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NASB | John 4:23 "But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 4:23 "But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers. |
Bible Question: What is true worship, And how can one worship God? |
Bible Answer: Greetings adeakin, Ps 51:16-17 reads "For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give [it]: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Ps 24:3-6 says "Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This [is] the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah." I'm pointing out these Scriptures, because they are the true definition of worship according to the Word of God. Going to church on Sunday is not worship, or singing religious songs, God wants the heart and when we are worshiping God with ALL of our hearts, minds, and souls- then we enter into true worship. Rev. 4:9-11 "And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Is 6:2-3 "Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory." These passages show the reverence and awe of the worship of the Holy One. Finally, what is not true worship? Matt 15:8-9 tells us " This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with [their] lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men." And I must say I absolutely cling to this Scripture at times. Using it to examine my own heart, that my worship would not be vain, but acceptable and a pleasing sacrifice offered to the Lord. And lastly, a small note, I've "heard" people that have a strict set of "rules" that they believe should govern corporate worship- no music, no dancing, no clapping, no shouting and such. And I've always wondered what they are going to do when they get to heaven and the clappers, shouters, dancers, and musical instrumentalist are right there along with them praising the Lord!! If the worship is from the heart, God knows, for He knows all "for the Father seeketh such to worship him." (John 4:23) So, it's the heart the Lord is looking for. Just read His Word and He tells you so. God Bless and keep you. hidden in Christ, Lissa |