Guest Post
by Dave Griffiths
Since March, the world has changed, and these changes have had an effect on our South African way of life.
For Christians church doors have had to close. Ironically it has become dangerous to go to church. And yet God’s Word clearly tells us to “let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing’ (Heb. 10:25).
Some think this is a hoax, not real. Others are too frightened to move out from home. Surely God is in control, but it is difficult to see His guidance at this time.
Perhaps that is why God is the source of Hope to the extent that He can fill us with all joy and peace by means of our faith in Him. (Rom.15:13) Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of God.
It is a discipline of worship to develop the habit of faithfully assembling with others in meetings where the primary purpose is to worship God. That is why the bible describes the church with metaphors like body (I Cor. 12:12), building (Eph. 2:21) and household (Eph. 2:19). It’s a relationship between individual units and a larger whole.
It would be easier to just rely on “live streaming” or TV and save the petrol and sit at home by ourselves. It is undeniable that meeting together means to worship God in the physical presence of other Christian believers. These words allow no other interpretation.
The three most important disciplines that we as Christians must learn in life are :-
- Bible intake. Read God’s Word and meditate on what you have read. What does it mean to you? What is God telling you?
- Prayer. Talk to God every day and be aware of the Holy Spirit with you.
- Worship. This means both private and corporate. (in church)
When you read the bible you will notice that Jesus participated faithfully in the public worship of God at the synagogue each Sabbath and at stated assemblies of Israel at the Temple in Jerusalem. Also Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Luke 5:16).
“Worship the Lord your God” (Matt. 4:10) The more we truly worship God, the more we become like Him.
One day, the doors of the church will be open, and we will celebrate true worship together.
Dave