Post by pitbull on May 1, 2009 13:00:03 GMT -5
TRUTH AND SPIRIT
As of writing this, MLB session has begun. The playoffs are taking place for the NBA and NHL. Even the draft for NFL just took place. Sports are on the minds and tongues of many. Do you notice one thing that each of these professional sports [as well as the college and high school versions] have in common? Fans. A true fan is going to tell all the statistics for his/her favorite player/athlete, as well as the team’s facts. And wait until you see that fan at the sporting event. The excitement will just manifest itself as the fan is cheering on his/her team to victory. This is manifest in many ways physically, such as cheering and doing the wave.
This is a secular illustration of what Jesus was talking about in John 4:21-24 when He said that true worshippers will worship God in truth and spirit. Most Christians seem to ignore one or both of these aspects in their worship of God, which is so clearly understood by secular sports fans. This is what is promoted also in 2 Peter 3:18 – “But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
For example, some churches ignore the truth aspect. They don’t promote sound Biblical doctrine. There is no edification or discipleship of the believers in that congregation. It doesn’t matter if the worship is emotional or enthusiastic if there is no foundation to support it. They may be sincerely worshipping God, but they can be sincerely wrong doctrinally. They seem to be like the old saying I used to here – “Don’t confuse me with the facts!”
Then other congregations may be doctrinally sound but dead spiritually. You can go there and the preaching is Biblical. The worship is done according to the Word, but you don’t see a single person pouring his or her hear into it. This reminds me of a couple sayings I have heard made by IFB preachers of the previous generation:
• “If the Baptist church had not lost its shout, there would not have been a Pentecostal movement.”
• “Too many preachers are afraid to go out on a limb because they may be mistaken for a nut.”
These statements sum up why some churches are afraid to show any emotion during their worship service.
A true congregation will demonstrate both aspects in it.
• It has a sound foundation of Bible preaching and teaching, with no doctrinal compromise.
• The people will be encouraged to praise God with their whole heart during the singing, prayer, and preaching aspects of the worship service.
Of course, maybe this is not even an issue yet for you. That is true if you are not even saved. Salvation is by grace alone and is receive by faith alone in the completed work of Christ. How do you receive this? You must repent of your sin, believe the Gospel, and trust Jesus as your Savior. [Mark 1:15; John 6:28-29; Acts 16:30-31; 17:30; Romans 10:9-13] It really is that easy and simple. Don’t make it complicated.
As of writing this, MLB session has begun. The playoffs are taking place for the NBA and NHL. Even the draft for NFL just took place. Sports are on the minds and tongues of many. Do you notice one thing that each of these professional sports [as well as the college and high school versions] have in common? Fans. A true fan is going to tell all the statistics for his/her favorite player/athlete, as well as the team’s facts. And wait until you see that fan at the sporting event. The excitement will just manifest itself as the fan is cheering on his/her team to victory. This is manifest in many ways physically, such as cheering and doing the wave.
This is a secular illustration of what Jesus was talking about in John 4:21-24 when He said that true worshippers will worship God in truth and spirit. Most Christians seem to ignore one or both of these aspects in their worship of God, which is so clearly understood by secular sports fans. This is what is promoted also in 2 Peter 3:18 – “But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
For example, some churches ignore the truth aspect. They don’t promote sound Biblical doctrine. There is no edification or discipleship of the believers in that congregation. It doesn’t matter if the worship is emotional or enthusiastic if there is no foundation to support it. They may be sincerely worshipping God, but they can be sincerely wrong doctrinally. They seem to be like the old saying I used to here – “Don’t confuse me with the facts!”
Then other congregations may be doctrinally sound but dead spiritually. You can go there and the preaching is Biblical. The worship is done according to the Word, but you don’t see a single person pouring his or her hear into it. This reminds me of a couple sayings I have heard made by IFB preachers of the previous generation:
• “If the Baptist church had not lost its shout, there would not have been a Pentecostal movement.”
• “Too many preachers are afraid to go out on a limb because they may be mistaken for a nut.”
These statements sum up why some churches are afraid to show any emotion during their worship service.
A true congregation will demonstrate both aspects in it.
• It has a sound foundation of Bible preaching and teaching, with no doctrinal compromise.
• The people will be encouraged to praise God with their whole heart during the singing, prayer, and preaching aspects of the worship service.
Of course, maybe this is not even an issue yet for you. That is true if you are not even saved. Salvation is by grace alone and is receive by faith alone in the completed work of Christ. How do you receive this? You must repent of your sin, believe the Gospel, and trust Jesus as your Savior. [Mark 1:15; John 6:28-29; Acts 16:30-31; 17:30; Romans 10:9-13] It really is that easy and simple. Don’t make it complicated.