I'm reminded once again that the authentic and true church must be firmly founded in the word. Like the new converts in Acts 2, we too must devote ourselves to the Apostle's teaching which is conveniently written out for us in a book called New Testament. Everything else like a awesome praise band, cozy cafe, many fun and intriguing activities must come after. It's sad to say, but many churches have given into the selfish desires of men and made the teaching of the word to be the last priority. Let's make sure that our church does not fall into the temptation of pleasing men but instead be in the business of pleasing God.
As a pastor, it's statement like this that gives me energy and strength to go on in the ministry. Thanks Il!
ReplyDeleteThe temptation is always there to put something ahead of bible study or to replace it with something else because it's just not as "interesting". The truth is, studying the bible and discovering God's unchanging truth is one of the most exciting experience in the world. I just wish more people in the church would discover this secret.
Let's be a church that puts God first. How do we do that? By listening to his words -- preached, taught, studied, memorized, and meditated upon; to make it our number 1 priority; to read and meditate and pray through it every day.
Posted by Pastor James
I agree completely with Il. While I don't condemn "media ministries," I wouldn't want to worship a God who's presence is magnified by anything other than the word that He's spoken. Dependency on anything other than the Word and the Spirit in our worship is nothing short of praising our own talents, accomplishments,and merits- a close infringement on the second commandment that P.James recently spoke on.
ReplyDeletethank you for a wonderful post. i agree with dave's comment that the centrality of Jesus Christ and the Word of God has everything to do with the 2nd Commandment--worshipping the right God the right way. there is such a danger of worship being man-centered, entertainment-oriented, convenience-driven. when the Word of God is not central to the church, what else could it possibly be?
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