JUST BECAUSE YOU CLAIM to be God’s people and assemble to worship, doesn’t mean true worship is taking place or that God even accepts it. If it’s merely lip service, God does not accept it. Christ castigated the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, “these draw near Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me”. Note the level of criticism Jesus leveled at the church in Ephesus, which continued to worship Him but did not love Him supremely. Paul warned that to partake in communion without recognizing your brothers/sisters in Christ was to bring judgment on yourself.
Our hearts must be humbled and righteously desiring fellowship with Him and the Body. A lifestyle that compromises sin and immorality hinders your worship; you’re offering sacrifices without holiness. Likewise, Jesus told the church in Sardis to wake up, “I have not found your works perfect before God”. James indicates that God does not hear the prayers of those who have not separated themselves from the world. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8
God is seeking those with clean hands and pure hearts to worship Him, not your idea of Him. Examine your heart. Who/what is on the altar? Don’t find yourself worshiping a golden calf and calling it “Jesus”. #runyourrace
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
