Chapter 5 - Praise Ye The Lord

(Worship)

Exposition

A Call To Worship

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm. 29:2 - Worship is the highest occupation of the believer, because it gives God what He is worthy of. The whole universe is bound to worship Him. The Father seeks voluntary worship from His redeemed children. John 4:24 - God is Self-sufficient but our Heavenly Father is not Self-satisfied. Worship is the most intimate communion possible between God and His children. We are exhorted to, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” James. 4:8 - When we stand near to Him we loose sight of self and are able to hear His “still small voice” and look into His gentle face. That is “the peace... which passeth all understanding” Php. 4:7 - Our Lord was a frequent guest in a home in Bethany, the home of Martha, Lazarus. and Mary. John.12: 1-7 - These three members of that family illustrate for us the principles of “service, communion and worship” - Martha served, but was too remote to enjoy intimate fellowship with the Master. - Lazarus “sat at the table with Him” - He was closer and enjoyed a more intimate communion. - Mary, at His feet, took costly ointment and anointed Him and wiped His feet with her hair. The Lord defended Mary against her critics because that was the worship, which He was worthy of. At any rate whether it was service or communion or worship, the Lord Jesus was the center and object of their affection.

David the psalmist says, “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” Psalm 29:2 - He agreed that the Lord is worthy of our worship. (The whole universe is bound to worship Him) - He acknowledged that worship is beautiful probably reflected in the beauty of the temple. - He also recognized it must be offered in a state of “holiness” - We remember how Nadab and Abihu offered, “strange fire”, and was instantly judged. Lev.10: 1,2 - We say without hesitation that the “Lord’s Supper” which is the remembrance meeting of the assembly which we have learned

To appreciate each Lord’s Day is the real worship meeting of the assembly. We want to say that worship must not be restricted to that meeting only. Worship must be a continual attitude of the heart, where ever we are and what ever we are doing. It is the overflowing of the heart when in meditation and occupation with the Savior and His redeeming love. - Worship can be expressed either audibly or silently. Three dear sisters who caught the Lord’s attention and commendation exemplify worshiping silently. Mary sat at His feet and silently listened and adored Him. Then there was the woman who silently washed His feet with her tears and the widow who silently gave two mites, (all her living) to the Lord. We must never confuse volume and boisterous vain repetition with worship.

The ark was symbolic of the presence of God, in the midst of His people. David longed for the ark to be in its rightful place, Psalm.105: 1-7 - Notice six elements of worship in this Psalm. First, Thanksgiving, (Verse 1) - God commands Thanksgiving. Psalm. 50:14 - There was a special thanksgiving offering in the Old Testament. Lev.7: 12 - It was a habitual attitude for Daniel to give thanks when he prayed. Daniel.6: 10 - The heavenly host is seen giving thanks as they worship. Rev.4: 9; 7:11,12; 11:16,17 - Second, David worships by calling upon His
Name
: (Verse, 1) ““Glory ye in his holy name”. (Verse, 3) There is no other name for salvation; Acts 4:12 - Third, by making, “known
His deeds
... “Talk ye of all his wondrous works” (verse, 1,2) this would include His power in creation, His longsuffering with Israel and mankind, and His love in redemption. - Forth, worship is accomplished when we, “
sing unto Him
” (verse, 2) It is a “new song” one that couldn’t be sung in Babylon. There they “hung their harps on the willows” (Psalms 137:1-3) In glory the redeemed sing the “song of Moses... and the song of the Lamb”. Rev.15: 3 - Could this be harmony of Old and New Testament saints? Fifth, worship is experienced when we, “
seek the Lord
... His strength... His face” (verse, 4), Seek the Lord because He is worthy, His strength because we are weak, His face to get His smile of approval. His promise to us is, “seek and ye shall find” - Sixth, the Psalmist says, “Remember his marvelous works that he hath done” (Verse, 5) Worship is to make known His deeds, not my needs. The Lord’s Supper is the ideal time to express this, as He said, “this do in remembrance of me” 1Cor.11: 24 - because, Calvary is the central theme of God’s creation we will find that even His deeds in creation, pale in comparison to His work of redemption.

There is a beautiful commentary on the subject of worship in, 1Chronicles.16: 29 - “...worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” - It is a sacrificial act because, we are told to “give... bring an offering” unto the Lord. It is an, intimate communion: as we, “...come before Him...” - It is the highest occupation as we, “...worship the Lord...” - The inner sanctuary worship is both beautiful and holy. (Maybe reflected in the beauty and sanctified vessels in the temple) The Lord deserves the “Firstfruits” because of the “... glory due unto His name...” 1Co.15: 20,23

The first mention of the word, WORSHIP, in the Bible is significant. In Genesis 22:5, when Abraham was on his way into the mountains of Moriah to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering, as the Lord commanded. Abraham said to the young men, “I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you” – FIRST: we learn here that worship is based on a revelation from God. “And God said” See v.1-2 - (Worship to the Lord, as well as work for the Lord, must be guided by the Word of the Lord) – SECOND: worship is conditioned by faith in and obedience to divine revelation. “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac” Heb.11: 17 - (Prompt obedience to the known will of God as revealed in God’s word is essential to true worship) – THIRD: worship involves a costly presentation to God. “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, ... and offer him there for a burnt offering” Gen.22: 2 –

“The noble army of martyrs” gives eloquent witness to the cost of true worship. For us it will cost time in preparation and meditation; prestige in one’s social, business and ecclesiastical circle, and the generous stewardship of material goods. –

FORTH: worship requires a deliberate separation unto God. “And Abraham said unto his young men, “Abide ye here... and I and the lad will go yonder; and we will worship,” FIFTH: worship glorifies God and brings blessing to the worshipper. “Because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee” Gen.22: 16,17 - Abraham ascended into the mountain and presence of God with a heavy burden, but he must have come down with a song in his heart. It may be helpful to consider three words that are closely related to our subject.

(Access, Prayer And Worship)


ACCESS
into the sanctuary, into God’s presence is implied in worship. Access is more then the way by which we enter, it means to, “be
brought
near” - We have to be brought by a power outside ourselves. Our previous position was “afar off” - We were enemies of God and would not want to draw near, and we were dead in trespasses and sins and would not be unable to draw near. Illustrations of this are, the debtor, was brought unto the creditor. Mat.18: 24 - The father who’s son needed healing was told, to, “bring thy son hither” Luke 9:41 - The moral order is; justification, for we were guilty, then peace, for we were enemies; and finally access through our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom.5: 2 This is “Positional” access, but we are called on to exercise “Practical” access every day and this is accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit and prayers of our Great High Priest. Heb.10: 22 -


PRAYER
, We pray because of our connection with the earth. We worship because of our connection with heaven. It has been said, “prayer to the Christian is like the air we breath; it is essential to sustain life” - Like air, prayer has many components; which includes, Intercession, Meditation, Petition, Adoration, Confession and Thanksgiving. All of these prepare and lead the heart to worship. The Lord Jesus is our perfect Pattern for prayer, in His private and public life. Prayer characterizes the early Church; they advanced on their knees. Paul continually commended it. Prayer like natural language is like a child speaking to his father, but it is a language that needs to be learned. The disciples said, “Lord teach us to pray” - Luke 11:1 - Adverse conditions can interrupt radio airwaves, so unconfessed sin and lack of trust etc. can hinder our prayers. It is comforting to know that the, “Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us” Rom.8:26


WORSHIP,
Phrases which characterize worship are, “Bow the knee” - “bend the knee” - “fell down” - “fell at His feet” - This implies that self sinks out of view when the heart is solely occupied with the worth of God the Father and the Son, through the Holy Spirit. Worship is spiritual, lifting the soul above the material and mental. Worship can be imitated but not substituted. - The Lord Jesus was the object of worship by the, leper, ruler, disciples, Syrophenician woman, Zebedee’s mother etc. Not all were allowed to worship Him on earth, but all the redeemed will gladly worship Him in heaven.

What should be the theme of the Lord’s Supper? - We hear spiritually alert Christians comment on the theme they recognized at the Lord’ s Supper. The theme is not necessarily the first prominent word in the first hymn that was sung. The theme is a Person, our Lord Jesus Christ, for He requested, “this do in remembrance of me” 1Cor.11: 23-25 - It will also include His redemptive work, which is symbolized by the breaking of the bread and the drinking of the cup.

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Calvary
is the greatest miracle of the universe. See, Mat.27: 33, 50-53, In creation, the miracle of crossing the Red Sea and sustaining Israel in the wilderness were fulfilled by God’s word and power. But the miracle of Calvary, to redeem sinful man was a miracle of “love and grace” - It cost God His Beloved Son and it cost the Son His precious blood. It is not the place that is preeminent but the Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. - This is when the
VEIL
in the temple was
RENT
. His sufferings and God’s plan of redemption was now finished. It meant that the restricted access the Old Testament saints experienced is now fully open, through, “a new and living way” Heb.10: 20 - At this time there was an,
EARTH QUAKE.
God performs natural phenomenon to remind man of his need. The earthquake, thunder and lightning at Calvary and Sinai were reminders of a holy God and judgement against sin. Now the
GRAVES WERE OPENED
, and three days later
HE AROSE
. The empty tomb, like the bow in the cloud, reminds man of God’s grace and mercy. The message is, “Oh death where is thy sting, O grave where is thy victory?” 1Cor.15: 55 - And again, “because I live, ye shall live also
.... “ John 14:19 - His resurrection was God’s amen to the work of redemption. It established the way for our Great High Priest to ascend and pray and plead for us.

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Outlines

Draw Near

**Heb.10: 19-22 (22)

    I. Positional; (We are as near as He)

      1. Because of the,” blood of Jesus” - “it is finished” 19

        (1) A type is the Old Testament, “God made coats” Gen.3: 21

        (2) Another picture, “when I see the blood” Exodus.12: 13

      2. A, “new and living way… “Through the veil”“ 20

      3. “Having a High Priest” 21

    II. Conditional; (We are as near as we wish to be)

      1. A welcome, provision and command, “let us draw near” (An act of the will) 22

      2. With a, “true heart...assurance of faith” 22:

      3. With, “hearts sprinkled” (Blood applied) 22

      4. With, “bodies washed” (sanctified life) 22

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A Great Work

**Neh.6: 3 - “I [am] doing a great work, so that I cannot come down...”

    1. Nehemiah could not be intimidated to leave a great work.

**Mark.15: 30 - “Save thyself, and come down from the cross...”

    1. Jesus could not be intimidated to leave a far greater work.

      (1) A work His Father sent Him to do.

      (2) A work, Jesus and the Scriptures predicted.

      (3) A work that the salvation of mankind depended on.

      (4) A work that ultimately proved His character.

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Seed Thoughts & Sermon Starters

The Reasons For Worship. Php. 2:9-11

1. God has highly exalted Him.

2. God has given Him a name above every name.

3. Visible evidence; every knee shall bow.

4. Audible expression; every tongue confess.

5. We worship Him because He is worthy; Jesus is Lord... to the glory of God.

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Worship And Related Terms

1. DEVOTION: Unquestioned loyalty. 1Cor.16: 15

2. HOMAGE: acknowledging the supremacy of God.

3. SERVICE: that which can only follow true worship.

4, PRAYER: implies our need and a holy conversation with God.

5. THANKSGIVING: expressing gratitude for all God has done in and for us.

6. PRAISE: commending God’s merits, to glorify and extol His attributes.

7. GLORIFICATION: to exalt and make great the name of God.

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This Man

**John. 18:40 - “Not this man...”

**Heb. 10:12 - “But this man...”

1. Not this man: but Barabbas.

2. But this Man: “better” then the Prophets, Angels, Moses, Joshua, Priesthood, Covenant, Sanctuary and Sacrifices.

3. This Man is the only One worthy of our worship.

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The Almighty

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending... the Almighty” Rev. 1:8

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead...” Rev. 1:17

John was awe-struck when he got a glimpse of the intrinsic glory of our risen Lord. The beautiful hymn; “Immanuel’s Land” expresses John’s reaction and what our goal and attitude should be in worship.

The bride eyes not her garment, but her dear Bridegrooms face.
She does not gaze at glory, but on the King of grace.
Not occupied with crowns, but with His pierced hands.

The hymn rightly ends with,

“The Lamb is all the glory, in Immanuel’s land” -

Sincere worshipers at His feet, experience this principle of Biblical worship.

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Parting Bequests Of The Savior

“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you” John. 15:9

“That my joy might remain in you” John. 15:11

“My peace I give unto you” John. 14:27

(Jesus wants to share His infinite love, joy and peace)

1. The
love
He displayed at Calvary. John 3:16

2. The
joy
He will have with His trophies of grace in glory. Isa. 53:10

3. The
peace
He won for us at Calvary. Heb. 13:20

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 We Would See Jesus

    1. A noble request; “...we would see Jesus...” Joh.12: 20,21

    2. A present experience; “...we see Jesus...” Heb.2: 9

      (1) In incarnation through faith, “for the suffering of death”

      (2) Now and in the future, “crowned with glory and honor”

    3. A blessed hope: “...we shall see Jesus...” 1John. 3:2

      (1) We see Him as Savior now. (2) We shall see Him as Sovereign.

    4. The loftiest and noblest ambition of the human soul is to, “see Jesus”

    5. To behold His glory, is to contemplate His beauty.

      (1) To wander, worship, adore Him, to see Him by faith now and one day, face to face.

      (2) This is the Son’s prayer to the Father, for us; “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me” John. 17:24

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Notes & Quotes

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Wonderful love that rescued me, Sunk deep in sin; Love brought my Savior here to die on Calvary.

Love found a way to redeem my soul; Love found a way that could make me whole.

Love found a way, O praise His holy name.

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The quality of our worship should be of such a character that it would inspire others to want to know and worship Him.

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Satan doesn’t care what we worship, as long as we don’t worship God.

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The soul that reposes in the will of God enjoys unspeakable calm.

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Our worship should be so inspiring that it will cause people to want to know our God and to worship Him.

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We were willing to fight for the liberty to worship, why should we be so distant in the worship we fought for?

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“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” Isaiah 40:31

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Worship prepares the heart for service, and makes the best workers. Only men who spend time in the sanctuary can do God’s service.

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As we praise, joys are heightened, skies are brightened, and trials are lightened.

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The heart must be in tune for worship. - “In spirit and in truth” John. 4: 23

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The joyless usually pray but the joyful praise.

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The whole body, soul and spirit are disciplined and involved in worship.

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Worship is not emotions excited by entertainment but a heart moved towards Christ by the Spirit.

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Worship, like “grace” and “love” is more easily experienced then described.

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Worship is, “The outpouring of a soul at rest in the presence of God”

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“Worship is the occupation of the heart, not with its needs, or even with its blessings, but with God Himself”

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Worship could be pronounced, “worth ship”. - Because, He”... is worthy” - Rev.5: 10

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Worship is, “The overflow of a grateful heart, under the sense of Divine favor.”

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Recommended reading: WORSHIP; by A. P. Gibbs - Waltrick Publishers; (It is a classic)

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Meditations

Joseph And His Brethren

“ His brethren...fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we [be] thy servants.” Gen.50: 18

    1. Joseph’s brethren vowed they would never bow to him. Gen.37: 8

    2. They were forced to bow for food, three times; Gen.42: 6; 43:28; 44:14

    3. In Gen.50: 18 they bowed willingly and volunteered to be his servants.

      (1) They learned who he was, and his motive and love to save them.

      (2) He didn’t want their service; he wanted their hearts; (brotherly love)

    4. When we see who Christ is and what He has done we will bow and worship Him.

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Universal Praise

“All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name” Psalms.86: 9

The redeemed are happy to bow the knee to their blessed Savior now. One day there will be universal praise when even the stubborn knees will be compelled to bow to Him, because, “God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name” Php.2: 9,10

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Mouth And Sword

“[Let] the high [praises] of God [be] in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;” Psalms.149: 6

The Lord’s people are both worshipers and warriors’

The new song and praise brings pleasure to the Lord, but it, also provokes anger in the enemy. (V, 1)

The Lord inspires “melody in your heart” to praise Him. Eph.5: 19 - He also provides, “the whole Armour of God...to stand against the wiles of the devil” Eph.6: 11

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The Shepherd

“...Every shepherd [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians” Gen.46: 34

“He is despised and rejected of men...” Isa.53: 3

Humanly speaking it is difficult to understand why the Egyptians would despise the noble occupation of a shepherd. As we read on in Scripture we find the answer. The world hates the Good Shepherd, who gave His life for the sheep.

In contrast the believer is exhorted to, “go forth...unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach” Heb.13: 13 - Only here the believer is on holy ground and in the position to worship Him who alone is worthy.

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Earnest Prayer Leads To Spiritual Praise.

“Give me to drink” John 4:7

How can the sovereign of the universe be in need of something his creature can supply? - In our meditations we are often preoccupied with our needs and blessings, and rightly so. Do we stop to think that because “God is Love”, that love needs an object to express it’s self upon and therefore He needs me. He desires responsive love, because He deserves our worship, obedience, and most of all, companionship. He is our dearest Friend and we must never deny His request, “Give me a drink”

Praise the Savior, ye who know Him! Who can tell how much we owe Him?

Gladly let us render to Him, All we are and have.

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A Perpetual Fire On The Altar

“The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.” Leviticus.6: 13

Whether it is the brazen altar of salvation, or the golden altar of communion, the fire must never go out. The enemy will try to misdirect our affection, so we neglect this important “altar” ministry. This starts with the private, “Quiet Time” devotion, to put the heart in tune with the music of heaven. - It extends to the “Family Altar”; so all the children get a foretaste of heaven, and will long to be reached by the grace of God. This fire must never go out, or flicker or grow dim. It needs to be a steady glow, to warm the heart and light the way. - The sacred oil of the Holy Spirit, poured on the live coals of Scripture, will keep the fire burning brightly, for the glory of God and for our spiritual well being.

Oh the pure delight of a single hour, that before thy throne I spend,

When I kneel in prayer, and with thee, my God, I commune as friend with friend!

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Kinsman Redeemer

“And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth... and his name was Boaz” Ruth 2:1

The kinsman redeemer was God’s gracious provision for an Israelite to regain an inheritance, lost through neglect or misfortune. The Christian can’t lose his salvation, but he can lose his “spiritual blessings” by neglect or by having them snatched away, unaware, by the world or Satan. Our Lord Jesus Christ is our Kinsman Redeemer, interceding on our behalf, to restore our lost blessings, on the basis of His redemptive work at Calvary. Now we have the right to be heard, the right to confess, and the right to be forgiven and restored. 1John.1: 5-10

Redeemed how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb:
Redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child and forever I am.

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Incarnation

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” Luke.2: 14

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:” John.14: 27

Peace is heavens’ atmosphere on earth; it was brought to man when the Savior came to earth in the incarnation, and the heavenly messengers announced it. - It is a “Fruit of the Spirit” so we experience “peace with God” and the, “peace of God” only as the Spirit ministers Christ’s peace to us through the Word. Christ defeated the enemies and removed the enmity, so now He says, “My peace I give unto you”

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within. --
Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus' bosom naught but calm is found.
Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.

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Isaac And Rebecca

“Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide” Genesis.24: 63

Meditation is an admirable occupation, when it is focused on a worthy subject. It is like chewing the cud, to extract spiritual nourishment from the mental thoughts gathered elsewhere. It was at this time when Isaac found his beloved, Rebecca.

The field was an appropriate place for such contemplation. This is a place where the whole of Gods’ creation came into perspective. The heavens declare the glory of God, the birds of the air, and the lilies of the valley, all, move the heart to worship our Blessed Creator.

Eventide was an ideal time for such sanctified repose; the glory of the setting sun, and the solemnity of the approaching night should inspire our souls to worship. Let us remember, we are not restricted to a place or time. Where we are right now is the place and time for this holy meditation on our Beloved.

Great God of wonders! All Thy ways are matchless, God-like and divine.
But the bright glories of Thy grace - Above thine other wonders shine.
Who is a pardoning God like Thee? Or who has grace so rich and free?

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“He Touched Me”

**Mat.8: 15 “he touched her hand, and the fever left her”

**Mat.9: 20 “...a woman, which was diseased...touched...his garment”

**Luke.7: 14 “...He...touched the bier...And he said, Young man...arise”

As the hymn writer puts it, “Oh He touched me...” Whether Jesus touched them or they touched Him, their blessing and His glory resulted. He touched the cross and transformed it, from a curse to a blessing, from judgement to salvation, from hatred to love. He touches the sinner and transforms him into a saint. He touches the saint and makes him more saintly.

A Sweet Savour

“...We are unto God a sweet savour of Christ...” 2Cor.2: 15

The Old Testament priest threw incense on the burning coals of the golden altar and it filled the holy place with a sweet fragrance that delighted the heart of God and man. The “sweet savour of Christ” is a life hidden with Christ in God, producing a pleasant aroma as we commune with Him. Like Paul, our desire should be that, our life should become a sweet savor to God and man. Enoch “pleased God”, which was the result of a life long walk and communion with God.

You have longed for sweet peace and for faith to increase, and have earnestly, fervently prayed; but you cannot have rest or be perfectly blest, until all on the altar is laid.

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Wounded For Me

“What are these wounds in thine hands?” Zechariah. 13:6

    1. Not scars which heal, but wounds, which are indelible reminders of Calvary’s love.

    2.The Christ of Calvary is the theme of the old and New Testament.

      (1) Coats of skins; (2) “lamb to the slaughter”

      (3) “Destroy this temple...I will raise it up” John. 2:19

      (4) Mount of Transfiguration. - They, “spake of His decease” Luke. 9:31

    3. A look at Calvary moves the heart to worship.

      (1) Thomas; saw Calvary’s nail prints and cried; “my Lord and my God” John. 20:28

      (2) Emblems at the Lord’s Supper, leads the heart to Calvary and worship.

      (3) The theme of Heaven and earth will be the; “lamb...slain” Rev. 5:6; 13:8

    4. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (What a Friend we have in Jesus) Provervs.27: 6

    5. Napoleon; “I conquered with a sword, but Christ conquered with love”.

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Cleanliness Is Essential For Worship.

“Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD” Isaiah.52: 11

Before the Old Testament priest preformed service at the brazen altar in the courtyard, or entered the holy place for worship, he had to stop at the laver for personal cleansing. Unconfessed sins disqualify a Christian from either service or worship. He may go through the motions of participating and partaking, but his service won’t be blessed and his worship won’t be accepted. God’s grace makes full provision for, “perfecting holiness in the fear of God” 2Cor.7: 1 - An audible “amen” is good but it must come from the heart, not lips.

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 One Sacrifice

**Lev. 16:34 - “...all their sins once a year...”

**Heb. 10:12 - “...one sacrifice for sins for ever...”

1. In the Old Testament, they had to “afflict their souls” with the remembrance of sin.

2. In the New Testament there was one sacrifice for our sins to be, “remembered no more” Heb. 10:17

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Questions & Answers


Question
- Someone told me that worship is a higher occupation for the Christian then service. How can this be when souls need to be saved and “the Lord is... not willing that any should perish”? - 2Pet. 3:9


Answer
- It is correct that worship is higher then service, because worship is
Godward
and it is giving God what He deserves. Service is
manward
and it is giving man what he doesn’t deserve. Man receives all blessings in service by the goodness of God. God is not obliged to bless man but does in grace and mercy. We are however obliged to bless and worship God because He is worthy and has blessed us in spite of our unworthiness. - Man cried, “Crucify Him” but God highly exalted Him. Only the Father understood the distance His Son condescended in the incarnation. The eternal One, equal with God, became a Man and a servant to man. Only God could appreciate His Son’s devotion to His Fathers’ will. Only the Father could evaluate the ultimate depth He stooped to go to Calvary. The Father honored Him by giving Him, “a name which is above every name” Php.2: 9 - It therefore behooves us to worship Him, because He is our Almighty God and our loving Redeemer.