Welcome to the blog of Pastor Alton Stone, from Simpsonville, SC. Pastor Stone is a retired Ordained Bishop of The Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee with over 45 years of pastoral ministry.

Sunday, March 15, 2015

The Reason We Worship (Last Part)


Worship should cause us to reflect on the majesty and graciousness of God and Christ, contrasted to our own unworthiness. 

James 4:8 "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."

God does not have to have our worship, but we must worship Him to please Him.  Our singing, praying, studying His word, giving, and communion are designed by God to bring us closer to Him and to cause us to think more like He thinks, thus becoming more like Him. 

Our worship not only honors and magnifies God, but it is also for our own edification and strength.  Worship helps us develop a God-like and Christ-like character. We become like unto those we admire and worship.  When we worship God we tend to value what God values and gradually take on the characteristics and qualities of God, but never to His level.  As Philippians 2:5 says, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ."  How do we take on the mind of Christ?  In Romans 12:2 we read, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."  We renew our mind as we study and meditate on God’s word and worship Him.

 
When we worship God we develop such traits as forgiveness, tenderness, justice, righteousness, purity, kindness, and love. 

Colossians 3:2 "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

 -Worship helps us to learn how to forgive.

-Worship cultivates a tender, merciful side.

-Worship helps us to desire a just or right spirit.

-Worship develops our true sense of righteousness.

-Worship helps our motives to be pure.

-Worship teaches us that kindness and love represent the true nature of God.

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