We have released a new zine called How Should a Worship Service Look? Collective Worship according to the N.T. for Christ followers. I was pondering the functions of a Christ community and started exploring some things. Then, I wondered what should happen at the primary gathering and how it should look. Strangely, I had never considered this. In this work, I share my findings. This is the first of a two-booklet series.
Pick up the printable booklet in our free shop or request a hard copy.
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 John 2: 15-16
Some Christians might read the passage above and think this does not refer to them. I am not so arrogant, primarily because I’m constantly humbled. People may be more prone to certain sins than others, but does that mean we should think: Oh, I would never fall into this or that. The Bible tells us haughtiness comes before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
Satan is ruled by pride and knows this is our nature (Isaiah 14:12-15). He likes to use our weaknesses, which could involve an area we feel we are strong in. We don’t have our Spiritual guard up in these areas; satan and his minions come around, twist sin, and seek carnal relations.
Neither give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:27
Many seek to acquire or partake in some things the world offers, but how does one know if he or she loves the things of the world or not? Desire? Well, we know our desires should be God-led, but there are hidden ways we commit spiritual adultery that are hard to discern.
We are not to love the world or the things in it. Our desire is to please God in everything we do.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God 1 Corinthians 10:31
We do this because we Love God (Matthew 22:36-40). God is Love. Christians are supposed to be ruled by Love. Throughout the Bible, we learn what true Love is and how it is practiced in our lives. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. John 14:21
So, we indulge in worldliness if what we are reaching for, doing, or achieving does not align with the God we love. We can’t love sin and God at the same time. It’s either one or the other. (Matthew 6:24) The Word and Holy Spirit should lead our lives.
Someone once said I was crazy for trying to seek out God in all areas of my life, such as business and finances. Truth is, it is my love for Christ that allows this to happen naturally. I don’t want to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), so I seek out Biblical wisdom. This helps me live in the world yet not fall into its seductive traps. As I keep Him first place in my life, the Lord helps me continually filter what I should participate in, do, reach for, and even buy.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.(Romans 8:28)
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. (1 Corinthians 16:22)
Loving the world means you are also participating in fleshly masturbation; you are pleasing yourself, which is a bad form of self-love.
….For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
For pride of life, we can see pride in what we have. Lust of the flesh and eyes connects to desires for what you don’t have; you crave it. This world is ruled by self pleasure and pride in possessions.…More, Please!
O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. Psalm 30:2
I’ve noticed that my soul and physical health is sometimes connected to my Spiritual health. God has been symbolic with me. The proper order is spirit, soul, then body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). If I maintain that order, aspects of my life and health generally stay in balance. Of course, God allows us to have ailments for other reasons like to strengthen or humble us, prove his power, show how a Spiritual strength can be a physical weakness, and some are just natural issues. But I truly believe Spiritual health is the most important aspect of a person’s well being, so I encourage you to strive for growth in this area. Here are a few goals I’m reaching for this year.
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: Philippians 4:11
We have to go beyond external circumstances & internal conflicts and find peace in God’s presence. We need to humble ourselves and trust him (Proverbs 3:5), no matter what’s going on. He is our provider, and in Christ we are fulfilled. I’m living and breathing there. Not trusting him robs me of peace and joy (Galatians 5:22-26). I stress out, start allowing circumstances to define me, and may start comparing my situation or thorns to others, which can affect me on various levels.
I don’t fall into complacency either. I work to change certain things. Just remember we all have a life to live, and that looks different from person to person. I’ve grown exponentially in this area over the years, but, of course, there is more work to be done. Giving this issue to God can bring healing or help maintain the orange or yellow energy centers of the body.
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ Ephesians 4:15
I am naturally passive, don’t like to share my thoughts, and prefer to remain a mystery. I’m also one with a few words. But there are times when Christ wants us to speak up and share Biblical truth, fused with grace and seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). I’ve done this in my writings and when talking with fellow Christians and non-believers at times, but I often don’t want to. I’m praying for more courage to speak up when the Holy Spirit urges me to do so. This can also help prevent imbalances in the throat region/blue energy center.…More, Please!