"Lordship" - HowTo: church

Scripturally, I see five overarching elements of Christ' church. It is, by the way, His church. Nothing we lay claim to beyond identifying with, and surrendering to, His Lordship, Discipleship, Stewardship, Fellowship, & Outreach. This evening, at Mt Pisgah Baptist Church, we're going to kick-off the new year early, and begin by focussing on what I believe to be the absolote most foundational of these five elements, the most important of which, all minor elements depend....

Lordship:

Worship: Scripture, our guide in Christ, indicates we are to worship "spiritually", in "truth". This means worshipping not in regard to the flesh, our physical self, but "spirit" which is of God. Worship must be "true", not in pretense. We pray in secret, not so others may see our religiosity on display. The gospel of John 4:24 says.... "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." The Spirit says.. "You shall have no other gods before me. "'You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth." (Deuteronomy 5:7, 8 ESV) Without pretense.... "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:5 ESV)

The psalmist said... "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

We "worship" in word and thought. We support and encourage the weak.... Romans 15:1, Matthew 25:40.

We worship through personal example, as a witness of Christ Himself, to others. 1 Peter 2:11

Next week....
Lordship also consists of Prayer: acknowledging Christ as Lord, reverence, fearing The Creator of all. Petitioning Him on behalf of others, supplication on behalf of our own need., dependance upon His mercies, and His grace.