Restoring Worship To Our Churches

“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.” - Psalm 95:6

When it comes to church, “worship,” means different things to different people. Some refer to the Sunday morning service as a “worship service.” Others think of music as being worship. It is not uncommon for the music director of a church to be titled, “Worship Minister.” There is a particular genre of Christian music that is called, “Worship Music.”

A. W. Tozer once wrote that worship is the missing jewel of the evangelical church. While we talk about worship, very little worship actually occurs in many churches. Although the Bible has much to say about public worship, most verses about worship actually refers to personal worship. For the Christian, there is a need for both personal and public worship. One does not negate the need for the other.

What is worship? Simply put, worship is the adoration of God. To put another way, worship is our exaltation, admiration and appreciation of God Himself. When we offer thanksgiving to God, we are voicing our appreciation for His gifts. When we worship, we admire God for Himself.

Worship requires us to have a proper understanding of God. How can you worship God if you know nothing of Him? The more we learn about God, the deeper our worship should be. Reading the Scriptures and hearing solid Biblical teaching and preaching enhances our worship because these things are used to broaden our knowledge of God.

The question is not whether you worship or not. The issue is whether God is the One you are worshiping.

Many worship athletes, movie stars and musicians. Others worship fame and fortune. Often people worship family members. Even worse, most people worship themselves. So many have created a god of their own design. These forms of worship fall under the category of “idolatry.” An idol is a God-substitute.

The only One worthy of worship is God. We should be actively worshiping our perfect, glorious and holy Lord.

There are many ways to express worship. In the Bible, worship is often demonstrated by a person kneeling before God. This is what the wise men did when they found the child, Jesus. Kneeling in submission to Him is an act of worship.

Also, we may express our worship by lifting our hands to Him. This is an act of worship that often occurs churches, but should often be done in our personal worship as well.

Meditation is another way to worship God. In solitude, we concentrate upon the Lord Himself as an act of worship. Meditating on God's attributes, His promises and His kindness are powerful ways to worship Him.

Singing is another meaningful way to worship God. While it is certainly not the only way to worship the Lord, singing can be a loving way to express your feelings to Him. Listening to music can be a means of worship also, but singing is the preferred mode of worship. Singing requires verbal effort and thought.

Responding to God's Word may be another act of worship. When you read the Bible or hear a sermon, your response of obedience can be an act of worship and devotion.

Of course, worship may be experienced through prayer. Often our prayers are monopolized with requests. We should spend time in adoration of God. Tell the Lord you love Him. Share with Him how important He is to you.

These are just a few of many ways we can worship the Lord. Worship is more than enduring an hour-long church service. Worship is a matter of the heart. Worship is the expression of love, devotion and admiration of God.

Jesus told the Samaritan woman, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” Notice the Father seeks worshipers, but our worship must be “in spirit and in truth.” Worship has a spiritual component and a doctrinal component. We worship God in the power of the Spirit, based upon the truth of God's Word.

Worship God personally and publicly.

He is worthy.

Restoring Prayer To Our Churches

“...prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” - Acts 12:5

Last week, I wrote about restoring doctrine to our churches. Today, I want to concentrate on a basic need in our churches. We need to restore prayer to our churches. Most would argue that this isn't necessary for their own congregation. Don't most churches have a segment of the service dedicated to prayer? Sadly, the time of prayer is just a small part of the average service and has lost its power.

There's a difference between a church that prays and a praying church. The first is more popular, the latter is more effective. A church that prays has prayer as another notation in the order of service, but a praying church has prayer as its lifeline.

Our emphasis on prayer reflects our dependence on God and our utter desperation for His help. The fact is that the American church has somehow shifted the emphasis from God to man. Rather than exalting God, we are promoting self-help and self-image. Instead of recognizing that we can't do anything without God, we seem to come up with new and creative ways to do church, as if they are substitutes for prayer. While there is a place of creativity, it cannot replace the blessing of God. We don't need to be more “hip,” “cool,” or “relevant.” We need the power of God! The power and presence of God is not achieved in a church board room, it is received in the prayer closet.

We need to remember that the Church was born at a prayer meeting. Prayer was so vital to the early Church because their need was so great. Persecution brought pain and concern to the early Church. As a result, they turned to God. They didn't turn to politicians, action committees or the business community. Neither did they use slick promotional campaigns or seek legal relief. Instead, the church sought God in prayer. The early church had nothing but the Spirit of God and prayer. We have many more resources and are doing far less than they did.

There's a lesson to be learned in all this. The Church is not a business or a club. It is an organism created by God, empowered by God for the glory of God. Without God, our churches are nothing but worthless relics.

What ever happened to prayer meetings? What ever happened to all-night prayer meetings? We need to realize our desperate need for God and bring prayer back to our churches.

Nearly every revival in the Bible or church history can usually be traced to a handful of believers on their knees in prayer. The only way to have a praying church is for its members to be praying Christians. After I became a Christian, I was troubled to learn that most Christians weren't passionate about prayer. Yes, they wanted God to move. They longed to see the church grow. They had a desire to see people saved. Yet they had little or no passion to seek God themselves. They wanted the product of revival without investing in the process of revival.

What about your church? Is your church a praying church … or just a church that has prayer in the order of service? Let me be more direct. What about you? Are you passionate about prayer? Are you seeking God daily? Are you standing in the gap for your family, your church and your community? Are you a praying Christian … or just a Christian who prays occasionally?

It is time that we quit looking for others to change. We need to be changed ourselves. Perhaps you complain about the condition of your church or its lack of growth. The temptation is to blame the pastor or a deacon. Instead, just look in the mirror and you'll probably see the main person to blame. If you're not a passionate person of prayer, you're part of the problem.

We need to quit looking around for answers and start looking up. We need to restore prayer to our churches. Most of all, prayer needs to be restored to our lives.

Restoring The "D" Word To Our Churches

 “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” - Titus 2:1

There's no need to panic. By such a suggestive blog title, I am not suggesting that we allow profanity in our churches. Instead, the “D” word I am referring to in the blog title is the word, “doctrine.” I use “D” word in describing doctrine because many churches and Christians act as if “doctrine,” is a dirty word. It isn't. In fact, we have greatly devalued doctrine. Doctrine is not bad for churches. Bible doctrine is the backbone of our faith. Without doctrine, churches get weaker and vulnerable to the enemy.

We need to restore Bible doctrine to our churches. We need appreciate the value and virtue of Bible doctrine.

The word, “doctrine,” literally means, “teaching.” The Bible is full of great information about our Lord, ourselves, heaven, hell and so much more. This information is what we refer to as doctrine. A person is speaking gibberish when he says that he loves Jesus but hates doctrine. If a woman says, “I love Jesus and want to learn more about Him, I just don't want to hear any doctrine,” be sure that she has no clue what she is talking about.

Without sound doctrine, individuals may “worship,” a figment of their imagination rather than the true God. Of course, this is idolatry. Without doctrine how can a person properly understand the nature of God? Without doctrine, some will struggle to properly define who Jesus is.

These days some wish to fellowship with anyone who believes in Jesus. Yet there is a problem with this. Not everyone believes in the same Jesus. For instance, cults reject the divinity of Christ. One prominent “minister” was being interviewed on a talk show. He was asked if he believed that members of a particular cult were Christians. He response was that they believed in Jesus, so yes, they were Christians. Yet that cult rejects the divinity of Christ and has bizarre teachings about Jesus, not to mention other subjects. It would come as no surprise that this “minister” is popular, but flawed in his theology.

Cults often use the same theological terms we do, but attach different meanings to the words. A pastor needs to guard his flock against such dangers. That is why doctrine is so important.

Sadly, many ministers are nothing more than polished motivation speakers. They only teach on subjects they get pumped up about. They don't declare the whole counsel of God. If you're not attending a church where the Word of God is being regularly preached, you may want to start looking for another church. I believe in expository preaching. People don't need to hear what a preacher thinks or feels. They need to hear what the Lord says in His Word.

Furthermore, let me challenge music leaders about the songs they choose to use on Sundays. Our music needs to be theologically sound. It is one thing to sing a song because it has a great beat, but it is another thing to sing a song rich in truth. These days, I find that most people prefer songs with light lyrics and an up-tempo beat. Some have confused the sway of the beat as a move of the Spirit. Sadly, songs with deep, meaningful lyrics are often cast aside for fluffy tunes. We do not need a concert atmosphere at our churches. We need our people to grow and mature in their faith, which occurs only as the they are exposed to the truth.

While I believe emotions are good in worship, I think emotionalism is dangerous. We must keep in mind that we live by faith, not by feelings. True worship may bring about deep emotions, but our goal should not be the emotions but fellowship with the One we are worshiping. Furthermore, sentiment is good in its place, but we should not confusion sentimentality with spirituality. A deeply sentimental song may drive a person to tears and still not be led of the Spirit.

The bottom line is that truth matters most. God has given us truth through His Word. Doctrine is needed for our worship, our music and our daily lives. If you wish to know more about the Lord, you must study doctrine. If you wish to have a deeper life of worship, doctrine will provide this. If you wish to avoid demonic traps and deceitful cults, get into the Word of God.

We don't need less of the Bible, we need more. While I do not condone emotions that are apart from truth, neither do I believe that truth is void of emotions. At the end of the day, truth is most important. Proper understanding of truth engages our emotions and leads to life-change.

Yes, we need to restore the “D” word (doctrine) to our churches. But we also need it restored to our lives.

God's Other Library

 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” - Revelation 20:12

Last week, I wrote about God's library, the Bible. Today I am writing about a different kind of library. This library is being carefully maintained by God Himself. It is God's other library, a library that will be used in judgment.

The final verses of Revelation chapter 20 are very sobering. In this passage, we find people standing before God in judgment. I think we tend to treat this subject too lightly. Few of us truly appreciate the gravity of that situation. Our perception of God has been so greatly diluted by humanism and worldliness that we fail to grasp the truth that God is mighty and awesome … and One to be feared.

Revelation 20:12 says, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life.” It may surprise you that there will be books at the Great White Throne Judgment. Yet we need to note a distinction. The Bible says, “... the books (plural) were opened: and another book (singular) was opened” (parenthesis added). The Bible draws a separation between the books … and another book.

The Bible goes on to say, “...the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Notice that the dead at this judgment were judged according to their personal record, as noted in the books (plural). God is keeping a detailed journal of people's intentions, words and deeds. Notice that they were judged, “according to their works.”

We know that a person can't be saved by works. Apart from Christ, our works condemn us because they are all sinfully flawed. A life apart from Christ is a sinful, wasted life. The only righteousness that a person can have is the righteousness of Christ that is imputed unto them. Thus, the only way for a person to be saved is by grace, not by works. Yet at this judgment, people are judged by their works, as chronicled in the books (plural). The Bible goes on to say in verse 15, “... And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Notice that people were cast into the lake of fire if their names were not found, “... written in the book (singular) or life,” (parenthesis added).

The Bible clearly teaches that a person will be cast into the lake of fire if his or her name is not found in the book (singular) of life. But was is the role of the books (plural)? One role is clear. The “works” of these individuals will be revealed and found to be sinful. Without the righteousness of Christ, they stand condemned. The fact that their names aren't found in the book of life clearly demonstrate that they stand guilty before God. It could also be that the works found in the books (plural) may also have a bearing on the degree of punishment ahead for these guilty souls.

It is important to note that no one is specified as being saved at this judgment. What a terrifying fact.

Judgment lies ahead for every person, regardless of his or her spiritual condition. This is a sobering reality that should motivate each of us to examine our lives and make certain of our relationship with Jesus Christ.

For those of us with a saving faith in Christ, let Revelation 20 be a powerful motivation to pray for the lost and share the Gospel with them. Jesus is the only hope they have when this life is over.

What about you? Are you certain that you are ready to stand before God? Death is certain. Judgment is imminent.

Prepare to meet your God!  Repent and believe the Gospel!

God's Library

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”

 - 2 Timothy 3:16

I have to admit that when I was in grade school, I under-performed academically. I was lazy and didn't want to study. It wasn't easy for me to sit still and learn. Fortunately, things began to change as I changed schools. I began to read books and soon I was making better grades.

Now I love to read. For years, I bought books on a fairly regular schedule --- until I ran out of places to store the books. I'd love to have a library, but available space is an issue. Then Amazon introduced the Kindle Fire, which allowed me to own hundreds of books without taking up more space. I have my own library in the palm of my hand.

In spite of all the books I've read, I still haven't encountered a book like the Bible. The Bible itself is a library of books. The Bible has historical books, poetic books, prophetic books, biographical books and instructional books. The Bible is a more than just a book, it is God's Word to us.

For many Americans, the Bible is merely a Book they take to church with them. For others, a large family Bible occupies a place of prominence in the living room, but has little importance in their lives. The Bible is more than a book. It is alive and powerful. It transforms lives.

How often do you read the Bible? Once per month? Just on Sundays? Shouldn't the Bible be part of our daily activities? Just as you set aside time to feed your body, you should also plan to feed your soul.

There are countries that have made it illegal for its citizens to own a Bible. Underground churches exist in such areas. When a person receives a Bible in these places, it is a major event. There is such excitement and joy when a Bible is received.

Truly, the Bible is a gift to us. Here in America we take this gift for granted. We have lost the thrill and awe of the Word and its Author.

While I have read many books, I've never read a book like the Bible. When I read the Bible, I have the Author here with me. I can read His Book and talk to Him at the same time.

The Bible is my spiritual food. It is a well of knowledge that I drink from daily. It is a fount of wisdom that never runs dry. The Bible instructs and inspires. The Word of God melts the hard heart and heals the broken heart. The Bible is a mirror that allows me to see myself as I really am. The Bible shows me the beauty of Christ, the wonder of the cross, the value of redemption and the plan of salvation. The Word is relevant, rich and rewarding. It humbles the proud and lifts the humble. The Bible comforts, counsels and corrects. The Scriptures give us promises to rely on.

Make it a point each day to intentionally set aside time to read from the Bible. Receive the Word. Believe the Word. Obey the Word.

Appreciate the gift of God's Word. The Bible is a vast library that is rich in content and unmistakable with its message. It doesn't need to rewritten. It needs to be read daily.

Open your Bible and enter God's library. Those who study in this library are never the same.

The Last Day Of Your Life

 

“For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” - James 4:14

If the Lord revealed to you that this is your last day on earth, how would you live today? Would you spend the day calling people and expressing your love to them? Would you be writing letters, expressing your feelings to those afar off? Would you be meeting someone that you need to forgive, or ask for forgiveness?

We can learn much from those who've been given a grim notice from the Lord. For instance, King Hezekiah was informed that he was going to die. He wept and prayed before the Lord and received an extra 15 years of life!

The people of Nineveh were given a 40-day notice by Jonah. Through that hard-headed preacher, God informed that vast city that in just 40 days, they would be destroyed. In response, they got serious about repentance. They fasted and prayed. God had mercy on them. There are many people who need to follow the example of Nineveh and get serious about their spiritual condition. God still calls sinners to repent.

The Apostle Paul realized that he was, at most, just days away from death when he penned his second letter to Timothy. At the conclusion, Paul wrote, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” Paul faced his imminent death with faith and peace. He would not be spared from martyrdom. Instead, he would die for his faith in Jesus Christ.

When it comes to the last day on earth, there is no one better to learn from than Jesus. Jesus knew when His final day arrived. His final day was primarily spent in silence as He stood trial. Eventually, He died in agony on the cross for us. Let's back up to the day prior and consider His day in the Upper Room. Knowing that He would soon be arrested, put on trial and executed, consider what Jesus did:

1. HE INVESTED IN RELATIONSHIPS

Jesus spent precious time with His disciples. The upper room would constitute a time of fellowship and teaching. The Gospel of John records much of this intimate time. Jesus prepared His disciples to carry on the work after His departure. He prepared future leaders for the vital work ahead.

2. HE SERVED OTHERS

In the Upper Room, He washed His disciples feet. This act of service was usually performed by a servant. The washing of feet was a practical activity at the time since people typically walked everywhere, resulting in dirty feet. When Jesus washed His disciples His feet, He showed His disciples (and us) that He was willing to get His hands dirty to minister to sinful mankind. He demonstrated what Christian service should be about. No Christian should consider themselves “too good,” or “too important,” to do the thankless jobs, obscure tasks or dirty work. Jesus came to serve and the foot-washing episode in the Upper Room aptly demonstrated that. His final hours weren't spent pampering Himself. They were spent ministering to others.

3. HE PRAYED

Finally, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed. He had spent a time of intimate fellowship with His disciples in the Upper Room, but in the Garden He had a time of intimate prayer to the Father. There in the Garden, Jesus prayed about His upcoming death. He agonized in prayer that evening.

Most of us will not be aware of our final day. Perhaps the final day will be spent in a comatose state or in a nursing home with severe dementia. Then again, death may come unexpectedly in the form of a massive coronary or automobile accident.

Death is inevitable for all of us. Whether death comes upon us slowly through a long-term illness or suddenly, without warning, it is vital that we be ready to meet the Lord. Death is certain … and so is judgment.

It would wise for us to heed the practical words of Ray Comfort, “Live every day like it is your last day, for one day you'll be right.” Great words to live by, starting today!

It may be today is your last day.

Why Seek Ye The Living Among The Dead?

“And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?” - Luke 24:5

This Sunday, Christians across the world will be celebrating Resurrection Day. We will be remembering the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On that day, we recall the greatest event in human history.

The sad fact is that most Christians live as if the resurrection never happened. We act and live as if Jesus never really rose from the grave. How tragic!

Let me be personal for a moment. Do YOU live like Jesus has risen? Does your convictions, attitude and lifestyle reflect this belief? When it comes to uncertainty, pain and death, do we really demonstrate a strong faith in a living Lord?

Adrian Rogers once said, “We ought to be living as if Jesus died yesterday, rose this morning and is coming back this afternoon.” We need that kind of excitement in our Christian walk! Too many of us are like the women who sought the body of Jesus. The angels asked those ladies, “Why seek ye the living among the dead?” Far too many of us live like Jesus is still in the tomb. He isn't! He's alive!

It is time to be renewed in your faith. The reason so many Christians live defeated lives is because they act is the Savior was defeated. We need to be renewed in our minds. The fact of the resurrection led the disciples to go forward in their faith. The coming of the Holy Spirit empowered them to be outspoken in their faith. The disciples actually looked for Jesus to return at any time. Do we?

I don't think it is wrong to use your sanctified imagination a little. Consider what it must have been like to be Peter or John coming to an empty tomb. Think what it would have been like to walk the Emmaus Road and talk with the risen Redeemer during the stroll. Picture the disciples as they looked upon their risen Lord.

We serve a risen Redeemer. People from other religions may pray to a dead god, but Christians pray to the only true God, who is alive and well. When we pray, we address the Father, in the Name of the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are not wasting our time when we pray. God hears and answers our prayers.

It is true, Jesus did die. But that is not the end of the story. A tomb was borrowed for his burial. It was merely borrowed because He would only need it three days.

It is time for people to truly recognize that He is alive. We worship One who died for us and rose again. The reality of His resurrection should shape our worldview, our thoughts, our words and our actions. We should no longer seek the living among the dead.

Jesus is alive forevermore!