As we journey through life, the concept of new beginnings resonates deeply within the hearts of believers. The ultimate new beginning comes through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This chapter delves into the call to true worship of God and the acceptance of Jesus as our Messiah, emphasizing the urgency of making this decision before it is too late.
In John 4:24, Jesus states, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” This verse encapsulates the essence of true worship: sincerity of heart and alignment with divine truth. True worship is not merely about external rituals or traditions but involves an authentic relationship with God. Worshiping in spirit means that our prayers and actions should emanate from a heart filled with love and reverence for Him. Romans 12:1 exhorts us, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” True worship demands that we give our entire lives to God, making our everyday actions a form of worship.
Worshiping in truth requires us to embrace the reality of God’s word. The scriptures remind us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” To truly worship God, one must recognize His word as the ultimate authority while cultivating a heart that desires to understand and live by that truth.
The acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Messiah is the cornerstone of Christianity. John 14:6 tells us, “Jesus said unto Him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.” This profound declaration emphasizes that there is no other path to God but through Christ. True believers demonstrate their faith through action. James 2:19 states, “You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” Mere belief is insufficient. True faith is evidenced by how one lives. In Galatians 5:22-23, we are reminded that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” These qualities must be evident in a believer’s life as a testament to their acceptance of Christ.
Throughout history and in our modern world, countless individuals have accepted Jesus and transformed their lives. From the testimonies of former addicts to individuals who were once engulfed in despair, the narrative of newfound freedom in Christ is a powerful reality. The story of John Newton, a former slave trader who became a devoted believer and wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace,” illustrates how accepting Jesus can lead to profound life change and intense worship.
Scripture consistently warns us about the fleeting nature of time. In Hebrews 3:15, we are reminded: “While it is said, Today if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation1.” Each moment to accept Jesus is critical, as tomorrow is never promised. Thus, we must urge those around us to make this vital decision today.
The urgency of preparedness is illustrated by Jesus in Matthew 25:1-13 through the parable of the ten virgins. He tells us that “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.” When the bridegroom arrived, only those who were ready entered into the marriage. The others were left outside, banging on the door to no avail. This parable reinforces that accepting Jesus and living a life of true worship is not simply an option but a necessity.
As we reflect on the truths of worshiping God in spirit and in truth, we realize that the acceptance of Jesus Christ is the gateway to a life of fulfillment and purpose. In a world filled with distractions and false teachings, we must cling to the foundational truths of our faith. The time to act is now—accept Him before it is too late. Those who truly worship God and accept His Son live in the assurance of salvation, experiencing the blessings of a life transformed by grace.
In Jesus’ name, may we all find the strength and courage to embrace this call. Let us keep our wicks trimmed and our lanterns filled with oil because the King is coming! Amen.
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1 The specific incident referred to as “the provocation” happened during the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, particularly when they were wandering in the desert and expressed discontent and disbelief. This is traditionally associated with the episode at Meribah and Massah, where the Israelites challenged Moses’ leadership and God’s provisions (as described in Exodus 17 and Numbers 20).
These events are not tied to a specific date, but they occurred over a period of time during the Israelites’ 40 years of wandering, which is generally placed around the 13th century BCE according to biblical chronology.