Unchallenging Church

It's Sunday morning, hello and blessings to you all. In the initial parts of our series we discussed how the present church culture as a whole is failing in reverent fear, honor and respect due unto God. Our base text was taken from Isaiah 29:16 which looked at the blind disobedience of Israel and how God viewed their heart. We touched on the backward mindset in approaching the Lord’s gospel. How this creates enormous struggle for true spiritual growth and connection with God’s standards for worshiping Him. Thus spilling over into the gospel which is presented far from the sustaining source it was intended to be. The hope is that this teaching opens your eyes and your heart to paying more attention to how you interact with God. Even more important how you represent the things concerning Him, if you are a believer. I am reminded when reading our base text in Isaiah from a practical sense that everything that looks good and well-intended may be falling short. That is to say that many will tell you from individuals to churches that Jesus is the center of their worship. But in reality the approach towards His presence and throne is more like anything goes which is a major problem.

Well, now that we’ve noticed the issues during this series, what good would it do us to stay there. Like any well to do person we should look for a solution! One great example of how to properly approach God is found in the study of the Tabernacle which was a highly restricted area built for the Israelites where God’s presence dwelled Exodus 25:8. Maybe God will have me do a teaching on this down the road. However, the point here is this was a HOLY place designated by God to offer sacrifices and only specific things and people were authorized to enter. The penalties for violating the strict standards, principles and rules God had in place were severe Leviticus 10:1-7.

Now some would argue, oh that was in the old days and we don’t need that type of reverence and respect to enter before God today. It’s acceptable to come in the space we have designated for God to gather with us and we do not need to make it all holy, holy so to speak. If we do then that will not make it enjoyable for the people and attendance will suffer. Well then my friends the question you have to ask yourself is what is the priority? If you recall from prior teachings God is the same God yesterday, today and forever Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8. Therefore, we can know with certainty that God’s expectation for entering into His presence has not changed. Plus remember, Jesus did not come to abolish the law which the old testament prophets spoke of, but to fulfill it Matthew 5:17. It is simply by God’s grace that we are not punished immediately for our disrespect as people and nations by God.

Therefore, we should all the more desire and strive to please God by enacting the solutions He has provided for us in His word. He gives us clear and specific directions on how we should approach and present ourselves before His presence whether we are alone or gathering together. You see we who by faith which have grabbed onto the free gift of salvation are now the walking breathing temple, The Tabernacle. And in order for God to dwell in us we must be in line with His specifics for His temple. Remember if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and consider yourself in relationship under His will and authority then these apply to you.

Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 6:19

It is a spiritual house, who’s spiritual sacrifices need to be acceptable to God through Jesus Christ – 1 Peter 2:5

When you enter into His gates and court it is to be done with thanksgiving, praise and to bless His name – Psalms 100:4

Which is your reasonable service unto God to present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable – Romans 12:1

To Spend time in intimate private prayer just you and God – Matthew 6:6