True Worship and True Worshipers

    by Luke Ahrens Jan 12, 2012

    Dear Harvest Family:

    This past weekend, it was a blessing to open God's Word with you and study worship together, True Worship. I am praying for you to have a great week digging into the truth of John 4 as you participate in the pulpit curriculum along with your small group.

    Let me take a minute to encourage you with one more thought from John 4. In that text we find what I call the "Worship Cycle". Let me explain that concept, because it happens twice in the text--and it is actively happening in our lives as well, or at least it should be.

    The Worship Cycle takes place in the following pattern:

    1. The Truth of Christ's Identity and God's Word is Proclaimed/Studied
    2. Christ or Truth from God's Word is Revealed to us by the Holy Spirit
    3. We choose to embrace this Truth, experience Transformation, and develop a Testimony
    4. Our Testimony compels us to Seek others and share Christ/Truth with them
    5. End Result: More True Worship and True Worshipers; God is glorified!
    6. We desire more Biblical Truth...the Cycle repeats itself


    In John 4 the focus is primarily on proclaiming salvation in Christ (evangelism); but this cycle should be ongoing in our lives after salvation too. Each time we embrace Biblical truth in another area of our lives, transformation will result, and a new testimony is developed.

    One important part of our vision at Harvest Columbus is to grow in being a church where each individual experiences Biblical transformation. What testimony could you share from the last year? How have you embraced Biblical truth that led to transformation and more true worship?

    Romans 12:1-2 says, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

    Let's pray for God to make 2012 a year of magnificent spiritual worship to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

    You are Loved,

    Pastor Luke