Worship vs Entertainment

The body of Christ in America is in major need of Holy Spirit overhaul. We have become like the world, are really in love with the things and ways of this world. A renewal of worship could be a key place to begin. As Tozer stated years ago, 'worship is the missing jewel of the church.' The American church scene has become inspirational, therapeutic, and entertaining. It is man centered, and presentation driven. It is culturally inspired and no longer driven by our awe of God's holiness, and a humility and brokeness concerning His love and grace twoard us. We are bondage to our cultural climate which is driven by our need to be entertained, stimulated. Lighting, sound, multi-media, all forms of instrumentation-yes it may have its place; however, when we become dependent upon those things to create a certain 'worship experience' we are idolatrous. How much lighting, sound, media is enough? Are we incompetition with Hollywood?

When we worship, whether in a building on Sunday morning, or driving to work on Monday morning, it is an encounter with the living God and brings transformation to our person through the work of the Holy Spirit. The encounter with God, the engagement of His person and the recognition of His holiness brings transformation. Every day is a battle for our worship. Let's focus attention on the living Christ and live in awe and gratitude.

Isaiah was revived as He saw the Lord and worshiped.

Neither Do I...

Words are powerful. I regret saying some things as I look back on life. With maturity comes a greater ability to 'hold the tongue.' Little phrases such as 'I love you', 'you're beautiful', you're special' can lift a soul. The negative phrases can be just as devestating. No telling what names she had been called that day. They placed her in front of Jesus. She was condemned, a sinner caught in the act. It was a religious frenzy. Judgment, condemnation, rules, laws, punishment. Jesus played in the dirt while they squabbled, haggled, and destroyed her with their words and looks. Christ asked the question that shattered their religious pride, at least for the moment. Jesus was the only sinless one in the mix. He could have cast the first stone. He could have been a religious zealot, instead He was the compassionate God come in the flesh. He spoke to her as she had never been spoken to before. There was hope, love, grace in His voice. She couldn't believe what she heard. This couldn't be the Word of God, but it was, He is. "Neither do I." Christ didn't come to condemn the world, but to set it free from condemnation & guilt (John 3:16-17). Christ stands at the crossroads between the law and grace of God. He stands not to condemn but to save. She was given a second opportunity. "Stop doing the things that are killing you" Christ exhorted. Quit sinning. Walk in the light. Walk in life. She could because of His grace. Hopefully she did and we will because of His grace. (John 8:1-11). Neither do I...thank you Jesus!