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Worship God!
'Ready Answer' by StaffA primary reason for attending church services or the Feast of Tabernacles is to worship. Several biblical passages highlight that people came to Jerusalem at Feast time for this purpose. Even Greek converts and the Ethiopian eunuch journeyed to worship, and the apostle Paul states he went to Jerusalem for the same reason when arrested. Prophecies of the Millennial era also declare that the remnants of the nations shall go up yearly to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. Worship, as depicted in the Bible, involves reverencing God, adoring, honoring, and bowing down before Him. It is more a matter of the heart and mind than a mere physical action. True worship reflects a bowed-down heart and head, an attitude of total and unconditional surrender to our Master, our Lord, our God. Jesus teaches that worshipers worship in vain when their heart is far from Him, emphasizing that mere words are insufficient without genuine submission. Numerous examples in Scripture illustrate worship through physical and heartfelt acts of surrender. Satan attempts to entice our Savior to fall down and worship him, but Jesus firmly rebukes, declaring that only the LORD our God should be worshiped and served. David urges us to worship and bow down, kneeling before the LORD our Maker. Abraham's servant, Job, Solomon's people, and King Hezekiah's assembly all demonstrate worship by bowing and praising God in response to His presence or blessings. In heavenly visions, elders and living creatures fall down and worship God, exalting Him with reverence. Worship is also tied to specific times and places, as seen when Abraham and the magi designate particular moments for worship. True worship emerges when people become aware of God's awesome presence, revealing itself in complete humility and surrender. Without this awareness, one risks ritualistic actions devoid of heart. Jesus commands us to ask, seek, and knock, promising a response that enables us to bow our heads and hearts in worship. Paul affirms that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, underscoring the universal call to worship. Practically, every act should be a worshipful adoration of our great God, bringing glory and honor to His name and purpose. When praying or singing praises, we should do so with gusto, adoringly and reverently, exalting the Most High God. Attending Sabbath services or the Feast should be approached with the intent to worship, adding deeper dimension to the experience. This attitude fosters greater reverence and awe, recognizing His holy presence among us. Whether in a formal hall or at home, the same respect and honor must be present, treating each gathering as a sacred and solemn assembly. When we truly understand constant worship, everything we do becomes an act of adoration and reverence for the Almighty. As David teaches, let us come and worship Him.
More Righteous Than the Pharisees?
Sermon by John O. ReidThe Pharisees were in the office or seat of Moses. Jesus taught His followers to follow their words (pertaining to the Law of God), but not their personal examples.
Exalt With Music
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMusic has an intense power to stimulate the emotions, trigger the imagination, set the mood of services, and serves as a teaching vehicle for instruction.
The Pharisees (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughHaving their origin in the days of Ezra, the Scribes and Pharisees were extremely zealous for the law, separating themselves for this exclusive purpose.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Fifteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThings written in the Old Testament were written for us. The differences in the covenants focus on justification and access to God, not doing away with the law.
Sincerity and Truth (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe should continually live and think on the same wavelength as God does, maintaining a close relationship with Him as we continue in the sanctification process.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe New Covenant was designed by God to circumcise the heart, making it possible for God's laws to be written in our hearts and reflected in our behavior.
Philippians (Part Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughPaul warns the Philippians that nothing blemishes their witness more than complaining, because like the Israelites, they were calling God into account.
Getting To Know God
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughGetting to know God intimately, by virtue of His enabling us to experience life as He experiences life, makes the New Covenant vastly superior to the Old.
Checklist for Overcoming
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRomans 12-16 provide a checklist for overcoming and promoting positive relationships, developing tender affection. We are mutually dependent upon one another.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the Old and New Testament are complementary to one another, the emphasis of justice in the New Testament switches from national to personal in scope.
God Will Understand
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod pays attention to the small things we may excuse in ourselves, sins we commit in weakness. God's patience does not constitute approval of our sin.
Matthew (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughLife consists of a series of choices, often a dilemma of a pleasurable choice on one hand and a difficult choice (that produces more growth) on the other.
Preparing for the Feast
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe Feast of Tabernacles is far more than a yearly vacation. It is a time set apart for both rejoicing before God and learning to fear Him.