On Worship & Excellence

There are many core values within Christianity as a whole. One is these is worship. All Christians, while holding different views of how it is to be done, everywhere agree that worship is so central to the Christian experience that it cannot be done away with. Our worship is an acknowledgement and response to the person, greatness and holiness of God.

Being Raised an apostolic pentecostal, I grew up with this great inescapable awareness that worship was incredibly important. Every so often you would hear preaching on the subject. This message would almost always highlight these points:

• The importance of worship
• Passion in worship (giving God your all)
• The blessing of worship.

Anyone familiar with Apostolic or Pentecostal churches will know that the second point is in fact a huge part of our identity. We so treasure giving God our everything (heart, mind soul and strength) that our worship is very demonstrative. Pentecostal worship includes various physical expressions such as shouting, clapping, jumping, dancing and signing. We give God everything we have physically. Our worship is Exuberant.

I have thought about it for a while now and am led to the conclusion that one often ignored point of worship is excellence. This is particularly interesting to me, especially considering the fact that scripture speaks so much on the topic. One of the most obvious examples of this is found in the records of the Old Testament Prophet Malachi:

Mal 1:6-14
6 "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, 'How have we despised your name?' 7 By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, 'How have we polluted you?' By saying that the Lord's table may be despised. 8 When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts. 9 And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the Lord of hosts. 10 Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. 12 But you profane it when you say that the Lord's table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. 13 But you say, 'What a weariness this is,' and you snort at it, says the Lord of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the Lord. 14 Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.
ESV

One may question the relevance of such a scripture to Christian worship, but I believe it presents itself many times in our worship music. I have heard many people bring the argument that it does matter if the signing is off key and off beat as long as its anointed and touches somebody. I have also heard many defenses of a poorly planned worship service with poor musicianship and music. Sadly all these arguments have NO backing from scripture, especially this text.

Every time I hear one of those arguments I cringe, people are essentially saying, firstly that worship's goal is to bless us, ignoring that it is all about God. God is to be blessed not us, we deserve no blessing, but only receive blessings because of his grace that we recognize in worship. Additionally the arguments leave me with the impression that God has to accept anything. Its kind of a take it or leave it attitude. This does not seem like a right attitude to approach the creator of the universe with.

It is sad that we now posses this attitude when there was once a time when all art forms were dominated by Christians and were great expressions of Christian truth. Nowadays the word Christian before anything seems to suggest mediocrity. To quote a phrase I've heard somewhere "Why does the devil have to have all the good music?"

We must never forget the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon's Kingdom in Israel. She was in awe of many things, among which was his assent into the Temple for worship. Seeing this left her breathless an marveling. Solomon had an excellence in everything he did and had gotten an excellence for worship from his father, the one who wrote these words that should be the worship leaders motto:

Ps 33:1-3
Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!
Praise befits the upright.
2 Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre;
make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
ESV

How Do You Pray in 2010

It’s the new year and many of us have had time to reflect on our lives both naturally but more importantly spiritually. Many have determined to read the bible through and even pray more. The desire to do these things must be commended and I will begin by doing just that: I commend all who have begun the year by putting increased emphasis on their spiritual well being.

Prayer is one of the foundational practices of almost all religions. People everywhere pray to “god”. This , however may be the only similarity because a true examination of theses prayers reveals that everything else is different; One begins with the very being being prayed to and continue to the manner in which the prayer is being prayed and see there is a world of a difference between the true Christian and the heathen. (Or is there?)

During my time in and around church I have heard much preaching and teaching on this subject. Many a man of God will quote the words of Paul “First of all PRAYER” or even the words of Jesus “Men ought always to pray and not faint” I have heard that we should rise early and devote time to seeking God because David said “Early will I seek You”. Beloved these word are right and must be headed.

I must say with sadness however, that in all the preaching and teaching on prayer, it is rarely that you would hear one expound Jesus’ teaching on the subject. Jesus says some words that put shocks on any Pentecostals prayer life. They are words that after reading and considering them, I have changed the way I prayed because I realized my prayer had become no different from the bushmen in Africa.

Matt 6:7-9 ESV
7 "And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Matt 6:7-8 KJV
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

I will be honest, allot of my fiery Pentecostal prayers have been just that – Vain repetitions & empty phrases. “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, JESUS, LOOOOOOORD, God touch, Touch Lord, With Your mighty power Lord, With Your mighty power Lord, With Your mighty power Lord, With Your mighty power LORD, In Jesus Name, In Jesus Name, In Jesus Name, In Jesus Name” Sound familiar? That’s just what Jesus said don’t do.

Some would question that these verses speak of this and suggest Jesus is speaking of reciting prayers like many denominations do. This however is not what the Gentiles did, they were known for reciting mantras in their idol worship.

A casual reader of the scripture will observe that many biblical prayers are actually recorded. Their language is clear and sometimes even poetic. The pray-ers of these prayers used their brains as well as their hearts. The words were well thought out. They expressed to God the desires of their hearts, the seriousness and desperation of their situation and what they wanted God to do for them. At the end of one such prayer in Acts 4, the building shook by the power of God and the disciples were re-filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

One reason why repetitious prayer may be so common is that it is so easy to do. We can (as my father would say) go into auto-pilot and still feel excitement. It does not take much really to this. In truth, we have not expressed everything to God. We do sound spiritual though, because our repeated words are spoken in crescendo and we very often do feel God’s spirit in them.

I urge anyone trying to move up in their prayer life to move pass the repetition of religious words and start really talking to God. This of course will be difficult and strange at first but you will find it well worth it in the end.

Reasons to Beleive The Doctrine of the Absolute Oneness of God in Christ

There is no biblical reference to the term trinity but the bible does emphatically state that there is only one God.

• Deut 6:4 Hear, Oh Israel, The LORD our God, The LORD is one.

• Rev 4:2 …and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.

• Isa 44:6, 8, 24 "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God. 8 Do not fear, nor be afraid;Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.'" 24 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, And He who formed you from the womb: "I am the Lord, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself;

The nature of God is not a mystery but rather a revelation that God has made available to anyone who desires it.

• Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
• 1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.
  

The bible tells us that the Godhead is Jesus and not that Jesus is in the Godhead

• Col 2:8-9 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead (Deity) bodily;
  

The “Holy Trinity” is a “Holy Three” which is in no way compatible with the “Holy One” of scripture.

• Psa 71:22 Also with the lute I will praise you; And Your faithfulness, O my God! To You I will sing with the harp, O Holy One of Israel.
• Isa 12:6 Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!"
  

The greatest commandment begins with the fact that there is only one God.

• Mar 12:32-33 So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He.33 "And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."
  

Sermons That Have Impacted Me The Most In 2008

This is the first in a series of posts looking back on 2008. (A bit late, but better late than never.)

The sermons listed were not necessarily preached in 2008 but I did listen to them then and they did have an impact on my life. I will try my best to provide links to them so readers will be able to enjoy them as well.

1. We Won't Stop Praying Untill They Start Praying - Jerry Wayne Dillon
2. Changing Hearts - Nathaniel Haney
3. God Is Never Behind - George Glass Sr.
4. God Is For You - George Glass Sr.
5. I Will Pray With The Spirit - Davis Lake
6. Prayer Is The Womb of the Spirit - Raymond Fraizer
7. Justice - Morton Bustard
8. Don't Give Up On Life While You're Still Living - Henry Ritchie
9. I Refuse to Be Denied By God & I Refuse to Be Tormented By My Adversary - Nathaniel Haney
10. Overcoming Fears That Your Family Members Won't Be Saved - Neil Rhodes
11. Do You Understand - Carlton Coon
12. People God Killed - C.J. Mahanney
13. How Sharp? Christ, Controversy and Cutting Words -Mark Driscoll
14. The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit in Luke & Acts - Mark Driscoll

I have updated and added links....enjoy and tell me what you think.

What The Fear Of God Must Do In Us

People will do anything to escape death. They will listen to and obey every word of a kidnapper. Giving to him the things they consider dear, lowering themselves to the place of a slave or animal - All for their life, all that a bullet would not pierce their skin or a razor slit their throat.

"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 ESV" With all that the fear of death causes man to do; should not God's righteous judgment produce a fear that brings holiness and purity in us?

Not my best but please comment.
D.C. Lake

In Defense of House Church Meetings/ Cell/ Home Groups

Not to long ago, I listened in live to a conference over the internet and the preacher, a man I greatly admire and respect said something which greatly concerned me.

His message came from the book of Judges and highlighted a few stories from the book including the story of Micah in Judges 17. What really concerned me was the fact that in passing through this story, the preacher connected Micah and his mother’s sin in having an idol in their home and their own priest for worship with home fellowship groups. I do not have a direct quote but he said something like “And in this age many people are canceling services for these home group things” to which there was an extra loud AMEN in response.

I in no way mean to demean or speak against this particular minister, as I said earlier he has my respect and admiration. I however wish to address what I believe is an error in the message he communicated, and by no means him only, as I have heard quite a few preachers in recent times preach similar things.

Let me say from the beginning that I find no problem with House Church/ Cell or Home Group meetings. I believe they are biblical and that churches can benefit greatly from them in ways that a normal church service cannot (although my church does not have them). I am also concerned that many ministers who use the banner of apostolic speak out so strongly against techniques that are not only biblical but used by the apostles.

Jesus Met and Taught in Homes

Mark 2:1-3 NKJV
And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them.

What house was this? From the story we are led to believe that it was actually a home as the four men were able to go to the rooftop and tear open the roof to lower their friend.

The Holy Spirit Was Poured Out On A Home Meeting

We are all aware of the fact that the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the 120 disciples in the upper room, what exactly was this upper room? Acts 1 tells us:

Acts 1:13-14
13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Luke makes it clear that Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon Zelotes, Judas the brother of James abode in this upper room. Other translations say that they were staying there. This was not just a meeting place but rather a house where these disciples lived.

It must also be noted that the 120 received the Holy Spirit sitting down. This may seem to be insignificant unless you realize that this meeting was happening in a home and naturally they all sat to pray.

Acts 2:1-4
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Another question rises up from this particular incident: Why did they say these men were drunk? I would be led to believe that it was because they were at a house and thus the consumption of alcohol would have been probable.

Large Corporate Worship and Small Home Group Meetings Were the Book of Acts Standard

The book of Acts chapter 2 we are given a list of the early church’s activities:

Acts 2:42-47
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

In this list of activities you will note that there were two gatherings of the church:
1. In the temple
2. From house to house
Many suggest that in the early days of the church, that there were approximately 100,000 Christians in Jerusalem. They quite obviously needed a system by which everyone was taken care of and made accountable and the house church system did that, especially considering the fact that in the church’s infancy there were only 12 apostles.

The Church Met at John Mark’s Mother’s House

Acts 12 tells the story of Peter’s capture and what could have been his execution. It also tells of the details surrounding his miraculous deliverance.

Acts 12:5
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Where did this church meet for its prayer meeting? The answer is given later on in the chapter in an interesting way.

God sends an angel to Peter who wakes him up and leads him out of the prison to the gate of the city and Peter all the while believes it is just a vision. The story continues:

Acts 12:11-12
11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

How did Peter know to go to this specific house? I have a simple answer that I believe is undeniable: Because that is the house the church met it. It was actually the home of John’s mom.

The New Testament Mentions Many House Churches

Anyone who is against house churches has to fight against allot of scripture which says that there were churches in people’s houses.

Acts 16:40
40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

Rom 16:3-5
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

Philem 1-2
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:


I would appreciate it if those reading who have any issues with what I have presented or differences with my view to comment. I am willing to reconsider my position if someone will show me scripture that proves otherwise. I do also appreciate other points of view.

Far above all else I must be saved

We’ve all probably heard the words and sung them at the end of some heart searching sermon:

Far above all else I must be saved

Far above all else I must be saved

Lord whatever you have to do in me

Don’t let me be lost for eternity

Far above all else I must be saved

To some people these may just be words maybe even just the right ones to momentarily free them of the haunting effects of a guilty conscience. I must admit that I many times have subconsciously ridden this wagon, singing the song and not really grasping the depth of the words I sang.

Recently while singing this very song, I think I got a glimpse into what I was really singing. From then till now, I don’t think it is possible to casually sing the lyrics anymore because they give no casual message.

That line “Above all else I must be saved” MUST be the Christian’s motto. Was it not Jesus who said “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”? (Luke 10:18b-20 ESV) These words leave me in the placed where I’m forced to see that the only thing that really matters in the end is that I’m saved and the only thing worth rejoicing over is the fact that is worth rejoicing over is that very fact.

I may be wrong, but it seems that in today’s Christianity this seems to be an overlooked truth. Our church recently did a number of street meeting and in those outreach meetings many of the church members gave testimonies: I noticed that there were those who talked about Jesus being their healer, provider, friend etc but missed that important characteristic of savior. (After all, isn’t that why he is called Jesus? Matt 1:21)

There must be a resurgence of real Gospel preaching where people are made aware of the fact that they are sinners and God hates and will judge that sin. I do realize the plethora of problems and trials that people face today but I also realize that the trials of this life are nothing to be compared to the righteous wrath that God will pour out upon the wicked in hell. There is no greater pain than the pain of lostness and that is the reason for Paul’s words to the Philippian Church:

Philippians 2:12-13 ESV

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

It is these verses that lead me to maybe the most painful part of the song: Whatever you have to do in me don’t let me be lost for eternity. How is that painful? Isn’t it a joy to know God can work in me both to will and to work for his good pleasure (That we should be holy and without blame before him in love Ephesians 1:5 NKJV)? The answer is yes and no. My spirit rejoices in it but my flesh cringes at the thought. Not just because it is Godly but also because God’s ways are very unpleasant to it.

What does God have to do in/with me that above all else I will be saved?

• Make me miss some opportunities that I may have benefited from physically?
• Make me loose some friends so I would not be unequally yoked and influenced by unbelievers?
• Give me some sickness so I have no other option but to trust him and serve him, and maybe be hindered from doing some sin with my body?
• Or maybe even kill me when everything is alright.

My desire is even in these is: Far above all else I must be saved.