True Worship is Simple

Many people are turned off from religion because they become fed up with all of the rituals, ceremonies, and pageantry. They feel like worship assemblies are too cold or distant. "Not a enough substance or meaning" they say. Their reasoning is justified in some cases. Many religious groups have traded in simple worship meetings for extravagant entertainment and "pop" performances. They make these innovations in the name of "spirituality and freshness". But are these "improvements" truly fresh? Or are they just a shiny rotten apple?

True worship is spiritual in nature

When discussing acceptable worship with the Samaritan woman, Jesus stated that, "God is spirit" (John 4:24). This is affirmed elsewhere in the Scriptures (Hosea 11:9). His statement makes plenty of since, knowing that we are made in God's likeness in a spiritual since (Genesis 1:26-27). Paul said that he would sing with his mind and spirit (1 Cor. 14:15). The five senses have no place trying to be pleased in worship to God.

The Lord's Supper

On the night before His death, Jesus ate dinner with His apostles. During that meal, He took a loaf of bread and broke and passed it to them and told them to eat it in His memory. In other passages, He explained that His body was being offered up on behalf of mankind (Matthew 26:26; 1 Cor. 11:23-28). After He took the loaf and they ate it, He took a cup of grape juice and said, "Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:28; cf. Hebrews 9:22). The disciples kept that sacred service every first day of the week (cf. Acts 20:7).

Simple? Yes. The Lord's Supper is a simple memorial for Jesus Christ who offered Himself as a ransom for many people (Matt. 20:28). It is not transubstantiation or a drama from the "Passion of the Christ". It is not a casual observance that can be taken just any day of the week. However, it is a simple service to remember a sacrificed Savior.

Singing

Paul instructed the whole congregation to address one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19). He said the purpose of those songs would be for instructing and admonishing (Col. 3:16). James said that is someone is cheerful, that he should sing praise to God (James 5:13). One writer said that praise comes from the fruit of lips (Heb. 13:15). Singing from the heart (Eph 5:19; Col. 3:16) and mind (1 Cor. 14:15).

Simple? Yes. Singing in the New Testament was never crowded out by mechanical instruments. It was never out-sung by choirs or praise teams. Its spotlight was never "stolen" by solos. Singing was always from the heart, to the Lord, in order to build up the church.

Prayer

Jesus was a man of prayer. It is said that He went off and prayed all night(Luke 6:12). The early congregation continued in prayer (Acts 2:42). Paul said to pray all the time (1 Thess. 5:17). We as Christians pray to God our Father through our Mediator, Jesus Christ (John 14:13; 1 Tim. 2:5). In our assemblies, we are led in prayer by godly men (1 Tim. 2:1-2, 8). Through prayer, we lay our burdens on God, and find great comfort and peace (1 Pet. 5:7).

Simple? Yes. Prayer in the New Testament is never directed to "saints" or Mary. Beads are never counted. Special "prayer language" is never uttered. It is just man communicating to his Creator.

Preaching

The Lord told His disciples to go and proclaim the gospel everywhere (Mark 16:15). They did (Col. 1:23). They did not preach their own doctrine, but the gospel, for it alone is God's power to save believing people (Rom. 1:16). Paul preached to Troas congregation until midnight (Acts 20:7). He was probably, "strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).

Gospel preaching exhorts the brethren, exposes error, and exalts Christ as Lord. It is not showy in the speaker's knowledge or eloquence. Paul said he did not come to Corinth preaching in lofty speech or wisdom. Rather, his whole message was the crucified Christ (1 Cor. 2:1-2; Gal. 6:14). May gospel preaching never intentionally become a spectacle.


God is so kind to draw out a plain pattern for us to follow concerning worship. May we never fall away from the simplicity and purity that is devotion to Christ (2 Cor. 11:3).

The Good Shepherd

Have you ever wondered why Jesus is called the "Good Shepherd"? The Bible gives an accurate answer.

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Keep Christ in Christmas?

People are writing wish lists. They are sending off once-a-year donations to charitable groups. Many people become exceptionally kind this time of year, while others become exceptionally mean. Malls are crowded and airports are abuzz with nervous activity. Amidst all this pitter-patter, many well-meaning folks are quoting their annual clichés, “Keep Christ in Christmas” and my favorite, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Since Christians live by Christ’s authority in every aspect of life, how should we view this season of shopping, sales, Santa, and “Silent Night”?

The Bible and Christmas

Wouldn’t you think that since so much of this time of year is associated with Jesus’ physical birth that the Bible would at least mention words like nativity, Christmas, and three wise men? Well contrary to common misconception, the Bible says nothing even remotely linked to what we know today as Christmas.

Jesus and Christmas

Even though you may see scenes depicting Christ’s birth in your city, town, or neighborhood, Jesus never committed one word of commentary on His birth in the New Testament. Rather, the Lord instructed His disciples to remember His death weekly as they observed the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:23-28).

Throughout the New Testament, one can almost feel an air of freedom resounding from its pages. Freedom from ceremony, holy days, national feasts, ritual. These practices, though legitimate under Moses’ Law, have been outlawed by Christ’s new and superior covenant (Hebrews 8:6-13; Colossians 2:8-19). This being true, any day recognized as being holy or religious in nature today is contrary with New Testament teaching, and must be from mere humans and not from Almighty God (cf. Matthew 15:8-9).

Misconceptions associated with Christmas

• It is the day of the Lord’s birth. This cannot be proven. Even December twenty-fifth is the Lord’s “birthday,” He does not authorize the celebration of it as such.
• The “wise men” came to bring gifts to Jesus on the night of His birth. The Bible does not indicate such. It is clear that by the time of the magi’s arrival to the Child, some length of time had elapsed. Matthew even lets us know that the magi did not begin traveling until they saw the Star on the night of Christ’s birth (Matthew 2:1-12). The journey took a substantial amount of time, and by the time they arrived, Jesus was a toddler, no longer and infant. Also, why would Herod have all males under age two killed?
• Jesus’ day of birth should be celebrated and God is pleased with its celebration. Nowhere do the Scriptures even allude to this idea.
• The night of Christ’s birth was “silent.” This idea is expressed in a very popular Christmas song, Silent Night, Holy Night. The Bible, though, teaches the very opposite. The Record says that a multitude of heavenly host praised God and sang, “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth among men of good pleasure” (Luke 2:13-14). How silent does this sound to you?

Christians and Christmas

Christians are separate from the world and its sinful practices (cf. John 17:16-17). This is true concerning Christmas also. We should not recognize it as a holy day or as a day of any religious significance. Why? Because we cannot bring glory to God if we do such (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:31). We will not reduce Jesus from being the resurrected Lord to a defenseless infant in a feeding trough.

Christmastime, though, serves as the perfect opportunity to share with loved ones and friends why we reject holy days: because they are creations of men that will be rooted up by Jesus (Matthew 15:13). This is a great time to be sober-minded and emotionally collected. Do not let long lines and rude shoppers allow you to stop reflecting the Savior. Remember, we are a people who reflect His beauty everyday, not just on Christmas day (cf. Matthew 5:16).

P.S. How can Christ be kept in something He was never apart of?

A Church With No Name?

We love to name things. In religion, this happens to be especially true. This is where the idea of the word "denomination" comes from. It means to assign something under a certain name. However, in the New Testament, the church is never given a proper name, except once (Acts 11:26). This is when God divinely called disciples Christians for the first time in Antioch. Peter said to glorify God in that name (1 Peter 4:16). Agrippa admitted that Paul's testimony almost convinced him to become one (Acts 26:28). This is the only instance though, where followers of God were given a proper name in the New Testament. We will look at descriptions (not names) that the inspired writers of the Greek Scriptures gave God's servants.

My church

After Jesus asked the apostles the opinion of what people said about Him, Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it" (Matthew 16:13-18). Jesus said, there at Ceasarea Philippi, that He would form His called-out group of people. That is what church means, a called-out, called-together group of people; His assembly. This word is not necessarily religious in flavor. It was simply used as a description of God's collective group of people that belongs to Jesus Christ, who consequently is head over His church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). This means that He has all authority and "say-so" concerning His people (cf. Matthew 28:18-20).

Church of God

Paul wrote to the, "church of God that is in Corinth" (1 Corinthians 1:2). He recognized that congregation's unique relationship to our heavenly Father. This special relationship is significant because many Jews in the First Century held the misconception that disciples of Jesus were not worshipers of the true God of the Old Testament. They viewed Christians as montheistic heretics. But, Paul asserts that Christians were (and are) indeed servants of the true God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Saints

Paul addressed one congregation saying, "To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 1:1). This term saint indicates the church's special role as God's unique group of holy people. That is what saint means, holy one. As Christians, we are holy, because we have been separated from the world in the Word of God (John 17:16-17; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9). That term is not reserved for people who lived long ago who have been canonized by a certain group, but people who have been washed and purified by the water and the Word (Ephesians 5:26).

Brothers

Some older Bible translations refer to Christians as brethren, but some more modern translations refer to us as brothers (cf. Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 1:10). In many cases, brothers come from the Greek word adelphoi which means siblings in a family. This is so true. Through the precious blood of Christ, we have been reconciled together into God's household, and are made brothers and sisters in our Savior, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4-7; Galatians 6:10). Christians not only have a special relationship with God because of Jesus, but with one another because of our Savior's ransom on the cross (cf. Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:4).

God's fellow workers

What a privilege to be considered fellow workers (1 Corinthians 3:9) with the Almighty God! But with this great privilege there comes even greater responsibility. Paul compared Christians to ambassadors, ones called on to speak on behalf (as if they were) another (2 Corinthians 5:20). We labor with our God, appealing to others to accept and obey the gospel of Christ. It is important to realize that we are not alone as we continue in the Lord's work. God is right there helping and encouraging us as we continue in faithful service to Him and His cause.

Disciples

This description implies that Christians are students of God's Word. The greatest expression of discipleship is probably when Peter exclaimed, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68). A Christian yearns and thirsts after God's wonderful laws and righteous statements.

These are great descriptions of God's people, may we always live up to them!

Holy in Worship

Worship in and of itself is not holy. This was the case with Cain (Genesis 4:1-7). He and his brother Abel had both offered worship to God. One was acceptable, and the other was not. The case is quite similar today. Some are offering holy and true worship to God, while others are not. Many of the ones offering vain worship to God hold to the view that God will accept just anything. We will look at what God defines as holy and acceptable worship.

Worship that is authorized by Him

Take, for example, two more brothers, Nadab and Abihu. They were Aaron’s sons. Because of this, they were allowed to offer sacrifices to God for the whole house of Israel. On one occasion, they were offering fire to Jehovah in worship. However, the Bible describes the fire as “unauthorized” (Leviticus 10:1 ESV). Why was the fire unauthorized? Because did not command them to use it. It was indeed a “strange” (KJV) offering to God. “Fire is fire,” you may say. Well not according to God. He knew what kind He wanted, and Nadab and Abihu were burned up with fire because they did not do as God had specified.

Jesus said, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in…truth” (John 4:24). When Jesus is referring to truth in this passage, He is referring to God’s Word (cf. John 17:17). In essence, then, Jesus said that true worship is regulated by the truth of the Word of God. Therefore: My worship is holy, only when it is in accordance with His revealed will.

This means that Christians avoid vain and meaningless additions to worship. As was the case with Nadab and Abihu, our worship becomes tainted and unholy when we add acts that are not approved by God. This includes things such as choirs and choruses in place of congregational singing, performances and productions instead of preaching, playing and prancing instead of prayer, revelry and “raw raw!” instead of reverence. May pleasing God always be the centerpiece of our worship.

Worship that is from the heart

Sometimes we focus so much on the “authority” aspect of worship, we neglect the spiritual feature of it. In John 4:24, Jesus also inserted “spirit” in His great declaration concerning true worship. This means that we must worship God in an authorized and spiritual way. This is confirmed further on in the New Testament when Paul said, “I will praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also” (1 Corinthians 14:15). Paul obviously recognized the importance of worshipping God with his whole heart and mind.

Can we “go through the motions” and neglect putting our heart into worship? Yes. God knows your heart (cf. Matthew 9:4; Hebrews 4:13). He is aware when we do not offer our finest in worship to Him.

• Singing - Do you focus more on the musical notation and various voice parts rather than focusing on the words that are being spoken? Paul told a certain congregation to “teach and admonish one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Colossians 3:16). If I am not thinking about the words that I am singing, my singing is vain. Some melodies and tunes are very soothing to the ear, but the love of them should never be a Christian’s purpose for singing. Really mean what you sing. Think long and hard on the words being sung.

• The Lord’s Supper – Does your mind wander off into idle thoughts when you are observing the Memorial of Christ’s death? The purpose of the Supper is to remember the Lord’s sacrifice on our behalf, and to proclaim His death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The Supper is a solemn Memorial that should not be taken lightly. (I always find it helpful to bow my head during Supper and say a short prayer of thanks to God for His Son. Also, reading passages like Isaiah 53 really helps to put things into perspective.)

• Preaching – Imagine sitting through Paul’s sermon that lasted late into the night, and into early morning (cf. Acts 20:7). Some of us can barely sit through a thirty-five minute lesson, let alone a nightlong discourse. This was the case of Eutychus. He did not fall asleep. He slept, and then fell three stories to his death. Believe me, there will not be an apostle there to raise you from the dead when we fall three stories during a gospel sermon! Remain alert and attentive during the preaching of God’s Word. We know what happened to the three thousand who did such on Pentecost (cf. Acts 2:1-47). It doesn't hurt to take notes, either.

• Prayer – Prayer is a privilege unique to God’s people (cf. Psalm 66:18). It should never be viewed as the perfect opportunity to take a “convenient” restroom break. Pour out your heart to God in prayer; He is always a willing ear (cf. 1 Peter 5:7).

Is your worship to the Almighty holy?

Holy?

For some reason, many Christians shy away from this topic. Maybe there is a lack of motivation to be holy. Maybe some do not take God’s Word seriously. Maybe some think it is impossible to be holy. Maybe some are ignorant of God’s expectation of holiness for His special people. Whatever the case may be, God has charged Christians with an important responsibility,

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:14-16).

What is holiness?

First, holiness is apartness from sin. Paul admonished Christians to “go out from their midst and be separate from them…and touch no unclean thing” (2 Corinthians 6:17). Through obedience to the gospel, God’s children have had their hearts purified for service to the true God (1 Peter 1:22). Jesus prayed that His followers would be set apart from the world through the Word of Truth (John 17:16-17). As the command was given By Peter, God does not tolerate middle ground in holiness. He does tolerate, however, full commitment and dedication. This means wholehearted imitation of our most holy example, Jesus (1 Peter 2:21).

Second, holiness is awe-inspiring. This is how Isaiah saw God (Isaiah 6:1-8). Seraphs were sounding God’s holiness, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” His response to God’s magnificent holiness was, “Woe is me! I am lost.” Also, John saw the great throne room scene, and the four living creatures were proclaiming, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 4:8). The psalmist declared, “Holy and awesome is his name!” (Psalm 11:9). Seeing and acknowledging God’s holiness should strike a chord of awfulness and reverence in every person.

Third, holiness is separation to God. God’s people have been set apart as God’s own possession, a royal priesthood, and as a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). What does this mean? Total and unwavering commitment to service to our God. We have received His grace; therefore, our allegiance belongs to Him and Him alone. That is why Paul would say, “Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14). We are a special people. We are separated from the world to a holy God, by His word and grace, to serve Him.

There is no holiness apart from God

As we cited above, a triplicate was used to describe God’s unique apartness: “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Revelation 4:8; Isaiah 6:6). His word informs us that we are all sinners (Romans 3:10-23). Because of our sin, we are in need of a Redeemer. This redemption from our sinful and lost condition is found only in Christ (Colossians 1:13-14). In this redemption, we come in full contact with God’s holiness. Separate and apart from God, holiness is non-existent.

This can be summed up in one statement: My connection to God is what makes me holy.

• Why was the ground that Moses stood on holy? – Exodus 3:1-6
• Why were the gatherings of God's people called sacred assemblies? – Exodus 12:16
• By who's righteousness and holiness did the Israelites possess the land? – Deuteronomy 9:1-6
  

Holiness, through our positive response to God’s commands, can be attained. In this series, we will look at holiness from the aspect of worship, speech, and heaven. Please follow along in God’s Word as we study this very important topic.