R.L. Evans's Blog

THE COST OF WORSHIP (1) - WORSHIP COSTS ANOINTING

The anointing of God is His endowment of His Spirit upon an individual. Everyone that has experienced the new birth in Jesus Christ and has received the indwelling of His Spirit possesses an anointing. Remember the words of John,

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall   abide in him. 1 John 2:27  (KJV)

If the Holy Spirit dwells in you, you have an anointing that abides daily. This anointing has nothing to do with an endowment for ministry and service, but an abiding presence, which brings you into God’s truth, and before His presence in worship. 

The  Holy  Spirit  in you gives you proper preparation to enter into a true worship experience. In spite of this truth, many do not enter into true worship. Why: because individuals frustrate the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Paul, in his writings, reveal how we frustrate the work of the Holy Spirit which causes us to negate the anointing to worship which is in all believers. We frustrate the work through grieving the Holy Spirit.

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Eph 4:30 (KJV)

We grieve the Holy Spirit through ungodly conduct. Paul wrote this exhortation when encouraging the Ephesians on how to treat one another. When worship leaders and others do not treat and interact with members of the church in godly fashion, it grieves the Spirit and hinders the corporate body from entering into God’s very presence. 

Nevertheless, remember, you have an anointing (if the Spirit be in you) to enter into true worship.

THE COMMAND OF WORSHIP (3) – MULTIPLICATION

    In today’s post, we will explore the third command of worship; which is, MULTIPLICATION.

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen 1:28 (KJV)

    God commanded the man and woman to multiply. They were to produce others after their kind. Worship leaders and those involved in worship should produce other worshipers. This command rests heavily on those who lead praise and worship. The execution of their ministries should produce worship in others. When reading the Psalms, we discover David’s devotion to the worship of God only could lead others to worship God.

    However, worship leaders are not the only individuals responsible for the multiplication of worshipers. Those in the congregation of believers should also demonstrate true worship to provoke others to become worshipers of God in sincerity and truth.

    The mystery of this dynamic, however, is that if one operates in a false form of worship, they can multiply the wrong type of worshipers in the church. This is where worship leaders must be careful. Man was created to reproduce after his kind. If one operates in true worship, he will produce more true worshipers. Conversely, the wrong type of worshiper will produce others of the same sort.

THE COMMAND OF WORSHIP (2) – FRUITFULNESS

Image by Michael De Groot from PixabayIn today’s post, we will explore the second command of worship; which is, FRUITFULNESS

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen 1:28 (KJV)

It is within this verse, we discover some great truths concerning worship in the life of the believer. Worship leaders and those in the congregation are responsible for these as they enter into worship.

God commanded them to be fruitful. The Christian’s worship is to bear fruit. It does not mean that we are to produce better songs and musicians; it means that the worship should bear fruit in the personal lives of those involved. The worship leaders and others involved should bear the fruits of worship in their character and conduct. Paul stated,

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor 3:18 (KJV)

      Paul wrote that as we behold God’s glory, we are changed into that glory. When we enter into worship, we behold His presence, we in turn, should become transformed; that is bear fruit in our personalities.

        Hence, the command to worship and be fruitful cannot be viewed individually. We are to worship Him in reverence and with holy lives. True worship not only reveals God, but our weaknesses that need to be submitted to Him. It is only through this that we can consistently have true fellowship with Him in worship. Next time, we will discuss the third command of worship, which is, multiplication.

THE COMMAND OF WORSHIP (1) – DOMINION

Image by Daniel Reche from PixabayIn the beginning, God created the heaven, the earth, and all living creatures. He ended the creative process by creating man in His image and likeness. From the man, He formed the woman. After His creation and placement of them in the Garden, He blessed them and commanded them. It forms the foundation for the believer’s command of worship.

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen 1:28 (KJV)

        It is within this verse, we discover some great truths concerning worship in the life of the believer. Worship leaders and those in the congregation are responsible for these as they enter into worship. In today’s post, we will explore the first command of worship; which is, DOMINION.

        God intended for man to have dominion of all that was created. Regardless of the living creatures’ size, gender, or habitation, the man was to have dominion. True worship of God should come from a place of dominion and give us dominion. What does this mean?

        Worship is not only an expression of God’s greatness, but His supremacy. Worship then is to be offered regardless of what is happening in an individual’s life. If I am depressed, my worship will give me dominion over it. If I am sad, worship brings me to a place of joy. If I am confused, worship gives me dominion over it granting me peace and hope in the Lord.

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalms 16:11 (KJV)

        The man was given dominion; the believer’s true worship is a clear demonstration of dominion in action. With this understanding, worship will not be based upon how a person feels, but upon the power and faithfulness of God. This will give the believer dominion over every trial, test, and tribulation that can come against him or her in the world. Next time, we will discuss the second command of worship, which is, fruitfulness.

THE COST OF WORSHIP (3): WORSHIP COSTS CHARACTER

We stated in the last post that man was created to bear fruit. The Christian is to bear fruit in relationship to their worship. The bearing of fruit is reflected in the Christian’s character.

As previously stated, we should exhibit   the   fruit   of   the   Spirit as outlined in the letter to the Galatians,

But, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Gal 5:22-23 (KJV)

At the beginning of the list of the fruit of the Spirit is love. The worshiper must be governed by compassion. Our motivation, even in worship, should be to demonstrate God’s love.

The Word declares that the world will know that we are Jesus’ disciples by the love that we display one for another. God is love and we are to represent His love (I John 4:8).

The next fruit listed is joy. Happiness is dependent upon events and “happenings” in life. Joy can be present even in adverse situations. Trials and tests are a part of the kingdom experience. As we wait upon the Lord, God wants us to experience joy in our walk with Him and in worship. Paul stated that the Kingdom of God is righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:7).

We all want peace. It is listed next as one of the fruit. Even when the world falls apart around us, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds. If we do not develop any other fruit of the Spirit, we should seek for peace and let God’s peace dwell in us in adverse situations (John 14:27).

After peace, Paul adds patience. Everyone could use more patience. We must be able to endure and wait on God (Isaiah 40:31). In order to reflect the nature of a loving God, kindness must also be developed. We must be kind to all, displaying the love of the Father. He is our ultimate example of kindness (Luke 6:35).

Next, we must allow goodness to dwell in us. We should strive to display good unto all men, in spite of their actions, in and outside of the Church (Galatians 6:10).

God is faithful to us, even when we lose our hope and faith. This is why the fruit of faithfulness has to be present. Faithfulness always has a reward. Let us be like God. He is always faithful (I Corinthians 4:2). Then, gentleness must be achieved.

We must not deal with people out of a harsh spirit (especially the worship leader), but from one of care and concern (Galatians 6:1). When we are wrong, we desire mercy. The believer should offer this same courtesy towards others.

Most important, Christians need self-control. If we have control over our thoughts and actions, we become candidates for true worship. We must not only practice self-control when it comes to the flesh, but also in our dealings with others (James 3:2).

God commanded them to be fruitful. With these in place, the believer is prepared to enter into worship.

THE COST OF WORSHIP (2) - WORSHIP COSTS SUFFERING

No one likes to suffer. However, suffering produces brokenness, which delivers individuals from being controlled by their flesh. When the flesh is not in control, one is able to lead others in worship, and others are able to worship God in purity. The scriptures declare,

…for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2 (KJV)

Suffering aids in the believer forsaking sin and no longer living to please the flesh. Suffering’s perfect work is revealed in power and passionate worship. The scriptures reveal also that Jesus learned obedience through the things that He suffered.

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered. Heb 5:8 (KJV) 

If Christ learned obedience, the believer learns true obedience through the sufferings, which God allows. In turn, the believer will offer true worship to Christ. Suffering will prepare the believer for a vibrant worship experience.

THE COST OF WORSHIP (1) - WORSHIP COSTS ANOINTING

The anointing of God is His endowment of His Spirit upon an individual. Everyone that has experienced the new birth in Jesus Christ and has received the indwelling of His Spirit possesses an anointing. Remember the words of John,

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall   abide in him. 1 John 2:27  (KJV)

If the Holy Spirit dwells in you, you have an anointing that abides daily. This anointing has nothing to do with an endowment for ministry and service, but an abiding presence, which brings you into God’s truth, and before His presence in worship. 

The  Holy  Spirit  in you gives you proper preparation to enter into a true worship experience. In spite of this truth, many do not enter into true worship. Why: because individuals frustrate the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Paul, in his writings, reveal how we frustrate the work of the Holy Spirit which causes us to negate the anointing to worship which is in all believers. We frustrate the work through grieving the Holy Spirit.

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Eph 4:30 (KJV)

We grieve the Holy Spirit through ungodly conduct. Paul wrote this exhortation when encouraging the Ephesians on how to treat one another. When worship leaders and others do not treat and interact with members of the church in godly fashion, it grieves the Spirit and hinders the corporate body from entering into God’s very presence. 

Nevertheless, remember, you have an anointing (if the Spirit be in you) to enter into true worship.

THE COMMAND OF WORSHIP (3) ��� MULTIPLICATION

In today���s post, we will explore the third command of worship; which is, MULTIPLICATION.

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen 1:28 (KJV)

    God commanded the man and woman to multiply. They were to produce others after their kind. Worship leaders and those involved in worship should produce other worshipers. This command rests heavily on those who lead praise and worship. The execution of their ministries should produce worship in others. When reading the Psalms, we discover David���s devotion to the worship of God only could lead others to worship God.

    However, worship leaders are not the only individuals responsible for the multiplication of worshipers. Those in the congregation of believers should also demonstrate true worship to provoke others to become worshipers of God in sincerity and truth.

    The mystery of this dynamic, however, is that if one operates in a false form of worship, they can multiply the wrong type of worshipers in the church. This is where worship leaders must be careful. Man was created to reproduce after his kind. If one operates in true worship, he will produce more true worshipers. Conversely, the wrong type of worshiper will produce others of the same sort.

THE COMMAND OF WORSHIP (3) – MULTIPLICATION

In today’s post, we will explore the third command of worship; which is, MULTIPLICATION.

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen 1:28 (KJV)

    God commanded the man and woman to multiply. They were to produce others after their kind. Worship leaders and those involved in worship should produce other worshipers. This command rests heavily on those who lead praise and worship. The execution of their ministries should produce worship in others. When reading the Psalms, we discover David’s devotion to the worship of God only could lead others to worship God.

    However, worship leaders are not the only individuals responsible for the multiplication of worshipers. Those in the congregation of believers should also demonstrate true worship to provoke others to become worshipers of God in sincerity and truth.

    The mystery of this dynamic, however, is that if one operates in a false form of worship, they can multiply the wrong type of worshipers in the church. This is where worship leaders must be careful. Man was created to reproduce after his kind. If one operates in true worship, he will produce more true worshipers. Conversely, the wrong type of worshiper will produce others of the same sort.

THE COMMAND OF WORSHIP (2) ��� FRUITFULNES

In today���s post, we will explore the second command of worship; which is, FRUITFULNESS

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen 1:28 (KJV)

        It is within this verse, we discover some great truths concerning worship in the life of the believer. Worship leaders and those in the congregation are responsible for these as they enter into worship.

        God commanded them to be fruitful. The Christian���s worship is to bear fruit. It does not mean that we are to produce better songs and musicians; it means that the worship should bear fruit in the personal lives of those involved. The worship leaders and others involved should bear the fruits of worship in their character and conduct. Paul stated,

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor 3:18 (KJV)

      Paul wrote that as we behold God���s glory, we are changed into that glory. When we enter into worship, we behold His presence, we in turn, should become transformed; that is bear fruit in our personalities.

        Hence, the command to worship and be fruitful cannot be viewed individually. We are to worship Him in reverence and with holy lives. True worship not only reveals God, but our weaknesses that need to be submitted to Him. It is only through this that we can consistently have true fellowship with Him in worship. Next time, we will discuss the third command of worship, which is, multiplication.