Students
| Format: | Paperback |
| Page Count: | 208 |
| Size: | 5.25 in x 8.0 in |
| Weight: | 5.0 ounces |
| ISBN-13: | 979-8-8749-0567-5 |
| ISBN-UPC: | 9798874905675 |
| Published: | November 17, 2026 |
Explore How Christ Completes Israel’s Worship Story and Empowers His Church to Worship in Spirit and Truth
Humans are made to worship, but as sinners, the most we can offer God is imperfect praise. In the Old Testament, people used various symbols and rituals to show devotion, but these flawed offerings would find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the perfect worshiper. So, what should biblical worship look like for redeemed people today?
Matthew Westerholm gives churches a unified vision for worship by studying its different expressions throughout salvation history. First, he presents a biblical theology of worship from Genesis to Christ. Next, Westerholm defines proper worship as acknowledging God’s creating power, generous faithfulness, and purposeful commission. Finally, he offers readers practical guidance about where, when, and how to worship today. Written to encourage the entire congregation, this book celebrates how Christ’s atoning work transforms worship from ritualistic obligation to joyful expression.
- Redemptive-Historical Study: Offers a Christ-centered look at Old Testament practices, including sacrifices, priesthood, festivals, and applies them to our lives today
- Applicable: Inspires a biblical model for worship, in church and personal life
- Featuring a Foreword by Bob Kauflin
- An Excellent Gift for Scholars, Pastors, and Worship Leaders
Author:
Matthew Westerholm serves as professor of church music and worship at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Westerholm also served as pastor for music and worship at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis. He is a member, elder, and worship volunteer at Sojourn East Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He and his wife, Lisa, have raised three sons.
Product Details
Table of Contents
Dedication
Chapter 1: Difficulties and Definitions
Chapter 2: The First Son: Adam
Chapter 3: The National Son: Israel
Chapter 4: The Royal Son: Solomon
Chapter 5: The Perfect Son: Jesus
Chapter 6: The How of Worship: Principles and the Person of Christ
Chapter 7: The When of Worship: The Already and the Not Yet
Chapter 8: The Where of Worship: The Universal and the Local
Chapter 9: Worship’s Big Finale
Acknowledgments
Endorsements
“Matthew Westerholm’s reflections on worship are rooted in both biblical and systematic theology. At the same time, he charts for readers the practical ramifications of his theological reflections. Readers are treated to a meat-filled feast by a wise and mature scholar and worship leader. Pastors, students, and leaders in churches will learn much from this insightful work.”
Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“Biblical Worship provides a magnificent panorama of worship from creation to the cross to the eschaton. Both profound and accessible, it invites ministry leaders and everyday believers to take their unique place within God’s grand design for worship. This book has equipped me to worship not only with my heart but also ‘with my mind’ (1 Cor. 14:15), and it has enriched my worship leadership and participation.”
Ryanne J. Molinari, author, Spirit-Filled Singing: Bearing Fruit as We Worship Together
“The roads of modern worship are fraught with potential detours, distractions, and even well-meaning but misguided principles. Through his winsome writing, Matthew Westerholm charts a fresh, biblically rich trail through Scripture, challenging us to remember that ‘proper Sunday morning worship does not highlight human effort or achievement but magnifies the grace and glory of God in Christ,’ the one ‘who sustains and mediates our communion with the Father.’ This book is a must-read for pastors, worship leaders, educators, students, and anyone interested in deepening their own theological understanding of Christian worship.”
Joseph R. Crider, Dean of the School of Church Music and James C. McKinney Chair of Church Music, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; author, Scripture-Guided Worship: A Call to Pastors and Worship Leaders
“A book about worship should sing, and this one does. With theological insight, pastoral wisdom, and engaging prose, Matthew Westerholm shows how the obedient Son, Jesus Christ, restores true worship where Adam, Israel, and Solomon failed. This study magnifies the supreme value of our glorious God and moves us to worship him now and forever.”
Brian J. Tabb, President and Professor of Biblical Studies, Bethlehem College and Seminary
“Many biblical theologies of worship that I’ve read have lacked sufficient grounding in the Bible’s center of gravity: Jesus. But not this book. Matthew Westerholm’s work helps us see that worship must know nothing but ‘Christ and him crucified’ (1 Cor. 2:2).”
Zac Hicks, Lecturer in Ecclesiology and Worship, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University; author, The Worship Pastor: A Call to Ministry for Worship Leaders and Teams