The "Heart" of Worship

" Relevance is not achieved by conformance to the world, it is achieved by conformance to God's Word."

-Gabriel H

There is a very funny and convicting video that is circulating the web "viral style" among Christians. It's called Sunday Morning.






"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.




I saw this exactly a week ago, I think, from a Presbyterian friend of mine. If I were a good blogger I would've commented on it then. But I'm a little slow on the trigger sometimes so here I am.


Anyone who knows me, knows I do not attend a church even remotely like this. My opinion is that this type of service comes across as vapid and hollow no matter what the heart's intention.

Don't get mad.

Just my opinion.

It's not "my style".

But I do think a video like this can remind us that Church can so easily become about the church goer exclusively. We say what we want, how we want, when we want (Saturday night service for the weekend late sleeper). The completely un-ironic earnestness of this attempt at relevancy is not in question. We know that these people truly desire to have their "heart" in the "right place" when it comes to the worship service.

But is the question of the heart's motive the only question?

Is God concerned with both the ends and the means?

We are required to worship God.

Does God require us to worship Him a certain way?

It's not in question that this was true for the Israelites. I've been reading Exodus and God has been instructing the construction and design of His temple.

God was very precise.

The size, shape and materials were all dictated. Later I'll be reading precisely what was expected to take place and how the people were to approach a Holy God.

How do you think Church should look today?

Do you think God has instruction for the Christian believer?

Does only the "heart" of the worshiper matter?

Do the means by which we worship God matter as well?

I have my thoughts. But I'm asking you.

The Kingdom of God

I heard yesterday, that no matter what system of Government you live under, whether Democracy, Republic, Parliament, Monarchy, Dictatorship, etc. the Government is only as good as the individual(s) who holds office. America, for instance, has arguably the freest and most noble system. The reality is that the leaders are rarely not more than depraved sinners, even who's good deeds are motivated by selfishness.

It is commendable to be active in your country's Government. Run for office. Vote your conscience. Be aware of the issues. Humbly fight for the rights of both the rich and the poor. The slave and the free.

But do not confuse your earthly citizenship with your spiritual citizenship.

A Christian lives in a Monarchy. Our King is Christ, and He is truly the best ruler to serve. Christ is at once, a royal leader, and a humble servant. Making the wisest judgments, and kneeling to wash the dirtiest feet.

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I have been out of The United States for 8 months. In principle, I believe that British Columbia "suffers" from a completely socialized insurance program. It's not just Medical, it's Auto as well. The system of Government is Parliamentary. There are leaders here who are appointed and elected. Legislation is totally skewed in favor of the more populated areas of the country.

 But the nitty-gritty of it, is that I'm having a great time. These people do not feel oppressed and neither do I. We drive on paved and organized roads. We enjoy (in BC) at least a functional health care system. My wife is pregnant and I'm glad the health care is serving us so well.

But here's something I really love about Canada.

Canada is generally non-interventionist in the world (Esp. compared to the US).  Reportedly, in 2011 Canada will pull all their troops from Afghanistan. Also they officially didn't support the Iraq war. Yes there were some personnel there, but it was some of the lowest troop numbers of any country in Iraq. And guess what? Canadians do not live in horror of impending terrorist attack.
 So despite the differences in the system of government, Canada is much closer to to the correct way as far as Foreign Policy is concerned.

Now excuse me while I stroll down a road lined with flowers, to a huge lake nestled in a valley, surrounded by mountains. Where it hardly rains and we enjoy four complete and perfect seasons.