OPEN BIBLE BULLETIN
VOL.55 NO.03 MARCH 2014
New Brunswick
Bible institute GOD’S PURPOSE
OUR PASSION
FOCUS
- STEVE WAGSTAFF
WORSHIP. Ronald Allen spoke rightly in answering his own question, “What, then, is the essence of worship? It is the celebration of God! As a thoughtful gift is a celebration of a birthday, as a special evening out is a celebration of an anniversary, as a warm eulogy is a celebration of a life, as a sexual embrace is a celebration of a marriage--so a worship service is a celebration of God.” Scripture tells us that man’s chief purpose is to worship and bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31, “...whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”) In fact, John 4:23 tells us that God is “seeking” worshippers. However, what God intended worship to be has declined to a ritualistic practice, arranged within a time frame, among many evangelical churches today. When we come to the book of Malachi we see that this problem is not confined to our present day, but was a problem that displeased the Lord in regards to Israel’s worship as well. Lack of Love (1:2-5) “I have loved you,” says the Lord. The Israelites complained, disobeyed, committed idolatry, lied, and schemed. However, God protected them, fed them, revealed Himself to them, performed miracles, promised land, and met the needs of His people. Their response was, “Wherein hast thou loved us?” We live in a world today that looks
at circumstances and says, “How can you say God loves us? Look what I’m going through.” Oh how the message of the cross is the only answer to their dilemma. When is the last time you counted your blessings? Lack of Respect (1:6a) “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master:...” Believe it or not, there was a time when children honoured (respected, spoke well of, paid tribute to, acted properly towards) their parents. God asked the question, If this level of respect and honour is paid to men why are you not paying proper respect to your Creator? Worship was being done, but it was sloppy, half-hearted, done with a poor attitude, showing little respect, and they were okay with that! Lack of Leadership (1:6b) “... Where is My fear (reverence)? saith the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise My name...” Not only was there a lack of respect, but this message was directed to the priests, those responsible for the spiritual well-being of the people. The priests were turning a blind eye to the offerings being sacrificed. It appears that the worship of God was no longer from heartfelt adoration; instead, it was simply a burdensome job. That should serve as a great reminder to anyone who participates in any facet of leadership today. There needs to be a preparedness of
heart and mind in order for acceptable worship to be pleasing to God which will be carried out in the presence of others. Lifeless Worship (1:10) “Who is there even among you that would shut the doors...?” Plainly said, God would rather have had the operations of the temple cease and the fires go out on the altar than have insincere worship offered to Him. God flat-out rejects and despises worship that is not from a sincere heart. It’s a sobering subject when you stop to think about it isn’t it? It’s so much more than just a “Sunday goin’ to meetin’” thing.
VacationVision with a
June 29-July 4 & July 6-11, 2014
ROUND 2 COLLEGE FOR A DAY
Register at nbbi.ca/cfad March 27 - 29
Spring Bible Conference 2014 WITH DR. WENDELL CALDER May 1-4, See page 2
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