PUBLIC WORSHIP

Jer 7:2 Stand in the gate of the LORD’S house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD.

The gathering together of the children of God at the appointed time and place to worship our Redeemer in song, prayer and the preaching of His Word is an incomprehensible blessing ordained and ordered of our merciful God and Savior. There is nothing that should take preeminence over this blessed opportunity and privilege. Our Lord lovingly commands us to not “forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” Hebrews 10:25. This is not optional with those that love Christ, His Word and each other. This is the hearts desire which will be answered, if not Providentially impossible - “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem” Psalms 122:1-2.

The coming together of the church to worship Him is to be with respect, dignity, and in sincerity, in honor and Godly reverence. We are meeting in His Name, to worship Him Who sits on the throne of His glory! If at all possible nothing should be done to distract our thoughts and hearts from concentrating upon Him and His Word. At the best we can do there is far too much of the flesh involved, much less adding to it by rudely and irreverently displaying a lack of interest by making noises and movements that are unnecessary and would distract others. I know that there are those who have aches and pains that cause them to change positions for comfort, this is unavoidable. However, this is a time of worship and our attention should be undisturbed as much as possible - “Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house: they will be still praising Thee” Psalms 84:4.

We live in a casual and careless time in contemporary religion when “going to church” means little. To many it is something to do when there is nothing else to do, and attended as such. I believe we, (out of love and adoration for Him), who profess to believe the true gospel should come together to worship Him, dressed our best, giving our best attention and respect to the best summons and privilege that is afforded to the children of God here on this earth. And as we do, I pray to God that He forgive us for it being so little. I am sure that if we were invited or summoned into the presence of an earthly king, president, or governor we would seek to appear in His courts at our best. These things do not move God, but reflect our attitude toward Him.

Tommy