August 20, 2011 by memullin
“Worship” may be a word you don’t quite understand. Dictionary.com defines worship as “reverent honor and homage paid to God.” The way we show this reverent honor or homage to God may be very different from another believer.
The Bible recites many different postures and activities for worship:
- Standing
- Kneeling
- Prostrate (laying on the ground with face down)
- Arms raised
As to the “how of worship”, in the Bible we are encouraged to:
- sing to the LORD
- Shout to the LORD
- Sacrifice (burnt offering) to the LORD
- Thank the LORD
- Praise the LORD
- Bless the LORD
- Play instruments to the LORD
The one criteria on which God evaluates worship, regardless of the posture or the position or the activity, is the intent of the worshiper’s heart.
- To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?” Says the LORD. “I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, Or of lambs or goats. When you come to appear before Me, Who has required this from your hand, To trample My courts? Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies-I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. Isaiah 1:11-15
When approaching Him in worship, consider that God is not impressed so much with the outward expression of your adoration as He is with the motivation of your heart. To God, our hearts are exposed, transparent.
Jesus said this, “the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24
Posted in Bible, worship | Tagged a pure heart before God, God looks at the heart, offering, sacrifice, the heart of the worshiper, what is pleasing to God?, Worship |
August 19, 2011 by memullin
Posted in Bible, Bible Basics, Bible Study, Books of the Bible, General Epistles, Gospels, New Testament, Paul's Epistles | Tagged Bible Basics, Bible Overview, Bible Study, New Testament |
August 11, 2011 by memullin
Given the pervasive nature of fear, it seems wise for us to consider more of what the Bible would teach us about fear and fighting fear.
On the nature of fear . . .
- There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1John 4:18
- The love of God for us is perfect love. When we walk in the love of God, in fellowship with Him, abiding in His word and living by His Spirit, we can experience a life free of fear. In fellowship with God, the torment must flee and the Spirit of God brings peace, the peace that passes understanding.
On why we shouldn’t fear . . .
- Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Matthew 10:26
- Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 (Jesus speaking)
Without fear, it is possible to have peace
- You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
With God, we have a remedy for our fear. Look to Jesus, author and finisher of our faith. Focus on what God has done, is doing and will do.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus . . . look full in His wonder face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
Posted in Attributes, Bible, Dependence on God, Faithful Companion, Fear, Friend, God, Relationship with God, Walking with God | Tagged Bible, fear, Fear Not, nature of fear, Perfect Love |
August 9, 2011 by memullin
What does the future hold? . . . How will I keep my house without a job? . . . What will I do if my spouse gets ill and can’t work? . . . What if my spouse leaves me? . . . What if no one loves me? . . . Who will help me when I get older? . . . How will my child make it in the world? . . . What’s that noise upstairs? . . . Who’s at the door at this time of night?
Big and small, fears are our constant companions. Fear is one of the universals of the human condition. We all have fears. Perhaps that is why the Bible mentions fear and commands us not to fear so many times.
We can learn some important things from the Bible about fear.
There is only One to fear . . .
- Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28
Fear not because God is with you . . .
- Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all those who were incensed against you Shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing, And those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them-Those who contended with you. Those who war against you Shall be as nothing, As a nonexistent thing. For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ Isaiah 41:10-13
Don’t fear because God will not leave you . . .
- Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
Fight fear with the Word of God. When you are afraid, remember what God has said and remember that God cannot lie. What He promises, He will do.
Posted in Attributes, Bible, Faithful Companion, Fear, Friend, God, Relationship with God, Walking with God | Tagged Bible, fear, Fear Not, God is with you, God will never leave you |
August 7, 2011 by memullin
One of the purposes of this blog is to provide accurate information about the Bible in an easy-to-understand format.
The following are links to the posts in the Bible Basics – Old Testament Overview series:
Bible Basics (Part 1)
Bible Basics (Part 2)
Bible Basics (Part 3)
Bible Basics (Part 4)
Bible Basics (Part 5)
Bible Basics (Part 6)
Posted in Bible, Bible Basics, Bible Study, Books of the Bible, Deuteronomy, Genesis, God, Knowing God, Law, Leviticus, Old Testament | Tagged Bible Basics, Bible Study, Book of Chronicles, Book of Kings, Book of Samuel, Deuteronomy, Divisions of Old Testament, Esther, Exodus, Genesis, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Leviticus, Nehemiah, Numbers, Old Testament, Old Testament Overview, Proverbs, Psalms, Ruth, the Pentateuch |
July 12, 2011 by memullin
Have you ever seen a sponge that has been left in the closet or on the shelf too long. It is misshapen and hardens into something like a rock. It is not much good for cleaning any surface in this state. However, once soaked in water, the sponge becomes flexible and soft. It absorbs the water and within a short time is a great tool for cleaning.
The Christian is much like a sponge. Without the water of the Word of God, the Christian becomes hard, inflexible, not very useful for his or her intended purposes. But once allowed to soak in the water of the Word, the Christian becomes soft, absorbent, flexible and more useful for his or her purpose.
It begs the question, what kind of sponge are you?
Posted in Devotional, Walking with God | Tagged Walking with God, Water of the Word, Word of God |
June 20, 2011 by memullin
How many times in the day or week do you long for a do-over? You just want to turn back in time and make a different choice, say something or just stay silent?
God offers the ultimate do-over in 2 Corinthians 5:17. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
The great thing about this verse is that it is without limitation. Christ has given the ultimate do-over.
- Gone are my mistakes and failures (they no longer define and limit me)
- Gone is the deadness in my heart and conscience (He has given a heart of flesh to replace my heart of stone)
- Gone is the hopelessness of being unable to change despite the harm to myself and others (now I have Holy Spirit power to overcome sin)
- Gone is the futility of thinking (now I have the mind of Christ, wisdom of the ages)
- Now I can have a fresh start (All things are made new)
- Now I have hope for the future (He has gone to prepare a place for me and has promised to return for me)
The time for your do-over is now. Today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow is promised to no man.
Posted in 2 Corinthians, Bible, God, Hope, Jesus, New Testament, Relationship with God, salvation | Tagged 2 corinthians 5:17, Bible, do-overs, hope, New Creation |
June 18, 2011 by memullin
Most young girls dream of their wedding day, the dress, the flowers, the location. Of course, they also dream of the groom, the beloved.
So it is with the church, looking forward to the wedding feast, the marriage supper of the lamb (Revelation 19:9). The church is the bride of Christ. As the time winds down, individually and globally, be sure to make plans for the wedding of eternity.
I am my beloved’s, And my beloved is mine.
Posted in Bible, Jesus | Tagged bride of Christ, Marriage supper of the lamb, weddings |
June 13, 2011 by memullin
The Bible has plenty to say about stupid people. The Bible calls them fools. According to dictionary.com, a fool is “a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment or sense.”
This post is not going to explore what stupid (foolish) is or what stupid does (fool’s behavior). A detailed discussion of those topics can be found in the Book of Proverbs.
This post is aimed at the cure. The cure for stupid is found in the Book of James. A person who “lacks judgment or sense” is lacking in wisdom. James1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Some caveats and provisos:
- Wisdom is available to all and will be given in generous portion (James 1:5 “who gives to all liberally“)
- Wisdom is linked with faith (James 1:6-7 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord)
- Wisdom received will be from above ( James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
Believe God. Ask for wisdom in faith believing that God does all that He promises. Receive His wisdom, the wisdom from above, and your stupidity (foolishness) will be cured.
Posted in Bible, James, Proverbs, Wisdom | Tagged Asking for Wisdom, Bible, Cure for Stupid, James, Proverbs, Wisdom |
June 11, 2011 by memullin
Sometimes as believers, we use terms that only we understand. What some might call “Christianese” Understanding these terms and being able to “translate” them to those who don’t speak our “language” is essential to effectively sharing the gospel. What does it mean to be saved? What happens when we are born again?
The Basics
- Salvation is a gift (John 3:16)
- The only Requirement is belief (John 3:16)
- Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, satisfying all the righteousness requirements of the law (2 Corinthians 5:21)
What happens?
- We’re made alive spiritually (Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1)
- The charges against us are dropped (Colossians 2:14)
- We’re forgiven of all our sins (Ephesians 1:7)
- We’re purified for God to be His own (Titus 2:14)
- We’re made new – a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- Old things are gone; all things are new (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- We’re reconciled to God (restored to right relationship) (2 Corinthians 5:18; Colossians 1:21)
- We’re presented to God holy and blameless (Colossians 1:21-23)
- We receive the Kingdom of God (Luke 12:32)
- We receive lasting inheritance (1 Peter 1:4)
- We have abundant life now (John 10:10)
- We receive everything needed for life and godly living (2 Peter 1:2-11)
- We receive the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)
- We receive weapons for warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18)
A Word Picture to Illustrate
If they still don’t get the idea, give them a picture: “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18
May the One who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy keep you from stumbling and present you to God as without fault (and only God can do that).
Posted in Bible, Born of the Spirit, Deliverer, Forgiveness, God, Hope, In times of difficulty, Jesus, Knowing God, New Testament, Relationship with God, salvation, the LORD, Uncategorized | Tagged Being saved, Bible, Bible Basics, New Testament, salvation |
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