Writing to Christians, the so-called “Hebrews,” whose lives had caused them to be dispersed among the world and who were feeling pressed and tried, some wondering what it was all about and wanting to give it up, their pastor begins:

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, [the transcendant, creator, holy] God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created all things, who is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, who upholds the universe by the word of his power, who, after making purification for the sins of the world, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high!

Pastor Daniel writes similarly to God’s people living as exiles in Babylon; pastor John writes similarly to believers being pressed, beaten, and killed under Nero’s tryanny. To the ears of 21st Century saints, such as we are, these pastors sound terribly insensitive to the needs of their people; their letters seem to be beside the point. And yet, they drive right to the point: at the heart of true, abundant, hope-filled life among a dark, desperate, dead world of lies is … worship, the worship of the living God, displayed in his glory in the person of Jesus Christ, who reigns supreme today over all circumstances, all people, all institutions, all nations, all powers and dominions to accomplish his purpose: the creation of a new people to dwell in a new heavens and a new earth for the eternal display of his glory. To paraphrase John Piper in his book “Let the Nations be Glad:” People hurt, people cry, people are depressed, people are estranged and alienated; we have upheavals and wars; nations rise and fall on the backs of their people; injustice and lack of mercy abound; Missions exists, evangelism exists, counseling exists — all of these things exist because true worship of the living God does not. Missions is not at the heart of the Great Commission, worship is. Worship is the fuel and goal of the Christian life in Christ.

As you and your family prepare to gather together with God’s 21st Century saints this weekend, reflect on the fact that it is our public, corporate gathering before the throne of the living God to adore, praise, hear, and obey him in Christ by faith that is at the heart of God’s work to reconcile all things to himself in Christ. It is as God Unites us to Christ through baptism, Gathers us Together in Christ, Speaks to Us in Christ, Equips Us in Christ, and Sends Us in Christ that we are reoriented to His glorious reign through this One like a son of man and so bear witness to the Hope of the world, Jesus Christ and him crucified.

It is also as we pray, fellowship, and serve together in Christ. So, as you prepare, please note the following:

• “Promised Land” Work Day: please join us Saturday @ 10:00am if you are able to begin clearing the 7 acres behind the church so that in the coming months and years we can use it to display and minister God’s glory and grace in Christ to the community in which we have been planted.

File: Order of Worship for February 11, 2007