What Is Worship?

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This is a sermon that attempts to define what worship is and how it applies to us and our relationship with God.


Psalm 99:5 Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.

Introduction:

What is worship?

I suppose that if we would ask this question to a number of different people we might receive a variety of answers. We all probably think that we have a pretty good understanding of worship, we might change our opinion once we start really studying into the subject.

Today I’d like to speak to you about the subject of divine worship with the understanding that we won’t have time to thoroughly examine the topic in just one sermon, so we may return to it again in order to gain a more thorough grasp of it.

With the Lord’s help I would like to start off by reviewing some of the words that are used for “worship” in Scripture and then talk about the kinds of things that constitute worship.

I.  Some Terms Used for Worship

(ISBE) The principal Old Testament word is ‏שָׁחָה‎, ṣhāḥāh, "depress," "bow down," "prostrate" (Hithpael), as in Exodus 4:31 ^(KJV) And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

The context determines more or less clearly whether the physical act or the volitional and emotional idea is intended.

[Some other terms in OT are translated “fall down,” “serve,” etc.]

The Old Testament idea is therefore the reverential attitude of mind or body or both, combined with the more generic notions of religions adoration, obedience, and service. Whatever its origin, worship as developed in the Old Testament is the expression of the religious instinct in penitence, prostration, adoration, and the uplift of holy joy before the Creator.

The principal New Testament word (59 times) is προσκυνέω, proskunéō, "kiss (the hand or the ground) toward," hence, often in the oriental fashion bowing prostrate upon the ground; accordingly, Septuagint uses it [as] "prostrate oneself." It is to render homage to men, angels, demons, the Devil, the "beast," idols, or to God.... The root idea of bodily prostration is much less prominent than in the Old Testament. It is always translated "worship."

[Other words commonly used in the NT carry the idea of reverence/fear/awe; and service.] [See Rom. 12:1 – “… reasonable service;” or “reasonable act of worship.”]

The New Testament idea of worship is a combination of the reverential attitude of mind and body, the general ceremonial and religious service of God, the feeling of awe, veneration, [and] adoration….

With all of the things worship includes we might summarize it all by saying that it is a recognition of the worth/worthiness of the one being worshiped, and the acknowledgment of the worshiper’s unworthiness. It is using culturally accepted means to express subordination of self along with reverence and honor to the object of worship.

Tim Keller — Worship is seeing what God is worth and giving him what he's worth. (Today's Best Illustrations)

(Ed Young) When we see God as He truly is, we see ourselves as we truly are. That is where real worship begins. (Forward in book, Where Real Worship Begins, by James Draper)

II.                    What Worship Is

A. Worship is an attitude.

There are probably a number of attitudes that we could associate with the whole idea of worship. The list would obviously include these:

1. Attitude of humility

All of the references we made earlier to the concepts of bowing down, prostrating one’s self, etc. indicate the outward display of an inward attitude of humility and unworthiness to approach the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and the sovereign power figure / authority figure of the whole universe.

Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

When any person comes into the presence of the Holy One it will be immediate recognition of our unworthiness to be in His presence. Every thought of self-importance and every idea of self-assertion will absolutely melt away in the presence of Divine Majesty.

Paul Stromberg Rees – If you can leave your church on Sunday morning with no feeling of discomfort, of conviction, of brokenness, of challenge, then for you the hour of worship has not been as dangerous as it should have been. The ease with which we go on being Christian sentimentalists is one of our worst faults. (Draper's Book of Quotations)

Richard J. Foster – If worship does not change us, it has not been worship. To stand before the Holy One of eternity is to change. Worship begins in holy expectancy; it ends in holy obedience. (Draper's Book of Quotations)

This thought leads us to mention two other attitudes that always accompany worship.

2. Attitude of surrender

3. Attitude of service

Any acknowledgement of God that does not lead one to surrender and service is a mere pretense. It cannot be a true understanding.

B. Worship is a lifestyle.

Some people have reduced the idea of worship to the designated time for singing songs that usually occurs at the beginning of a church meeting. This concept is such a narrow view of true worship.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

When we come together for corporate worship, we sing to worship and ascribe worth and glory to God. We pray to acknowledge His supremacy and our dependency. We pray for His will to be accomplished in our lives and in our world so He will be exalted. We don’t pray just so we can have an easier life. We do it as a way of engaging in spiritual warfare so that God’s will is done and God’s name is honored and exalted among the righteous and among the heathen. We give our tithes and offerings generously and cheerfully, not out of obligation or to be noticed, but out of a sincere desire to honor Him; a sincere desire to promote what God is doing locally and globally. We hear the Word because it’s His Word. We need and want to hear what God has to say to us. It’s a way of worshiping Him and acknowledging the worth and value of His message.

Whatever we do – we should be doing it all to exalt and glorify and honor the Lord!

Abraham J. Heschel – Worship is a way of living, a way of seeing the world in the light of God... to rise to a higher level of existence, to see the world from the point of view of God. (Draper's Book of Quotations)

(Illustrations Unlimited) A budget is a theological document. It indicates who or what we worship.

We can say the same thing about our work, our recreation, our relationships, etc. etc. Do we conduct all of these areas of our lives as if we are doing it for God? Do we conduct all of these tasks in a way that causes people around us to honor and exalt God?

Conclusion:

John Henry Jowett — We leave our places of worship, and no deep and inexpressible wonder sits upon our faces. We can sing these lilting melodies, and when we go out into the streets our faces are one with the faces of those who have left the theaters and the music halls. There is nothing about us to suggest that we have been looking at anything stupendous and overwhelming... And what is the explanation of the loss? Preeminently our impoverished conception of God. (Today's Best Illustrations)

What Jowett is saying is this: it’s not a necessary part of my job as your pastor to make you feel comfortable and jubilant when you leave here every Sunday. There are times, when we’ve truly acquired a glimpse of God’s majesty and glory, that we will feel uneasy about the status quo of our devotion and service to Him.

This assessment not only applies to our meetings for corporate worship, but it also applies to our personal, private worship. Far too often we start off our day and end our day without a genuine encounter with the Holy One of eternity.

For some professing Christians, it has been weeks or months, perhaps even years since they have had an encounter with God that profoundly changed their perception of God as well as their perception of time and eternity.

May God help us to recapture the true concept and act of worship in our lives and in our churches!

Our closing song today is: I Give All to You 

What Is a Mom?

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This is a sermon that was given on Mother's Day and it attempts to describe some of the roles or tasks that moms perform as illustrated in various passages of Scripture.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

What is a Mom? Boy, we could probably spend the rest of the service just going around the room and getting answers to that question.

A pastor from OK wrote this question with the following answer: What are mothers? Well, mothers are teachers. Mothers are disciplinarians. Mothers are cleaning ladies. Some mothers are gardeners & mowers of lawns. Mothers are nurses & doctors & psychologists & counselors & chauffeurs & coaches. Mothers are developers of personalities, molders of vocabularies, & shapers of attitudes. Mothers are soft voices saying, "I love you." And mothers are a link to God, a child's first impression of God's love. Mothers are all these things & much, much more.

His list pretty well covers it all, especially when he ended it by saying, “and much, much more!”

A teacher gave her class of second graders a lesson on the magnet and what it does. The next day in a written test, she included this question: “My full name has six letters. The first one is M. I pick up things. What am I?" When the test papers were turned in, the teacher was astonished to find that almost 50 percent of the students answered the question with the word Mother. (sermonillustrations.com)

That is actually one of the things a mother does, but that probably isn’t the best answer to the question, “What is a mom?”

I want to take a little while today to use various Scripture texts to describe what a mother really is.

I.      A mom is the giver of life.

Genesis 3:20   And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.

We know from plenty of texts in Scripture that God is the ultimate source of life.

A mom is the person God uses to carry that unborn baby and let her body provide the safety and nourishment he needs until he is developed enough to survive on his own.

Moms provide life.

II.    A mom is a teacher

Proverbs 1:7-9 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

This text in Prov. 1 is one of many references in the Bible that indicate the gift of teaching that moms possess. Word “instruction” appears in verses 7 & 8.

True that the word is associated with the role of the father as well, but the indication is that this is what a mother does as well – teach her children things they need to know in life.

Teach: (reading, manners, responsibility, Scriptures, etc.)

Proverbs 31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

Mom is a person that teaches.

III.   A mom is the provider of unconditional love and comfort.

Isaiah 49:15 ^(NKJV) "Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.”

The implication of this verse is this: It MAY happen that a mother could forget her child and refuse to show love or compassion, but the wording of the text makes it very clear that it is not normal, nor is it something we would expect.

Isaiah 66:13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

1 Thessalonians 2:7 ^(NKJV) But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

These are just a few of the passages that emphasize the kind of love that a mother has for her children. Even mothers of convicted and condemned murderers will speak of their love for their sons/daughters.

A mom is a person that carries a love for her children that no one else can quite understand.

IV.   A mom is a molder of faith.

2 Timothy 1:5 ^(NKJV) when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

Paul had just mentioned his constant prayers for Timothy and his great desire to see him and he adds that he remembers the genuine/sincere faith Timothy has. He then explains how that rock-solid faith was developed in him – it came from his grandmother and his mother. Both of these women had successfully transmitted a sincere faith in God to this son who had proven his faith by serving the Lord in a tremendous ministry.

A Mom is a person that transfers faith in the Lord to the next generation.

Conclusion:

As I indicated at the beginning of the message, there are many more things we could include in the “definition” of a mom.

Let me just finish by saying a mom is a person worthy of respect and honor. She may have many faults and may have made many mistakes (who among us hasn’t?). But, with all of the love, tenderness, nurture and work she puts into the lives of her children, mom deserves recognition, respect and our heart-felt gratitude.

Sam Ewing (author) ―  “When you feel neglected, think of the female salmon, who lays 3,000,000 eggs but no one remembers her on Mother's Day” (http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/mother?)

For our closing song today I chose a chorus that probably could be the testimony of every Christian mother everywhere.

Learning to Lean

Heaven on Earth

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This is a sermon that explores the need for God's holy presence to fill us so that we don't have to wait until we get to heaven in order to sense His nearness. It also speaks about the need for God's people to live out His presence so that the darkness around us is overcome by heaven's influence through God's people.

Written Excerpts:

Matthew 6:10 ^(NKJV) Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

Introduction:

It seems as though there has been a fascination among people of all times with the idea of “heaven on earth” or what we might call utopian societies. People have repeatedly experimented with the idea of forming communities where everyone lives in harmony, no greed, no vices, no one takes advantage of anyone else, and everyone contributes equally to the overall benefit of the community.

For example: (http://www.history.com/news/history-lists/5-19th-century-utopian-communities-in-the-united-states)

Utopian communities in 19th-century [1800’s] America were considered by many to herald a new age in human civilization. Often led by charismatic leaders with high religious or secular moral ideals, these settlements experimented wildly with different models of government, marriage, labor and wealth. Hundreds of such societies littered the U.S. landscape during the 1800s, most disappearing without a trace….

The philosophical movement known as Transcendentalist was in full swing when Unitarian minister George Ripley founded Brook Farm in the rural Boston suburb of West Roxbury in 1841. The community wasn’t particularly unique for its time—after all, more than 80 utopian communities were launched in the 1840s alone—but it was notable as the first purely secular one. Members farmed the land together and held the fruits of their labor in common. The idea was that this would give settlers more time to pursue their own literary and scientific interests, which would then benefit the rest of humankind. Money troubles and internal squabbling eventually eroded the community, which disbanded after only a few years in existence. Founding member Nathaniel Hawthorne ended up having a pretty miserable time there, which he would later document in his fictionalized account of Brook Farm, “Blithedale Romance.”

The history seems to show that human attempts at creating an earthly utopia have dramatically failed. No matter how noble or even how “spiritual” the founders and their motives might have been, experiments have proven that human nature tainted by original sin generally stifles such efforts. My message today is not a call to form another utopian community of peace and harmony! Having said that, I do want to share with you some of the thoughts that have been on my mind and in my heart lately as a result of some articles I have read.

With the help of the Lord, I want to explore the message implied in the words that Christ taught us in the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

(Some scholars say the phrase, “On earth as it is in heaven” is a qualifier that should apply to all three of the preceding clauses – hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; and thy will be done.) This is a petition which Jesus Himself instructs us to pray. In some real and genuine form, we are to pray for and expect these things to come on earth as in heaven.

I want to first of all share some quotes from an author by the name of Peter Cheyne, because I can’t make this point any better than he does. These comments come from an article he wrote about 7 years ago and was titled, “Make up There Come down Here.”

Human beings have always had this sense that there is another world. …we have this persistent belief that there is something beyond death. Some people may say they don’t believe that, but different civilizations down through the centuries have consistently believed that there is another world beyond death.

Eccl 3:11 God has set eternity in the hearts of men….

The only way to really know what heaven is like and to really know what it is like to be in the presence of God seems to be to die….

Is the gospel about what happens to you when you’re dead? Is it all about “getting into heaven”?

Many people do have that understanding. The gospel – the good news – is about being forgiven and reconciled to God so that when we die we go to heaven.

Of course, the gospel is about being forgiven and going to heaven but if that is all then Christianity boils down to waiting to go to heaven and it is good news only when you die. I think tens of thousands of Christians take that view: I’m OK. Jesus has saved me. Now I am simply waiting to go to heaven….

Is the gospel [only] about obtaining your ticket to heaven and is it [only] good news after we die? Or, is the gospel about experiencing God now? Is the gospel [only] about us going to heaven, or [is it also] about heaven coming to us – now, in this life?

Listen to [author] John Ortberg: Sometimes people pray a version of the Star Trek prayer to Scottie: “Beam me up.” Many people think our job is to get my afterlife destination taken care of, then tread water till we all get ejected and God comes back and torches this place. But Jesus never told anybody – neither his disciples nor us – to pray “Get me out of here so I can go up there.” His prayer was, “Make up there come down here.” Make things down here run the way they do up there. (p.176)

For the rest of our time today, I want to speak about three ingredients that I believe are essential in order for what is “Up there to come down here.”

I.      Desire God more than anything

Psalm 42:1-2 ^(NKJV) As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

Psalm 63:1-2 ^(NKJV) O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory.

Psalm 73:25 ^(NKJV) Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.

These verses I’ve read from the Psalms describe the yearning heart of the Psalmist who longs for the intimate and distinct presence of the Lord. We’re so accustomed to this world, and most of us are so “wrapped up” in this world that we don’t really desire God like we should or like He desires us to want Him. We are far too contented to live life with the benefits and pleasures we currently have rather than to desire more of God’s presence among us and with us.

I find that for most people, the only time we really long for heaven (i.e. God’s presence) is when things are not going well at all – suffering; heartaches; sorrow; etc. But, as long as life is going well and we can enjoy the pleasures of this world, we wouldn’t care if it never ends.

I’ve talked to many people who are so involved in worldly pleasures that it really doesn’t seem to occur to them that they are missing the greatest part of life – experiencing the presence of God; knowing Him; and worshiping Him.

Our concept of "heaven on earth" is a world where we get everything we want, we live in comfort, we enjoy most if not all of the material blessings we dream about, etc. But, in reality it means having the supernatural presence of God, with God's will being accomplished as evil is being overcome. It is the surpassing confidence that in spite of whatever seems to be going wrong, God is still in control and is going to bring good out of it all.

One of the ingredients for experiencing “heaven on earth” is to have a passionate desire for God.

II.    Experience God’s presence

When we talk about the presence of God, there is a sense in which it is hard to distinguish whether the desire must precede the experience, or if the experience must create the desire. It may be a little of both. It makes sense to say that one really can’t desire God until he/she has at least had some limited experience of God’s presence that stimulates the passionate desire for more.

(Kirk Dearman, Worship Leader & Song Writer) Many years ago, my wife and I were extremely blessed to be a part of a genuine and sovereign visitation of God that was taking place in two particular churches in our area. We realize now that what we experienced in those days was the exception and not the norm for most local congregations.

As we gathered to worship the Lord during those exciting days, there was such a sense of expectation and a tangible awareness of God's presence. Many times we would be so overwhelmed by His presence that we could only respond by falling to our knees, or lying completely prostrate in an attitude of deep reverence. Often the pastor would be compelled to set aside his sermon and we would worship... sometimes for as long as two hour! The goal of our worship was to touch God's heart; to connect with Him in such a way that He would, in turn, respond to us, individually and corporately. We understood that we were coming together to meet with God, to "commune" with Him. It wasn't at all about us, it wasn't about the songs or the band. It was all about Him. The prevailing attitude of the congregation during those unforgettable times of corporate worship was one of profound reverence, wonder and awe. I have often said over the years that once you have experienced such times of corporate worship, you can never be satisfied with anything less.

What did I learn during those times of glorious worship?

I think the main thing I learned is to treasure God's presence. A healthy reverence for Him and for His presence was deeply ingrained into my spirit. I also learned that, far from being my "buddy", God is absolutely and wholly "Other", transcendent, and far beyond my comprehension. The early church fathers knew that much about God is shrouded in mystery. They called this mystery the mysterium tremendum, or "awesome mystery."

What makes heaven, heaven? It is the presence of divinity. It is the presence of Jesus.

(Jonathan Parnell, “Where Is Heaven on Earth?”) (http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/where-is-heaven-on-earth) Wherever the risen Christ is, that is heaven. That is why John’s vision in Revelation has heaven coming here, heralded as, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man” (Rev. 21:1–3).

When we seek for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, we are essentially seeking for the presence of God to be just as real here as it is there. We are seeking for Jesus to be just as close to us “here” as He is “up there.”

Experiencing the presence of God like Kirk Dearman and others have described is not a simple task or process. As I indicated in a message I gave about a month ago (The Still Small Voice), it requires intentional effort to get quiet enough before God and to approach Him with the right spirit and attitude.

So, the second necessary ingredient for having “heaven on earth” is to experience the real, genuine presence of God Himself.

III.   Engage in God’s enterprise

Finally, let’s consider the third ingredient that is necessary to have heaven on earth. What does it look like when “What is up there comes down here?”

(Jonathan Parnell) Until the [final] reality of God’s new creation overwhelms this old one, the way that heaven touches this world now is through his people — by his Spirit, through his people . . . people like you and me.

(Peter Cheyne) Jesus called His first disciples saying, “I will make you fishers of men”; not “I will make you comfortable” but “I will make you fishers of men.” He left them saying, “Go into all the world and make disciples.” On another occasion he said, “I chose you to go and bear much fruit – fruit that will last.” (Jn 15:16) The Biblical picture is not of us receiving salvation and waiting to be beamed up to heaven. The Biblical picture is of us being called to be agents bringing the Kingdom of God into this world.”

He continues… John 17:15-18 ¹⁵ My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

Jesus’ prayer is not that we be plucked out of this nasty world but that we are sent into this sad world. Sent into the world, just like Jesus was sent into the world, to be an agent of the Kingdom of God.

…the misunderstanding that we are simply waiting to be plucked out of this world [along with] the [idea that the] good news is only really good news after we die, is keeping many people from seeking to experience God’s presence and power in their lives here and now. It is by becoming agents of the Kingdom and working for God’s will to be done in our own lives and our homes and workplaces and our society, that we do experience God.

When Jesus prayed, “As You have sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world,” He is defining our mission and purpose. We are the ones that are to help bring “what’s up there down here.”

Our lives are not to be all wrapped up in making our world as comfortable as it can be for ourselves, but it is to be wrapped up in making others around us feel as though a little bit of heaven has broken through into their chaotic world by bringing light to their darkness, healing to their pain, and robust life to their spiritual corpses.

When we connect with God in a way that was described at the beginning of the message, then we are in the best condition spiritually to go out and spread the “heaven on earth” experience with whomever we find that is in need of “good news.”

Let’s “Take Time to be Holy” then go spread it around!

Take Time to Be Holy 

Because He Lives

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This is an Easter sermon that explores the various benefits that we enjoy because of Christ's resurrection from the dead.

Written excerpts:

1 Corinthians 15:13-14 ^(NKJV) But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. ¹⁴ And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

Introduction:

Dr. George Sweeting (former president and chancellor of the Moody Bible Institute), tells of an incident in the early 1920s when Communist leader Nikolai Bukharin was sent from Moscow to Kiev to address an anti-God rally. For an hour he abused and ridiculed the Christian faith until it seemed as if the whole structure of belief was in ruins. Then questions were invited. An Orthodox Church priest rose and asked to speak. He turned, faced the people, and gave the Easter greeting, "He is risen!" Instantly the assembly rose to its feet and the reply came back loud and clear, "He is risen indeed!"  Today in the Word, September, 1989, (sermonillustrations.com)

We’ve been celebrating today as we rehearse the details of our Lord’s resurrection from the dead. No matter how you look at it – it was and is a great victory over Satan, over sin, and over death! All of our hymns and special music have reviewed the events of the resurrection.

Before we conclude our service, I want to take a little time to remind us again about some of the benefits we have because of the resurrection.

This is more of a topical message and it certainly isn’t exhaustive because we’ve talked about various benefits of the resurrection in the past and there are other benefits that we still haven’t explored.

Here are some of the benefits I am happy about this Easter:

I.      Because He lives, our preaching and faith is confirmed.

1 Corinthians 15:13-14 ^(NKJV) But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

If there’s no resurrection, then we might as well close the doors of every church. We have no message of salvation and no message of hope. If there’s no resurrection, we have nothing to trust in. We have no basis for faith or for living according to the principles of the Bible.

II.    Because He lives, we have an intercessor in heaven.

Hebrews 7:25 ^(NKJV) Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives (KJV, ever liveth) to make intercession for them.

III.   Because He lives, we have power for victorious living.

Romans 8:11 ^(NKJV) But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

In my own power and strength I can only expect failure as I try to live pleasing to the Lord. But with the resurrection power of the Spirit I can have victory over sin and I can live in fellowship with Christ and experience the abundant life that Jesus promised to give.

IV.   Because He lives, we can expect His return.

John 14:2-3 ^(NKJV) In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Acts 1:11 … Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

If you ask me any questions about when Jesus is coming back, I have to admit that I don’t know. But if you ask me IF Jesus is coming back, I’ll answer without the slightest hesitation, “YES!”

Conclusion:

All four of these things I’ve mentioned this morning are only possible and only true because the resurrection of Jesus Christ is true!

If He hadn’t risen from the dead, we would be miserably lost and hopeless.

Anatomy of a Denial

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This is a message that was given on Palm Sunday and focuses on the Scripture references to Peter's denial of Christ.

Written Excerpts:

Luke 22:61-62 ^(NKJV) And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So Peter went out and wept bitterly.

Introduction:

I don’t know what comes to your mind when you hear the word anatomy. I suppose that some of those who are current or former nurses might get a case of jitters by hearing the word! I’ve never taken an Anatomy & Physiology course, but I’ve heard some pretty harsh descriptions of it from some of my friends in the past!

For me, the word anatomy actually brings flashbacks of biology labs. It was considered so important for students to learn the anatomy of a seemingly endless number of creatures (e.g. frogs, earthworms, and starfish). Therefore, we were treated to hours and hours of dissecting critters in lab classes and then study for hours so that we could pass the lab exams which consisted of numbered straight pins stuck into every part of the specimen so we could accurately identify each part by the corresponding number on our test paper.

I can’t remember who related this story to me years ago, but I heard about a student in a biology lab one time who took a piece of his chewing gum and planted inside his frog then called his teacher over to ask “What is this mass in this frog?” I’m sorry I can’t remember exactly how the story ended up, but I do remember that the person told me how the teacher was all excited because they had found a tumor in the frog!

In addition to using the term in relation to human body structure, the word anatomy is sometimes used to refer to the various “parts” that make up anything. So, the word can also refer to a minute examination or analysis of something.

The passage of Scripture that was read earlier contained the account of Peter’s denial of the Lord when Jesus was taken into custody and brought to the home of the high priest. As you might be able to tell from the sermon title, I hope to “dissect” Peter’s denial to discover the components that led up to his failure.

I.       He Made a Self-Confident Boast

Luke 22:33 ^(NKJV) But he said to Him, "Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death."

Matthew 26:31-35 ^(NKJV) Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee." Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble." Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" And so said all the disciples.

Some believe that Peter is declaring his willingness to fight and even die a martyr’s death in defending his Master. Perhaps even thinking about the heroic Maccabean martyrs of a couple hundred years prior. He seems to be oblivious to the weakness that lurk within himself and cannot imagine any scenario in which he wouldn’t be willing to stand and fight with and for his Lord.

We need to be aware that in ourselves we can do nothing. We are weak, ill-equipped, and even unwilling to be what we need to be unless we are filled with the presence and power of the living Christ through His Spirit.

We need the appropriate balance between: “I am nothing in myself” and “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

II.     He Maintained a Self-Preserving Distance

Luke 22:54 ^(NKJV) Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed at a distance.

The first thing we should notice here is the fact that all the other disciples left and fled. At least Peter kept following, even if it was at a distance.

The scene that is described leads us to infer that Peter followed from a distance in order to preserve his own life. It may be that things were getting much more dangerous and serious than he imagined.

Peter had boasted that he was ready to die with Jesus, but Jesus wasn’t putting up a fight. He was being led away like a lamb to the slaughter. Jesus isn’t mounting any type of resistance. There apparently isn’t going to be any valiant battle in which Peter could die a heroic martyr. This is not a battle against formidable odds. This is a “sacrifice;” a “voluntary sacrifice.”

As we walk with Christ there are going to be those times when we will be tempted to distance ourselves from Jesus because it is getting too dangerous to be identified with Him.

III.    He Mingled with the Self-Concealing Crowd

Luke 22:55 ^(NKJV) Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them.

The next description we read about Peter is that he is sitting among the mob. The Bible doesn’t describe these people. It doesn’t say whether they’re for Jesus or against Him. Perhaps they are just curious to see what’s going to happen. But Peter seems to be wanting to just blend in; not stand out or not be conspicuous.

Wesleyan Bible Commentary – Under the pressure of being identified with Jesus, Peter denied that he had any acquaintance with or association with Him. Most likely, rather than verbally denying Jesus, we seek to separate ourselves from Him by quietly blending in with those who oppose Him. Being lost in the comfort of the crowd is preferred to sharing in "the fellowship of his sufferings" (Phil. 3:10). Peter's denial is too often repeated by those who sit with the crowd rather than stand up and stand out for Jesus.

This crowd was self-concealing in two ways:

1. Even though he wasn’t successful in his attempt, it was a way to conceal his physical identity.

2. It was also a way to conceal his spiritual/religious identity. “Who me? I’m not one of HIS disciples.” (“I’m just here to watch what is happening like the rest of you.”)

We can make the same kind of choices if we’re not alert. We are tempted at times to just find a “normal” worldly crowd to blend in with so no one will recognize that we’re one of those “Wayside fanatics.”

I’m not suggesting that we shouldn’t be engaging the people of the world around us. There is a legitimate interaction we must have in order to be salt and light. But I’m talking about attempting to “blend in” so that no one recognizes my identity as a Christian. It is a lot less threatening and less “painful” to merely be a “fan” of Jesus like a lot of other people, rather than a true “follower” that is willing to sacrifice for Jesus.

There are clear and definite dangers with mingling with the “heathen.” For example, listen to

Deuteronomy 7:1-4 ^(NKJV) "When the LORD your God brings you into the land which you go to possess, and has cast out many nations before you… seven nations greater and mightier than you, and when the LORD your God delivers them over to you, you shall conquer them and utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them nor show mercy to them. Nor shall you make marriages with them. You shall not give your daughter to their son, nor take their daughter for your son. For they will turn your sons away from following Me, to serve other gods; so the anger of the LORD will be aroused against you and destroy you suddenly.

Why did God order them to completely destroy the residents of Canaan? Two reasons: to keep His people from adopting the practices of the heathen; and because the “day of judgment” had come for the Canaanites. (See Deut. 9:5)

Deuteronomy 9:5 ^(NKJV) It is not because of your righteousness or the uprightness of your heart that you go in to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD your God drives them out from before you, and that He may fulfill the word which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The NT carries the same message:

2 Corinthians 6:14-15 ^(NKJV) Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?

When we allow ourselves to get too closely tied in with the part of the world that is opposed to righteousness and holiness there is a risk of compromising our biblical convictions in order to “fit in.” Mixing/blending too well with unbelievers opens the door for an outright denial of our Lord and our faith.

Conclusion:

I’m thankful that the story doesn’t end with Peter’s denial. Even in the moment of greatest failure, there is a glimmer of hope expressed in the words, “He went out and wept bitterly.”

The look of Jesus.

Wesleyan Bible Commentary – William Barclay wrote, "The penalty of sin is to face, not the anger of Jesus, but the heartbreak in His eyes."

The prayer of Jesus.

Luke 22:31-32 ^(NKJV) And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."

The restoration of Peter.

John 21:15ff – Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. It seems like it is meant to reflect the three denials. But just as importantly, Jesus reinstates Peter to the work of a disciple – “feed my sheep,” and “follow me.”

The Path to Revival

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This is a sermon that was given during the Lenten season to stimulate prayer and interest in personal spiritual renewal and revival. The message draws its emphasis from several different passages of Scripture that emphasize revival.

Written Excerpts:

Psalm 85:6 (NKJV) Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?

Introduction:

During the Lenten season it is common for us to speak about self-denial, sacrifice, seeking after God, etc. One of the emphases that is also appropriate to focus on at this time, and really any time, is the topic of revival or spiritual renewal. I felt led to concentrate on that theme for the message today. Springtime and Easter is all about new life and resurrection, but there is a sense in which we usually talk about renewal and getting closer to God as we are leading up to Easter.

The passage of Scripture from Psalm 80 that was read earlier had quite a bit to say about revival and restoration. We are also going to be looking at some other passages today in our discussion I’m calling “The Path to Revival.”

If you ask almost any Christian believer they will tell you that they’re interested in revival and renewal. However, it takes more than mere interest or conversation to bring about true revival.

A U.S. Lutheran bishop tells of visiting a parish church in California and finding a stirring red and orange banner on the wall. "Come Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!" it declared in words printed under a picture of a fire burning. The bishop was also interested in the sign directly underneath the banner which said: "Fire extinguisher." So much for that parish's commitment to spiritual renewal.  “One World,” May, 1982. (sermonillustrations.com)

Well, I’d say that the picture and banner were not located in the best possible place to avoid conflicting messages! But it does illustrate the fact that it’s a lot easier to talk about revival than to truly experience one.

With the help of the Lord I want to talk to us a little while about what revival is and some biblical instructions for experiencing it.

What is revival?

Revival is the inrush of the Spirit into a body that threatens to become a corpse. – D. M. Panton (Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World.)

In the physical world or secular world we use the word “revival” to mean the resurrecting of something dead, the healing of someone that is sick, or the empowering or strengthening of something that is weak.

We’ve probably all heard of cases where a patient goes into cardiac arrest and dies for several minutes, but the patient is resuscitated and brought back to life again by medical personnel. We would say, “They were revived.”

Or, we may know of someone that is very sick and unable to carry on their normal activities or daily routine. They may go to the doctor or even go to the hospital, and after a process of healing and recuperation we would say, “They’ve been revived.”

The same is true regarding someone that has simply lost strength or maybe even regarding an electrical outage. When strength has been regained or the power is back on, we would say, “The strength was revived or the power was revived.”

The same idea of revival can be applied to the spiritual world.

“Revival” – The moving, energetic force of the Holy Spirit that resurrects the dead, cures the sick and empowers the weak.

·     dead = loss of spiritual life; dead in trespasses and sins, etc.

·     sick = false doctrine or at least misplaced emphases in theology and in practice. (Some people turn minor issues into major ones and major issues into minor ones).

·     weak = some spiritual life, correct theology or view of truth, but discouraged, unable to make inroads into the devil’s turf.

The only answer to all of these undesirable conditions is the mighty power of the Holy Spirit. We all know instinctively that the Spirit of God can do more than anything else or anyone else to change the condition the church world is in today. God can do more in mere minutes than anything man can accomplish in a lifetime.

But, history and biblical record informs us that God will only respond with revival fires when people truly seek Him in a way that is consistent with His will.

What is the path to revival?

1. Humble Confession

Isaiah 57:15 ^(NKJV) For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

2 Chron. 7¹⁴ if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves…

Revival won’t come until we admit our need.

In 1936 revival fires broke out on the campus of Wheaton College west of Chicago. A senior named Don Hillis arose in chapel to voice a plea for revival. Students responded with an all-day prayer meeting on Saturday. Both faculty and students confessed sin and made things right with one another. (Revival Insights by Oliver Price – sermonillustrations.com)

2. Repentance

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 ^(NKJV) When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

3. Prayer / Intercession

“…humble themselves, and pray and seek My face…”

J. Edwin Orr [a researcher] on prayer and spiritual awakening wrote: "Whenever God is ready to do something new with His people, He always sets them to praying." This was certainly true during the First Great Awakening. (sermonillustrations.com)

In the spring of 1904 a young Welshman named Evan Roberts was repeatedly awakened to pray from 1:00 to 5:00 a.m. By November a powerful spiritual awakening was spreading through Wales. (sermonillustrations.com)

4. Obedience

Obedience is so important. All through the Scriptures, OT & NT, God makes it clear that He expects His people to be obedient. Praying will accomplish little or nothing unless we obey what the Lord reveals to us in prayer and in His Word.

What does revival do?

Revival is an invasion from heaven that brings a conscious awareness of God. – Stephen Olford.

When we truly get revived by the Holy Spirit, people will be able to feel His presence in our church services, but more importantly, in our lives.

(J.I. Packer, Your Father Loves You – sermonillustrations.com) Revival always begins with a restoration of the sense of the closeness of the Holy One.

Second, the gospel is loved as never before. The sense of God's nearness creates an overwhelming awareness of one's own sins and sinfulness, and so the power of the cleansing blood of Christ is greatly appreciated.

Then repentance deepens. In the Ulster revival in the 1920s shipyard workers brought back so many stolen tools that new sheds had to be built to house the recovered property! Repentance results in restitution.

Finally, the Spirit works fast: godliness multiplies, Christians mature, converts appear. Paul was at Thessalonica for less than three weeks, but God worked quickly and Paul left a virile church behind him.

Conclusion:

Howard Spring – The kingdom of God is not going to advance by churches becoming filled with men, but rather by men in churches becoming filled with God.

Isaiah 44:3 ^(NKJV) For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, And floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, And My blessing on your offspring;

Lady asked Billy Sunday:

"Why do you keep having revivals when it doesn't last?"

He responded by asking her, "Why do you keep taking baths?"

We must have repeated visitations from heaven. We need repeated outpourings of the Holy Spirit upon us. The tendency for a fire is to go out. The fuel burns low and mere embers are left glowing. It takes new fuel and the gentle blowing of the wind (oxygen) to cause it to flame up again. So it is in the spiritual realm. We need the wind of the Spirit to blow on use until we are ignited again into a brilliant flame for the glory of God.

The Still Small Voice

(To download an mp3 file of this message, click on the title above. To listen online, click on the play button of the audio player shown.)

This sermon emphasizes one of the ways that God speaks to us and how we can prepare to hear it.

Written Excerpts:

Psalm 46:10 ^(KJV) Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
1 Kings 19:11-12 ^(NKJV) Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

Introduction:  As we have repeatedly stated, the season of Lent is a time when Christians are encouraged to focus on spiritual renewal and improving our connection to Christ.

Sometimes we look at characteristics of Christ’s own life and try to incorporate those qualities into our own lives better than before. When we study the life of Christ in the Scriptures we discover His frequent use of solitude.

We read multiple times of Jesus getting alone to pray; going up on a mountain to pray; etc. There is one place (Mk. 6:31) where Jesus urges His disciples to “come apart and rest awhile.” If Jesus felt the need to get away and get alone, then how much more do we need it?

Being alone and being quiet isn’t very easy to do sometimes.

(Some of you may have heard a joke that goes something like this…)

Brother Andrew decided to enter a monastery to become a monk.

The Abbot who was head of the monastery welcomed the new brother and said, "Brother Andrew, we’ve taken a vow of silence at this monastery. You are welcome here as long as you like, but you may not speak until I direct you to do so."

Brother Andrew lived in the monastery for 5 years before the Abbot called for him and said, "You have been here for 5 years. You can now speak just two words."

Brother Andrew thought for a moment and then replied, "Hard bed."

"I'm sorry to hear that," the Abbot said, "We will get you a better bed."

After another 5 years, Brother Andrew was summoned again by the Abbot. "You may say another two words."

"Cold food," said Brother Andrew, and the Abbot assured him that the food would be better in the future.

On his 15th anniversary at the monastery, the Abbot again called Brother Andrew into his office. "You may say two words today."

Brother Andrew blurted out, "I quit."

"Well, it's probably best", said the Abbot, "You've done nothing but complain ever since you got here."

I suppose there may be some instances of solitude and silence that do not end up well, but there is a great benefit from one of the spiritual disciplines known as solitude and silence.

In the passage of Scripture that was read earlier, the prophet Elijah had just been vigorously standing up for God in a nation that had drifted far away under the evil leadership of King Ahab and his wicked wife, Jezebel. One of the most notable conflicts with the king and queen resulted from the contest on Mount Carmel with the prophets of Baal (chapter 18).

If you recall, that miraculous display of God’s power and authority prompted Elijah to call for the prophets of Baal to be rounded up and executed for their role in leading the nation away from God. This infuriated Jezebel, who promised to find Elijah and execute him. So, Elijah flees to the wilderness and is in hiding. He is depressed, discouraged and badly in need of some direct word from the Lord.

Read 1 Kings 19:11-12, Then He [God] said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

The Word of God clearly states, “…the Lord was not in the wind… the Lord was not in the earthquake… the Lord was not in the fire.” After the fire there was a “still small voice.” The phrase that had been repeated three times earlier (the Lord was not in…) is not stated this fourth time, so the inference we draw is that God’s presence was revealed in the still small voice.

Now I would like to link this passage with one from the Psalms:

Psalm 46:10 ^(KJV) Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

I propose to you this morning that if we are ever going to be able to hear the still small voice amidst all of the winds, earthquakes and fires going on around us, then it is going to require us at times to “be still and know that God is really God.”

There are really only two questions I want to address today in an attempt to stress the importance of getting closer to God in this season of Lenten renewal and revival.

How do we get to the place we can hear the Voice?

What happens when we do hear the Voice? 

I.    How do we get in the place to hear God’s voice?

A. Get “shoved” out in the wilderness by God.

As the Scripture was read earlier from 1 Kings 19, we learned that Elijah was being threatened by the queen because he had just won a marvelous victory over the prophets of Baal and had executed all 400 of them.

According to verse 2, the messenger brought a very simple message from the queen, “I’m going to kill you!”  So Elijah takes off for the wilderness. Once he arrives there we read that he’s alone, hungry, exhausted, depressed, and maybe a few more things wrong with his life right now. He’s ready to die, but God provides shade from the sun, food and water even when he isn’t able to do it for himself. Then God calls him out on the side of the mountain to speak to him.

It’s hard to imagine what all might have been going through Elijah’s mind as he witnesses all of these different phenomena, but at last he hears a “still small voice.”

I want to come back to this story again, but I want to emphasize the truth revealed to us here that sometimes the only way God can get us alone enough and quiet enough to hear His voice is to force us out into the wilderness through some threat, some kind of disaster or some other tragedy in our lives. I believe that God has a unique way of orchestrating circumstances in our lives in order to bring us to the place where we are shut away, alone and quiet before Him. Then He can begin to speak to us in a quiet voice, “This is the way. Walk in it.”

When we’re exhausted from doing so much for God, then He can quiet us down and speak to us more clearly in our moments of uncertainty, perplexity and quietness.

B. We can also get in the place to hear God’s quiet voice by deliberately choosing to go there.

I want to draw your attention back to Psalm 46:10 ^(KJV) Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

The verse starts off with a directive: Be still!

I was able to obtain some interesting mental pictures when I looked up the Hebrew word that is translated “be still.” The word has a variety of meanings and usages including some of these: sink down, drop the hand, leave alone, let go, relax, withdraw… All of these various meanings come from this word as it is used in various contexts.

So, it seems to me that the application of this verse to us would be to for us to do whatever is necessary to let go of the busy-ness of life, relax and withdraw for a while from the “rat race” in order to get alone with God and hear His still small voice.

Some of the speakers at the men’s conference in Saxonburg last Saturday were admonishing us to get rid of the distractions in our lives so we can hear from the Lord. (iPhones, iPads, email, headphones, radio, TV, crowds, etc.) We’re bombarded so much with “noise” that we don’t even realize that we haven’t heard the Lord’s gentle voice in quite a long time!

Stop! Get quiet! Get alone! Listen!

This would be a good place to ask this question: So, do you know why God created the Sabbath? To give you ample opportunity to “Be Still.” The Sabbath wasn’t designed for “leisure time.” It was created for rest time. God built into the created order a day of rest every seven so we could get quiet and rest enough to hear Him and improve our relationship and our connection to Him.

II.  What happens when we do hear God’s voice?

I’m quite sure that there are many, many things we could say here. In fact, only God knows what all can happen if we truly get still and listen to His voice.

But if we look at the two passages of Scripture we’ve been talking about this is what we find.

A. Hearing the voice of God renews our passion and strength.

In the passage from 1 Kings 19, we read,

1 Kings 19:15-16 ^(NKJV) Then the LORD said to him: "Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place.

When Elijah heard the voice of God, he not only was given a renewed ministry (when he thought he was done for, and “all washed up”), but it is implied that he was completely renewed in strength to get up and get going again!

B. Being still and hearing God’s voice enhances our knowledge of Him.

Let’s look again at Ps. 46.

“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen (or nations).”

Getting alone and getting quiet gives us the distinct opportunity to know God better and in deeper ways than ever before.   (Turn to Ps. 46.) As we look back through the verses of Ps. 46 we are reminded of God’s infinite power and protection.

When I get quiet and alone with God it gives me a unique opportunity to get to know God better and therefore be able to trust Him more.

Conclusion:

Several years ago I had the opportunity to attend a conference in Ashland Ohio where Dr. Tan was the speaker and he was speaking on the topic of spiritual disciplines, especially prayer. He has written several books and I’d like to share just a few quotes from one of them regarding the matter of solitude and silence.

“Solitude is being alone in purposeful withdrawal from human interaction. It is a deliberate choice to be alone in order to draw closer to God by the power of the Holy Spirit, thereby freeing ourselves from bondage to people and things. Silence, the absence of speech, is a crucial component of solitude…. Silence prepares us to hear God’s voice and receive revelation and guidance….

“We must seek out times and places of solitude if we are to grow into the heart of God and become more like Jesus.”

During this season of Lent, when we are so accustomed to thinking about self-denial and sacrifice in terms of fasting from food, let us seriously consider the great benefit to our spiritual lives when we “fast” from the noise and bustling activity of daily life and get alone with God for extended periods.

If we do, we can expect to see greater truths from God than we’ve seen for a long time, maybe ever.

Let’s close our service by singing the hymn, Open My Eyes that I May See.