Words on Worship

In Romans Chapter 1, Paul explains in great detail that there are certain "invisible attributes” or signs of God that can be clearly seen by all mankind, thereby giving none of us an excuse for not giving Him glory. As The Message tells us that people knew God perfectly well, but when they didn't treat him like God, refusing to worship Him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense not direction left in their lives.  They pretended to know it all, yet in reality, knew nothing of the truth and grace of God.  So, the result is...

When I was growing up in church, we used to sing a popular song called “We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise."  But I never really considered what those words truly meant.  A "sacrifice of praise" can come in a variety of different ways...most commonly, from our lips as we give thanks to His name.  But a "sacrifice of praise" can also come from our wallets as we give, or our time as we serve, or our talents as we use them for God.  In fact, the easiest sacrifice we can give to God is praise from our mouth and heart.  This is commanded by God and...

Yesterday we celebrated Easter.  Millions gathered around the world to worship the risen Savior.  After three of the darkest days in history, Jesus Christ, the son of the living God, conquered sin, death, hell, and the grave in one glorious Sunday morning moment.  He had foretold this moment to His disciples many times before, and now the moment was upon them and they couldn't believe it. But it wouldn't be long until they didn't just believe it; eventually they would give their own lives in defense of this great truth.  The Greek word translated "resurrection" is anastasis, which means literally "to cause to stand up...

Throughout the Old Testament, we see that spotless lambs were slaughtered as a sacrificial worship offering to the Lord.  Sheep were dying for the shepherd.  But when Jesus came, all of that changed.  The great shepherd had come to die for His sheep.  So, when John refers to Jesus as the Lamb of God, those who heard him understood the reference.  However, this Lamb would be the ultimate, final sacrifice…as this Lamb had come to take away the sin of the world.  It's Good Friday…perhaps the most bittersweet day on the calendar for any believer.  It is bitter because this is the day we mourn the death...

It's my boy Cooper's birthday today.  I remember him asking me one time, "Why does the economy need so much money?"  He asked me that after watching the news and seeing how much emphasis is placed on the world economy.  Although it is true that we need money to operate our business and pay our bills, we must be careful that is does not become our motivation for living. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6 that we cannot serve God and money.  It is impossible to serve two masters.  And bear in mind, the god we serve is the god we worship.  So who or what...