Worship?

I don’t know anyone who denies the New Testament imperatives that we sing God‘s praises together when we gather.

But in addition to the vertical component of directing our praises to God, we’re also seeing a growing acknowledgement of the horizontal component …

Which is the explicit, additional New Testament command that we do it for the purpose of encouraging one another.

As a result, there’s a renewed recognition that such praises – although commanded of us in our gatherings – are not defined in Scripture as worship.

Rather, true worship is another, separate aspect of our walk with the Lord.

So instead of defining it through post-New Testament presumptions and human traditions that emerged in the 4th Century to make “worship” about clergy directed and mediated “church services” …

Many are beginning to embrace its actual New Testament meaning of living holy lives of sacrificial service and reverent obedience to God – 24/7.

Nonetheless, it’s amazing how stirred up some people become when stating these simple truths …

Often because they are so professionally, vocationally and economically invested in perpetuating those contrary, post-New Testament presumptions and human traditions.

You know …

Just like the Pharisees did with their own man-made traditions and religious institutions in Jesus’ day.

So let’s once again learn to actually be disciples 24/7 …

And learn to actually be the church one to another when we gather …

As God actually commands …

Despite the anger and opposition of our own modern-day Pharisees notwithstanding.