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John 4:19-24
We invite you to come worship with us on Sunday mornings at 9:30. We think you will find what you are looking for in a local church. On this communion Sunday when you got up did you get ready to come to church or to come to worship? Is worship a Christian act of love or a lifestyle? Like so many other doctrines of Scripture, the doctrine of worship is getting further and further from the life and lifestyle of Christians. Satan is very successful in separating Christians from true Biblical worship. Consider
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- SEPARATION TURNED DEADLY. When a person is arrested they are immediately read their rights. One of the first things they are told is “anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.” Satan works on a version of that same idea. His version is “I can and will reverse anything/everything in Scripture and use it to hurt and destroy you.” The Biblical doctrine of separation means that at the instant of our salvation we allow God to distance us from all that is ungodly/unrighteous and unholy. Satan’s version of the doctrine is that he works in our lives to move us from all that is godly/righteous/holy. One very significant difference is that God does not force His holiness and goodness on us, but waits for us to desire it in our hearts. Satan, on the other hand, does all he can to get us to sin. He is very patient and will harass you for as long as he needs to so you’ll give in. In this matter of worship, how did the idea get so far removed from Christian lifestyle? Reread the first question above then consider
- THE SCRIPTURAL TEACHING OF THE DOCTRINE. In truth church and worship can’t be separated. The NT teaches they are neatly packaged in the same body. Going to church and going to worship follow the OT practice that when a person wanted to worship they had to go to the tabernacle or Temple. From the giving of the Law until Pentecost to worship was to go to the Temple. The thought was apart from the Temple, apart from worship. Today it is apart from church, apart from worship. Read Ex. 20:2-6 for God’s definition of worship. Let’s consider five NT examples of worship. See Matt. 8:1-4 and Mark 1:40-42.
*The leper knelt and begged on his knees before Jesus. When was the last time you knelt before Jesus as Lord rather than a friend? See Matt. 9:18-19; Mark 5:21-23. *Notice that Jairus (a ruler in the synagogue) knelt before Jesus. Mark says “fell at His feet and pled earnestly.” Notice again how bended knee and earnest desire of heart comes into focus. Is that how you meet your Savior on His day – every day? See Matt. 14:22, then verse 33. *The disciples worshipped Jesus because He saved them from the storm. How many crises has Jesus brought you through this week? Read Matt. 15:25; Mark 7:25-26. *Can you feel this mother’s earnest worship and pleading with Jesus? Her faith is enormous even though she asked for only a crumb. Is your faith as consuming as hers? See Matt. 20:20; Mark 10:35. *Even though these three made a naive and wrong request, notice they were as sincere as anyone could be. They worshipped, but in a wrong attitude. Notice that each of these situations involved a crisis situation. Each person falls on their knees in sincere recognition of Who Jesus is in an attitude of reverent submission and awe. Notice also that none of these events occurred at the Temple, but in the course of daily life. As Christians we live everyday in a crisis situation (Eph. 6:10-18) desperately in need of the Savior’s help. He best helps those who meet Him on their knees.
If we can offer you further help in this or any other spiritual matter, call us at (574) 643-9419.
