DEAD TO SIN, ALIVE IN CHRIST (Part 1)

Any subject that relates to the salvation of one’s soul is very important and needs careful attention.

THE AUTHORITY FOR BAPTISM

I.  SCRIPTURES:

The New Testament is full of clear and straightforward statements on the subject of baptism.   Too many read Scripture with preconceived ideas of what it “must really be saying” or what it “surely cannot mean”.

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  
                                                            -2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

We want to strive to listen to the Scriptures as if hearing it for the first time.   How would the original hearers have understood them? We must strive to understand the New Testament through the lens and minds of New Testament times and not the 21^st Century with its theological bias. We must take the original meaning as the authoritative one. Whatever is mentioned on baptism we must be consistent with what is also said about sin, faith, repentance, and the church.

Baptism is but one step towards salvation.   Before baptism one must believe & repent.  One must have faith but not “faith only”.

¹⁹ You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.  -James 2:19

²⁴ You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.  -James 2:24

This verse in James is the only place in all the New Testament where the phrase "faith only" or "faith alone" appears and it states "not by faith alone".

  

II. JESUS

The first occasion in the NT where believer’s baptism is mentioned is after the resurrection when Jesus was about to ascend to heaven.  He gave the disciples instructions we often call the “GREAT COMMISSION”.  It is recorded in both Matthew and Mark.

¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

                                                      -Matthew 28:18-20

As instructed by Jesus Himself baptism has an important role in making disciples.   Baptism is not to be considered an ordinary act of obedience but is to be regarded as a conversion experience that brings us into a union with God Himself.

¹⁵ He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. ¹⁶ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.  

                                                                   -Mark 16:15-16

Faith is an essential condition for salvation.  God’s promise is visualized in Christian baptism, so that baptism itself becomes a kind of visualization of faith. The text links belief and baptism together as the same act of faith. It does not say:  “He who is baptized is saved and then should be baptized.”  It does not refer to baptism as something done after salvation but that it is part of salvation. Since baptism and faith are listed together as co-conditions, the salvation offered to baptism must be the same as that offered to faith itself.

If baptism does not have a saving significance, they why should it be mentioned in the Great Commission at all? Jesus’ words are not so much a command as a promise.  We do not need more commands or laws but a promise of help and hope…the promise of forgiveness.

When one is baptized one is receiving God’s precious & gracious promise of salvation.

16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’                                                                                                            -Acts 22:16

FAITH SUPPLEMENTS

                             

WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP 

IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP & SERVICE 

TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.                  -2 Peter 1:3-11 (ESV)

Why do people take supplements?   Is it not to improve or enhance their health and performance?  We take vitamins, minerals and other supplements to increase our strength, stamina & minds.   We also take supplements to assist in the prevention of or to resist sickness & disease.  In short, we take supplements to improve our physical and mental       well- being as we travel this life.

God does not want His people to become complacent and lazy but desires for them to be productive and attuned to the tasks He has prepared for us to do.   Yes, God has a work for you to do!   He not only expects you to use the abilities He has given you to serve and honor Him but He also expects that you growth and increase in your service as He blesses you to do.  Did you notice the phrases underlined in the Scripture text above.

"supplement your faith"

"if these qualities are yours and are increasing"

"be all the more diligent"

"if you practice these qualities"

Not only does God expect the inward qualities of your faith and character to improve He also expects your good works and acts of service to improve as well.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. -Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

 Are you using your faith supplements?  

Is your Christian character becoming more and more holy?

Are you striving to abound and increase in your service to the Lord & His Church?

So...WHAT IS YOUR NEXT STEP?

WHY MUDDY THE WATERS?

Jesus prayed for the unity of those who would follow Him and be called by His name.  However, over the centuries false teachings have crept in and caused division among those claiming to be followers of Jesus Christ.   These divisions we call “denominations”.  

Why do so many so-called "Christian" groups muddy the waters of the simple gospel?    

Perhaps one of the most pervasive false teachings that is still with us to this day is that of what is often referred to as “Faith Only”.  

In gatherings of those desiring to know more about God very often those attending heard something like one of these statements:

·        “Bow your head and raise your hand if you want Jesus to come into your heart”

·        “Just say this prayer and ask Jesus to come into your heart”

·        “Just believe and you will be saved”

·        “All you need is faith only”

If these approaches are indeed true and scripturally based it would seem that something in Scripture would support it.   However, nowhere in the New Testament do we see an example of praying a certain prayer (often called “The Sinners Prayer”) asking Jesus to come into your heart and thus you are saved.

What about “faith only” or just believing to be saved?   Is there anywhere in the New Testament that the phrase “faith only” or “faith alone” appears?  Actually there is one place in the New Testament where this phrase occurs:

“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” 

                                                                                                                   -James 2:24

James elaborates more on this topic in the same chapter, look at these:

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but doenot have works?  Can that faith save him?”  (2:14)

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”  (2:17)

“You believe that God is one; you do well.  Even the demons believe—and shudder!”  (2:19)

“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”  (2:26)

Belief is an important step but it is not the whole of the way to be saved.  If we leave it at belief only we are no better off than demons and we know what their fate will be.   Belief and actions together are what equate to faith.

Salvation is a process that is not fully realized until you see Jesus face to face.  Throughout the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, God has always attached a requirement of obedience on our part to receive the promises He makes.

  

In addition to belief one must confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9), repent (Acts 3:19), be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) and to be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10).   Then one will receive the crown of life offered.   

In a real sense no one is saved yet!  We are in the process of receiving salvation but nobody can say they are saved until they see Jesus in person after this life.  Jesus has prepared eternity for us but it is not in our possession just yet.  I can say that I have the hope of salvation and eternity based on claiming Jesus and His promises to be true and following his directions.

How about you?   Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and the only hope for salvation and eternity?  Good!  But don’t leave it there!   Remember…

“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” 

                                                                                                                -James 2:24

What is your next step in the process to secure salvation for yourself?

Have questions?   I’d be happy to share God’s answers with you.   Or you can contact me with your questions.  Others may be interested in the same questions you have and perhaps I’ll even write a future blog to address the question you have.

THE REALITY OF FAITH

What is faith? Is it belief? Is it trust? Is it both or much more?

What kind of faith changes a person?

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
                                  -Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)

We all have faith! We all believe in something. What do you have faith in? What are you putting your faith in and trusting in? Is your faith in your intellect, your strength, your career, the government? There is only one who will not fail you. There is only one who is the same yesterday, today and forever...JESUS!

Is your faith in Jesus really stronger than your faith in other things? Ouch, that question may hurt a little if you are truly honest.

Our faith is not primarily in what Jesus said. Many know Jesus' teachings forwards and backwards but still remain unchanged. Our faith must be anchored in what Jesus did. He rose from the grave! The Gospel is the Resurrection. It was after the resurrection of Jesus that his followers showed great courage and boldness under persecution. It was after the resurrection that the apostles performed many miracles. It was after the resurrection that the church changed the world.

What evidence is there in your life that that you have faith in Jesus? What change has taken place in your life? Do you share His story with others? How has your faith helped to change others?

How has the congregation you are a part of changed the world (your community)?

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
                          -1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV)

Is your faith planted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ?

What is the reaction or response of true faith? First we must get rid of the conditional faith we are carrying..."As long as...", "I'll believe if...". To have true Christian faith one cannot dictate conditions to God but must trust fully in Jesus Christ.

You must fully worship Jesus and recognize him as Thomas did, "My Lord and my God".

If you truly want the benefits of faith in the Lord then you must come to understand that only in the power of God can you be genuinely changed. God is a powerful change agent for those willing to be transformed from sinners to saints.

"WHATEVER"

“Whatever” is a slang term often expressed with a tone of disagreement meaning "whatever you say", "I don't care what you say" or "what will be will be". The term is used either to dismiss a previous statement or to express indifference. However, the term “whatever” is used quite differently in the New Testament.

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”                     -Colossians 3:17

Committing one’s life to God is a lifetime commitment and not merely showing up to an assembly of saints where one passively sits for an hour as part of an audience. When you go to school go and study to honor God.  When you go to the work-place work as if Jesus is looking over your shoulder.   When you eat with your family, acknowledge His presence and honor Him by encouraging your loved-ones.  When you go to the grocery store look up and take notice of those also shopping whom God loves also. 

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” -Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do is to be done “heartily” (enthusiastically) for God. Consider this question: If Jesus came back today, what would He find you doing? Whatever it is, are you doing it for Him or are you pursuing your own agenda indifferent to the opportunities God has prepared for you each day? Will you commit or recommit to honoring God 24/7 or will you simply respond as many seem to do as they leave the assembly of the saints on Sunday morning with an attitude of “WHATEVER”?

A PROFOUND MYSTERY!

                   
It never ceases to amaze me how God's Word is alive and active.   Sometimes it seems a verse just leaps from the page for me to ponder.   Such was the case recently while one of the men of the church was reading from Ephesians 5 for a communion meditation.   The passage was...

"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."  
                                               -Ephesians 5:25-27

I never realized before that this passage refers to baptism.  I guess I've always focused on the husband/wife & church/Jesus relationship it mentions but it never clicked until now that baptism is what makes this relationship possible.  

"...the washing of water with the word..." precedes the church being referred to as "without spot" and "without blemish".   It is at the point of baptism that this occurs for each one that seeks to be part of the Lord's church.   "the word" has a role to play as it is through the proclamation of the word that one first comes to an understanding of faith.  As it states in Romans 10:17, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."  

Even though Ephesians 5 speaks of the relationship between wives and husbands this is not the main focus or point of the passage.   As verse 32 states, "This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church."  Without the "washing of water" we miss the profound nature of being part of the Lord's church and miss out on being "without spot" or "without blemish" in God's eyes.

For years when reading this passage I focused on the husband/wife relationship (which is something to seriously consider) but all the time missed the main point of focus of the text being about Christ and His Church.    Thank you Lord, for illuminating me with this profound mystery.

THE LAW OF LIBERTY

In reading the New Testament the term “law” is used frequently and usually refers to the Old Testament and the laws given under Moses.  This law teaches us what our problem is, namely sin.  The Law of Moses shows us what our problem is but does not provide the solution or remedy since no one can keep all the Law.  With the coming of Jesus and His death, burial and resurrection the Old Law was fulfilled in His perfection and a new law was put in place.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.  For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.  But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perserveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”            -James 1:22-25

“So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.  For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.”     -James 2:12-13

Let’s make two observations about the Law of Liberty…

First, the Law of Liberty requires a preserving action demonstrating the life of freedom from sin.   This is the heart of the message of James book.  Faith must be shown and acted upon not merely stated.  Anyone can say that they believe in Jesus, even demons believe that, but a true follower of Christ will demonstrate it and strive to live it out.  You will see it in the fruit of their lives.  It must be seen in the deeds and lifestyle of the believer.  When one truly understands what spiritual freedom from sin really entails it should drive one to live a life of thanksgiving in deeds and actions not merely in words.

Second, the Law of Liberty was created by and remains driven by mercy.  We are to demonstrate mercy to others just as Christ has shown it to us.  A judgment day is coming and each of us will stand before the author of life.  Do you want to be judged according to the Law of Moses or according to the Law of Liberty?   I choose the latter!  Look at James 2:13 again, “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

So here is a question to ponder…

Which law is at work in your life?

 

FAITH ONLY? WHAT ABOUT WORKS?

 

     So-called main stream evangelical Christianity has and continues to preach that we are “saved by grace not by works.” The Scripture passage often cited is Ephesians 2:9 which reads, “For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Using this verse alone we can see that there is a natural and logical conclusion for the underlying supposition that we are saved by “faith only.” However, taking a single verse out of context is not how to properly interpret the original intent and meaning of the Scriptures. Let’s read on in Ephesians and look at verse 10:

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.“

         Let’s reconcile these two verses as they were originally intended to be understood. It is true that without God’s grace we would still be in our sins. Accepting God’s grace is the first step that must take place. We cannot earn our righteousness, however, through this grace should come a natural outpouring of “good works” which we were created to do in Christ. Otherwise, we can run the risk of losing the grace we were offered.  Jesus himself on multiple occasions alluded to the fact that we will be judged by our works. For example, in Matthew 25 the parable of the Talents shows the importance of using our gifts for the Lord and the dangers of doing nothing. Jesus immediately follows this parable with an explanation of the final judgment in verses 31-46 where he clearly indicates that we will be judged by our service to him and sharing his love with others in a tangible way. Those who have not demonstrated “good works” of gratitude for the grace they have been offered will not receive an eternal reward.  “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matt. 25:46)

           The grace God has offered us is not by our works but by the works of Jesus going to the cross in our place. We do not deserve it. We could never earn the grace offered. However, the fruit of our lives or “good works” are in gratitude for that grace and will determine if we keep what God has offered.

          In James 2:14-26 we see some additional insight regarding the relationship between our faith and our works of service.  What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? The implied answer to this questions is, “no” faith alone cannot save.  If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,  and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good^[a] is that?  So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

          What good is a dead faith?  Can it save?  Again the answer, “No.”  But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. The matter of our righteousness and salvation is not a matter of one or the other but of both faith and works.  You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!  Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

          Perhaps the most misunderstood and misused verse in the New Testament is John 3:16 where so many preach that we only need to believe and nothing else. The verse in James 2:19 printed above shatters the popular idea that John 3:16 is the whole of the salvation process. Even demons believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God but it does them no good. Belief alone is not sufficient to become righteous and saved. Belief is a critical first step but it is not the only step needed to become righteous. There is more!  A couple of verses later we see that works are mentioned as part of the process. “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.  But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:20-21)

          Let’s return to James 2:21-26 as we consider further the relationship of faith and works in the salvation process. Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. James uses the Old Testament example of Abraham to show the relationship of works to our faith. Abraham believed God and was righteous in his eyes because his works demonstrated the reality of his faith.

 

                                             

             Regarding the popular “faith only” doctrine that permeates much of so-called Christianity there is only one verse in the entire New Testament that has the phrase “faith only” or “faith alone” and it is this verse in James 2:24 yet it says “…that a person is justified by works and not faith alone.”  Did you catch that, “not faith alone”?

           We are saved by the wonderful grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot earn it or deserve it. Without His mercy and grace we are still in our sins and without hope. God offers each of us a wonderful gift but as with any gift we receive, it is only ours as long as we take care of it and keep it. It can be lost!  Producing fruit worthy of our repentance and doing good works of gratitude for what Jesus has graciously done for us is what keeps us in good standing and righteous in God’s eyes.  Fan into flame the tremendous grace God has given you with works of gratitude so that when you face God you may hear those wonderful words, “Well done good and faithful servant”. 

 

All scripture verses are from the ESV Bible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Law of Liberty

In reading the New Testament the term “law” is used frequently and usually refers to the Old Testament and the laws given under Moses.  This law teaches us what our problem is, namely sin.  The Law of Moses shows us what our problem is but does not provide the solution or remedy since no one can keep all the Law.  With the coming of Jesus and His death, burial and resurrection the Old Law was fulfilled in His perfection and a new law was put in place.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves.  For  if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.  For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.  But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”        -James 1:22-25 (ESV)

“So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.  For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.”     -James 2:12-13 (ESV)

Let’s make two observations about the Law of Liberty…

First, the Law of Liberty requires a preserving action demonstrating a life of freedom from sin.   This is the heart of James message in his book.  Faith must be shown and acted upon not merely stated.  Anyone can say that they believe in Jesus, even demons believe that, but a true follower of Christ will demonstrate it and strive to live it out.  You will see it in the fruit of their lives.  It must be seen in the deeds and lifestyle of the believer.  When one truly understands what spiritual freedom from sin really entails it should drive one to live a life of thanksgiving in deeds and actions not merely in words.

Second, the Law of Liberty was created by and remains driven by mercy.  We are to demonstrate mercy to others just as Christ has shown it to us.  A judgment day is coming and each of us will stand before the author of life.  Do you want to be judged according to the Law of Moses or according to the Law of Liberty?   I choose the latter!  Look at James 2:13 again, “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

So here is a question to ponder…Which law is at work in your life?


                                 

REAL WORSHI IS...(Part Five)

   
                                   

              REAL WORSHIP IS SECURE

"Then Abraham said to his young men, 'Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you."  -Genesis 22:5 (ESV)

Three days after the Lord instructed Abraham to go sacrifice his son Isaac he approaches near the area he was to go.  Abraham did not know all that was going to happen.  No doubt many possible scenarios may have gone through his mind during the three day journey.  However, Abraham obeyed and started the journey believing that God was a God of miracles and that perhaps one would be delivered to him. In any case, Abraham believed that his worship of God would not be in vain.

Even today, genuine worshipers may not understand everything.  One may not like the various twists in the road of one's life but true worship strives to offer itself unreservedly to the Lord in spite of what it cannot comprehend.  True worship bows to the Lord in the face of whatever comes into one's life be it good, bad or ugly.  Real worship exalts the Lord knowing Who He is, what He has done, and where the journey of faith will ultimately wind up.  

Abraham was secure in his mind that he and the boy would return together (vs. 5).  He was also secure in his thinking that it was a real miracle in itself to be permitted to worship the Lord in the first place.  

In summary for this series of blogs on worship it is good to understand that what made all this possible for Abraham was his willingness to be available to the Lord.  In Genesis 22:1 we read, "After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, 'Abraham!'  And he said, 'Here I am."    Abraham was in the place he was supposed to be and prepared to hear the voice of the Lord.  He was ready to worship!   

"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him."  -John 4:23 (ESV)

God is seeking real worshipers today. So here is a question to ponder... 

Is your worship genuine?



                                  

REAL WORSHIP IS...(Part Four)

REAL WORSHIP IS SACRIFICIAL

 The drama continues in Genesis 22 as Abraham sets out from his servants with only his son Isaac, the child of promise (verses 5-8).  For three days it must have weighed heavy on Abraham's mind that this time his worship of the the Lord would cost him dearly.  However, Abraham does not wavier in his faith but gathers what he needs to proceed to do what the Lord has directed.  Abraham is willing to sacrifice the very thing that was nearest and dearest to his heart.  Could it be that Abraham's faith was so strong because he actually believed that God could raise the dead?  Isaac was the child of promise and if he is killed in a sacrifice then the promise can only be fulfilled if he believes God could raise the dead.  (See Hebrews 11:19)

Genuine worship is costly because by its nature it requires sacrifices.  Sacrifice of time, personal pleasures, finances, selfish desires, resources & one of the greatest things one can sacrifice is pride.  Any or all of theses need to be placed on the altar of sacrifice before the Lord.  Perhaps this is why so few truly worship since it is not cheap.  Genuine and sincere worship necessitates that everything of value be sacrificed and given to the Lord.  

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, b the mercies of God, to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."   -Romans 12:1 (ESV)

 

REAL WORSHIP IS...(Part Three)

 

REAL WORSHIP IS SEPARATED

 In Genesis 22 Abraham traveled to take his son Isaac to worship God at a designated place.  The Lord had asked him to sacrifice his son.  For three days Abraham traveled with his son and some servants.  Upon nearing the site of worship he said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you." (Genesis 22:5 ESV)  

Abraham had already demonstrated his submissive and steadfast character to the Lord and now as he arrives near the mountain the Lord designated he separate himself from every worldly care as best he can.  Abraham came ready to worship knowing that sacrifice was involved.  

Real worship strives to shut out the world or separate oneself from worldly concerns or distractions.  When our worship is controlled by the world it has become polluted or contaminated.  You've heard the popular phrase, "Be in the world but not of the world."  Look what God says in James 4:4; "Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?"(ESV) God first, and then other things should be our priority.  The Lord's church is to be a community of believers who strive to worship God together; not show off the latest fashion, gossip or simply hang out with friends.  Real worship can only be achieved if one truly comes prepared to worship and follows through by focusing on the real reason for being in the place of worship.  

Do you actually make preparations to worship?

How well do you separate the world from your worship? 

What is your true focus when it comes to worship?