Worship

Christianity and worship begin with a decision just like when you made a decision to ask someone out on a date when you first became interested in them. But eventually the decision must be followed by true affections if the relationship is going to become what God intends it to be. But many times people let their affections die due to lack of work, commitment and desire.

That is the problem with too many married couples and Christians. Their initial decision has turned into an obligation rather than an affection and love and passion. The relationship has become mechanical.
The question is, "Can a marriage work mechanically and out of obligation?"  The answer is yes, however, what a sad state of existence that is. There is no joy within a mechanical and obligated relationship. Without affection, love, and passion one is missing out in the "Worship" of one another which would allow the relationship to reflect all that God designed for man and woman.

I am totally convinced that our relationships here on earth should reflect what our relationship with God should be. One of decision yes, but also one that matures into love, passion, commitment, joy, and "Worship!" We need to stop living so shallow and dive into the depth of all the blessings that God has designed for us in this life!

A good singer can come to church and sing out of obligation while their heart and mind are far from Gods love and purpose. And it's possible that the people in the congregation could still be blessed by the song.  But the singer will not receive a blessing. To me that is sad. The same is true with the musicians or even the preacher. If one is coming to church out of obligation and duty instead of with a heart of love and joy and worship, and desire, a huge potential blessing from God is being missed. How sad that is!

Here is what God has to say about this mechanical worship:

Matthew 15:8-9

 "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.

Where there is true worship, there will be a blessing that follows. That is why there are so many going to church today and are not receiving the joy and blessing that they should be enjoying. If one comes to church strictly out of obligation and duty you are wasting your time and according to Gods word you are worshipping Him in vain!

But how do you get excited about going to church to worship?  It has to start with your relationship with Jesus. How real is that relationship? How developed is that relationship? How much time do you spend working on the relationship? It's hard to love someone you don't really know. 

The ultimate goal of church is to turn your life into worship! From the moment you get up until the moment you fall asleep at night worship is what God wants from each of us. Making Him the Joy of our life because of the life He has blessed us with. But none of this comes automatic. It starts with a decision that you consciously and carefully consider just like you would before you decide to marry someone because that is exactly what God is asking of each of us. To enter into a fully God ordained committed relationship with Him. An exclusive relationship. Where God becomes our number one.

I'm not sure that the current model of church can accomplish what God is desiring from us. I see church as a place where the introduction is made, the dating begins and the commitment and the wedding takes place. It's called getting to know and understanding God and then accepting Him as your Lord and Savior and then making a public commitment through baptism. So it has become my burden as well as my wife Bonni's burden to try and figure out how to reach and establish a communication with those who are suffering. And I use the term suffering to describe all of us who have an emptiness or want inside that we just cannot seem to be able to get rid of.  What can we do to bridge the gap and create an inviting place of worship so the people can receive the blessing that God has waiting for them?

Here is what I would like all of you to do for me for this next Sunday. Get a 3 x 5 note card and write these three questions on it.

1.) What do you wonder about?

2.) What do you worry about?

3.) What do you wish for?

Think about these three questions this week and write down your answers and bring them to the service next Sunday. Drop them in the offering box. Do not put your name on them. It is going to help me develop relevant sermons over the next month or so. 

God has a plan for your life!  Hope to see you soon. We have a lot of work to do for Gods Kingdom! Love, pastor kent