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Living in Christ
by Pastor Dennis Pelley
August 24, 2008
Worship Him in Spirit and Truth
One purpose of every healthy, balanced church is to worship God in “spirit and truth.” Jesus used this phrase when responding to the Samaritan woman, who had asked on which mountain they should go to worship God. Jesus identified himself as the Messiah, and answered that after His coming, people would worship God in a new way - John 4:23-24 - ...a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." From this time forward, Jesus shows that God is no longer interested in holy places or holy time, but in creating holy people in and through Jesus Christ.
Jesus said that the first and great commandment is to “love the Lord with all your heart.” When we express our love to God, we are worshipping. The early Christians joyously worshipped their Lord together - Acts 2:42-47 - They devoted themselves to...the breaking of bread (communion) and to prayer…praising God.”
Before we can ever “do” anything, we must “be.” Without worship we have no strength for living. Worship must come before service. The purpose of child care during our church services is to allow young parents the opportunity for worship. But if the same people are always working on staff, then they never get to worship. We must help one another so that we all have time for focused, inspired worship.
Only believers can truly worship God, magnify God’s name and express their love for him. Worship can be a witness to unbelievers, when God’s presence is felt and the message is understandable. In worship we fellowship with God; we commune and communicate with Him. Jesus said, “where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20).
Here is what should happen in worship. As we truly focus our heart, mind and strength on the things God has done for us, we express thanksgiving. When we focus on who He is, we express praise. When we do these things, then our worship or communion with God will be rich in the relationship He has granted us through Jesus Christ. Let us always worship our Lord “in spirit and truth.” Let us be able to say with David - Psalm 63:2 - I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
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| New Hope Christian Fellowship • 777 Colorado Blvd. • Eagle Rock • CA • 90041 • 626 836-3199 |
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