As I've watched the news this week with the uprising in Egypt, it was interesting to see how when it came time for the Muslims to worship, they immediately stopped their protesting and fell to their knees. This got me to wondering about the form of Christian worship we've been taught to practice. Is going to church, singing, praying, standing, clapping hands, reading the Bible, sitting quietly, taking an offering, (just to name a few) - really what God means by the word "worship"? Has the Apostasy and the false teaching in our churches of "Lawless Grace" taken us away from the heart of worship?
In order to answer that question, I immediately turned to the Bible, God's Word. Because it is written in Hebrew (the Old Testament) and Greek (the New Testament), that meant getting out my Strong's Concordance and looking up the word "Worship" in those two languages. What I found out totally surprised me!! There are only three Hebrew words in the Old Testament that refer to worship. The main word, "shachah" is mentioned 55 times and means to "prostrate oneself, bow down, fall down flat, or make to stoop." The other two Hebrew words have the same meaning as well. I was rather fearful as I approached the New Testament's Greek word for "worship". Again, the main Greek word for worship is "proskuneo" which means to "crouch, or to prostrate oneself in homage." This word is used 34 times! Lastly, I went to my Webster's Dictionary and looked up the word "prostrate". It's definition is "to throw flat on the ground, lying flat, crushed, submissive, overcome."
I'm sure I don't have to tell you just how HUMBLING it is to get down on your knees with your face to the floor, or better yet - lying down FLAT on the floor with your face down. Yet, religions all around the world are able to humble themselves in that way for their FALSE gods. We Christians belong to the TRUE and LIVING God and yet we can't even get down on our knees to pray!
As you read your Bible through this year and see the word, "worship", remind yourself that it's true meaning is "to prostrate myself by falling down flat or bowing down." "Lawless Grace" in our churches today says Jesus is a God of love and forgiveness so we as Christians just don't need to be that extreme in our worship of Him. He will surely understand how embarrassing that posture can be for us. Right? WRONG!! Jesus is coming back very soon and He has promised that when He comes back, "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow , of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth." (Philippians 2:10) God clarifies it even more in I Corinthians 14:25: "...and so falling down on his face, he will worship God..."
One last verse I must share with you before closing is 2 Chronicles 7:14 because it is a favorite of Christians in these last days as they seek a church revival:
"If My people who are called by My Name will HUMBLE themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)
The Hebrew word for "Humble" is "kana" which means "to bend the knee; to humiliate; to bring down low." Sounds like "prostrate" doesn't it? Do you really desire a church revival in our land? Then join me and others this year as we "prostrate" ourselves before the One and Only True God - Jesus Christ!! Here's a great song to help us do just that: "Here I Am To Worship"
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Fasting: Games We Play With God
For the past 21 days, a church here in Springfield has been on a "fast" from all types of media, both inside the church and inside the homes of its members. This is quite a contrast from the church I wrote about in my previous blog. To get "Unplugged" is important so we can take time to "Be still and know that I am God". (Psalm 46:10)
However, what happens when this 21-day fast is over? Will the tape come off the televisions inside the church and will everything go back to the way it was before? Do we ever ask God, "What kind of fast really pleases You?" and then search in His Word for the answer? Isaiah 58 clearly gives us the answer.
The first part of that chapter describes God's people as:
1. Seeking God daily and delighting in knowing His ways. (vs. 2)
2. Taking delight in approaching God. (vs. 2)
However, even though God's people were seeking Him, God refused to recognize their day of fasting. Why? In verse 5, God asks, "Is it a fast that I have chosen, a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?" (The answer is "No" when you read the rest of the chapter.)
Here's the list God sets forth for a fast that pleases Him:
Loose the bonds of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free and break every yoke, share your bread with the hungry, bring to your house the poor who are cast out, clothe the naked and don't ignore the needs of your own family members.
The above list has to do with "loving our neighbor as ourselves". The next list God gives us, though, focuses on "Loving the Lord our God with all our heart..." Remember, this is part of "the fast" that God said pleases Him.
"If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words, then you shall delight yourself in the Lord...."
It seems to me fasting is not so much about us and what we are willing to give up for God. I hear God saying it is about OBEYING what He tells us to do regarding caring for our "neighbor" and KEEPING HIS SABBATH DAY a day set apart for Him and His pleasure - NOT for our own pleasure or work. (And don't forget, the Sabbath Day is the seventh day of the week - NOT the first day of the week. See Exodus 20:10)
"Unplugging" is a good thing for us to do in order to hear God's voice more clearly. However, to call it a "fast" that pleases God - according to God's Word, it doesn't qualify.
However, what happens when this 21-day fast is over? Will the tape come off the televisions inside the church and will everything go back to the way it was before? Do we ever ask God, "What kind of fast really pleases You?" and then search in His Word for the answer? Isaiah 58 clearly gives us the answer.
The first part of that chapter describes God's people as:
1. Seeking God daily and delighting in knowing His ways. (vs. 2)
2. Taking delight in approaching God. (vs. 2)
However, even though God's people were seeking Him, God refused to recognize their day of fasting. Why? In verse 5, God asks, "Is it a fast that I have chosen, a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?" (The answer is "No" when you read the rest of the chapter.)
Here's the list God sets forth for a fast that pleases Him:
Loose the bonds of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free and break every yoke, share your bread with the hungry, bring to your house the poor who are cast out, clothe the naked and don't ignore the needs of your own family members.
The above list has to do with "loving our neighbor as ourselves". The next list God gives us, though, focuses on "Loving the Lord our God with all our heart..." Remember, this is part of "the fast" that God said pleases Him.
"If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord honorable, and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words, then you shall delight yourself in the Lord...."
It seems to me fasting is not so much about us and what we are willing to give up for God. I hear God saying it is about OBEYING what He tells us to do regarding caring for our "neighbor" and KEEPING HIS SABBATH DAY a day set apart for Him and His pleasure - NOT for our own pleasure or work. (And don't forget, the Sabbath Day is the seventh day of the week - NOT the first day of the week. See Exodus 20:10)
"Unplugging" is a good thing for us to do in order to hear God's voice more clearly. However, to call it a "fast" that pleases God - according to God's Word, it doesn't qualify.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Apostasy: Nightclub Churches!
One of the Assembly of God mega-churches here in Springfield has just started a new "campus" inside a building which was a former nightclub. According to the article in our News-Leader, "part of the draw of North Point, however, is its unorthodox and slightly irreverent presentation." According to this article, they have set up their church service to imitate what someone would find in a nightclub - strobe lights, fog, a live band, etc. In fact, everything is there but the alcohol and the pole-dancing. They even have the latest Wii games in the lobbies for church-goers' entertainment!
Are you seeing anything wrong with this picture? If not, then let me ask - How can a church be "slightly irreverent" in its presentation of the Gospel? That to me is like a person saying that they are "slightly telling a lie". It's just not possible. Either you are telling a lie or you aren't. Either you are irreverent or you aren't. God is not a God of the "gray areas". He is a God of "No Compromise". He is also a God of Holiness and has commanded us to "Be holy as I am holy"! (I Peter 1:16)
This news article caused my husband and myself to ask, "What is the Church"? According to Strong's Concordance, in the Greek it means "a calling out". That makes those who belong to the Church - "the called-out ones". What have we been "called out" of? In I Peter 2:9 it says Christ "called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 2 Corinthians 6:14 says, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what fellowship has light with darkness?" Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds." (NIV)
As Christians, we are called to "GO" out into this dark world and be a light. (Matthew 28:19 & 20) Nowhere is there a command to bring the world and its darkness (meaning its culture and gods) into our churches and fellowships. If we do, then how can we be "The Called-Out Ones"?
Towards the end of this article, one visitor commented that she enjoyed this church because it was "more like her secular life than her previous church life." Another thing she enjoyed was the fact that, "You don't need to change to be here." I'm sorry, but my Bible reads - "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world." That is a definite command to change! In fact, "Repentance" itself calls for a changed lifestyle.
As Christ Himself said, "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed." (John 3:19 & 20)
Are you seeing anything wrong with this picture? If not, then let me ask - How can a church be "slightly irreverent" in its presentation of the Gospel? That to me is like a person saying that they are "slightly telling a lie". It's just not possible. Either you are telling a lie or you aren't. Either you are irreverent or you aren't. God is not a God of the "gray areas". He is a God of "No Compromise". He is also a God of Holiness and has commanded us to "Be holy as I am holy"! (I Peter 1:16)
This news article caused my husband and myself to ask, "What is the Church"? According to Strong's Concordance, in the Greek it means "a calling out". That makes those who belong to the Church - "the called-out ones". What have we been "called out" of? In I Peter 2:9 it says Christ "called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 2 Corinthians 6:14 says, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what fellowship has light with darkness?" Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds." (NIV)
As Christians, we are called to "GO" out into this dark world and be a light. (Matthew 28:19 & 20) Nowhere is there a command to bring the world and its darkness (meaning its culture and gods) into our churches and fellowships. If we do, then how can we be "The Called-Out Ones"?
Towards the end of this article, one visitor commented that she enjoyed this church because it was "more like her secular life than her previous church life." Another thing she enjoyed was the fact that, "You don't need to change to be here." I'm sorry, but my Bible reads - "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world." That is a definite command to change! In fact, "Repentance" itself calls for a changed lifestyle.
As Christ Himself said, "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed." (John 3:19 & 20)
Friday, November 26, 2010
Covetousness and Black Friday (Part 2)
My husband and I were discussing why today is called "Black Friday". When we thought about the word, "black", it made us think of darkness. As Christians when we think of darkness, we think of sin or the Prince of Darkness - Satan.
So, let's take a minute today and think about Satan's description. He comes to "lie, steal and destroy." Satan's first assault on us is to get us to doubt God's Word. In Genesis 3:1, he approached Eve with the thought, "Did God indeed say?" So today, Black Friday, he comes to us and asks us "Did God indeed say - 'Thou shall not covet'?" Then he proceeds to put in front of our eyes all the things that the world goes after for their source of happiness in life. We fall for this lie by thinking that God does love us and He certainly wants "good things" for us, etc. Just like Eve, before you know it - we have rationalized away God's Word on our lives!
Satan's next characteristic is to steal. How many millions of Americans are out in the stores today spending money that they don't have by putting it on credit cards? I was taught when I was young that if I didn't have money to pay for something and I took it anyways - I was stealing it!! If you've got the money tucked away to pay off that credit card immediately, then I wouldn't call that stealing. But if you are getting something, KNOWING you don't have the money for it and probably don't have the money to pay off your credit card - that is called "stealing" and it is breaking another one of God's Ten Commandments!
Satan's ultimate purpose in life is to destroy YOU! So, he is lying to people today, he is stealing from people today, and when this is all over with - he will have destroyed many lives today because of the debt they have just added to the already heavy economic load they are trying to carry.
As Christians, God has called us "OUT of the darkness, into His marvelous light"! (I Peter 2:9)Hear what God has to say about "Black Friday" in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17: "What fellowship has light with darkness? .....What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For YOU are the temple of the living God. .....Therefore, Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you."
We are called by God to be the "light of the world" (Matt. 5:14) Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven." (Matt. 5:16) Letting our lights shine in today's darkness, means being bold enough to take a stand and to be different from the world around us. Don't "turn off" your light by joining the darkness around you and living in disobedience to your God and His Word!
So, let's take a minute today and think about Satan's description. He comes to "lie, steal and destroy." Satan's first assault on us is to get us to doubt God's Word. In Genesis 3:1, he approached Eve with the thought, "Did God indeed say?" So today, Black Friday, he comes to us and asks us "Did God indeed say - 'Thou shall not covet'?" Then he proceeds to put in front of our eyes all the things that the world goes after for their source of happiness in life. We fall for this lie by thinking that God does love us and He certainly wants "good things" for us, etc. Just like Eve, before you know it - we have rationalized away God's Word on our lives!
Satan's next characteristic is to steal. How many millions of Americans are out in the stores today spending money that they don't have by putting it on credit cards? I was taught when I was young that if I didn't have money to pay for something and I took it anyways - I was stealing it!! If you've got the money tucked away to pay off that credit card immediately, then I wouldn't call that stealing. But if you are getting something, KNOWING you don't have the money for it and probably don't have the money to pay off your credit card - that is called "stealing" and it is breaking another one of God's Ten Commandments!
Satan's ultimate purpose in life is to destroy YOU! So, he is lying to people today, he is stealing from people today, and when this is all over with - he will have destroyed many lives today because of the debt they have just added to the already heavy economic load they are trying to carry.
As Christians, God has called us "OUT of the darkness, into His marvelous light"! (I Peter 2:9)Hear what God has to say about "Black Friday" in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17: "What fellowship has light with darkness? .....What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For YOU are the temple of the living God. .....Therefore, Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you."
We are called by God to be the "light of the world" (Matt. 5:14) Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven." (Matt. 5:16) Letting our lights shine in today's darkness, means being bold enough to take a stand and to be different from the world around us. Don't "turn off" your light by joining the darkness around you and living in disobedience to your God and His Word!
Covetousness and Black Friday - Part One
OK, Christian brothers and sisters. Where are you today, the day after Thanksgiving which is now being called "Black Friday? No doubt you just got done yesterday being very spiritual, thanking God for all the many blessings He has bestowed on you. No doubt the last thing you would think of doing yesterday or today would be to deliberately SIN against Him when He suffered and died for you. Right?
I'm going to review this one again, which I posted on June 8, 2010: What is Sin?? Sin is lawlessness. (See I John 3:4). Lawlessness means "without law". God's law is found in the Ten Commandments, and one of those commandments specifically says, "Thou shalt not covet"! But as in Genesis 3:1 when Satan came to Eve and asked her, "Did God indeed say?", so today many of God's people are listening to that same voice.
As Christians we need to recognize the voice of the enemy and CHOOSE to OBEY the voice of our God! In Colossians 3:5 God says we are to put to death "covetousness, which is idolatry." Hmmm, ever think you are practicing "idolatry" when you are practicing "covetousness"? That isn't the end of what God has to say about it in this passage. The next verse (verse 6) God says that because of our disobedience - His wrath is coming on us!! (And that is New Testament teaching, loved ones!)
Let's hear what God has to say on this subject in Ephesians 5:3: "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints." Ephesians 5:5 goes even further: "For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God."
Jesus (Who is God) said in Luke 12:15: "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he posesses." Are you one of the many who are out today hoping to come home with an "abundance of things"?
Let me ask you, what is the opposite of covetousness? I believe the opposite of covetousness is contentment! So hear what God says about contentment on this Black Friday: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."
Focusing on "great gain" or an "abundance of things" is not part of God's calling on your life as a Christian. He has called us to "come out of the world and be separate" (or different!), to "be set apart" and to "be holy". God's idea of "great gain" is totally opposite of the world's view of it. What does God consider "great gain"? It is being a godly person who is content with his relationship with God and with all the good things God has already blessed him with. So regarding this Black Friday: "If it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, CHOOSE for yourselves THIS DAY whom you will serve....But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
I'm going to review this one again, which I posted on June 8, 2010: What is Sin?? Sin is lawlessness. (See I John 3:4). Lawlessness means "without law". God's law is found in the Ten Commandments, and one of those commandments specifically says, "Thou shalt not covet"! But as in Genesis 3:1 when Satan came to Eve and asked her, "Did God indeed say?", so today many of God's people are listening to that same voice.
As Christians we need to recognize the voice of the enemy and CHOOSE to OBEY the voice of our God! In Colossians 3:5 God says we are to put to death "covetousness, which is idolatry." Hmmm, ever think you are practicing "idolatry" when you are practicing "covetousness"? That isn't the end of what God has to say about it in this passage. The next verse (verse 6) God says that because of our disobedience - His wrath is coming on us!! (And that is New Testament teaching, loved ones!)
Let's hear what God has to say on this subject in Ephesians 5:3: "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints." Ephesians 5:5 goes even further: "For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God."
Jesus (Who is God) said in Luke 12:15: "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he posesses." Are you one of the many who are out today hoping to come home with an "abundance of things"?
Let me ask you, what is the opposite of covetousness? I believe the opposite of covetousness is contentment! So hear what God says about contentment on this Black Friday: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."
Focusing on "great gain" or an "abundance of things" is not part of God's calling on your life as a Christian. He has called us to "come out of the world and be separate" (or different!), to "be set apart" and to "be holy". God's idea of "great gain" is totally opposite of the world's view of it. What does God consider "great gain"? It is being a godly person who is content with his relationship with God and with all the good things God has already blessed him with. So regarding this Black Friday: "If it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, CHOOSE for yourselves THIS DAY whom you will serve....But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
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