I try to listen to our sermons on Sunday with an open mind. Our pastor has a way of getting my attention that makes me really pay attention to what he has to say before I pass judgment.
This morning he asked up to open our minds and hearts and to be patient with him until the end. In my mind that meant we were going to be coming full circle in whatever he had to say.
I was actually anxious to see what his sermon topic was going to be. I select the music for each week with the help of the Holy Spirit and this week’s music was not what I had thought it was going to be. As I prayed over the music, it became clear to me that our first two songs were focused on worship. Way Maker and The Heart of Worship were our first two songs and I felt like that was the point God wanted to make. I’m often so focused on playing all the notes and singing the melodies correctly that I’m not able to just soak up His presence and just worship.
I know there are people who know the Bible inside and out and can quote Scripture verbatim. But isn’t that what the Pharisees and Sadducees did? They knew the laws, but they didn’t get the heart of Jesus. I think we have to be careful not to fall in this same trap.
“You miss the mark when you aim to either side of the target.“
If we know only the Word of God and not his heart, I think we miss the mark. And the same is true if we discount what’s in the Bible because we think we know God. It takes both Spirit and Truth to come back to the heart of worship!
We can make an argument for or against many things by pointing out a single scripture. People can lead us to believe when they quote scripture and take it out of context. You’ve got to read what’s going on in the text around it. What’s the circumstance and who is doing the talking.
When we worship and follow only the word of God…we get laws, not grace. Religion, not relationship.
- Following the Word of God without following Christ makes you a scholar…not a disciple
- When we use the Scriptures to get us to a place where we choose to follow Christ…and then actually follow Christ…we get truth
- Everything is wrapped up and completed and solved in Christ
- If we want people to see truth, grace, healing, and forgiveness
- If we want people to turn and repent
- If our hearts are really and truly burdened to see people saved…not just be declared right…
- We nee to show them Jesus
- How is that done?
- By sharing, and showing, and living out the gospel.
Our only hope is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our only boast is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our only mission is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ through lived out lives.
Stay tuned…next week we dive into what this thing called gospel means. It’s the greatest story ever told…don’t miss it!
Come and find out what it’s all about!
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 