Trinity Missionary Baptist Church: Newsletter 407-"Worship Regulations"-2/8/2012

GOODNEWSLETTER

____________________________________Number 407 February 8, 2012____________________________________

WORSHIP REGULATIONS

"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?

For we saw His star in the east, and we have come to worship Him," Matthew 22

To better understand what it means to worship, let's look at the Greek word PROSKUNEO. And, if we break the word up, we see that PROS means towards; while KUNEO means to

kiss. This is the word that is used most in the New Testament. It means an act of reverence and homage to the Creator.

In our just – finished - "Paid off the building" celebration, Brother Steve Waters did an outstanding job presenting the subject and meaning of worship. Although, it was written on just two

weeks ago (No. 405, Jan. 25), we are moved to look at this all important Biblical doctrine, once again. Thank you, Brother Waters, Sister Susan and Easton, their son who traveled with them.

Brother Waters reminded us that WORSHIP is liken to a dog that licks the hand of the master. WORSHIP has the idea of the worshipper prostrating himself. Brother Waters preached on the

importance of worship, clearly showing that worship has to offered in a correct manner. Certainly, we just don't stay at home and say that God knows our hearts. We go to church and praise the

Lord, Steve boldly declared. He is right, of course.

There are restrictions and regulations placed on worship service that the Bible clearly teaches. To be in line with the Bible, we have to stick with Scripture. We have to ask, 'WHO DO WE WORSHIP?'

And, 'WHERE DO WE WORSHIP?' Both answers show that we worship God, alone; not angels, and certainly not any idolatry items.

As to where we are to worship, our Lord shows that worship is no longer restricted to buildings or, any special areas; such as, the Temple, Jerusalem or, in the mountain. There is no place, no city or

anywhere else for man to worship correctly and spiritually within New Testament. And, man has to worship by going to the Father through the Son, Jesus. That's because Jesus fulfilled the Law by living

it out, perfectly. He also paid the penalty of the Law by dying in our place on Calvary. Since Calvary, the Law is removed and faith, alone has entered for man. See Ephesians 2:8-9.

Today, therefore and in the New Testament, we are blessed to worship God in spirit; that is, our individual spirits. Further, we never can forget that truth is absolutely necessary in our worship. If we

worship God correctly, we must follow New Testament teachings; for, "All Scriptures are given by inspiration of God..." 2 Timothy 3:16. God expects man to read and apply what He has said and written.

We understand then, that true WORSHIP is only offered to GOD. There is no better example of this than when Satan wanted Jesus to fall down and worship him. Jesus said, "...You shall worship the

Lord your God and worship Him only" Matt. 4:10. Notice, Jesus followed only what was written. Surely, we can do nothing but the same. We have to follow Scripture if our worship is received by the Lord.

And, thank the LORD, WORSHIP NO LONGER IS RESTRICTED TO ONE PLACE. In fact, worship is anywhere; at home or in a building. Worship that is offered from the heart and is in the TRUTH is what

is written. Worship is just as Jesus instructed the Samarian women, "The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth," John 4:24. Our Lord explained that God seeks such kind of worship because God, Himself "... is spirit ...," John 4:25. God bless!