It's all about worship. The ultimate question is "Who do you worship." But closely connected is "Why do you worship?"
As churches reopen this weekend across Alabama, maybe some are asking, "What do we begin first?" Now for some, that answer may be driven by the size of their building or the size of their congregation. Others may answer relying on providing safety first for their congregation. I get all of that.
But as I answer that question, let me admit...there was really never a question in my mind. Gathered worship would be the first thing we would do for I see gathered worship is the most important calling of the local church.
The most important calling of an individual Christian is "to be with Christ." (Matthew 11:1). Our personal walk with God is paramount. But as a local church, our highest calling is to worship. That just makes sense...our highest calling individually is the same as when we gather as one.
If you would like more on the subject of worship, I preached a series here at Rainsville First Baptist Church beginning March 6, 2016 continuing through August 28, 2016 on Sunday nights. You can see the PDF of the notes and hear the audio here.
I call what is happening this weekend as "re-gathering for worship." For nine weeks we have been scattered in our worship experiences, but now it is time to regather. I remember years ago hearing a black preacher (I which I could remember who it was) saying that every Sunday as the people of God gather, it is like a reenactment of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The body of Christ comes from wherever they have been that week ...scattered to the four winds of the earth...to one place to give "body" to the fact of the risen Lord Jesus in our community and world.
This is a dress rehearsal for Heaven. Every Sunday when we gather, it is like a practice session for Heaven. One day God will gather the bride of Christ from the four corners of the earth into their eternal home. Persons who do not habitually practice in the dress rehearsal should, at least, pause to ask themselves, "Will I be in the real, permanent gathering of the body of Christ if I never participate or even have a desire to be in the dress rehearsals?"
But tonight is our last night to be scattered in worship. As we watch online as a scattered church, I will be dealing with this question of worship. No, not "Who do I worship?" But, "Why do I worship."
In Job 1:9, Satan asked God a very important question, "Does Job fear God for nothing?" The thought here is why does Job worship God? Satan's proposal was to remove all the material blessings God had given Job and "he will surely curse you to your face." (verse 11). So, God permits Satan to remove all of Job's material and family blessings to test Job on "Why do you worship Me?"
A faith that can't pass a test is not worth much in the fire.
Join us tonight at 6:10 as I share this message "The Ultimate Question of Worship."
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