Worship: Not a Spectator Sport 9/27/2018

"Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.7 For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.
Today, if you would hear His voice, 
Do not harden your hearts," Psalm 95:6-8

Last week, I ran into two different people, both former members of congregations that now "worship at home."  Perhaps you know of someone or several someones who fit this description.  Now, rather than going to the assembly on the Lord's day, they listen to the local Christian radio station, or watch one or more of the televangelists on cable, or do nothing at all.  Of course our brothers and sisters say they still love God, still believe in Him and pray regularly but just do not currently "go to church."

There are a variety of reasons why people pursue this avenue.  Some disagree with the way things are done at their local congregation.  Some have suffered hurt associated with someone who attends.  Some have looked into the mirror of their lives and found themselves unfit, lacking the ability to forgive themselves despite believing that they have been forgiven by God.  And some just flat out do not think it is necessary.  There are many other reasons that people give for such a tragic departure.

Beloved, I will be the first to tell you that the work of the church is not primarily done inside the church building but outside.  I would likewise say that worship is not confined to the church building in that we should all be in a constant state of worshiping our God.  But I will say that the assembly is a necessary component of our relationship with God and with each other.  Let me share with you just a few scriptures that bear this out.

• Acts 2:40-47-From its inception, the church (more accurately phrased "the assembly") has been about the people of God being and doing together
• Ephesians 4:11-16-We together form one body, made so by divine will for a divine and beneficial purpose
• John 10:14-16-Being identified as flock whose shepherd is Jesus, our togetherness is implicit
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-27-Each of us has a role in the body/assembly that we are gifted to fulfill and on which others depend
• Hebrews 10:24-26-The assembly is as much about others as it is about us and we should not forsake it

This is by no means an exhaustive list.  The word of God consistently speaks of believers as a people, a body, a flock and a church that is designed to be together in word, thought, deed and most certainly in worship.  While some televangelist have their uses, if a person is watching one, they are watching not just the preacher but those who are members of that congregation who have gathered together to worship.  Worship is not about spectating, but participating.  

May this be an encouragement to you and may you share it with those who you know that have forsaken the assembly.

Building God's family,

Lee

Worship: Not a Spectator Sport 3/12/2014

"Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
7 For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.
Today, if you would hear His voice, 
Do not harden your hearts," Psalm 95:6-8

Last week, I ran into two different people, both former members of congregations that now "worship at home."  Perhaps you know of someone or several someones who fit this description.  Now, rather than going to the assembly on the Lord's day, they listen to the local Christian radio station, or watch one or more of the televangelists on cable, or do nothing at all.  Of course our brothers and sisters say they still love God, still believe in Him and pray regularly but just do not currently "go to church."

There are a variety of reasons why people pursue this avenue.  Some disagree with the way things are done at their local congregation.  Some have suffered hurt associated with someone who attends.  Some have looked into the mirror of their lives and found themselves unfit, lacking the ability to forgive themselves despite believing that they have been forgiven by God.  And some just flat out do not think it is necessary.  There are many other reasons that people give for such a tragic departure.

Beloved, I will be the first to tell you that the work of the church is not primarily done inside the church building but outside.  I would likewise say that worship is not confined to the church building in that we should all be in a constant state of worshiping our God.  But I will say that the assembly is a necessary component of our relationship with God and with each other.  Let me share with you just a few scriptures that bear this out.

• Acts 2:40-47-From its inception, the church (more accurately phrased "the assembly") has been about the people of God being and doing together
• Ephesians 4:11-16-We together form one body, made so by divine will for a divine and beneficial purpose
• John 10:14-16-Being identified as flock whose shepherd is Jesus, our togetherness is implicit
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-27-Each of us has a role in the body/assembly that we are gifted to fulfill and on which others depend
• Hebrews 10:24-26-The assembly is as much about others as it is about us and we should not forsake it

This is by no means an exhaustive list.  The word of God consistently speaks of believers as a people, a body, a flock and a church that is designed to be together in word, thought, deed and most certainly in worship.  While some televangelist have their uses, if a person is watching one, they are watching not just the preacher but those who are members of that congregation who have gathered together to worship.  Worship is not about spectating, but participating.  

May this be an encouragement to you and may you share it with those who you know that have forsaken the assembly.

One,

Lee

Wealth and Redemption 12/26/2012

"They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:"  Psa 49:6-7

In these days of conspicuous consumption, many hold riches as their god.  It is not that people gather themselves into opulent buildings and worship currency on a prepared altar.  The literal meaning of the word is to "prostrate oneself in homage."  Today we tend to think of it as something which is indicative of reverence, strong emotion and the expenditure of a great deal of time, effort and resources.  It is this that we do in pursuit of claiming riches for ourselves.  It is perhaps human nature to always want more.  If we are not able to obtain it for ourselves, we elevate those who have by being successful in lucrative fields.  Even in the first century church, members were chastised for giving undue honor to those of means.

Beloved, though wealth is not in and of itself evil and much good is accomplished with it, no amount of it can save even one of us.  What amount of currency, gold or jewels can we give to the very Maker of the earth to purchase our own salvation? It is more likely that the love of wealth will prevent us from gaining heaven than cause it.

There has only ever been one payment that would redeem mankind and that is the sacrifice of Jesus, "in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according tot he riches of his grace" Eph 1:7.  It is not wealth itself, nor those who have amassed it who are to be worshipped, but him who paid the ultimate price to accomplish the ultimate good.  "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!"

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

Seeking the Old Path-6/28/2012

"Thus says the Lord, 'Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls.'  But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’"  Jeremiah 6:16

There is an old saying among preachers and biblical teachers that states, "If it's new it ain't true and if it's true it ain't new."  Perhaps they are borrowing from the writer of Ecclesiastes when he said, "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.  Is there anything of which one can say, 'Look!  This is something new?'  It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time" Eccl 1:9-10.

As a society, we are obsessed with the newest, latest, greatest thing from news and information to technology to gadgetry. Who among us does not have or want the latest cell phone for example? More relevantly, people are constantly developing new philosophies of God (or god figures), religion and worship.  Should you ever have the time or interest, look up "religions" like Creativity Movement, Nation of Yahweh, Church of All Worlds, Universe People and the more well known Church of Scientology.  Though these organizations are easily dismissed (despite the growing number of adherents to some), far more dangerous changes are being made in churches all over the world today.  One example of this is in 2003, the Episcopalian Church of the United States of America became the first mainstream religious organization to consecrate an openly gay non celebate bishop (see Rom 1:26-28 and 1 Cor 6:9-10).

Beloved, the word of God and all that it teaches is tested, tried and true.  We serve the Ancient of Days who is the same yesterday, today and forever.  Our God is not fad driven nor subject to the whims of fickle humanity.  It is we that must conform ourselves to Him and not the other way around.  While I will agree that their are new approaches to delivering the message (we now have print, microphones, air conditioned houses of worship, television, radio and the internet), the message does not change.  Let us seek the old and good path and walk in it.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

Not Forsaking the Assembly-2/16/2012

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Heb 10:23-25

While it is true that none can get to heaven simply by virtue of knowing or associating with people who are on their way, doing so can help us along our way. Each of us is responsible for our own relationship with Christ, however, Christ would have us relate to (love) one another as well as himself. The Christian life is designed to be lived in fellowship with fellow believers. The benefits for doing so are countless.

One important benefit is the availability of help in times of need. This need can be just about anything, but perhaps the most important need is when faith begins to waiver. We have all been there. We have all wondered what life is all about, what it means when bad things happen to good people and if all of this is really real. The help available from stronger members of the body in times like these is surely represented in the proverb, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity" Prov 17:17.

The fact is, at one time or another, in one way or another, we need each other. This is why the Hebrew writer encourages us to avoid missing the appointed times of assembly, be it worship, bible study, prayer meetings or what have you. When the saints gather, it is most surely for a purpose designed to encourage, edify and educate all who are present. What effect do you suppose that the activities a person is doing instead of assembling with the saints has on their eternity?

Beloved, it is wonderful that we show up for Sunday morning worship services. Unfortunately, that is often the only time we see some of the family. Of course it is understood that not everyone is going to be able to make it to every event held at the building, or every single small group meeting, but the difference between the attendance on Sunday and the other times of gathering is astounding. Absences during non worship times are a way of life for most, rather than an occasional incident and even absences from worship are a way of life for some. Failure to establish the relationships and receive the teaching available during the assembly can be a dangerous thing. It is often these that complain that no one comes to "check on them" when in many cases, not enough presence was established to realize that 1 was missing from 100.

We are not just the "called out" but the called together. When one misses, not only do they deny themselves others but they deny others themselves. Let us endeavor to be together on earth as we will one day be together in heaven.

Rejoicing in the Lord,

Lee

Hearing God-12/30/2011 (rp)

"A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul." Acts 16:14

It is not important where we are from or what we do for a living. It is important that we worship our God. We must always worship Him in spirit and in truth for He desires such. It is our faith that separates us from those that do not believe. There is a difference between being a child of God and those who are not.

In our worship, we must be attentive to that which God has to say to us. He has many ways of communicating with us. We must attend to His word, be it preached, taught or read. We must also pursue active prayer lives, for truly the Spirit conveys His will to us. He will send the spirit of discernment by which we can learn to hear God above the noise of life's many distractions.

When we accomplish these things we will find that our hearts will be opened. And what is it to have our hearts opened but to have our minds opened? The scripture does not refer to that which pumps blood to the body, but to our intellect, our understanding and our emotion. Once we have an understanding of who God is, limited though it may be, and what His purpose is for our lives, we will have no choice but to respond.

Beloved, we were made through love, of love, by Love. By the grace of Almighty God, through His son and our Savior, we respond to Love.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

The Value of "Church"-12/28/2011 (rp)

"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways And that we may walk in His paths." For the law will go forth from Zion And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem." Isa 2:3

It has been said that church (organized corporate worship) is fading into irrelevance. Today there are so many distractions that take away from our coming together. People are choosing social media to connect. Many stay at home and watch televangelists, citing no need to go to a house of worship. Then there are those that consider the Christian lifestyle and the belief in Jesus Christ as too restrictive and tend toward a more open "spirituality." Finally, there are those who do not believe at all. These are the folks you see playing golf, going to the gym, tailgating at professional sporting events, etc., on your way to worship.

Somewhere along the way we have forgotten (or turned our backs on) the importance of worship. There was a time when this was the center of our lives. Our social, spiritual and even physical needs were met via the gathering of ourselves together. The church was with whom we communed while communing with God.

Beloved, there is no substitute for our corporate worship: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Heb 10:23-25. Let us always endeavor to meet together and learn of our God and then share what we have learned with all whom we meet.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Stone Praise-9/26/2011 (rp)

"I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."
Luke 19:38

When Jesus made his triumphant yet ill fated entrance into Jerusalem, the bible records that the people spread their clothes on the ground for his mount to walk upon and that "they began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen." Naturally, not everyone felt that same jubilation. In fact there were those who did not understand what all the fuss was about and were clearly irritated. They asked Jesus to shut them up.

Beloved it is right for the people of God to praise Him. The scriptures are replete with encouragements to "praise ye the Lord!" There are also many scriptural examples of people who stood against the Lord and those that praise Him. Now as then, the sons and daughters of the Almighty should never allow anyone to legislate nor dictate our adoration for the Lord. He is indeed worthy of any and all glory and honor we can muster, for He is the great I AM! The redeemed of the Lord who have seen His mighty hand ought to say so!

If we do not praise our Father for all He has done, is doing and is about to do, the very stones of the earth will cry out. I don't know about you, but I'm not about to let a rock out praise me!

PRAISE THE LORD!


Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Encouragement-DD 2/21/2011

"They went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia, and when they saw the brethren, they encouraged them and departed." Acts 16:40

Each of us needs encouragement. Sometimes we need to give it and other times we need to receive it. Encouragement reassures us that we can accomplish the goals that we set before ourselves. It is an urging to stay on the path laid out for us by God. It is positive reinforcement to continue fighting the good fight.

Paul and Silas had been jailed for doing the work of the Lord and found themselves released and begged by the authorities to leave the city. During their jail time, they were locked in the inner recesses and chained. Despite their situation, they sang praises to the Lord. God caused an earthquake that ultimately led to their freedom. Immediately upon being released, they went to the house of Lydia and encouraged those that gathered there. It should be noted that worship was held in homes rather than dedicated buildings in those days. In effect, they went to the church and encouraged the worshippers there.

Beloved, attend to the fact that Paul and Silas continued to praise the Lord, even in the worst of circumstances. Note also that God heard their prayers and gave them the desires of their heart. An examination of the passage will show that the jailer's life was saved and he and his family became Christians through these circumstances.

Not only were Paul and Silas encouraged by their faith, which in turn delivered them through their hardship, but they then shared their experiences with the church. No doubt, this was designed to let them know that God would be with them despite their circumstances and that he is our deliverer and protector. Imagine how that message inspired its hearers to strengthen their faith and continue to lead righteous lives. It is a story that still inspires today. Let us be encouraged and encourage others.

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee

Praise Where Praise is Due-DD 2/16/2011

"And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb,be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever." Rev 5:13

None of us are strangers to extending great amounts of praise to others. We are all familiar with experiencing jubilation over the acts of those outside ourselves. I am reminded of the recent Superbowl. It is said that over 100 million people watched this sporting event. Without a doubt, those who watched were moved to joy and were complimentary to those who made great plays at some point during the game. Local fans of the winners sold out a stadium and endured near zero temperatures to gather, render praise and celebrate their team.

I'm also reminded of this award show season, consisting primarily of the Grammys and the Oscars. We all root for our favorite artist, song, performance, movie, actor or director. We watch with baited breath and after all is said and done, we cannot wait to get to the water cooler the next day at which we seek agreement on how great "so and so" was/is and how happy we are they won.

Beloved, these are momentary thrills at best. Our loyalty is almost always based on "what have you done for me lately?" We are then on to the next new thing, praising the Justin Biebers of the world as we once did Brittani Spears and before that, Debbie Gibson (who? right!). I recommend we give praise where praise is due. It is God who is our creator, our benefactor and the supplier of all of our needs. When we are at our lowest, it is Him we call upon. When we are at our highest, it is due to His supply. He has done more great things in our lives than we can even remember. He is always our champion and has never lost.

The next time we scream and yell at a competition or ask a great player, artist or performer for an autograph as we gush over their accomplishments, let us contrast this behavior with our enthusiasm (or lack thereof) for our Creator. Let everthing that has breath praise the Lord!

Loving Like Jesus,

Lee