With the growing number of New Testament churhes in need of pastor I have to aks the question, "Where are God's men?"
Is God not calling men to pastor New Testament churhes? Does God not see the great need for pastors? Are God's men just not answering the call?
Along with pastoring a New Testament church comes responsibility. Is the responsibilty of being held accountable by God for the teaching and leadership of His church to great a burden for some? I judge not men's motives or actions, but WHERE are God's Pastors?
New Testament churches are in need of men who will dedicate themselves to feeding the flock of God and leading them as he is led by the Holy Spirit.
The shortage of pastors is not God's fault. God knows the need, and according to His promisses to His church, He will supply her with her needs. God is calling but men are not answering. Men are not fully committing themselves to God's calling. It is more than announcing a call. It is more than preaching a message every now and then. To fully answer God's call is to dedicate oneself to the gospel ministry. This dedication involves study, further education and also pastoring a local New Testament church.
If a man desire the office of a bishop...what a great desire God gives His men. What has happened to that desire?
God calls men to pastor New Testament churches. I ask, "Where are God's men?"
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
HOW DO NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES BEGIN?
From the pages of the book of Acts until the present day, how did all of the Local New Testament Churches begin?
On February 22-24 Maplevale MBC will be hosting a Mission's Seminar, all are invited
On February 22-24 Maplevale MBC will be hosting a Mission's Seminar, all are invited
Friday, September 25, 2009
HOW IS YOUR BACKBONE?
As God called men we must take a stand on Bible truth. We must preach the whole counsel of God, even when it goes against the status quoe. When it is politically incorrect to preach the whole counsel of God, we must preach the whole counsel of God.
I find it alarming at how hard we make excuses for things we do, and lead the Lord churches into. In a day and time when people will not endure sound doctrine, are we giving them what they desire? Are we becoming ear scratchers instead of Bible preachers?
The ecumenical movement is overcoming the Lord's churches and God's men. We are getting caught up in the excitement of getting along with everybody under one "Christian" banner. We are so caught up that we take Scripture, twist it around so that it justifies our actions.
We need BackBone men. BackBone to stand on Bible truth. And let us all remember, we are not in a popularity contest we are God called men--we are to feed the flock, lead the flock, and be an example to the flock.
How Is Your BackBone?
I find it alarming at how hard we make excuses for things we do, and lead the Lord churches into. In a day and time when people will not endure sound doctrine, are we giving them what they desire? Are we becoming ear scratchers instead of Bible preachers?
The ecumenical movement is overcoming the Lord's churches and God's men. We are getting caught up in the excitement of getting along with everybody under one "Christian" banner. We are so caught up that we take Scripture, twist it around so that it justifies our actions.
We need BackBone men. BackBone to stand on Bible truth. And let us all remember, we are not in a popularity contest we are God called men--we are to feed the flock, lead the flock, and be an example to the flock.
How Is Your BackBone?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Are The Youth Of The World Being Entertained To Hell?
What are we teaching the youth of the world today? Are we teaching them that they are a sinner and in need of a Savior? Are we teaching them that Jesus is the only Savior and that for one to be saved they must accept Him by faith? Are we teaching them the importance of baptism and church membership after salvation? Are we teaching them that the religions of the world do not believe as the Lord's churches, even if it seems as if they do?
What do we teach the youth by our actions? Are we confusing them with our actions? Are we leading them into falsehoods by our actions?
The Bible teaches that the Lord's New Testament church is a teaching institution, the pillar and ground of the truth. Jesus commissioned His church to preach, baptize and teach. This is the work that the Lord sent His church into the world to do.
Over the years I have heard the phrase "we need to find a way to reach the youth of the world". I agree, we need to reach the entire world, including the youth. The Bible teaches us how to reach the people of the world, by the preaching and teaching of the Word of God. Romans 10:17 teaches us that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. According to the Bible we have the way God intended to reach lost sinners, including the youth of the world.
Why is it that we are so eager to find another way? Why does the preaching and teaching of God's Word not work anymore? The Bible fact is it does. God does not change. His way of leading mankind to Jesus is the same. People need the gospel: youth need the gospel.
I find it alarming that when I talk to young people about the Lord and church, how many tell me how fun their church is. Sadly, when asked about what they learn, they cannot tell you. All they remember, the ones whom I have talked to, is how much fun they have.
I love fun. I love to have fun. But according to the Bible fun will not save. Have we, the Lord's New Testament churches, exchanged our commission for entertainment and excitement? What is our goal in reaching the youth of the world? Do we want to see them saved, baptized, unite with a New Testament church and serve the Lord or do we want to make sure they have fun when they come to church?
What is our focus? What is your focus?Are we entertaining young people to hell?
What do we teach the youth by our actions? Are we confusing them with our actions? Are we leading them into falsehoods by our actions?
The Bible teaches that the Lord's New Testament church is a teaching institution, the pillar and ground of the truth. Jesus commissioned His church to preach, baptize and teach. This is the work that the Lord sent His church into the world to do.
Over the years I have heard the phrase "we need to find a way to reach the youth of the world". I agree, we need to reach the entire world, including the youth. The Bible teaches us how to reach the people of the world, by the preaching and teaching of the Word of God. Romans 10:17 teaches us that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. According to the Bible we have the way God intended to reach lost sinners, including the youth of the world.
Why is it that we are so eager to find another way? Why does the preaching and teaching of God's Word not work anymore? The Bible fact is it does. God does not change. His way of leading mankind to Jesus is the same. People need the gospel: youth need the gospel.
I find it alarming that when I talk to young people about the Lord and church, how many tell me how fun their church is. Sadly, when asked about what they learn, they cannot tell you. All they remember, the ones whom I have talked to, is how much fun they have.
I love fun. I love to have fun. But according to the Bible fun will not save. Have we, the Lord's New Testament churches, exchanged our commission for entertainment and excitement? What is our goal in reaching the youth of the world? Do we want to see them saved, baptized, unite with a New Testament church and serve the Lord or do we want to make sure they have fun when they come to church?
What is our focus? What is your focus?Are we entertaining young people to hell?
Friday, July 24, 2009
SUSTAINING WORSHIP (part 3 of 3)
PREPARING TO WORSHIP?
John 4:20-24
John 4:20-24
INTRODUCTION
A. True worshippers worship God “in spirit and truth”. True worshippers today are saved scripturally baptized people who are members of a true New Testament church.
B. While “truth”, that is church membership is a necessity to be a “true worshipper”, it does not mean that all church members worship.
C. God’s people must prepare to worship if they are going to worship.
D. Worship is not coming to church. Many come to church and never worship. It is sad that many of God’s people never truly worship God. There are some church members that show up Sunday mornings thinking they are going to worship God, but in reality all they are doing is assembling themselves together—which is good and biblical—but it is not worship.
1. Remember that worship is coming into the presence of God acknowledging who He is and accepting whom we are.
2. When we do this we do not go into the presence of God singing and shouting but on our faces, humble and lowly, thankful that He allows us to breath each breath, thankful that He loved us enough—in spite of our sins—to send Jesus to the death of the cross.
a. Some examples of those who worshipped, Exodus 4:31; 12:27; 34:8, 1 Chronicles 29:20, 2 Chronicles 29:28-30* (They sang, praised God, they worshipped God—when they worshipped God what did they do? They bowed their faces in humblnesss) Nehemiah 8:6, Nehemiah 9:3 (confessed and worshipped) Matthew 2:11 (fell down)Matthew 8:2 (if thou wilt—a plea) Matthew 9:18 (pleading for his daughter) Matthew 12:25 (Lord help me) Matthew 28:19 (They held Him (Jesus) by His feet)
3. They whom worshipped God came into the presence of God with a humble spirit. We see them confessing, repenting, making pleas and thanking. There is one similarity with all who worshipped God, REVERENCE.
E. Who is God? Get a response and discuss God in creation, salvation, adoption, justification, and glorification
F. This is the God whom we worship. He is worthy of all glory, honor, and reverence.
G. If we are going camping, hunting, fishing, etc—what must we do before we go?
1. We must prepare ourselves. We must equip ourselves with all necessities needed.
2. Sometimes this is quiet painstaking, but we don’t mind.
H. If we are going to worship God we must prepare ourselves.
PREPARING TO WORSHIP
1. Let us take the thought of preparing to worship God with the idea of preparing to worship God in the worship services of the church.
2. True worshippers can worship God anywhere. You do not have to be in church to worship God. This statement does not, however, teach that God’s people do not have to come to church. On your deer stand, in your office, in your recliner, etc—at any given moment God’s people can worship Him.
a. Keep in mind that when this happens it is not just something out of the blue or spontaneous, were we say “hey I think I will worship God”.
b. Something, prayer, Bible study, confession and repentance of a sin, something causes us to acknowledge God for who He is in light of who we are.
A. When do we begin to prepare to worship in our Sunday morning worship services?
1. At the latest we should begin to prepare to worship God when we awake Sunday morning.
a. But how many wake up Sunday morning with God on their mind?
b. How many wake up and say today I will go to God’s house and worship Him.
c. How many wake up with great anticipation of communing with God—listening to the preaching and teaching of His word that it might bring us close unto Him?
d. How many wake up saying “I hope the preacher has prepared something from God’s Word just for me today?—I need to make some changes in my life—I need to see God this morning that I might remember His greatness and realize that He has blessed me.
e. How many wake up and pray for the worship services? For the pastor? For the lessons and message? for the people? For decisions to be made?
f. How many wake up and say “today someone is going to get saved, come for baptism, church membership, or just get their hearts right with God?
g. If is stopped giving an invitation the church would vacate the pulpit—but it is okay for the church to use the invitation as a time of getting ready to go and planning out their day—it is okay for the church not to expect anyone to move but the preacher cannot stop giving the invitation.
-The invitation is when many come to the point of worshipping God
2. Instead of preparing to worship God when we awake we begin to dread the old Sunday morning routine.
a. After we convince ourselves to get up an go to church we start our rituals, getting dressed, wondering who will be at church and who wont, putting on our smiles—that kills some Baptists to do, and finally we go to church to worship God.
B. Sadly many times we arrive at God’s house Sunday mornings having not prepared to worship God.
1. When we arrive at God’s house we fellowship—this is good—it is good to fellowship with God’s people.
2. But there must be a time when we focus on what we have assembled to do.
3. There must be a time when we erase all thoughts of those things that do not pertain to God and worship.
4. There must come a time when we give ourselves unto the superintending of Holy Spirit.
a. To use the songs, lessons, prayers, and message, to bring me to a place where I can worship God.
b. But this cannot happen if we are allowing our minds to be consumed with other things—our minds hinder us from allowing God to speak to our spirits.
C. When do you prepare to worship if you show up at the worship service unprepared?
1. When do we get God and worshipping Him on our minds?
2. When we focus our mind on God and worship we begin to walk in the spirit, we give our minds to God that in our spirit we might worship Him.
3. Many times we go completely through the worship service thinking about other things.
D. The worship service is designed to bring people to a decision.
1. Prayer, devotion, SS lesson, songs of praise, prayer, message, invitation
a. Pastor is the worship leader—He is responsible for directing the worship service that it might be effective.
2. The song director should have the pastor’s entire message that he might look over it, pray over it, and select the songs for the worship service.
a. How about specials? Pray about singing a special—pray that God would lead you to sing a song that would aid in the worship service, a song that would enhance the message.
b. The song director has a privilege during his part of the service that the pastor doesn’t—he brings an element of fellowship, a laugh with congregation—not in that he tells jokes out of context but softens the congregation—it is good to laugh with your brothers and sisters in Christ.
3. When it is time for the message the pastor should stand up and proclaim God’s Word.
a. This point of the worship service is a time of sharing God’s Word and allowing it to cause us to reflect on our lives.
b. We have prayed, sang with joy, now it is time for us to allow God’s Word to reveal to us who God is and whom we are—along with our spiritual condition.
-I would rather listen to the song leader tell me something funny about the
preacher rather than the Holy Spirit use God’s Word to show me my sin.
4. When we arrive at the invitation it is decision time—you don’t have to wait until the invitation to make a decision but the invitation is an opportunity for decisions to be made public, such as salvation, baptism, church membership, apologies to the church
5. All parts of the worship service brought us unto this place of decision.
6. If we are not prepared to worship we may miss an opportunity to make a much needed decision in our spiritual life.
7. The worship service is a spiritual service for a spiritual people—it takes more than physical attendance.
Summary: When do we prepare for the worship service? We need to prepare before we arrive at God’s house. Prayers should have been offered and hearts set on God and what He might reveal unto me today.
Paradigm of Biblicle Worship
Some say that the Bible does not specify how a worship service should be conducted.
Because of this belief God's people have made a mockery of worship.
The Bible gives many examples of true worship.
In Revelation 4-5 John sees a heavenly vision of a real worship service.
Though the vision was futuristic and took place in heaven...it should stand as a paradigm for God's people today.
Read these two chapters--Take notice of God's people--their attitudes and actions
If we would pattern God's worship services today after this and other biblical examples, there may be more worship taking place and less playing.
LLL
Because of this belief God's people have made a mockery of worship.
The Bible gives many examples of true worship.
In Revelation 4-5 John sees a heavenly vision of a real worship service.
Though the vision was futuristic and took place in heaven...it should stand as a paradigm for God's people today.
Read these two chapters--Take notice of God's people--their attitudes and actions
If we would pattern God's worship services today after this and other biblical examples, there may be more worship taking place and less playing.
LLL
SUSTAINING WORSHIP (Part 2 of 3)
WHAT WORSHIP IS AND WHAT WORSHIP IS NOT
John 4:20-24
John 4:20-24
(sorry: the Greek words did not paste in the proper font
INTRODUCTION
A. There is much confusion today concerning worship. True worship is when a member of the Lord’s New Testament church worships God in spirit and in truth. Having looked at the meaning of spirit and truth we learned that true worship is when in our spirit we come into the presence of God and commune with Him—another words “in spirit and truth” reveal that worship is not something of the flesh—one may become emotional during worship, however, though we demonstrate this emotion in our flesh, it is of a spiritual nature—in our spirit we recognize who God is and all He has did for us—we may weep when speaking of the cross—get excited about the rapture—these emotions are caused by getting close to God, but they are not a necessity for worship—these emotions are of a (passive nature) Example: The message made me emotional. We did not make ourselves emotional but the content of the message caused us to become emotional.
B. Today many are entering into worship expecting an emotional event. Some worship services are designed to move the emotions—this is not “in spirit and truth”.
C. At this point we need to look at the word “praise”. We have praise services. This is the part of the worship service where we get a little excited—we teach that it is okay to get excited and a little crazy during the praise service because this is what praise is.
1. When you do a word study on the word “praise” in the Bible you will discover that our definition of praise is different from the biblical definition.
2. There are 9 Greek words translated “praise” in the Bible.
PRAISE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
136 aio translated “praise” 2 times in the New Testament (Matthew 21:16; Luke 18:43) meaning a saying, proverb—praise, laudatory discourse
134 ainew translated “praise” 9 times in NT (Luke 2:13, 20; 19:37; 24:53; Romans 15:11; Acts 2:47; 3:8, 9; Revelation 19:5) meaning to praise, extol, to sing praises in honor to God
1391 doxa translated “praise” 4 times in NT translated “glory” 145 times in NT—“praise” John 9:24, John 12:43 (two times), 1 Peter 4:11) meaning a good opinion, judgment or view, resulting in praise, honor and glory
1868 epainos translated “praise” 11 times in the NT (Romans 2:29; 13:3; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 8:18; Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14; Philippians 1:11; 4:8; 1 Peter 1:7; 2:14) meaning approbation, commendation, praise
1867 epainew translated “praise” 4 times in NT (1 Corinthians 11:12, 17, 22 (two times) meaning to approve, to praise
5214 umnew translated “sing praise” 2 times in the NT (Hebrews 2:12; Acts 16:25) meaning to sing the praise of , to sing a hymn
133 ainesis translated “praise” 1 time in the NT (Hebrews 13:15) meaning praise, a thank offering
2127 eulogew translated “praised” 1 time in the NT—translated “bless” 143 times in the NT (Luke 1:64) meaning to praise, celebrate with praises, to invoke blessings
703 areth translated “praise” 1 time in the NT 1 Peter 2:9 meaning a virtuous course of thought, feeling or action
D. Praise is done with a jubilant heart, however, it is directed at God and it is not about us. The praising of God is not something to make us feel good but it is done because we are thankful to God, we acknowledge God for all He does for us and who He is—a proper praise service is not a service directed to excite the emotions of those involved or to offer the one praising something but to offer God something
E. Worship differs from praise—while both acknowledges God, praise is not worship and worship is not praise.
WORSHIP IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
4352 proskunew translated “worship” 60 times in 54 verses in the NT meaning to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence—to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence—in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance—from the root 4314 & 2965 meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand
Matthew 2:2, 8, 11; 4:9, 10; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 18:26; 20:20; 28:9, 17; Mark 5:6; 15:19 ; Luke 4:7, 8; 24:52 ; John 4:20-24; 9:38; 12:20 ; Acts 7:43; 8:27; 10:25; 24:11 ; 1 Corinthians 14:25 ; Hebrews 1:6; 11:21 ; Revelation 3:9; 4:10; 5:14; 7:11; 9:20; 11:1, 16; 13:4, 8, 12, 15; 14:7, 9, 11; 15:4; 16:2; 19:4, 10, 20; 20:4; 22:8; 22:9
4576 sebomai translated “worship” 6 times in the NT Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7; Acts 18:13; 16:14; 18:7 meaning to revere or worship
1391 soza translated “worship” 1 time in the NT Luke 14:10 meaning opinion, judgment, view
3000 latreuw translated “worship” 3 times in the NT Acts 7:42; 24:14; Philippians 3:3 meaning to render religious service or homage, to worship
2151 eusebew translated “worship” 1 time in the NT Acts 17:23 meaning to act piously or reverently
1479 eqeloqrhskia translated “worship” 1 time in the NT Colossians 2:23 meaning will worship
2323 qerapeuw translated “worshipped” 1 time in the NT Acts 17:25 meaning to serve, do service
4573 sebazomai translated “worshipped” 1 time in the NT Romans 1:25 meaning to fear or be afraid
4574 sebasma translated “that is worshipped” 2 times in the NT 2 Thessalonians 2:4 meaning whatever is religiously honored, an object of worship
F. Jesus said that the Father desired for true worshippers to proskunew Him-- to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence—to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence—in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance—from the root 4314 & 2965 meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand
I. WHAT WORSHIP IS
A. Worship is coming into the presence of God and acknowledging Him for who He is and remembering who we are.
1. He is God—we are sinners—How do you go into the presence of God, taking into account of who He is and who we are and not be humble? How can we enter into the presence of God in any other manner than as a dog licking his master’s hand?
2. We stand just before God because of Christ, however, we still sin, we still fall short of the glory of God—knowing where you are at this moment in your life, can you stand before God and proclaim total innocence? Can you walk into His presence with your head held high and proud?
3. When we come to worship God we are coming into His presence—When we do this we must recognize and honor Him for who He is.
Illustration
You are driving to town. You are traveling 100 miles and hour and passing cars on the right and left. In your mirror you see a cop and he pulls you over. What is your attitude towards the cop? You know you are guilty of something bad. Do you get an attitude or start begging when he approaches you?
B. So how can we come into the presence of God without humbling ourselves before Him?
C. I am driving down the road, a deer jumps out in front of me, I swerve and miss it. I am happy, relieved, I say with exclamation “praise the Lord!” This is praise—I am thankful for His protection
D. But when I come into His presence to worship I come in a different manner. I come before Him to worship knowing that I am not worthy to be saved from anything. I deserved death, but God, who is rich in grace and mercy saw proper to let me live—even though fall and stumble—worshipping God is realizing that we exist because He allows—He is God and we are but sinners saved by grace, grace He gave unto us.
II. WHAT WORSHIP IS NOT
A. It is not about us but God.
B. Worship is for God
C. Anything outside of reverence is not worship
D. We may sing and shout when we praise Him but when we worship we stand before Him knowing that at any moment He could take the breath of life in which He gave us.
1. Understand, however, that this fear of the Lord is a reverent fear and not a fear as of the “boogieman”
2. It is an honoring fear a reverential fear that gives recognition to God for His greatness, His mercy and loving kindness
3. Though art worthy O Lord to be honored, to be reverence—I owe you my life—my eternal state is because of You—and I worship you Lord—I bow in your presence and recognize who You are in light of who I am.
Summary: Worship is not about us but about God. Worship is honoring God for who He is. Worship is coming into the presence of God—How do you come into the presence of an almighty God? Many today think that worship should be this or that—worship should be as God intended. A time of devotion to Him in recognition of who He is.
INTRODUCTION
A. There is much confusion today concerning worship. True worship is when a member of the Lord’s New Testament church worships God in spirit and in truth. Having looked at the meaning of spirit and truth we learned that true worship is when in our spirit we come into the presence of God and commune with Him—another words “in spirit and truth” reveal that worship is not something of the flesh—one may become emotional during worship, however, though we demonstrate this emotion in our flesh, it is of a spiritual nature—in our spirit we recognize who God is and all He has did for us—we may weep when speaking of the cross—get excited about the rapture—these emotions are caused by getting close to God, but they are not a necessity for worship—these emotions are of a (passive nature) Example: The message made me emotional. We did not make ourselves emotional but the content of the message caused us to become emotional.
B. Today many are entering into worship expecting an emotional event. Some worship services are designed to move the emotions—this is not “in spirit and truth”.
C. At this point we need to look at the word “praise”. We have praise services. This is the part of the worship service where we get a little excited—we teach that it is okay to get excited and a little crazy during the praise service because this is what praise is.
1. When you do a word study on the word “praise” in the Bible you will discover that our definition of praise is different from the biblical definition.
2. There are 9 Greek words translated “praise” in the Bible.
PRAISE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
136 aio translated “praise” 2 times in the New Testament (Matthew 21:16; Luke 18:43) meaning a saying, proverb—praise, laudatory discourse
134 ainew translated “praise” 9 times in NT (Luke 2:13, 20; 19:37; 24:53; Romans 15:11; Acts 2:47; 3:8, 9; Revelation 19:5) meaning to praise, extol, to sing praises in honor to God
1391 doxa translated “praise” 4 times in NT translated “glory” 145 times in NT—“praise” John 9:24, John 12:43 (two times), 1 Peter 4:11) meaning a good opinion, judgment or view, resulting in praise, honor and glory
1868 epainos translated “praise” 11 times in the NT (Romans 2:29; 13:3; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 8:18; Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14; Philippians 1:11; 4:8; 1 Peter 1:7; 2:14) meaning approbation, commendation, praise
1867 epainew translated “praise” 4 times in NT (1 Corinthians 11:12, 17, 22 (two times) meaning to approve, to praise
5214 umnew translated “sing praise” 2 times in the NT (Hebrews 2:12; Acts 16:25) meaning to sing the praise of , to sing a hymn
133 ainesis translated “praise” 1 time in the NT (Hebrews 13:15) meaning praise, a thank offering
2127 eulogew translated “praised” 1 time in the NT—translated “bless” 143 times in the NT (Luke 1:64) meaning to praise, celebrate with praises, to invoke blessings
703 areth translated “praise” 1 time in the NT 1 Peter 2:9 meaning a virtuous course of thought, feeling or action
D. Praise is done with a jubilant heart, however, it is directed at God and it is not about us. The praising of God is not something to make us feel good but it is done because we are thankful to God, we acknowledge God for all He does for us and who He is—a proper praise service is not a service directed to excite the emotions of those involved or to offer the one praising something but to offer God something
E. Worship differs from praise—while both acknowledges God, praise is not worship and worship is not praise.
WORSHIP IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
4352 proskunew translated “worship” 60 times in 54 verses in the NT meaning to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence—to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence—in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance—from the root 4314 & 2965 meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand
Matthew 2:2, 8, 11; 4:9, 10; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 18:26; 20:20; 28:9, 17; Mark 5:6; 15:19 ; Luke 4:7, 8; 24:52 ; John 4:20-24; 9:38; 12:20 ; Acts 7:43; 8:27; 10:25; 24:11 ; 1 Corinthians 14:25 ; Hebrews 1:6; 11:21 ; Revelation 3:9; 4:10; 5:14; 7:11; 9:20; 11:1, 16; 13:4, 8, 12, 15; 14:7, 9, 11; 15:4; 16:2; 19:4, 10, 20; 20:4; 22:8; 22:9
4576 sebomai translated “worship” 6 times in the NT Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7; Acts 18:13; 16:14; 18:7 meaning to revere or worship
1391 soza translated “worship” 1 time in the NT Luke 14:10 meaning opinion, judgment, view
3000 latreuw translated “worship” 3 times in the NT Acts 7:42; 24:14; Philippians 3:3 meaning to render religious service or homage, to worship
2151 eusebew translated “worship” 1 time in the NT Acts 17:23 meaning to act piously or reverently
1479 eqeloqrhskia translated “worship” 1 time in the NT Colossians 2:23 meaning will worship
2323 qerapeuw translated “worshipped” 1 time in the NT Acts 17:25 meaning to serve, do service
4573 sebazomai translated “worshipped” 1 time in the NT Romans 1:25 meaning to fear or be afraid
4574 sebasma translated “that is worshipped” 2 times in the NT 2 Thessalonians 2:4 meaning whatever is religiously honored, an object of worship
F. Jesus said that the Father desired for true worshippers to proskunew Him-- to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence—to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence—in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance—from the root 4314 & 2965 meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand
I. WHAT WORSHIP IS
A. Worship is coming into the presence of God and acknowledging Him for who He is and remembering who we are.
1. He is God—we are sinners—How do you go into the presence of God, taking into account of who He is and who we are and not be humble? How can we enter into the presence of God in any other manner than as a dog licking his master’s hand?
2. We stand just before God because of Christ, however, we still sin, we still fall short of the glory of God—knowing where you are at this moment in your life, can you stand before God and proclaim total innocence? Can you walk into His presence with your head held high and proud?
3. When we come to worship God we are coming into His presence—When we do this we must recognize and honor Him for who He is.
Illustration
You are driving to town. You are traveling 100 miles and hour and passing cars on the right and left. In your mirror you see a cop and he pulls you over. What is your attitude towards the cop? You know you are guilty of something bad. Do you get an attitude or start begging when he approaches you?
B. So how can we come into the presence of God without humbling ourselves before Him?
C. I am driving down the road, a deer jumps out in front of me, I swerve and miss it. I am happy, relieved, I say with exclamation “praise the Lord!” This is praise—I am thankful for His protection
D. But when I come into His presence to worship I come in a different manner. I come before Him to worship knowing that I am not worthy to be saved from anything. I deserved death, but God, who is rich in grace and mercy saw proper to let me live—even though fall and stumble—worshipping God is realizing that we exist because He allows—He is God and we are but sinners saved by grace, grace He gave unto us.
II. WHAT WORSHIP IS NOT
A. It is not about us but God.
B. Worship is for God
C. Anything outside of reverence is not worship
D. We may sing and shout when we praise Him but when we worship we stand before Him knowing that at any moment He could take the breath of life in which He gave us.
1. Understand, however, that this fear of the Lord is a reverent fear and not a fear as of the “boogieman”
2. It is an honoring fear a reverential fear that gives recognition to God for His greatness, His mercy and loving kindness
3. Though art worthy O Lord to be honored, to be reverence—I owe you my life—my eternal state is because of You—and I worship you Lord—I bow in your presence and recognize who You are in light of who I am.
Summary: Worship is not about us but about God. Worship is honoring God for who He is. Worship is coming into the presence of God—How do you come into the presence of an almighty God? Many today think that worship should be this or that—worship should be as God intended. A time of devotion to Him in recognition of who He is.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
SUSTAINING WORSHIP
SUSTAINING WORSHIP
John 4:20-24
John 4:20-24
WHO IS TO WORSHIP?
A. We have read this text, heard it taught, maybe even taught it ourselves. It is a popular text. To often only a surface teaching is taught. The surface teaching is usually taught as (God seeks, or desires, to be worshipped, and if you are going to worship God you must worship Him in spirit and in truth)
1. This is not a false statement but it does not reveal all of what Jesus is teaching the woman at the well.
B. We need to look at the context. The woman states that there were discrepancies as to where God is to be worshipped—the Jews say Jerusalem, while the Samarians say in the mountains (most likely the place where Jeroboam set up worship when the kingdom divided)
1. Jesus tells her that she don’t know what she worships. He then teaches the woman that the time has come when God is going to be worshipped in spirit and in truth.
a. No longer in a place but through the spirit of man and in truth
2. Jesus tells the woman that the Father seeks (desires), not for any and all but for the true worshippers to worship in this manner.
a. Yes it is God’s will that all men live according to His will—in that they accept Christ, baptism, church membership, live for Him—
3. However, Jesus refers to a certain type of people that God desires to worship Him. He desires for true worshippers to worship Him in spirit and in truth. (antecedent of “such” is “true worshippers”
C. Now before Jesus how was God to be worshipped? In Jerusalem ONLY
1. Only those who went to Jerusalem were true worshippers—those in Samaria were false worshippers—before they could be true worshippers they had to accept the truth concerning worship.
D. Jesus ushered in a new dispensation of how God was to be worshipped. God still desires true worshippers to worship Him
true worshippers: In OT those who worshipped God according to how God commanded—under the law it was in Jerusalem at certain times with ceremonies etc—(they were in the will of God) In the New Testament those who worship God through His Son—saved, baptized, member of Lord’s New Testament church. (in a position to worship God)
in spirit: Spirit (πνεῦμα) is the highest, deepest, noblest part of our humanity, the point of contact between God and man (Rom_1:9); while soul (ψυχή) (seat of emotions) is the principle of individuality, the seat of personal impressions,
in truth: every aspect of truth—motive, manner— To worship in truth is not merely to worship in sincerity, but with a worship corresponding to the nature of its object.
1. In spirit—as apposed to worship conducted through rituals and ceremonies. In truth—as apposed to worship that involved types and shadows instead of reality.
2. True worshippers worship God in spirit and in truth. Worship should center in the worshipper’s own spiritual nature, moved by the Holy Spirit and focused on the unseen but omnipresent God (Romans 8:14, 16, 26)
3. Acceptable worship calls for:
a. regular and frequent assembling of oneself together with the church (Hebrews 10:25)
b. total dedication of oneself to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)
c. offerings of praise, good works and monetary gifts (Hebrews 13: 15, 16)
d. prayers for all kinds and classes of people (1 Timothy 2:1-3; Revelation 8:3, 4).
E. What about exciting services that amp you up?
1. The only part of the flesh that is acceptable in worship is the part of the flesh that houses our spirit.
2. God cannot be worshipped with, in or by emotions—therefore creative worship services are unscriptural—adding something to appeal to the flesh.
Summary: The Bible establishes that not all men can worship God, but only those who will accept God’s truth concerning worship—one who is a true worshipper of God. God desires true worshippers to worship Him in spirit and in truth. As members of the Lord’s New Testament church we are responsible to sustain the worship of God. We do this by worshipping God in spirit and in truth—anything outside of this is false worship.
E. What about exciting services that amp you up?
1. The only part of the flesh that is acceptable in worship is the part of the flesh that houses our spirit.
2. God cannot be worshipped with, in or by emotions—therefore creative worship services are unscriptural—adding something to appeal to the flesh.
Summary: The Bible establishes that not all men can worship God, but only those who will accept God’s truth concerning worship—one who is a true worshipper of God. God desires true worshippers to worship Him in spirit and in truth. As members of the Lord’s New Testament church we are responsible to sustain the worship of God. We do this by worshipping God in spirit and in truth—anything outside of this is false worship.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The Pillar and Ground of the Truth
The Apostle Paul, when writing to Timothy, wrote, "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15).
The Lord's New Testament church is the "pillar and ground of the truth". The church is responsible for contending for the faith, upholding truth. In these days it seems that pillars are cracking and the ground is unstable. Instead of standing firm and supporting the truth many churches are falling away from the truth.
Why is this happening? Why are we allowing the truth to fall?
1. We seek entertainment over the "foolishness" of preaching
2. We seek excitement over reverence
3. We seek experience over worship
4. We self serve instead of sacrifice
The Lord called and commisisoned His church to preach the gospel, baptize the saved, and train up disciples. When the Lord's churches forsake the commission they are forsaking the work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Preachers be warned. There was a certain king who lead Israel into idolatry. This king was taken captive; while in captivity he repented from his evil and God restored him to his kingdom. When the king returned he attempted to compel Israel to stop worshipping idols. He made some changes, destroyed some things that hindered the people. Then comes the oh so true words concerning apostasy, "Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places,..." (2 Chronicles 33:17).
Apostasy is a one way street; once you are on the road it only leads further away from the truth. Some may say, well preacher I don't teach apostasy and our church doesn't either. Praise the Lord; I must, however, propose this question,Where does apostasy begin?
Apostasy doesn't begin with the total abandonment of the truth but subtly sneaks its way into churches that seek excitement and entertainment; into churches that believe that their must be something more--this is what Satan used against Eve.
The Lord's New Testament churches are the pillars and ground of the truth. Let us keep truth in the Lord's churches. Let us stand and proclaim it in these last days. Let the thrill seekers find their excitement in the false religions of the world, but let the Lord's churches offer the truth. It is the truth that sets men free, not entertainment and excitement.
LLL
The Lord's New Testament church is the "pillar and ground of the truth". The church is responsible for contending for the faith, upholding truth. In these days it seems that pillars are cracking and the ground is unstable. Instead of standing firm and supporting the truth many churches are falling away from the truth.
Why is this happening? Why are we allowing the truth to fall?
1. We seek entertainment over the "foolishness" of preaching
2. We seek excitement over reverence
3. We seek experience over worship
4. We self serve instead of sacrifice
The Lord called and commisisoned His church to preach the gospel, baptize the saved, and train up disciples. When the Lord's churches forsake the commission they are forsaking the work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Preachers be warned. There was a certain king who lead Israel into idolatry. This king was taken captive; while in captivity he repented from his evil and God restored him to his kingdom. When the king returned he attempted to compel Israel to stop worshipping idols. He made some changes, destroyed some things that hindered the people. Then comes the oh so true words concerning apostasy, "Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places,..." (2 Chronicles 33:17).
Apostasy is a one way street; once you are on the road it only leads further away from the truth. Some may say, well preacher I don't teach apostasy and our church doesn't either. Praise the Lord; I must, however, propose this question,Where does apostasy begin?
Apostasy doesn't begin with the total abandonment of the truth but subtly sneaks its way into churches that seek excitement and entertainment; into churches that believe that their must be something more--this is what Satan used against Eve.
The Lord's New Testament churches are the pillars and ground of the truth. Let us keep truth in the Lord's churches. Let us stand and proclaim it in these last days. Let the thrill seekers find their excitement in the false religions of the world, but let the Lord's churches offer the truth. It is the truth that sets men free, not entertainment and excitement.
LLL
The Rapture
There are diferent views concerning the time when the Lord will resurect the saved. Some believe this event will take place Pre-tribulation, some Mid-tribulation, and James Post-Tribulation. :)
There are three things one needs to know concerning the "rapture"
1. He is coming because He said He was
2. No one knows when
3. Be ready
The Bible proves these three truths.
If you want scriptures look them up yourself--this is a blog not a commentary. :) (got the smilies down Bro. Snide)
L.L.L.
There are three things one needs to know concerning the "rapture"
1. He is coming because He said He was
2. No one knows when
3. Be ready
The Bible proves these three truths.
If you want scriptures look them up yourself--this is a blog not a commentary. :) (got the smilies down Bro. Snide)
L.L.L.
Did the scape goat ever find his way back?
On the Day of Atonement one goat was sacrificed and one was a scape goat. The scape goat was taken outside the camp and set loose in the wilderness.
I wonder if he ever tried to return?
Do you think that some red-neck Israelite went out after it?
If the scape goat returned did he bring with him the sins that were placed on him?
Were did the goat go?
L.L.L.
I wonder if he ever tried to return?
Do you think that some red-neck Israelite went out after it?
If the scape goat returned did he bring with him the sins that were placed on him?
Were did the goat go?
L.L.L.
Friday, March 20, 2009
SPELL CHECKL
Hey Guys I didnt know that I could check my spellling. THs is going to help trmendusly. :):):):):p :(
Living Forever In A State of Sin
Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden tree. They became sinners seperated from God. God cast them out of the garden. He place two angels at the gate to keep them from eating of the tree of life and living forever.
If Adam and Eve would have eaten of the tree of life after they fell into sin, would they have lived forever in a sinful state?
I have heard preachers declare this from the pulpit.!
If Adam and Eve would have eaten of the tree of life after they fell into sin, would they have lived forever in a sinful state?
I have heard preachers declare this from the pulpit.!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Taking Prayer out of Schools "Divine Intervention or Devil's Inspirationio/"
Is it a good thing that prayer was taken out of schools?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Mission Work and the "Reverter Clause"
Lets talk mission work. The following is a smal list of questions and comments, not that any are my own oppinions and views, but just somethings that make some curious.
1. Is a mission a church? Why or Why not
2. Who holds the membership of those who attend the mission?
3. Can a sponsoring church overide the decisions of the mission? If yes, is this universalism
4. Can a mission observe the Lord's Supper?
5. Can they travel to the sponsoring church and observe it there?
6. Where does the missionary keep his membership?
a. If with the sponsoring church, can he partake in the Lord's table if the Mission observes it?
7. When does a misison become a church? what is the deciding factor
8. What does the reverter clause do?
9. (Parenthetic) If we practice local visible church then why are our presberties universal?
10. Does this missionary have the authority to veto any motion made by the mission?
L.L.L
1. Is a mission a church? Why or Why not
2. Who holds the membership of those who attend the mission?
3. Can a sponsoring church overide the decisions of the mission? If yes, is this universalism
4. Can a mission observe the Lord's Supper?
5. Can they travel to the sponsoring church and observe it there?
6. Where does the missionary keep his membership?
a. If with the sponsoring church, can he partake in the Lord's table if the Mission observes it?
7. When does a misison become a church? what is the deciding factor
8. What does the reverter clause do?
9. (Parenthetic) If we practice local visible church then why are our presberties universal?
10. Does this missionary have the authority to veto any motion made by the mission?
L.L.L
The Saved who did not believe Jesus was the Messiah?
I am an advocate of the doctrine of security of the believer. I believe the Bible teaches that salvation has always been by grace through faith. I also believe that the doctrine of security of the believer has always been a part of God's plan. The Old Testament saints, when saved, were secure just as we are today.
Here is the question. Could there have been those present in the times of Jesus who had been saved, but didnt beleive Jesus was the promissed Messiah?
Example: The 70 year old Hebrew, who had been saved for many years, while sitting in his house his wife comes in and says, "They are crucifying that man called Jesus today". The man replys, "Well He claimed to be the Messiah, I guess He wasnt. We will keep looking"
This man was saved but didnt beleive that Jesus was the promissed Messiah.
COULD THIS HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE IN THAT DAY???????
One more question for you guys--Did the Jews have to believe in the Death Burial and Resurrection of Christ to be saved? (Pre D-B-R)
Bring what you got boys--When you are finished with all the jargon I will lay it one you.
L.L.L.
Here is the question. Could there have been those present in the times of Jesus who had been saved, but didnt beleive Jesus was the promissed Messiah?
Example: The 70 year old Hebrew, who had been saved for many years, while sitting in his house his wife comes in and says, "They are crucifying that man called Jesus today". The man replys, "Well He claimed to be the Messiah, I guess He wasnt. We will keep looking"
This man was saved but didnt beleive that Jesus was the promissed Messiah.
COULD THIS HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE IN THAT DAY???????
One more question for you guys--Did the Jews have to believe in the Death Burial and Resurrection of Christ to be saved? (Pre D-B-R)
Bring what you got boys--When you are finished with all the jargon I will lay it one you.
L.L.L.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Left and Lost in the Woods!
On Wednesday, a church memnber and I made plans to take a little ride on our four wheelers on the upcoming Friday. The trip was only to be a short one. Around 4:30 p.m. me and a church member set forth on our evening journey. Along the way we met another church member, he told us he brought two hounds--hog dogs primed and ready to tear the ear off the biggest bore hog in the woods.
Excited about a little hog hunting we set forth into the depths of the pine thickets and hardwood bottoms of Ashley County. As we journeyed along, looking for the illusive hog, we enjoyed a variety of obstacles. Nothing was too tough for our Honda 4x4's. We road in the water, the mud, up hills and down hills. We jumped over logs, dogs, and almost hit 2 hogs; what a wonderful time we were having. Are you familiar with the phrase "all good things must come to an end"? Around 6:15 me and my church member began to experience the reality of that old saying.
SO, here it is,
We were on the way back home when the lead man took a detour. I knew where he was going because I had hunted with him on previous occasions. He left the trail and headed through a hardwood bottom/cutover/ a bunch of blown down trees. I started to continue with my present bearing, but, we were hunting and I did not want to leave him to find his dogs alone. I cannot begin to explain what the remainder of the ride was like. We very methodically and maticulously weeded our way over, under, around and sometimes up obstacle after obstacle. Finally,after about 500 yards we began to go through really tough terain. There was no path, no trail, only woods, thick dark woods.
As I followed my church member--who makes Grizzly Adams look like a city slicker--I began to fall behind. My four wheeler was larger than his, the church member behind me had an even larger bike. We were hanging up on limbs, logs, stumps and vines that would wrap around your bike and squeeze the life from it. The lead man never looked back. He wove his four wheeler from side to side, around and around--at one time he actually had to go between two trees on two wheels. We were in a world of hurt.
Then it happened. As I waited on the man in the back, the man in the front traveled out of site--out of site does not mean he was a long distance from us, he was no more than 25 yards--We Couldnt See Him! Yes he had his lights on. After searching diligently back and forth, on a piece of realistate the size of a living room, we decided to go back the way we came, but which way should we go? We found no path only trees and brush that all looked the same. We were left and lost in the woods.
Alas! my faithful church member, who left us in the woods, called for us. He was only about 100 yards ahead of us. We went to the right and then to the left, but nothing. We could not get through. After about 30 minutes of playing marco polo with the church member who left us in the woods, "JD" (from this point I will refer to the culprit as JD) cranked his four wheeler and left. I could not beleive it. After another 30 minutes of dead ends I called JD. He was at home eating a cinamon role. I told him to come get us. Of course JD, Mr. woodsman, Mr. walks through the woods at midnight with no gun or light, well he told us all we had to do was: I stopped him, he might have well been explaining the physics of the atomic bomb.
Finally! I hear JD calling for us. Funny thing was that he was behind us. I guess we were facing the wrong direction. After one more hour of marco polo, drive left, drive right, get agravated and drive left and right, we park. I called another church member to aid, in what was now a rescue. This church member helped tramendously. He told me to find the big dipper, put its handle on my left and follow it to the road. This really worked great, until the woods got so thick that we couldnt see the sky.
At this moment I began to realize that we were on our on. I decided that we would go towards the highway, even though the voice of our rescuers were in the opposite direction. Now you will never guess what happened next. We found an oppening, we drove in haste and with hope: then the creek stopped our escape. We now drove right and drove left, over and over again. Now dont think that this experience did not have its positive moments. We had about 25 positive moments. About 25 different occasions we found JD's four wheeler tracks. Each time we got excited. Each time we traveled with hast and hope. Hey, do you that all four wheelers make the same tracks? At this point we have realized that we were going in circles, triangels, rectangles, figure eights, I think we even spelled out the Greek alphabet.
Picture this. Picture two grown men on four wheelers on less than a half an acre of land and in the dark: we traveld over 5 miles on this small piece of land. It looked like 500 bikes had traveld through it over 500 times and from all different directions.
Now we are still playing marco polo, at this point very loud. It has been over two hours of playing this game and am growing tired of hearing "WHOOOOO--WHOOOOOO--WHOOOOOO". Did I mention that I split my pants? Of course I did, I am famous for spliting my pants. The worst part is that lately I have been retaining some water. This water retention made my pants a little snug. I found a solution to the snuggy fit. I decided to give my fruit of the looms a break for this trip, this was a mistake.
So during my adventure my pants have been ripped open. I am now experiencing maximum exposure. Remember the limbs, logs, dogs, hogs and at one point I thought I hit a frog, well these have become a nuscence to many parts of my anatomy. Sticks, ticks, briars, weeds, pine straw, my pants are really torn. What started as a small tear has now turned my pants into chaps. I am still left and lost in the woods.
Wait! I see a light to my left. It is JD and another church member. They have walked into the woods and found us. JD began with "all you had to do" I stopped him before he could continue with my own little discourse of the situation. I climbed off my bike to stretch; he got mooned. Now we begin the journey out. They came in on my left but lead us out on our right. Guess what? They took us back through our very high tech figure eight Greek tracks. "See all you had to do was come right here". We had, many many many times. I had the scars to prove it. These two men began to weed their way through a thicket that was alomost impossible to walk through. Then one of them said "come on". Word cannot explain what happend next.
We took our overworked, overheated bikes and put them to the test. Every briar, root, limb, blow down, VINE--man! a vine will pull you from your bike and suspend you in mid air--thanks to my split pants I--well never mind. The next one hundred yards were treaourous. I would never have gone through that--i did however have a good plan. I started to take the tracking collers off the dogs and put them on our bikes and walk out.
Picture if you will. We were thronged by the woods. My pants are nor pants but chaps!!!!!!!!!! Sticks jabbed, briars tore, fenders snapped, break lines ripped from their places, tires blew, motors overheated--My pants are split wide open! I was at the mercy of the prodding forest with millions and millions of sticky thorny things.
Finally we made it to the trail. To our surprise we were only six miles north of where we thought we where. The big dipper let me down this time. I traveld home only to have my wife chastize me. Oh yes, I did call her from the woods and told her my present cituation, she chastized me. To top off the eventfull evening I cooked steak--they were good.
As I was writing this blog I discovered that my head was still full of pine straw. I dont know what is poking me in my backside, and my pants are still split.
So to all my brothers, if you cant really get a good idea of what my evening was like; get on your four wheeler, go out into the woods, find a thick briar patch, take off your clothes, and take off. Dont worry about a trail. We made our own. Dont worry about the limbs, sticks, stumps, briars, vines and poky things, be sure they will find their mark.
LLL
Excited about a little hog hunting we set forth into the depths of the pine thickets and hardwood bottoms of Ashley County. As we journeyed along, looking for the illusive hog, we enjoyed a variety of obstacles. Nothing was too tough for our Honda 4x4's. We road in the water, the mud, up hills and down hills. We jumped over logs, dogs, and almost hit 2 hogs; what a wonderful time we were having. Are you familiar with the phrase "all good things must come to an end"? Around 6:15 me and my church member began to experience the reality of that old saying.
SO, here it is,
We were on the way back home when the lead man took a detour. I knew where he was going because I had hunted with him on previous occasions. He left the trail and headed through a hardwood bottom/cutover/ a bunch of blown down trees. I started to continue with my present bearing, but, we were hunting and I did not want to leave him to find his dogs alone. I cannot begin to explain what the remainder of the ride was like. We very methodically and maticulously weeded our way over, under, around and sometimes up obstacle after obstacle. Finally,after about 500 yards we began to go through really tough terain. There was no path, no trail, only woods, thick dark woods.
As I followed my church member--who makes Grizzly Adams look like a city slicker--I began to fall behind. My four wheeler was larger than his, the church member behind me had an even larger bike. We were hanging up on limbs, logs, stumps and vines that would wrap around your bike and squeeze the life from it. The lead man never looked back. He wove his four wheeler from side to side, around and around--at one time he actually had to go between two trees on two wheels. We were in a world of hurt.
Then it happened. As I waited on the man in the back, the man in the front traveled out of site--out of site does not mean he was a long distance from us, he was no more than 25 yards--We Couldnt See Him! Yes he had his lights on. After searching diligently back and forth, on a piece of realistate the size of a living room, we decided to go back the way we came, but which way should we go? We found no path only trees and brush that all looked the same. We were left and lost in the woods.
Alas! my faithful church member, who left us in the woods, called for us. He was only about 100 yards ahead of us. We went to the right and then to the left, but nothing. We could not get through. After about 30 minutes of playing marco polo with the church member who left us in the woods, "JD" (from this point I will refer to the culprit as JD) cranked his four wheeler and left. I could not beleive it. After another 30 minutes of dead ends I called JD. He was at home eating a cinamon role. I told him to come get us. Of course JD, Mr. woodsman, Mr. walks through the woods at midnight with no gun or light, well he told us all we had to do was: I stopped him, he might have well been explaining the physics of the atomic bomb.
Finally! I hear JD calling for us. Funny thing was that he was behind us. I guess we were facing the wrong direction. After one more hour of marco polo, drive left, drive right, get agravated and drive left and right, we park. I called another church member to aid, in what was now a rescue. This church member helped tramendously. He told me to find the big dipper, put its handle on my left and follow it to the road. This really worked great, until the woods got so thick that we couldnt see the sky.
At this moment I began to realize that we were on our on. I decided that we would go towards the highway, even though the voice of our rescuers were in the opposite direction. Now you will never guess what happened next. We found an oppening, we drove in haste and with hope: then the creek stopped our escape. We now drove right and drove left, over and over again. Now dont think that this experience did not have its positive moments. We had about 25 positive moments. About 25 different occasions we found JD's four wheeler tracks. Each time we got excited. Each time we traveled with hast and hope. Hey, do you that all four wheelers make the same tracks? At this point we have realized that we were going in circles, triangels, rectangles, figure eights, I think we even spelled out the Greek alphabet.
Picture this. Picture two grown men on four wheelers on less than a half an acre of land and in the dark: we traveld over 5 miles on this small piece of land. It looked like 500 bikes had traveld through it over 500 times and from all different directions.
Now we are still playing marco polo, at this point very loud. It has been over two hours of playing this game and am growing tired of hearing "WHOOOOO--WHOOOOOO--WHOOOOOO". Did I mention that I split my pants? Of course I did, I am famous for spliting my pants. The worst part is that lately I have been retaining some water. This water retention made my pants a little snug. I found a solution to the snuggy fit. I decided to give my fruit of the looms a break for this trip, this was a mistake.
So during my adventure my pants have been ripped open. I am now experiencing maximum exposure. Remember the limbs, logs, dogs, hogs and at one point I thought I hit a frog, well these have become a nuscence to many parts of my anatomy. Sticks, ticks, briars, weeds, pine straw, my pants are really torn. What started as a small tear has now turned my pants into chaps. I am still left and lost in the woods.
Wait! I see a light to my left. It is JD and another church member. They have walked into the woods and found us. JD began with "all you had to do" I stopped him before he could continue with my own little discourse of the situation. I climbed off my bike to stretch; he got mooned. Now we begin the journey out. They came in on my left but lead us out on our right. Guess what? They took us back through our very high tech figure eight Greek tracks. "See all you had to do was come right here". We had, many many many times. I had the scars to prove it. These two men began to weed their way through a thicket that was alomost impossible to walk through. Then one of them said "come on". Word cannot explain what happend next.
We took our overworked, overheated bikes and put them to the test. Every briar, root, limb, blow down, VINE--man! a vine will pull you from your bike and suspend you in mid air--thanks to my split pants I--well never mind. The next one hundred yards were treaourous. I would never have gone through that--i did however have a good plan. I started to take the tracking collers off the dogs and put them on our bikes and walk out.
Picture if you will. We were thronged by the woods. My pants are nor pants but chaps!!!!!!!!!! Sticks jabbed, briars tore, fenders snapped, break lines ripped from their places, tires blew, motors overheated--My pants are split wide open! I was at the mercy of the prodding forest with millions and millions of sticky thorny things.
Finally we made it to the trail. To our surprise we were only six miles north of where we thought we where. The big dipper let me down this time. I traveld home only to have my wife chastize me. Oh yes, I did call her from the woods and told her my present cituation, she chastized me. To top off the eventfull evening I cooked steak--they were good.
As I was writing this blog I discovered that my head was still full of pine straw. I dont know what is poking me in my backside, and my pants are still split.
So to all my brothers, if you cant really get a good idea of what my evening was like; get on your four wheeler, go out into the woods, find a thick briar patch, take off your clothes, and take off. Dont worry about a trail. We made our own. Dont worry about the limbs, sticks, stumps, briars, vines and poky things, be sure they will find their mark.
LLL
Thursday, February 19, 2009
"Worship" a misunderstood term?
Do we truly understand what "worship" is? Ask any preacher and he will be glad to explain all about "worship". Which brings me back to my original question, do we understand what "worship" is?
Jesus said that teh Father desires for "true worshippers" to worship Him "in spirit and truth" (hey James i wonder if the DA is present in the Greek text? GS rule, does it apply?)
Preachers, who are "true worshippers?"
True worshippers must worship in spirit and truth. While many are confused as to what "in spirit and truth" means--let us stay with the subject of worship. Turn your television to any religious channel and you will see many diferrent displays of what people refer to as "worship". There is excitement and enthusiasm. People are shouting, raising their hands, some even jump out of their seats. They call this "worship", but, this does not coincide with the biblical definition of "worship".
The Bible defines "worship" as an act of reverence or obeisance. The most popular definition of a certain Greek word translated "worship" means to kiss or to bow down--to bow before your master--as a dog licks his master's hand.
Okay preachers that all i have to say. Maybe some of you can explain "worship" to me; I am sure you can.
LLL
Jesus said that teh Father desires for "true worshippers" to worship Him "in spirit and truth" (hey James i wonder if the DA is present in the Greek text? GS rule, does it apply?)
Preachers, who are "true worshippers?"
True worshippers must worship in spirit and truth. While many are confused as to what "in spirit and truth" means--let us stay with the subject of worship. Turn your television to any religious channel and you will see many diferrent displays of what people refer to as "worship". There is excitement and enthusiasm. People are shouting, raising their hands, some even jump out of their seats. They call this "worship", but, this does not coincide with the biblical definition of "worship".
The Bible defines "worship" as an act of reverence or obeisance. The most popular definition of a certain Greek word translated "worship" means to kiss or to bow down--to bow before your master--as a dog licks his master's hand.
Okay preachers that all i have to say. Maybe some of you can explain "worship" to me; I am sure you can.
LLL
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Are Videos Creating Lazy Teachers?
I am not apposed to a good object lesson. I am not apposed to the use of visual aids. I think that visual aids can aid in making a point. The question I have is this; are we depending upon video visual aids to teach God's people instead preparing lessons using of old fashioned Bible study? The thing in the Lord's New Testament churches today is the use of videos; videos that contain lesson material, object lessons, and sometimes testimonies.
Many of these lessons are good, however, I am afraid that an unseen danger is creeping upon us. The lessons are taught by those who are not of like order and faith. They use a variety of Bible versions. They make comments such as, "when he joined the church", in reference to salvation. They teach universalism and promote ecuminicalism, but we praise them for being an enormous help in our teaching.
This is my first blog. I didn't want to write too much, therefore I gave you only a small portion of the subject. I did not fill it with scriptures but I did state a few points of concern. Tell me how you feel on this subject. Maybe you use videos in your lessons, maybe you do not. I love pastoring one of the Lord's New Testament churches. I love teaching the members of the church. When I reach the point where I no longer have a desire to teach, then I will turn to the video teachers of the false religions. I will invite them into the Lord's New Testament church and give them the pulpit.
L.L.L.
Many of these lessons are good, however, I am afraid that an unseen danger is creeping upon us. The lessons are taught by those who are not of like order and faith. They use a variety of Bible versions. They make comments such as, "when he joined the church", in reference to salvation. They teach universalism and promote ecuminicalism, but we praise them for being an enormous help in our teaching.
This is my first blog. I didn't want to write too much, therefore I gave you only a small portion of the subject. I did not fill it with scriptures but I did state a few points of concern. Tell me how you feel on this subject. Maybe you use videos in your lessons, maybe you do not. I love pastoring one of the Lord's New Testament churches. I love teaching the members of the church. When I reach the point where I no longer have a desire to teach, then I will turn to the video teachers of the false religions. I will invite them into the Lord's New Testament church and give them the pulpit.
L.L.L.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
