GOD SEEKING TRUE WORSHIPERS, CAN YOU BE ONE?

Isaiah 58:1-14 (NIV):
1 “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.
2 For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them.
3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.
4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?

  1. True devotion surpasses mere ritualistic practices: The passage critiques the Israelites for engaging in religious observances without aligning their actions with God’s commandments. It emphasizes that true spirituality involves genuine repentance and righteous living.
  2. Addressing social injustice is essential: Isaiah highlights the importance of pursuing justice and fairness, particularly in the treatment of fellow human beings. He condemns exploitation and exploitation of workers, urging believers to prioritize social justice.
  3. Authentically seek God’s presence: The passage underscores the disconnect between the Israelites’ outward displays of religious devotion and their inner motivations. Isaiah reminds them that God desires sincere hearts and genuine humility, rather than empty rituals.
  4. Practice compassion and generosity: Isaiah emphasizes the responsibility of believers to share their resources with the needy and oppressed. It encourages acts of mercy, extending kindness and providing for those who lack basic necessities.
  5. Experience restoration and blessings: By living out these teachings, Isaiah promises that the people will experience restoration, healing, and favor from God. The passage conveys the message that true obedience and righteous living lead to God’s blessings and a renewed relationship with Him.

A Case Study of the teachings in Isaiah 58:

In summary, Isaiah 58 teaches us to prioritize genuine repentance and righteous living over mere religious rituals, address social injustices, authentically seek God’s presence, practice compassion and generosity, and experience restoration and blessings through obedience to God’s commands.

Raph Michael

IS SERVING GOD COMPULSORY?

Serving God is Compulsory and not just important

First of all, let us reflect upon an essential truth that governs our lives as believers: serving God is not merely a choice, but a sacred duty. As we ground our faith in the Bible, let’s look at some of the passages it contains to explain why serving God is compulsory.

View Point 1: God Expects Our Service
The Bible is clear that God expects us to serve him, out of love and appreciation for all he has done for us. In Deuteronomy 10:12, we are commanded, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you?” God also tells us in Matthew 4:10, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” These passages make clear that God not only desires but also expects us to serve him.

View Point 2: Serving God Brings Benefits
Far from being a burden, serving God is an incredible opportunity. In all areas of life, whether spiritual or physical, serving God brings about great rewards. Physically, serving God can have an effect on things like finances, relationships, career, and family. Spiritually, God promises spiritual healing, peace, joy, and more, if we serve him faithfully. Ultimately, serving God will bring us closer to God and lead to eternal life.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, serving God is not merely an option. It is a sacred duty that comes with many wonderful benefits. Let us all take the time to reflect on how we can show our love and appreciation for God by serving him faithfully. May God open our eyes to see the reasons behind serving Him in Jesus name.

FUNCTIONS OF PASTORS

these may vary from one church to the other or one ministry to the depending on the visions and the assignment given to individual and group of people who are committed to the service of our Lord God, but as far as the Lord’s World Missions is concerned we enumerate the following functions of the pastors which are broadly divided into two categories.

To the Church:

  1. Spiritual Leader: A pastor is responsible for providing spiritual guidance to the church. This involves leading and teaching spiritual growth, providing the proper context for worship, and helping to shape the culture of the church.
  2. Administrative Duties: A pastor is also responsible for overseeing the administrative tasks of the church, such as overseeing finances, personnel management, and working with committees on building projects or other matters.
  3. Ministerial Tasks: The pastor is responsible for performing ministerial tasks such as presiding over baptisms, funerals, weddings, and counseling.

To the Members:

  1. Spiritual Counseling: A pastor is responsible for offering spiritual counseling to members of the church, such as offering spiritual advice, providing prayers and guidance, and encouraging members in their spiritual growth.
  2. Community Support: A pastor should also be a supportive member of the community, facilitating activities or programs that benefit those in need and enhance the wellbeing of the members.
  3. Crisis Intervention: A pastor should also be available to provide support or counseling during times of crisis, whether it is a life-changing event or personal tragedy.

(Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 4:2,
1 Timothy 3:2-7; 1 Peter 5:3, Acts 20:38).

The Bible is a collection of religious texts, including both the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament, that are sacred to Christians. It is the word of God, written by human authors inspired by the Holy Spirit.

The Old Testament consists of 39 books written between approximately 1400 and 400 BCE, while the New Testament contains 27 books written between approximately 50 and 100 CE. The main divisions of the Bible are the Law (Genesis to Deuteronomy), History (Joshua to Esther), Poetry (Job to Song of Solomon), Major Prophets (Isaiah to Daniel), Minor Prophets (Hosea to Malachi), and Gospels and Acts (Matthew to Acts).

The Bible was delivered to man through divine inspiration by God Himself and through the work of human authors.

  1. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).
  2. “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve,” (Jeremiah 17:10).

3.“But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets,” (Daniel 2:28).

  1. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,’” (Jeremiah 29:11).
  2. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law,” (Deuteronomy 29:29).
  3. “No one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God,” (1 Corinthians 2:11).
  4. “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless, He is a shield for all who take refuge in him,” (2 Samuel 22:31).

SERVING GOD, WAYS AND BENEFITS

Serving God means living a life that glorifies Him and carries out His will. It means putting God first in all things and being obedient to His commands.

It also involves serving God with our physical resources to glorify God.

Here are some Bible references that explain serving God:

1. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

2. Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

3. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

   Ways to serve God
1. By keeping God’s commandments – “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15)

2. By praying – “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18)

3. By loving others – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34)

4. By sharing the gospel – “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15)

5. By giving generously – “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Some of The benefits of serving God in are:

1. Eternal Life in Heaven – When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are promised eternal life in Heaven (John 3:16).

2. Protection – God promises to protect us from harm and danger if we serve Him whole-heartedly (Psalm 91:14).

3. Provision – Serving God allows us to have our needs met according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

4. Direction in Life – When we seek God’s guidance, He will show us the right paths to take (Proverbs 3:5–6).

5. Comfort – God comforts us in times of distress and grants us peace within (Isaiah 40:1).

6. Joy – Serving God brings us joy and gives us a reason to be cheerful (Nehemiah 8:10).

7. Fulfillment – Following God’s plan for our lives leads to true fulfillment and satisfaction (Jeremiah 29:11).