We are a few weeks into a new series on “Becoming Like Family”. This is important as our online community begin to share the daily challenges with friends, and we begin to gather our larger community together as one church community. We won’t be bound together by a building, or institution, but rather by five commitments. Two weeks ago, we explored commitment to common learning goals. Last week, we explored a commitment to connectedness as a community of small and large groups.
This week, our commitment is to God in worship. Worship is not a word everyone uses every day, and even if we do, we might not sure what it means.
Does it mean to bow down and say I’m not worthy?
Kids “just worship” their parents, older siblings, etc. is that what it means?
Or if you have church experience, you might think worship is something you do at a weekly service, or even just the music part of that weekly service.
Did you know the official way to address Rob Ford is “Your Worship”?
As you can see, there is some confusion on what “worship” means.
Question: What do you think of when you hear the word worship?
Reminder: Earlier in this series, we saw the importance of reading the Bible together in sync, so our new daily bible readings start today in our mobile app and web site.
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CloseRyan Sim - May 8, 2013
Wednesday - Change It - Self Denial
Jesus talked about fasting, or intentionally denying ourselves for a greater good. The Pharisees were advertising their supposed humility to the world. So Jesus’ challenge is this: “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:16-18 ESV) Jesus wants his followers to fast for God alone. This is different from a hunger strike, like the one Theresa Spence engaged in. She put herself in the most conspicuous place possible – an island - and had staff dealing with her media relations. All about advertising her fasting, to make a political message. Jesus doesn’t want his followers fasting to make a point, force change, or advertise their religiosity. He wants them to fast privately, for God. If his followers can fast, and look and act ordinarily, God will see their humility, and no one else needs to know. And that was meant to be the point, right? What about today – why would anyone fast? We see three reasons people fast in the Bible, same today: 1. Prayer – Particularly for making special decisions. To turn to God for direction, we turn away from something else that might try to direct us. 2. Self-discipline – Our bodies can cause us to sin, they are broken versions of what God created them to be. We want not just our wills to align with God’s will, but all of us, including our bodies. 3. Care for the Poor – I have a friend who intentionally lived on Ontario Works level of income. She decided to live more simply than necessary, to give that money to others, or in the case of fasting, food. These are all reasons to fast for God: prayer, to be self-disciplined in avoiding sin, and to care for others. These are great reasons for self-denial – all ways to turn away from sin in our world, and towards God. John Stott: We have to become so conscious of God we cease to be self-conscious. Question: What are you self-conscious about? When do you pay the most attention to what others will think?
Related Topics: Humility, Self-Denial | More Messages from Ryan Sim | Download Audio
From Series: "Sermon on the Mount"
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