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The Lightstand Magazine
1984 • November • Our Worship - Drawing Nigh
by CALSSA

We believe as individuals, we worship together. Having 'found' the truth, we share the fellowship. A fellowship is an experience of sharing; we come together because we have a similar faith and we share its consideration, its preaching, its hopes and aspirations. We have a fellowship of worship. It cannot be legislated for, by rules and laws, although it is based upon a foundation of "One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism", the fellowship of worship is something organic and creative. Something which grows out of shared experiences. It should not be imposed like a straitjacket but it is something created out of need, like a warm sweater, knitted lovingly and worn for many years like an old friend. Worship is the family talking to Father, listening to Father and Talking with Father.

Worship is the work of the family of God, not essentially a ritual nor an event but the totality of life given to God. Worship is a life which acknowledges God's existence and his demands upon the worshipper, it is to bow physically as a demonstration of inner belief and is demonstrated by rendering homage in thought, word and deed. Worship is therefore the total dedication of our lives to the service of God, not just for a few hours at the meeting in hymns and prayers; it is much more besides.

Worship is an encounter with God. It requires concentrated effort, it needs concentrated listening to his words, an openness of mind to accept the teaching and a willingness to obey in the details of daily life. It combines many things together; awe, reverence, respect, understanding, humble obedience and compassionate concern. It is the mediation of the heart made public before God. To the person who is thus open toward God, he responds in guidance and care. "Draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you".

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There is a mutually dependant exchange of thought and feeling, summarised in Philippians 2 : 12 and 13. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you ...".

It would seem on the surface that these two statements are mutually contradictory, on the one hand salvation is the result of our own hard work; on the other hand, salvation is the free gift of God as a result of Him working in the lives of men and women. However, the truth is surely that God's word goes forth, men and women respond to the call of that word and God helps and encourages such repentent sinners. The initiative is always with God, it is always He who acts, whether to give mercy to the repentent or destruction to the sinner.

"So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy ... therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will he hardeneth". (Romans 9:16 and 18) A divine principle is declared in these words which is the foundation for true worship; God's word is heard by men everywhere, those who respond are worshipping God in their lives and He heareth them. A principle demonstrated in the life of "Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us : whose heart the Lord opened". Acts 16 : 14.

Because she had responded to the Lord in faith and fear by worship, the Lord heard her and spoke to her heart in consolation and comfort. Lydia worshipped God, He gave her understanding and she and her household were baptised. Worship is not just singing hymns and praying, it is our total response to God.

CALSSA

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For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4v6

Romans 10:17 ... faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

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Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5v16