God’s first will
Leviticus 1:1~9 If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you are to offer a male without defect. You must present it at the entrance to the tent of meeting so that it will be acceptable to the Lord. You are to lay your hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on your behalf to make atonement for you. (3~4)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #288 Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine (#204 in previous version)
The most beautiful act that man is capable of is worship. As the Israelites trudged along the wilderness, their lives were centered on the tabernacle. However, the content that they had to continue to discover was worship. When Abraham first began to raise the altar, he realized something vital that he had been unable to see in his hometown of Chaldea Ur. Moses was able to realize accurately what he did not see in the palace only after he gave worship before the Jehovah Lord. Daniel, who established a deliberate schedule to worship God, and the members of the Early Church who worshiped and awaited the Holy Spirit even in the midst of great crises, experienced the miracles of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. All this arises when worship has been restored.
1. The fundamental nature of prayer and answers
There are works that arise when we worship. The realistic works of the Holy Spirit will take place, and the doors of heaven will open to bless us. God will mobilize His heavenly armies and the forces of darkness holding sway over the earth will subsequently splinter apart. We refer to this as the arrival of the kingdom of God, and enjoying this very thing is worship. God seeks those who worship thus. It is during worship that we are in the most powerful spiritual state (Matthew 12:28). When we worship, our perspectives will change as well. The times when I am lonely becomes, in turn, the greatest opportunity to enjoy Immanuel. People like Joseph, Moses and David looked to God every time they experienced their own limitations and powerlessness, and in turn, enjoyed great answers. People who possess the Gospel and the mystery of worship can enjoy these answers.
2. The absolutely vital component of worship (sacrificial offering)
Mankind cannot avoid disaster and fate, and the problems posed by Satan and sin. The Scripture for today tells us that we must shed the blood of an animal. God also commands us to lay a hand on the head of the animal. In the same manner, Jesus bore on his shoulders the curses of all of humanity. He took charge over our sins and weaknesses (Acts 53:1~6). He even took ownership of our diseases (Matthew 8:15~17). We have been restored to our identities and authorities to give worship to God by the blood of Jesus Christ. There is something we must bear in mind. The prayers we give during worship are conveyed to the Lord as a fragrant offering. That is why the prayers we give before and during worship are so vital. We must seek the blessings of worship that influences our lives as we give worship in groups and alone. God will be most pleased when we give up our lives to Him as a living sacrifice.
- Are we perhaps losing hold of worship for sundry reasons? Examine yourself to see whether you are losing hold of worship or if you are losing hold of the covenant or blessings during worship and restore it.
Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 1st Service / 2010.12.