Worship Matters

Our worship of a holy, loving God is the most critical thing we can do as humans. From the beginning of the Bible to the end, the theme of worship permeates every book. Putting God first and listening to his voice was what the Lord wanted. But when our first human parents failed, sin entered the world. Immediately afterward, the first violent action happened, and it was over the question of how God was to be worshipped was introduced to everyone. Worship Matters

The overarching question is this: does this person or character in the Bible come to a point of true worship? His or her destiny beyond the grave depends on how this question is answered.

As we turn the pages of the Holy Scripture, one at a time, we go past page 1,000. And there, on the final pages of the Bible, we have numerous insights into who is there, the place, the actions, and what we will do until we finally worship God forever. When we are with God for eternity, our worship will be one of service, though we can’t imagine the details of the scene now. God will dwell with his people and wipe away every tear from our eyes. The regular flowering of beautiful trees will bring healing to the nations. We have come full circle from the Garden of Eden to the Garden of Heaven.

I love to follow the names of God through the Scriptures. And here, we find an unusual combination of words. “He said to me, ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty, I will give to drink without cost.” Rev. 21. 6 Worship Matters

The ancient Greek book called The Iliad taught the ancient world about Hellenism. In everyday language, this book, the history of Troy and the story of the gods, was called the “Alpha and the Omega.” Why? Because the first chapter started with the Greek letter Alpha, and the last began with the Greek letter Omega. Jesus challenges that entire system of godless worship, falling before idols. Our Lord is the beginning and the end. He is the one we adore and worship. We bow down before him with joy, acknowledging him in all things to the glory of God the Father.

This month at LAM, we are concerned with the treasure of passing along the teaching of the Scriptures and preparing men and women for a lifetime of pastoral work. Many years of investment are needed for theological education in North America. 

We are blessed with seminaries, colleges, institutes, and local programs. However, in most of the world, including Latin America, only a few can take the time for the lengthy process of Western Education. Consequently, many local pastors in cities, towns, and villages wait for further training. Training others involves many steps, including strengthening relationships between the student and the teacher. And we must always remember the amazing abilities of children. They learn to sing, memorize, and join in with adults in praying. We therefore include a story about a school in Mexico City. Learning to worship is always a thrilling story, too, and Rommel Raudales tells us about his amazing encounter with Christ!

Worship and Training matter!

Indigenous people in Northern Colombia learning to worship the Lord Jesus Christ.

   By David Phillips.