Showing posts with label worship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label worship. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY (part 2)
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and
do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NASB)
In my last post I wrote of freedom and responsibility from a social point of view. In this post I’ll write regarding freedom and responsibility within the church specifically and Christianity in general.
There is much freedom in Christianity. We are free from meaningless rituals. We are free from human or animal sacrifices. We are free from legalism and what I call “behavior management” religion. There is freedom is styles of worship, posture in prayer, and places to serve. Most importantly we are free from working to be “good enough” for Heaven. Also, while we are commanded to tell others about God’s FREE gift of salvation, we are not held accountable for their free choice.
However, like our nation (click see previous post), the church has failed to “keep standing firm” thus succumbing to inconsistencies. It is quite possible that these inconsistencies within the church have been instrumental in supporting the inconsistences which exist in our society. To be blunt, where society may have some excuse for being inconsistent, the church has none.
Twenty-first century Christians gather weekly to declare our loyalty to God. We sing praises to The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost. We proclaim the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the offer of salvation that results from that sacrifice. But when the service is over, we depart the gathering to live like everyone else.
In our daily lives, no appears to be no significant difference in our behavior and the behavior of those who don’t believe. More importantly, for all of our singing, clapping, teaching, preaching, and other activities designed to exalt God, once we are away from church, we tend to live lives of secret agent Christians, fearing to reveal our true identities.
We will never speak louder or more clearly about our faith as when we live it out openly and without shame. It is not enough to say “God is my top priority.” we must demonstrate it in our choices. Not just the choices we make publicly, but also the choices we make privately.
If I want a better World, we have to have a better nation. If I want to have a better nation, we have to be a better state. If I want to have a better state, we have to be a better county. If I want to have a better county I have to be a better city. If I want to have a better city, we have to be a better community. If I want to have a better community, we have to be a better church. If I want to have a better church, our families have to be better families. If I want to have a better family I have to be a better me. If I want to be a better me, I have to commit to living like Jesus!
In our freedom to live, we cannot neglect our responsibility to imitate Jesus. In our freedom from the punishment of sin, we cannot neglect our responsibility to make disciples of Jesus. So it all comes down to who I want to be like. Do I want to be like me or do I want to be like Jesus?
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO START!
The second week of this year is not too late to have a new start for this year! The calendar year is still young and we can still commit to a new or renewed determination to grow in Christ!
Here are four things we can focus upon if we are desiring to mature as followers of Jesus Christ.
1. Grow in faith.
Most people I meet express that growing in faith is the most difficult thing for them to do in their life. The truth is we can grow our faith the same way we would get to Carnegie Hall. How does one get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, Practice, Practice! In short, we increase our faith by practicing faithful behaviors.
First, establish a daily time to spend in communion with God by reading His Word and reflecting on what it says. Then be faithful with attending corporate worship service. Then join and faithfully attend a Bible study. Be sure to tithe from your time, talents, and possessions. Start with these things and watch what God will begin through your faithfulness!
2. Grow in love.
To grow in love, we should discipline ourselves to inspect every word before we speak it, manage every action before we do it, and evaluate every situation before we ignore it. In every situation ask, “What is the most loving thing to do?” Another way to grow in love is to question, “Am I pointing someone towards Christ or away from Christ, through my behavior?”
3. Grow in humility.
Grow down in humility, by growing up in prayer. Humility is seeing myself two ways: first, being honest about seeing myself as what I would be like without Christ; second, seeing myself as what I am with Christ. Once I understand those two things it will be easier to become humble since I will begin understand that I am nothing without Christ. The more humble I become, the more dependent I will be upon God to provide the things I need to accomplish HIS will. Also the more devoted I will become to prayer and interaction with God. Brother Lawrence spoke regarding the simplicity of developing a prayer life when he said,
Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 (HCSB)
4. Grow in knowledge.
Seek to know more about Jesus. Study on the things that he said and the things that he did while on Earth. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Why did Jesus say what he said and why did he say it that way?” Observe his actions and flesh out ways to imitate Jesus day by day.
Final note: We may never see how much we have grown, but those around us will.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.2 Peter 3:18 (HCSB)
1. Grow in faith.
Most people I meet express that growing in faith is the most difficult thing for them to do in their life. The truth is we can grow our faith the same way we would get to Carnegie Hall. How does one get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, Practice, Practice! In short, we increase our faith by practicing faithful behaviors.
First, establish a daily time to spend in communion with God by reading His Word and reflecting on what it says. Then be faithful with attending corporate worship service. Then join and faithfully attend a Bible study. Be sure to tithe from your time, talents, and possessions. Start with these things and watch what God will begin through your faithfulness!
2. Grow in love.
To grow in love, we should discipline ourselves to inspect every word before we speak it, manage every action before we do it, and evaluate every situation before we ignore it. In every situation ask, “What is the most loving thing to do?” Another way to grow in love is to question, “Am I pointing someone towards Christ or away from Christ, through my behavior?”
3. Grow in humility.
Grow down in humility, by growing up in prayer. Humility is seeing myself two ways: first, being honest about seeing myself as what I would be like without Christ; second, seeing myself as what I am with Christ. Once I understand those two things it will be easier to become humble since I will begin understand that I am nothing without Christ. The more humble I become, the more dependent I will be upon God to provide the things I need to accomplish HIS will. Also the more devoted I will become to prayer and interaction with God. Brother Lawrence spoke regarding the simplicity of developing a prayer life when he said,
He [God] does not ask much of us, merely a thought of Him from time to time, a little act of adoration, sometimes to ask for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sufferings, at other times to thank Him for the graces, past and present, He has bestowed on you, in the midst of your troubles to take solace in Him as often as you can. Lift up your heart to Him during your meals and in company; the least little remembrance will always be the most pleasing to Him. One need not cry out very loudly; He is nearer to us than we think.
-- Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God
Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 (HCSB)
4. Grow in knowledge.
Seek to know more about Jesus. Study on the things that he said and the things that he did while on Earth. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Why did Jesus say what he said and why did he say it that way?” Observe his actions and flesh out ways to imitate Jesus day by day.
Final note: We may never see how much we have grown, but those around us will.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
WHY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FAIL
What is your New Year resolution? A common question among Americans during the first two weeks of January. Many people, in hopes of self improvement, at the start of a new calendar year, resolve to live, think, behave, differently than they did the previous year. A noble cause to say the least, but equally common as making a resolution is the failure to achieve our goal.
I am convinced that the majority of resolutions fail because they are motivated by selfish ambition. They commonly have an inward focus. We choose our goal(s) because of a benefit we will receive. We choose to get in shape because we will become more attractive. We choose to be kinder because we will gain more friends. We choose to donate more time or money because we want to feel less guilty. I think you get my point.
Just because a resolution is inwardly focused doesn’t mean it’s bad.
For example, among the top ten resolutions is “to lose weight” in the coming year. We may chose to do this for several reasons: for our own health; for comfort; for our appearance; or to encourage and motivate others to do the same.
When we look at these reasons we may notice that they mostly focus on the positive results enjoyed by ourselves. However we all have a responsibility to those who love us to maintain good health. We have a responsibility to God to be a good "care taker" of the body that He has provided for us to use. Also we have a responsibility to those who are and will be in need of help, to be available to provide the help they need.
HOW TO MAKE A RESOLUTION WE CAN KEEP
First, realize we all have a natural human tendency to be selfish and prideful. So begin to think of making others a priority over myself.
Third, pray about which single difference to get involved in and commit to playing a role in that activity for the entire year.
Finally, avoid the "spot light", resist the desire to draw attention to how hard we are serving or the difference we may or may not be making.
Remember, it's not us, it's about serving God and making a difference in SOMEONE ELSE'S life.
I am convinced that the majority of resolutions fail because they are motivated by selfish ambition. They commonly have an inward focus. We choose our goal(s) because of a benefit we will receive. We choose to get in shape because we will become more attractive. We choose to be kinder because we will gain more friends. We choose to donate more time or money because we want to feel less guilty. I think you get my point.
Just because a resolution is inwardly focused doesn’t mean it’s bad.
For example, among the top ten resolutions is “to lose weight” in the coming year. We may chose to do this for several reasons: for our own health; for comfort; for our appearance; or to encourage and motivate others to do the same.
When we look at these reasons we may notice that they mostly focus on the positive results enjoyed by ourselves. However we all have a responsibility to those who love us to maintain good health. We have a responsibility to God to be a good "care taker" of the body that He has provided for us to use. Also we have a responsibility to those who are and will be in need of help, to be available to provide the help they need.
HOW TO MAKE A RESOLUTION WE CAN KEEP
First, realize we all have a natural human tendency to be selfish and prideful. So begin to think of making others a priority over myself.
13 You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you. John 13:13-15 (HCSB)Second, make a (short and realistic) list of ways I can make a difference this year in my church and community. Start with obvious areas where volunteers are needed. Be aware that I may need to think in terms of which person or family, instead of an entire church or community.
Third, pray about which single difference to get involved in and commit to playing a role in that activity for the entire year.
17 Pray constantly. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (HCSB)
12“ I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.13 Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
John 14:12-14 (HCSB)
Finally, avoid the "spot light", resist the desire to draw attention to how hard we are serving or the difference we may or may not be making.
9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 1 Peter 4:9 (HCSB)
Remember, it's not us, it's about serving God and making a difference in SOMEONE ELSE'S life.
34 “I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (HCSB)
Friday, October 26, 2012
BACK TO BLOGGING
We had a great time in Mexico and best of all, we participated in God's ongoing work there. Each morning we had a different activity, Two different days we walked around the city praying at different locations, two other days we worked on a new church building. Of course, on Sunday we attended worship with a local congregation. In the evenings we led Bible school for the children.
The last night in Mexico, I had the great honor to lead a joint Mexican and American communion service. We sang and read scripture in both languages, several prayed aloud in their own language, and through an interpreter I led in the observance of The Lord’s Supper. Through out the entire service, Mexicans and Americans were unified by the Holy Spirit through koinonia. (See note below)
I have been on many other mission trips prior to this trip, however, on this trip the Holy Spirit has really helped me to understand what it means to “be the church.” I wish I could point to a particular experience, a theological reflection, or another benchmark of the trip where I received an epiphany. But that is not the case.
God has (and is continuing to) motivated me to embrace the importance of contemporary believers understanding that we are the church. Additionally, we are to be the church to our world. This means we can no longer depend on pastors to do the work of ministry. It means believers have to understand that while the church may gather at the church building, the purpose of gathering is to be scattered into the communities as Christ’s ambassadors. (See: 2 Corinthians 5:20)
Most importantly, if we are to be the church, we must become consistent with our loyalty to God and become devoted to following Christ in every area of our lives.
Note: Koinonia is a Greek word that is very difficult to accurately translate into a single English word. Basically it describes a special relationship and intimate participation among people. The word is frequently translated as “fellowship” in the New Testament. However, koinonia implies a stronger, more intimate bond between people that the modern usage of “fellowship” describes.
Monday, April 23, 2012
DEVELOPING A LIFESTYLE THAT WORSHIPS GOD
Disclaimer: The following post are just some brief thoughts about worship. For an in depth study of Worship I recommend: Will You Worship? by Ray Jones and Dr. Dino Sensi; also, Tozer on Worship and Entertainment. by A.W. Tozer; finally, The Air I Breathe: Worship as a Way of Life. by Louie Giglio
For worship to be more than “That thing we do on Sundays” we must begin by changing our understanding of worship. Most importantly I must begin with having committed my life to obeying God and receiving the forgiveness provided by the sacrifice of Jesus. Having done that, there are three steps involved in this change:
1- I must begin to think of God as always with me;
2- I must begin to pray more often than prior to eating a big meal;
3- I must establish a regular time alone devoted to meeting with God.
Perhaps the place to start is to answer the question, “What do I worship?” In the previous post I gave some examples of false objects of our worship. I propose two formulas that a person can use to discover what they truly worship.
First, take time to consider what gets my attention, my affection, and my allegiance? In other words, what are the things I spend the most time thinking about? What am I passionate about? To what am I most loyal?
The second formula which helps us discover what we truly worship is to make a list of what do I spend my money, my time, my thoughts and my energy upon? Where I spend my money is bigger then “Do I tithe?” If we examen our shopping habits and our credit / debit card statements we will discover where our disposable income is spent. If I worship an activity, then I’ll spend my money on that activity more than anything else. My calendar will be dictated by the activity(s) I worship, that I will plan around and even cancel events because of what I worship. I will spend almost all of my free time thinking and dreaming about my object of worship. All of my energy will be focused upon my object of worship.
In 1 Samuel chapter seven, the people Israel are told to get rid of their idols and devote themselves to God.
For worship to be more than “That thing we do on Sundays” we must begin by changing our understanding of worship. Most importantly I must begin with having committed my life to obeying God and receiving the forgiveness provided by the sacrifice of Jesus. Having done that, there are three steps involved in this change:
1- I must begin to think of God as always with me;
2- I must begin to pray more often than prior to eating a big meal;
3- I must establish a regular time alone devoted to meeting with God.
Perhaps the place to start is to answer the question, “What do I worship?” In the previous post I gave some examples of false objects of our worship. I propose two formulas that a person can use to discover what they truly worship.
First, take time to consider what gets my attention, my affection, and my allegiance? In other words, what are the things I spend the most time thinking about? What am I passionate about? To what am I most loyal?
The second formula which helps us discover what we truly worship is to make a list of what do I spend my money, my time, my thoughts and my energy upon? Where I spend my money is bigger then “Do I tithe?” If we examen our shopping habits and our credit / debit card statements we will discover where our disposable income is spent. If I worship an activity, then I’ll spend my money on that activity more than anything else. My calendar will be dictated by the activity(s) I worship, that I will plan around and even cancel events because of what I worship. I will spend almost all of my free time thinking and dreaming about my object of worship. All of my energy will be focused upon my object of worship.
In 1 Samuel chapter seven, the people Israel are told to get rid of their idols and devote themselves to God.
Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, "If you return to the LORD with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the LORD and serve Him alone; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines." So the sons of Israel removed the Baals and the Ashtaroth and served the LORD alone. 1 Samuel 7:3-4 (NASB)A serious misunderstanding is possible at this point. I am not saying that worshiping God means that there is nothing but “church” in my life. The Bible teaches we have freedom to have hobbies, to enjoy various activities, to recreate, etc, as long as it doesn’t lead to sin by us or others. In fact, we can actually do various activities in a way that is actually worship, or leads to worship.
For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. Galatians 5:13 (HCSB)and
“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up. No one should seek his own [good], but [the good] of the other person. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (HCSB)and again
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory. Give no offense to the Jews or the Greeks or the church of God, just as I also try to please all people in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (HCSB)Once we discover the “false gods” we have in our lives, then we can begin to call on the Holy Spirit to enable us to remove those gods. Begin by fasting from any object or activity that I suspect of controlling me. Use the urges and desires for that object or activity to cause me to turn to The Father in prayer. Replace the time we spend on that object or activity with time spent with God or studying about God by reading the Bible. These behaviors will start us on the path that will develop in us a lifestyle of worshiping God!
Friday, April 20, 2012
HELPING PEOPLE DEVELOP A MEANINGFUL LIFE
The most fundamental question people ever wrestle with is "Why am I here?" Unlike past generations, people today aren’t necessarily looking for “the meaning of life”. Instead they’re searching for meaning in life.
Americans especially are desperately seeking something that makes their life worth living. We are so desperate for it, we will grab onto any activity, cause, or belief regardless how poorly it fits into our lives. The fact is we are seeking the very thing for which God made us.
The Bible teaches that God made everyone for a relationship with Him. That relationship is the key ingredient for a meaningful life. For instance, in Colossians we’re told:
The Bible also teaches that there are several steps we can take toward developing a meaningful relationship with God. Following each of these steps is the single most important thing any of us can ever do. God holds us accountable for living these five purposes as an example to the people around us and most importantly to our children as part of training them in the ways of the Lord.
STEP NUMBER 1: We were created to Worship God.
If there is one thing people in the world, especially in the United States, understand it is how to worship. People who worship Star Trek are called “Trekkies”; those who worship Jimmy Buffet are called “Parrot Heads”; those who worship famous stars are called “groupies”. I should also mention those who might worship sports, T.V. shows, possessions, pleasure, popularity, or power. The truth is we get worship. What we don’t get is the correct focus of our worship. The Bible tells us that we were created to worship God!
Most people struggle with love and acceptance. We need to understand how critical it is to build into other lives the precious knowledge that all of us were created as an object of God’s love.
By understanding God’s love for us, we can reflect our love for God. In Matthew 22:37 (the verse we know as the Great Commandment) Jesus says:
People who miss this are missing something of critical importance in life. We need to teach people to know God, and we need to teach them to express their love to God through worship.
Before we teach others about worship, we must first understand worship and begin to develop a worshipful lifestyle. Worship of God builds our relationship with God and gives our lives meaning.
In my next post I will present some thoughts and scripture about developing a lifestyle of God worship.
Americans especially are desperately seeking something that makes their life worth living. We are so desperate for it, we will grab onto any activity, cause, or belief regardless how poorly it fits into our lives. The fact is we are seeking the very thing for which God made us.
The Bible teaches that God made everyone for a relationship with Him. That relationship is the key ingredient for a meaningful life. For instance, in Colossians we’re told:
because by Him everything was created, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16 (HCSB)
The Bible also teaches that there are several steps we can take toward developing a meaningful relationship with God. Following each of these steps is the single most important thing any of us can ever do. God holds us accountable for living these five purposes as an example to the people around us and most importantly to our children as part of training them in the ways of the Lord.
STEP NUMBER 1: We were created to Worship God.
If there is one thing people in the world, especially in the United States, understand it is how to worship. People who worship Star Trek are called “Trekkies”; those who worship Jimmy Buffet are called “Parrot Heads”; those who worship famous stars are called “groupies”. I should also mention those who might worship sports, T.V. shows, possessions, pleasure, popularity, or power. The truth is we get worship. What we don’t get is the correct focus of our worship. The Bible tells us that we were created to worship God!
"Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created." Revelation 4:11 (NASB)
Most people struggle with love and acceptance. We need to understand how critical it is to build into other lives the precious knowledge that all of us were created as an object of God’s love.
By understanding God’s love for us, we can reflect our love for God. In Matthew 22:37 (the verse we know as the Great Commandment) Jesus says:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” (NIV)
People who miss this are missing something of critical importance in life. We need to teach people to know God, and we need to teach them to express their love to God through worship.
Before we teach others about worship, we must first understand worship and begin to develop a worshipful lifestyle. Worship of God builds our relationship with God and gives our lives meaning.
In my next post I will present some thoughts and scripture about developing a lifestyle of God worship.
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