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Spirit & Truth in How We Worship

Posted on October 27, 2021 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Jesus brought the perspective of spirit AND truth in how we worship in John 4. The Samaritan woman identified two different styles of worship, questioning which way was acceptable.

Samaritan Method of Worship: In John 4:22 Jesus said of the Samaritans, “You worship what you do not know.” They were limited in knowledge, accepting only the Pentateuch of the Old Testament. Their worship was enthusiastic but they lacked the proper knowledge. — “zeal without knowledge”

Jewish Method of Worship: They accepted the entire Old Testament and hence did not lack knowledge but their hearts weren’t in it. In Mark 7:6 Jesus used Isaiah’s words to describe them, “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.” — “knowledge without zeal”

God Seeks Spirit & Truth in How We Worship

Grace and Truth in How We Worship — (Click to enlarge image in Pinterest & repin.)

Jesus responded, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (Jn. 4:23-24)

The Father seeks both zeal and knowledge when we worship Him. He looks for fluidity of life and absoluteness of truth, enthusiasm and sound doctrine. It isn’t a matter of balance but rather BOTH spirit AND truth. We show our love for Him through worship with ALL of our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Lk. 10:27).

Why God Seeks BOTH Spirit AND Truth in Our Worship

Let’s remember why Jesus said we’re to worship in this way — “God is spirit” (Jn. 4:24). To truly connect with God in worship, we must approach Him on the basis of who He is.

To worship without spirit misses the personal reality, or essence, of His very being. Our spirit must connect with His spirit for God is not contained in a body like us. Consequently, true worship isn’t about where we worship. Nor is it about the means of worshiping. We worship from the heart so we don’t turn into the hypocrites Jesus spoke of, merely going through the motions, when He said, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain” (Matt. 15:8-9a)

To worship without truth leads to missing the awesome reality, or true God, He is. When we worship, we “ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name” and we “worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness” (Ps. 29:2). When worship is void of truth, it will be anemic at best, if not a pure sham. How can we say we’re worshiping God if we aren’t acknowledging who He Himself says He is? We may be worshiping some semblance of a god but not the God of the Bible.

Are you worshiping in spirit AND truth?

Grace & Truth in How We Speak

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

So often we think we must achieve a balance of grace and truth in how we communicate — just enough truth, just enough grace. Not wanting to be at one extreme or the other, we look for balance. Or, perhaps we feel there are times for grace but other times we must primarily speak truth.

Grace & Truth Isn’t Really a Matter of Balance

Jesus’ life shows us that grace and truth isn’t a matter of balance. He was 100% grace and 100% truth. He did not lay aside the one to become the other.
Grace & Truth in How We Speak When Christ-like

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (Jn. 1:14 )

For the law was given by Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (Jn. 1:17)

Consequently, exercising grace and truth in how we speak is Christ-like. (Resource: Christ-like Communication for Church Leaders)

The Defense for Both Grace AND Truth

“But they’re sinning,” you say. “Sometimes people just need to hear the truth.” You point to Scripture which clearly states that God uses truth to sanctify people (Jn. 17:17) and set them free (Jn. 8:32). And, we’re to stand firm “with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Eph. 6:14).

You would be right because truth is essential but so is grace. When people sin, they also need grace. The same grace that saves us “teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:11-12). We’re to stand firm in truth but we’re also to stand firm in grace (1 Pet. 5:12).

Scripture Exhorts Us to Speak with Both Grace and Truth

We are exhorted to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). Notice that it doesn’t say “Show some love and then hit them with the truth.” Nor does it say “Speak the truth and follow it up with some love.” Both love (at the root of grace) and truth are to be present at the same time.

Grace AND Truth must be evidenced not only in the actual words we speak but also in attitudes and any resultant actions.

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. (Gal. 6:1-3)

And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. (2 Tim. 2:24-26)

Bible Teachers Have a Multifaceted Role

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 3 Comments ↓

To make the most impact on students’ lives, Bible teachers need to see themselves as more than communicators. Bible teachers have a multifaceted role that takes them beyond merely dispensing knowledge to being used by God to change lives. It’s about making a difference for eternity by truly caring and investing into people’s lives.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. (1 Thess. 2:7b-8)

Impacting Bible Teachers Have a Multifaceted Role in Students’ Lives

Here are eight different facets of a Bible teacher’s role that, when all seen as a part of a teacher’s responsibility, will help them make a true difference in people’s lives.

Communicator

verbally informs students of what God’s Word says in ways that hold interest, fit their age level, accurately represent God’s intent, and encourage students to do something with what they learn

Conduit

lets God’s message flow through them in ways that pull on God’s power and guides students to faith by not only words but also demonstrating its reality

Disciplemaker

helps students know, love, follow and serve Jesus and become more like Him in all they say and do

Equipper

looks for opportunities to train students to serve and become more of who God desires them to be, preparing them to live for God in all kinds of situations

Friend

comes alongside of students, taking steps to get to know them, personally relate with them, and care about them as individuals

Model

not only tells students what they need to know but demonstrates it by their own lives through actions, words, and attitudes both in and outside of the classroom

Motivator

connects with students’ needs, interests, and development in ways that spur them on toward belief and application of God’s Word

Servant

willingly sacrifices one’s own time, convenience, and effort for students, exhibiting not only Christ-like actions but also attitudes that demonstrate His love and grace

Check out the 70 page Bible Teacher’s Role training resource that looks at each of the above facets of a teacher’s role in greater depth with some questions that should spur you own to enhancing your effectiveness in these ways.

It All Matters When We’re Teaching the Word of God

Posted on October 6, 2021 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — 1 Comment ↓

Whether preaching, teaching, or facilitating a small group, we must always remember that we’re teaching the Word of God. Unlike the author of any other book, God has full authority and the power to carry out anything written therein. When we approach the Bible with this mindset, it affects everything we do in the teaching-learning process. We want to make it A Lesson Worth Teaching that is so worth learning.

Curriculum Matters Because It’s God’s Word We’re Teaching

We will choose curriculum wisely if using a pre-fab curriculum.
We will tweak pre-fab curriculum if needed.
We will develop curriculum carefully if writing our own lessons.

Lesson Preparation Matters Because We’re Teaching the Word of God

We will pray that God gives us the understanding we need.

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. …(1 Cor. 2:13-16)

We will study as one accountable to the Author of the Text, to accurately represent His intent.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Tim. 2:15)

We will prepare a lesson that accurately and adequately reflects the Author.

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Pet. 1:20-21)

Lesson Presentation Matters Because We Want People to Know “All Scripture is God-breathed”

We will pray that God gives us the strength, grace, and wisdom to teach in ways that keep the focus on the Lord Himself.
We will make sure students understand it is God’s Word and that He’s the One behind all the stories and teaching therein.

Follow-Up Matters Because We Know God Works Through the Power of His Word

We will trust God to continue working in students’ lives as He promised that His Word will not return void (Isa. 55:11) which means we will keep praying.
We will do what we can to remind students of the power of God’s Word for their everyday lives which means we will in some way contact students with reminders.

Results of Making Worship a Priority

Posted on September 29, 2021 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

Let’s be real, we do experience personal, beneficial results of making worship a priority. But, when we make worship all about God, those aren’t the results we look for in worshiping Him. We become most concerned about how our worship benefits Him. Biblical worship is God-centered through and through.

3 Results of Making Worship a Priority

1) Honor and glory goes to the One who deserves it.

Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me … (Ps. 50:23)

2) True worship leads to purified hearts yielded in service to God.

… I saw the Lord, high and exalted … “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” … And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isa. 6:1-8)

3) A testimony for God is lived before unbelievers.

… He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 15:16)

These results are listed in the Church Purpose Ministry Manual which views worship as a means of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Learn More: Worship Resources

Results of Making Prayer a Priority

Posted on September 22, 2021 by Ministry Tools Resource Center — No Comments ↓

When we pray, we let God know that He and His will, are important to us. And, He lets us know how important we are to Him. He does that by allowing us to experience the following results of making prayer a priority.

3 Results of Making Prayer a Priority

1) God is near to us.

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Ps. 145:18)

2) God helps us.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Heb. 4:16)

3) God protects us with His peace.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

You’ll find these results, plus two more, listed in the Church Purpose Ministry Manual which looks at prayer as one of the ways we fulfill our purpose to love God.

Learn More: Prayer Ministry Resources