This video is a summary of a seven part series on what biblical Worship is and how we got to the modern concept of worship.
The early church met in informal places to edify one another. They did not meet for Worship services, preaching, or music. It was a gathering mostly at houses where people would be hospitable and encourage each other in the things of God, each sharing in turn.
They were, until the end of the third century, very much against fancy buildings.
John 4:23-24
King James Version
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Here is what it truly means to worship.
Romans 12:1
English Standard Version
12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers,[a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Have you ever considered a home fellowship? There are several in my area and I am in one once a week now. Someone put a little ad in the grocery store on the board inviting people to a bible study, and a lot of people joined that way.- People from different denominations which doesn't matter one bit to anyone. We do a bible study, prayer, and share a meal- we each bring a dish. It's very relaxed and friendly.
I do attend a small church now often- not always- because of the opportunities to serve others. It's great for that and to support missionaries! I was unchurched for many years, but that goes nowhere, really. I was too isolated. I lost out on so many opportunities to serve others. This church doesn't have flashiness and only a small musical group. There are a lot of small churches like that around. I had to ask myself- is the gospel preached? and do they love the Lord and each other?
I found that there. I don't have to agree with every detail. The perfect church doesn't exist.
I had to get over myself and stop being so critical. I'm not saying you are that way but I was. I was thinking more on the terms of how imperfect
they were and what was there for me. When I flipped that and realized it was about serving others - things changed for me.
The Lord knows who are His. We should be kind to even the least of His brethren.
It's also a good way to seek out the lowly- I would not come into contact with these people otherwise. The popular in churches always have friends around them- so, I look for the couple all alone or the elderly or the widows etc,,
Of course we need to beware of false teachers- there are many- but so far, while I don't agree with everything the pastor believes I can not call him a false teacher- he isn't perfect but neither am I. We are all growing. I see these people as my bros and sisters in the Lord, and so why would I not want to be with them? We are all at different places. The younger ones especially need more mature mentors. If we keep the servitude mentality it's so much easier. There are so many opportunities to serve in various ways. Just my 02 for what it's worth.
nice to see you back- I hope all is well with you and the family!
