Not Ashamed

WORSHIP

In the fourth and fifth chapters of Revelation, John is permitted through vision to see the throne of God. He says that a “door was opened into heaven” and what he sees is an astonishing sight. He describes God’s throne. Thunder and lightning are coming from the throne, telling us that this is a place of majesty and awesome glory.

“The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sits on the throne, and worship him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne saying, Thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:10-11)

Worship literally means acknowledging the worth of something or someone. It means recognizing and saying that something or someone is worthy of our praise. Arthur Oakman writes, “To recognize Deity as worthy of adoration, as demanding righteousness, as a redeeming God, and one of purpose in creation and then to come into his presence with self-dedication is the beginning of worship.”

When we begin to glimpse and understand the reality of God, our natural inclination and reaction should be to worship him. When that reaction is absent it is a sure sign that we have not as yet grasped who he is or what he has done for us especially in sending his only begotten son to die for our sins.

Worship is our exclamation of praise that rises to God on his throne from us, his creation, in acknowledgement of the triumph of Jesus the Lamb and Savior of all mankind. Our praise is expressed in our music and hymns, reading of scripture, our prayers, and our preaching. Every time we meet for worship, every ‘service” we hold, is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the whole story of creation and salvation.

It is an old adage. We become what we worship. When we gaze in awe, admiration, and wonder at something or someone, we soon take on the character of the object of our worship. We see in the world those that worship, money, recognition and power and it is easy to see what they become. There are also old and present day examples of those that choose to worship creation and not the creator.

What happens to us then when we gaze in awe, admiration and wonder at the creator of heaven and earth? We are already made in his image, but we still grow from grace to grace, and are more perfectly formed into his image and countenance. He blesses us.

One of the primary responsibilities of the church is to prepare places of worship and to extend invitations to come and worship the true God and his son Jesus Christ, the creator and redeemer. Worship should be at the very center of our living. We are called to love God with all our heart, might, mind and strength. It does matter that we learn more about who God is so that our worship becomes fuller and richer.

F.Henry Edwards has written that, “Worship is the distinctive concern of the church. If the art and practice of worship are lost, then all is lost. But if our private and social worship is sound and searching and creative as our Father intended it to be, then all our other deficiencies will, in time be overcome.”

Worship is personal and it is corporate. Both are vital and important. God is worthy of our private meditations, study, fasting and prayer and he is worthy of our gathering together. We should cultivate an active and personal faith as well as take advantage of the opportunities provided by the church to worship together in the fellowship of one another and his spirit. Our worship draws us into his presence and there is no greater blessing during our sojourn on earth that to be in the presence of God.

“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne, and the beasts, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.” Revelations 5:11-13

When we peer into a mirror we see an exact image of ourselves. Sometimes we like what we see, sometimes we do not. Every hair that is out of place is clear and evident. Generally, we (society) spend a great deal of time, money and energy worrying about this outward image.

The gospel teaches us that it is not what is on the outside that is important, it is what is on the inside that matters to God. Peter wrote “Let your adorning be not that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and wearing of gold, or putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” [1 Peter 3:3-4] The Pharisees were warned that they made “clean the outside of the cup, and of the platter; but within [were] full of extortion and excess.”

It is important that we clearly see and understand our “inward man” because “A good man, out of the good treasure of the heart, bringeth forth good things; and an evil man out of the evil treasure, bringeth forth evil things.” [Matthew 12:30]

Edward M. Bounds puts it this way; “Conduct is what we do; character is what we are. Conduct is the outward life. Character is the life unseen, hidden within, yet evidenced by that which is seen. Conduct is external, seen from without; character is internal – operating within. In the economy of grace conduct is the offspring of character. Character is the state of the heart, conduct its outward expression. Character is the root of the tree, conduct, the fruit it bears.”

Is God concerned about our conduct? Yes. Then should we be concerned about our character? Yes. But how do we understand our character, our real inner self? Is there a mirror for our soul? How do we see and view the image of our inner-self? How is it that we can understand our true character, our true self; the self that is not veiled by outward appearances? Somehow it must be revealed.

One way that our true self can be revealed is by examining our conduct, the offspring of our character, when we are tried. That is perhaps why Peter stated that “the trial of [our] faith, [is] much more precious than of gold.” [1 Peter 1:7] Trial allows us to see our true inner self. When we are “pressed by every foe” our real nature is revealed. It becomes evident and we can examine it, understand it, and correct it if necessary.

Abraham is a great example of someone whose character was revealed thought trial. In Genesis we read that “God did try Abraham” by asking him to “Take now thy son, thine only Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering, …” [Genesis 22:1-2] Abraham was faced with the severest trial imaginable. The request did not fit his theology. Human sacrifice was pagan. Isaac was the son of promise, a miracle from the barren womb of Sarah. Why would God go to great lengths to enable a man and a woman nearing 100 years of age who had been barren all their life to produce a son and then ask that son be killed? Why would God make a promise to Abraham that he would be the father of nations and the seed that would come out of his loins would number as the sands of the sea and the stars of the heaven and then kill the only child he had?

The whole idea was absolutely bizarre. All hope of progeny in old Abraham would die. All hope of promise would die. Abraham would be killing his love, killing God’s promises, striking a blow at God’s word, striking a blow at the character of God, striking a blow at the covenant faithfulness of God, killing the promise of God and cutting off the line of Messiah. And what makes it the severest trial ever is not that Isaac was to die, but that Abraham was to kill him with his own hand.

What would you do? How would you respond?

We know how Abraham responded. Without delay, without arguing or questioning, without disputing or any reaction whatsoever, Abraham was submissive and obedient. His character was revealed. He was a man of faith and became the father of the faithful.

We cannot escape trial. It is part of our sojourn on earth. What are you like when difficulties come? Are you bitter, angry and resentful or does the love of God shine in your countenance no matter the circumstances of life.

Understand that trial can have a wonderful purpose in our lives. It helps us understand the strength of our faith and take a spiritual inventory. Through the refiners fire we see, our conduct makes our character evident, and we are able to purge the dross from our souls “ … for without sufferings [we can] not be made perfect.” [Hebrews 11:40]

Our theme for August is the “Word of God.” Scriptures have been selected to ponder and consider that that will help remind us of its importance in our lives. Perhaps one of the more cited verses about scripture is found in Paul’s second letter to his frequent companion Timothy:

“And all scripture given by inspiration of God, is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The phrase “inspiration of God” is a translation of the Greek word theopneustia. A more literal translation would be “God-breathed.”

In describing the usage of theopneustia Norman Geisler states; “The sacred Scriptures are all expressive of the mind of God. The sacred Scriptures are the ‘God-breathed’ revelation of God which result in their practical outworking in life.” (“A General Introduction to the Bible” by Norman Geisler and William Nix, page 34)

He further states; “So, in biblical terminology, inspiration is the process by which Spirit-moved writers recorded God-breathed writings.”

Commenting on the Greek word that is translated as “perfect” in the above passage from Timothy, E.W. Bullinger states: “This is another word which occurs only once, and again in reference to the Word of God. It is rendered ‘perfect,’ but it means fitted … [or] fitted out, as a vessel for a voyage, fully equipped, completely furnished. … One who studies man’s books will become a man of men; but he who studies God’s book will become ‘a man of God.” Moreover he will be equipped for every emergency, fitted out against every need, ready to meet every contingency; just as a vessel when fitted out for a long voyage has to be provided for calm and storm, ready to help a friend or defeat an enemy, prepared for fire and every accident, so the man of God, who truly profits by the study of Scriptures, is equipped and furnished, prepared and ready for every emergency.” (“Number in Scripture” by E.W. Bullinger, page 74)

God loves us so much that he sent His son to die to save us from our awful nature and sinful lives. He also loves us enough that he inspired holy men with His word and asked them to write it and carefully preserve it that we might clearly understand who He is and what he requires of us in our days of probation. The word of God teaches us and provides for us every needful thing for life’s journey.

We learn about where we came from and the different destinations that are available to us … some good and some not so good and that our mortal existence is not the end of our living. We learn how to deal and interact with each other, how to handle our gifts, talents and goods, and even guidance for our health is found in the Word of God.

We understand what our life’s work and mission ought to be, how the Church is to be put together and what its work and mission are and many other mysteries and wonders that are too numerous to attempt to enumerate here.

We are fortunate to have a corrected version of the Bible, the Book of Mormon as well as the latter-day “God-breathed” revelation of God as it is found in the Doctrine and Covenants. There are many great discourses in these three collections of the Word of God. Beginning in September, on the first Sunday evening of each month, two men will be asked to bring an expository sermon or talk on a particular selected discourse from the word of God. We will also be publishing in advance what passage of scripture will be used for a given evening. This will give everyone an opportunity to spend time in study, meditation and prayer about the passage prior to our evening of worship.

On the first Sunday evening in September we will be considering Alma 16:152-173 that begins “Now we will compare the word unto a seed.”

If we plant the word of God in our hearts we will find that we will be “fitted out” and “fully equipped” for life’s difficult and precarious journey.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light of the world; a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. … let your light so shine before this world, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16-18

In January of this year, I flew to Zurich to participate in a workshop. Our focus was the evaluation of a software system that our company was considering purchasing. Technicians came to demonstrate the capabilities of their system and they had even built a “live” instance so that we could see it working.

For three days we asked questions and watched as someone who was very skillful and knowledgeable addressed our questions and showed us how our unique needs could be fulfilled.

We had all read the literature, seen the power point marketing pitches, talked to other users, but none of that was enough to convince us. We needed a real visible and tangible demonstration to help us make up our minds. We are a society of skeptics. It is our nature to want to “kick the tires” before we buy.

The world about us has tremendous needs. Nations are in distress and fear is causing men’s hearts to fail. They need a new system. The old ways have never worked. The world needs something that will solve the difficulties, evils and troubles of our day.

Man’s systems have been weighed in the balance and found wanting and are beginning to crumble before our eyes. A viable alternative is needed. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer to what ails mankind. How do we let them know?

We too can create web sites, tracts, and hand out Bibles and Book of Mormons and these are all valuable and needful “marketing” activities. These will peak the interest of many and even bring them into our sanctuaries for a closer look … but will they buy?

What the world really needs to convince them to turn their hearts to God is the visible expression of what our literature says. Much like doubting Thomas, they will not believe until they see.

We are purveyors of the Gospel and we have become skilled and knowledgeable in its practical application. But the competition is fierce and more than ever, we need to become the “live” example of its transforming power.

A.W. Tozer described our present dilemma when he wrote: “In the world of men we find nothing approaching the virtues of which Jesus spoke in the opening words of the famous Sermon on the Mount. Instead of poverty of spirit we find the rankest kind of pride; instead of mourners we find pleasure seekers; instead of meekness, arrogance; instead of hunger after righteousness we hear men saying, ‘I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing’; instead of mercy we find cruelty; instead of purity of heart, corrupt imaginings; instead of peacemakers we find men quarrelsome and resentful; instead of rejoicing in mistreatment we find them fighting back with every weapon at their command. Of this kind of moral stuff civilized society is composed. The atmosphere is charged with it; … A whole world of literature has been created to justify this kind of life as the only norm alone.”

Have we received His image in our countenances? Have we experienced a mighty change in our hearts? Do we exercise faith in the redemption offered by He who created us?

As judgments are poured out upon all nations in the days that are immediately before us, there will be many seeking answers and solutions. May our lives become the demonstration of the light and power and majesty of our God to stand as a witness and testimony of the redemption He offers and desires for all mankind.

In the end it is not what we say but who we are that bears the greatest testimony.

After the martyrdom of Joseph Smith Jr. and Hyrum Smith, the usurpation of power was clearly evident in men like Brigham Young. As he rose to power he coerced, forced and even threatened the saints to pay ten percent of their annual income as tithing. Because of this, in the early days of the Reorganization, many were reluctant to follow the financial law. During this difficult time, Joseph Smith III wrote a tract to the Church instructing them on the basic tenants of the law of tithing and letting them know that only when leaders were in apostasy that it was not appropriate to pay tithing.

Many have had similar feelings during the past 25 or so difficult years. Without a Bishop and feeling that our liberties were in jeopardy we gave some to our local Branches but wondered whether or not (or how) we should pay our tithing. Given the recent events in the life of the Church and the appointment of a Bishop’s Agent in our Branch, perhaps the wise counsel that Joseph gave the early saints of the Reorganization is worthy of our consideration today.

In his tract he concisely states the law of tithing; “Here, then, is the law and the only law, by which Zion and her stakes can be built up. The ‘standing law’ for the priesthood, as well as the people ‘forever.’ 1st. The saints are to be tithed of their surplus. 2nd. Those who have paid their surplus are to pay one tenth of their ‘interest [which is their gains] annually.’ 3rd. The tithing and consecrations are to be used for the relief of the poor, ‘for their support,’ also for the building of the temple, laying the foundation of Zion, for the priesthood, &c. 4th. The tithings and the consecrations should be laid before the bishop and his counselors; and, therefore, not be put into the hands of the president of the church. 5th. Those who gather to Zion, or her stakes, and will not obey this law, ‘shall not be found worthy to abide among you.’ 6th. Every man is accountable to God, ‘a steward over his own property,’ whether he gained that property by his own labors or received it by gift (consecration), from the bishop.”

Our nature wants us to view the law of tithing as onerous. We want the bounty and goods that the world offers and we find it difficult to give because we will not be able to get what we want. What we fail to see is that this is bondage. The principle of stewardship and the law of tithing are what free us from the bondage of materialism and want. When we realize that what we possess does not belong to us but rather belongs to Him who gives us life and breath, giving becomes what we want.

Again in his tract, Joseph III says; “The law of tithing, when faithfully executed, oppresses no one, deprives no on of any thing they really need. It is designed to supply want, instead of creating and increasing it.”

“The law of tithing, as found in the books, proclaims equality, and ‘liberty to the captives’ (Isaiah 61:1). It lifts up, and gladdens the heart of the poor, of the aged, and of the infirm. As it is the offspring of love, so it is sustained by love. The church cannot be organized fully without it, and Zion cannot be sanctified without it; and if the saints, in their gathered condition, are not organized to it, ‘they will be cut off’ (D. & C. 51:1a).”

Jesus clearly taught the same principles in the parable of the foolish rich man.

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. … If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast in the oven; how much more will he provide for you, if ye are not of little faith? Therefore, seek not what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind; For all these things do the nations of the world seek after; and your Father who is in heaven knoweth that ye have need of these things.” (Luke 12:17, 30-32)

Our focus in February will be on stewardship and the law of tithing. Scriptures have been selected for Sunday’s and Wednesday’s for your consideration. Early in the month, Doug Trahern, our Bishops Agent will be teaching a class on the mechanics of filing a tithing statement. For many of us, this is not something that we have done in a number of years.

As we begin this year and especially this month, we would like to encourage each member of our Branch to give serious and prayerful consideration to the law of tithing and the principle of stewardship. And, whether you have done so every year, or have not done so in a number of years, to give the same serious and prayerful consideration to filing a tithing statement.

The promise is sure; “…whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward, shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life.” (Section 51:5b) Let our richness be toward God.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” John 10:27-30

No one can argue that we live in a difficult day. Decadence is on display just about everywhere. Moral decline is not just evident; it is wanted and sought after. Conservative Supreme Court nominee Judge Robert H. Bork chronicles our plight in his book “Slouching Towards Gomorrah.” In it he states “So unrelenting is the assault on our sensibilities that many of us grow numb …”

Individualism that is unconfined by religion, morality and law will end up in hedonism. Our world is approaching the day when the Machiavellian pursuit of pleasure will be all that matters.

The word of God bears record; “as it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be also at the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:44) And as it was in the days of Noah, judgment will certainly be poured out. Perhaps it has already begun on His house.

Jesus knew. He was well aware that the frailties of our flesh, the nature that we inherit at birth, and the uncertainty of our situations would collide with a force of devastating strength and determination. He knew we would see the “sights that dazzle” and the “tempting sounds” that we would hear. He knew that self-confidence, that affluence, that pride, that self-pity, that power would provide the green grass that attracts wandering sheep. He knew that the enemy – crafty, deceptive, evil, polluted, hateful and attractive – would do anything and everything to draw us away.

The metaphor is correct – like sheep, we are “prone to wander” and prone to “leave the God we love” and I’m sure that Jesus knew that there would be times in all of our lives when we would stray, when we would doubt, when events of pain and catastrophe would wedge a crowbar against our resolve.

That is why He holds us so tight.

There is something wonderful about the mental picture of our Savior wrapping his omnipotent hand around each of us, and of the Father wrapping his own almighty hand around his. We become “encircled about with the matchless bounty of His love” (Alma 14:95) and our “life is hid with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3)

The story of Noah and his family’s preservation provides an example. When the ark was finished, God shut Noah inside. The storms of judgment fell in all their fury. The “fountains of the great deep [were] broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened,” (Genesis 8:36) but Noah was safe. He was in the ark. The waters of judgment fell on the ark, not on him.

Our salvation, security and protection are sure if we listen to his voice. His limitless grip will encircle us and hold us tight. His love will never let us go. He will never relinquish control.

“O my people, saith the Spirit, Hear the word of God today; Be not slothful but obedient; ‘Tis the worlds momentous day! Unto honor I have called you – Honor great as angels know; Heed ye, then, a Father’s counsel, And by deeds your purpose show.

Time is ripe! My work must hasten! Whoso will may bide the hour. Naught can harm whom God protecteth – Elements confess his power. Up ye, then, to the high places I have bid you occupy! Peril waits upon the heedless, Grace upon the souls who try!”

Despite the difficulties that we see and even experience, his promises are sure and the glory of His coming waits to break upon our day.