Celebrate Everyday
Celebrate Everyday
By Dennis Huebshman
For many people today, the times for “celebrating” our Savior is about an hour a week, normally on Sundays, and then on Christmas and also Easter. To them, attending weekly church services and honoring Jesus for His birthday and resurrection Sunday; then coupling this with being a “good person”, is what they feel is necessary to have a home in Heaven. Unfortunately, they have missed the whole point. (all emphasis mine)
For a true believer, the worship of Jesus the Christ; second member of the Holy Trinity; the Son of God whose name is above all names; and that every tongue will confess and every knee will bow (Philippians 2:9-11); is to give praise, glory, honor and worship every day. We do not have to be in a building, or follow human organized religious rituals, and do not have to carry a big bible around so everyone can see our “devotion”, in order to be saved.
In fact, Jesus had the most issues with the so-called religious leaders of His day. They had taken the true ancient “laws”, that were handed down by God in the beginning, and added and deleted as they saw fit. Suddenly, we no longer have God’s pure and holy word, but man’s infinite number of rules and regulations by which people were supposed to live. Doing the priest’s will became more important than doing God’s will.
Jesus specifically came to earth to “fulfill God’s law”, and to provide an absolute covenant with all who would call out to Him, and who would receive and accept the gift given by Him, to be assured of eternity in Heaven.
Even so, Jesus had no illusions as to how His sacrifice would be received. Matthew 7:13-14 gives a summary of what has taken place all the way from the crucifixion to today; and will be so until the end of this age. “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide, and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. (14) For the gate is narrow, and the way is hard that leads to life; and those who find it are few.”
When Jesus said the way is easy that leads to destruction, it’s not difficult to go along with the ways of the world. Satan has convinced the majority of the people of earth that there’s many ways to heaven, and Jesus is unnecessary. Satan appeals to human desires, and knows exactly what lies to use to cause their downfall. One mantra today is “we all worship the same god”.
The hard part for humans is to believe that it’s actually simple to become a member of Jesus’ flock, and no amount of rituals will earn a place in eternity. John 10:9-10, Jesus said; “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he/she will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. (10) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
John 14:6 is very specific followed by Acts 4:12; “Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” (Acts) “And there is Salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men/women by which we must be saved.”
By “worshiping” daily, this does not mean to put on any type of show to let everyone know just how pious and sanctimonious we are. Jesus said in Matthew 6:1; “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in Heaven.”
Once a relationship with the Savior is formed, we can talk to Him out loud in private, or even silently in our minds at any time. He hears the prayers of His flock, whether we speak out loud, or just mentally. We are letting Him know He is in our thoughts, and we love Him, and to let Him know of our needs.
This is not to say we should not pray with others, especially when someone is in need, and they ask for our prayers. Jesus speaks to this in Matthew 6:7; “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases, as the gentiles do; for they think they will be heard for their many words.” Remember, we are talking to our Creator, Savior, Protector, Redeemer and Best Friend. Speak to Him as such. How many times have you been around someone who goes on and on, and uses 50 cent words when plain simple words would do?
When Jesus gave His sermons on earth, He used simple language, and even provided “parables” which people could relate to. It was more important that they learned about their Heavenly Father who loves them (John 3:16-18), than to put on a show. Yes, He healed people and did miracles in their presence; however, He always gave praise to the Father for providing His ability to do so. When specifically asked by certain Jewish leaders who He really was, He stated simply, “The Father and I are One.” (John 10:30) Even then, they did not believe Him.
To become truly saved, the simple steps are in Romans 10:9-13. “Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (10) For with the heart one believes and is justified; and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (11) For the scripture says everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame. (12) For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek (all others); for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. (13) For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
East steps: Admit we’re all sinners in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23); Believe He is the Son of God who died for our sins so that we could have a pathway to the Father; Call on Jesus’ name to be saved. Too many so-called man-made religions add their own “twists” to make themselves appear more inviting.
There are more and more organized religious groups that are into “entertainment” rather than scripture. The false prophets present an atmosphere of “ear-tickling” messages, but nothing about what lies ahead. Sin is bypassed, and even abominations given in God’s word are somehow suddenly all right. When Jesus calls the true believers up to meet Him to be kept from the wrath/tribulation, there will be a lot of disappointed left-behind people.
Don’t be one of them. If you haven’t read God’s word in a while, or even never, I would recommend reading the book of John first, followed by Romans. Hopefully, this will encourage those who haven’t called out to Him to do so, and soon!
He will be coming for His flock soon. You would do well to be prepared and have Him as your eternal Shepherd.
Shalom!