"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." (Romans 12:1)
As we've seen over the past few weeks, worshiping God should define the way we spend our lives. Worship isn't contained by what we do Sunday mornings- it's bigger and broader than that (it's what we do with every action). But worship isn't possible simply because of our feelings or obedience- it's more significant than that (it's achieved because of Jesus' perfect life and death). Worship is a privilege that consumes our lives because both God's nature and grace are that overwhelming.
That daily reality should have an effect on the times when we get together. Church services aren't intended to be a common experience... they're not merely social gatherings, seminars on topics of interest, or musical performances. We gather together so that we can experience God's love, declare the glories of His grace, and encourage each other with the truth of His word. This isn't common- it's profound and transcendent... something eternal that's to be portrayed when we meet as a community.
So how should we prepare for a meeting this significant? How do we make sure that we come ready for a celebration this important? That's the question we're going to try to answer as our series comes to a close... and Hebrews 10:19-25 will be a great place to close our time. We've learned that we come to God on the basis of grace, and this affects our hearts, words, and expressions of worship. So what will that mean? "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
