September 27, 2015

In 2015, our theme has been that…We must make the GLORIFICATION of Christ our Highest PRIORITY.  

The times in which we are living are difficult.  We do live in a fallen world that is constantly pining for our attention; and we do have a relentless Adversary.  But, we are not without remedy.  We are not without hope. We are not without a solution. We are not without Good News: Beloved, we have JESUS!

Hebrews 13:8-15 NIV - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever… 15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.

It is THIS JESUS that the Writer of the Book of Hebrews testifies about and of whom we preach.  This Jesus who is the Ultimate One. Greater than Abraham and the Patriarchs, greater than Moses the Lawgiver, greater than Joshua or David or Solomon or one of the prophets.  Greater than the Priesthood of Aaron; He is greater than the saints and greater than the angels.  

He is the Great mediatorial HIGH PRIEST and the SACRIFICE.  Jesus Himself, who sacrificed his life for us in order to draw Humanity near to the Father.  Therefore, since Jesus offered all of the Sacrifices Himself: Sin, Atonement, Consecration, Sanctification, Devotion, Fellowship… everything, there remains only ONE Sacrifice left for us to offer: THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE!

We cannot make atonement for our sins.  We cannot bring ourselves into right standing with God.  We cannot provide for our eternal life…only Jesus can, and only Jesus did!  But what we can do is Worship and Praise His Holy Name and bask in the Beauty of Holiness. It is when we consider THIS JESUS…THIS GREAT WORK OF SALVATION…THIS GREAT EXPRESSION OF MERCY…then and only THEN, can we begin to understand the great GIFT, NECESSITY, and REQUIREMENT OF WORSHIP! No wonder, the Apostle Paul would tell the Church at Rome:

Romans 12:1 VOICE - Brothers and sisters, in light of all I have shared with you about God’s mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship.