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Life Journey Step Seven: Worship
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IMPORTANT, BEFORE CONTINUING:
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TERMS OF USE
Personal Note From the Owner
In this day and age, with all the law suit crazy people in this world, we here at TWJ must needs put the above information in it′s place for everyone′s protection.
Yes, it has become a sad state of affairs when doing such becomes not only necessary but also the norm.
Too, you will see the above Important, Before Continuing information repeated on each and every page where we are endeavoring to provide help to our neighbors.
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That being said, all of the information provided within the Appendix Passage, especially in this section called A Wayƒarer′s Quill Strokes is free for any and all to access. Never have we or will we ask for a membership fee or a purchase price for any information that is presented in the Appendix Passage on this web site.
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The Life Journey Step Seven,
Worship
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Foremost in achieving the
journeys end to
The Way is in recognizing that we, all the People of God must needs fulfill our
spiritual needs.
(Matthew 4:4)
What good would it be to obtain great mental focus, superb health, longevity of life, and even wealth, but then, in the end, we grow old and finally succumb to death, which we all do. However, what would be worse, is if we do so without having given credit to the one whom credit is due, nor have a personal relationship with our creator, not even obeying his commands.
(1 John 5:3)
Yes, I am referring to that one need we have that demands that we first know God and then give thanks to the Creator for the means to gain life.
(John 17:3)
Indeed, without fulfilling this most important step upon The Way, that of satisfying our spiritual need, the gaining of all the other needs will never effectuate true health, vitality and long life.
(Mark 8:36 ASV)
For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?
The Seven Steps
Indeed, no matter how hard one works on the first six steps of The Real Way, unless this seventh step, Worship, is the primary focus of that one′s
life journey, all that effort, on the
Final Day, would have been done for naught.
The Real Way
There is a way, herein referred to as
The Real Way, in which one can walk, a path which will lead to
The Real Life. This is the same
way that Jesus told his disciples about and a life path involving effort on the part of those who travel it and/or even being able to comprehend it.
Nevertheless, we must keep in mind the words of Jesus when he said "and few there be that find it." because he was indicating that there will be some succeeding to walk upon this path.
(Matthew 7:14) How does one take steps on this path?
Steps Upon the Way
There are Bible examples of ones who had the opportunity to learn the will of God and walk in The Way, but then later failed to apply what they learned in their lives. This is a good example of the bad example of how the Israelites failed to do the will of God.
(Deuteronomy 15:5;
Jeremiah 43:7;
1 Samuel 12:15)
Their house,
(Psalm 55:14) the location for worship of the true God was permanently taken from them and given to The People [KJV: a nation] who would choose life by obeying God′s voice.
(Matthew 21:42,
43)
The following paragraphs will first direct us to examine the Israelite′s bad example, and then next, help us to learn how to avoid following in their steps of failing to obey God.
Choose Life, Fulfill your Spiritual Need.
Moses,
prophet of God, said to the Israelites, at
(Deuteronomy 30: 19
, 20)
"19: I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
"20. That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them." [KJV-Italics ours]
While camped on the bank of the Jordan river at flood stage,
(Joshua 3:15), just prior to their crossing that river, the Israelites were told to fulfill their spiritual needs.
This is recorded for us at
Joshua 3:5 “And Joshua said unto the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.’” and he continued at
Joshua 3:9 “And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, ‘Come hither, and hear the words of the LORD your God.’”
Sadly no, the final outcome is that although there were a few that did choose to obey the
voice of God,
(Numbers 14:30) most all of the Israelites did not choose life, but continued on the path of disobedience, which caused them to loose possession of the
house of God
(Matthew 23:37,
38) and eventually their lives.
The People of God
When on the earth, Jesus gathered to himself a People, taught them how to obey the voice of his Father and then sent them out to find and teach others both how to Choose Life and how to Obey the Voice of God.
(Acts 15:14)
(1 Peter 2:10)
Then, these disciples formed the nucleus of a fast growing congregation of The People who would first dedicate their lives to serving the most high God and then followed through with whatever effort it took to do so successfully.
(Psalms 83:18)
A Record to be Imitated.
The Acts of the Apostles is the inspired record of the People of God in the first century, a record which informs its readers: how they organized themselves; how they formed a united worldwide brotherhood; how serving God had first priority in their lives; how they avoided the ways of the world; and how they would have no part of any of the numerous religions of their day, which religions, although claiming to worship God, proved themselves false by their works.
(Matthew 7:15
, 19
, 20
, 21
, 22
, 23)
This extensive record has been written down and recorded within God′s Word for the sole purpose for us to examine, learn from them and then imitate closely.
(Romans 15:4) Verily, a close study of the Bible account in the book of Acts will go a long way in helping any one today to identify who today are The People of God.
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The
People of God Today
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There are a seeming infinite number of religions around the world, all of whom claim to serve the true God and/or the God of their Holy Book. Furthermore, there are tens of thousands of religions on this earth of whom all call themselves Christians and/or disciples of Christ. The actual truth is they don′t even know the God of the Bible.
(Genesis 6:9 [ROT];
Isaiah 26:4;
John 17:3;
2 Peter 3:11,
14)
Still, in a search to identify The People of God, we should consider the words of Jesus himself recorded in chapter seven of the book of Matthew. During those days when Jesus was teaching his disciples how to Choose Life and how to Obey the Voice of God, Jesus told his disciples to "15. Beware of false prophets" and then said " 16. Ye shall know them by their fruits."
(Matthew 7:15
, 16)
Jesus next uses an illustration of fruit trees, to help his disciples get the point of what he is trying to teach them.
(Matthew 7:16
, 17
, 18
, 19
, 20)
Concluding with verse 21 Jesus taught the disciples the point of the illustration, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
(Matthew 7:21) Yes, as Jesus taught his disciples, he is clearly teaching us, that one of the primary determinations for identifying The People of God, who are in fact true followers of Jesus, is that they have individually learned what God′s will is from the Voice of God, an expression otherwise known in the Bible as the Word of God and/or the Bible.
Furthermore, in order to obey the voice of God, they have sounded the Word of God down into their hearts and fully practice all to God′s commandments, laws and principles throughout their
life journey.
(1 John 5:3)
No Excuse!
Jesus clearly shows that if a person is not doing God′s Will, there is absolutely nothing else, nothing at all, not any other works which will qualify that person as his follower and a true Christian. This has been clearly recorded in the next two verses, "22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
(Matthew 7:22
, 23)
There is only One Path!
Thus, if you want to be a disciple of Jesus and friend of God, you must practice the worship God approves. At
(John 4: 23), Jesus said "the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him."
Also, in the sermon on the mound, Jesus also said "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few are there be that find it."
(Matthew 7:13
, 14) Notice in this verse the fact it indicates there will be some who find the one path to the real life, however, those who do would be relatively few compared to all the ones not on this correct path, who claim to worship God, but who in reality do not do his will. Furthermore, let it be known, it is God′s Word the Bible that is the only guide for true worshipers. Any would would bring another writing would fall short of the mark totally.
Identifying The People of God Today
Have you taken note of people practicing their religion. If you do, it will be evident to you who is practicing true religion by what they are doing in their life. Jesus gave an illustration about the different fruit from grapes and thorns and then he said in reference to both true worshipers and false worshipers: "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
(Matthew 7:20)
Yes, those practicing true religion have deep respect for the Bible, knowing it is from God and allow the Bible to guide every aspect of their lives.
(2 Timothy 3:16)
Too, Jesus set the example for showing love for people by teaching them about God, never showing prejudice, racial hatred, nor even discriminating against those who hated them. In fact, he said that all people would know his disciples, the True Worshipers, by the love they show for one another.
John 13:35)
Another identifying mark of true Christians today is they have a personal relation with God, know and use his personal name when talking about him to others. In fact, this is what Jesus did and also said that in order to have God′s love, we must make known his name to others.
(John 17:6,
26) The Bible plainly states that God′s personal name is Jehovah.
(Psalms 83:18) Those religions who do not know God′s name nor use his name when talking about Him to others are not worshiping God with Spirit and Truth, another requirement of True Worshipers.
(John 4:8)
What other characteristic of True Worshipers will help you to identify them today? Jesus, when on earth had a mission to do, one given to him by his heavenly father Jehovah. He told his disciples that he was sent to the earth to preach about the Kingdom of God.
(Luke 4:43) Jesus also told his disciples to preach about the Kingdom of God.
(Luke 9:2) The True worshipers today would follow both his command and his example in preaching. In fact, True Worshipers today would be know for preaching to people all over the entire earth, and particularly the preaching about God′s Kingdom.
(1 Peter 2:21)
In fact, the Word of God has power, so much so that by teaching others the truth about Jehovah, we will experience a wonderful event, that of the satanic blindfold being removed from the eyes of our students.
(John 12: 40;
2 Corinthians 4:4)
In Summary
So, the people of God respect the Bible and show love among themselves. They also have a personal relationship with God, give honor to and use God′s name, Jehohvah. Furthermore, they would be known by their preaching and teaching others about God′s Kingdom.
Who only are doing all of the above as a part of their worship. Search all those thousands of religions claiming to worship God and see for yourself. Yes, and you will conclude that it is only Jehovah′s Witnesses who do all these things.
If you would like help to study the Bible, go to
jw.org and fill in the online request for a free Bible study and a witness in your area will call to discuss the Bible at a time and place convenient with you.
What are the People of God today best known for? Jehovah′s Witnesses have long been known for going to peoples homes to tell them about God′s Kingdom. Too, Jehovah′s Witnesses are teachers of the Bible and have been at the forefront of helping others to learn from God′s Word the Bible. This is, in fact what Jesus commanded his disciples to do.
At Matthew 28, Jesus commanded his disciples, which command is also for his disciples today to: "19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
(Matthew 28:19
, 20)
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The
Way, The Truth and The Life
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The expression The Way, is a figurative expression used in the Bible referring to a path one takes in his life to become approved of by God. Followers of Jesus Christ were considered as belonging to The Way.
(Acts 9:2)
(Acts 22:4)
The Hebrew scriptures refers to The Way as the path upon which God teaches sinners to walk on, and one they must keep walking upon, not turning aside from, in order to serve and please Him.
(Isaiah 35:8)
(Psalms 25:8,
9)
(Isaiah 30:21)
The Way, The Truth, and The Life
Jesus had told his disciples that he has prepared a place in his Father′s house and that where ever he goes they will know the way.
The disciple Thomas said, we do not know where you are going, and how can we know the way? Jesus then informed his disciples that the only way to the Father is through the Son.
John 14: 5,
6
Therefore, to find The Way and take steps upon this path that God has provided, and in doing so, to acquire everlasting life, it is urgent that we must come to know and love the only true God, Jehovah, but we must also know and have love for the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom Jehovah sent.
(John 3: 16;
John 17: 3)
What is the First Step?
The first step for us to begin walking upon The Way is to begin studying the Bible. Learn more about why this it so important by viewing a free video; this video is about three and a half minutes long and you will do well to view to lean the answer to its title: Why Study the Bible?.
Jehovah′s Witnesses offer a step-by-step method for you to learn what the Bible teaches. Our Bible study program take one topic at a time, look up the pertinent verses which help you to have a good grasp of the Bible. By doing this, you will come to know how to have a happy life, how to be God′s friend and gain a good knowledge of what the future holds in story.
Would you like to what happens at a Bible study and other questions you may have, then view the next video.
The above free video is just a little over two minutes long.
What is the Second Step?
The next step is to take a look at the free interactive Bible study course textbook. You may view this text book,
Enjoy Life Forever! online and/or you may download a personal copy. (Download options are near the bottom of the textbook web page.)
Either way, you will find that there is no charge nor obligation for this Bible study textbook, never has been, never will be because Jesus commanded his disciples "freely ye have received, freely give."
(Matthew 10:8)
The Third Step.
Once you have acquired your Bible study textbook, know that the best way for you to learn all that is contained within the Bible is to have someone guide you.
(Romans 15:4) Notice how this is shown in the account of what Philip was instructed to do at
Acts 8: 26. And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, “Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.”
Upon obeying the direction from God, Philip departed and came upon an Ethiopian eunuch who had gone to Jerusalem to worship, now returning on his chariot and reading from the prophet Isaiah. Thus, Philip approached the man, heard him reading and asked, "Do you actually know what you are reading?"
(Acts 8:30)
And the man answered Philip something like this, "Really how could I ever do so by myself, the Scriptures are too hard for me to understand. What I need is someone to guide me."
(Acts 8:31)
This account continues with Philip joining the man, and together, they study the Scriptures. The eunuch asked Philip who the prophet was talking about, himself, or about another man. Philip began to speak and and from the words of that prophet, he helped this man to learn about how God sent his son Jesus to die for our sins.
(Acts 8:34,
Acts 8:35,
Acts 8:36)
Thus, from this Bible example, we see that God directed one of the disciples of Jesus to this man, who was likely a proselyte of the Jews, and had traveled to Jerusalem to worship. Once Philip came upon the man, a Bible discussion ensued and Philip guided the man to the correct understanding of the Scriptures.
Today, the People of God are often directed in a similar way to those desiring the knowledge of God′s Word.
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This Page Last Updated: 23 October 2024
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