Pages

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Fundamentals of the Faith (9b)


John 4:23-24 (Worship in spirit and truth)

"But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth... God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

Question: What does it mean to worship God "in spirit and truth"?
Answer: It means worship that comes from the heart, guided by the Holy Spirit, and aligned with the truth of who God is as revealed in Scripture. It contrasts with mere external rituals or location-based worship.


Revelation 4:10–11 (Heavenly worship)

"...they cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power...’"

Question: Why do the elders cast their crowns before God?
Answer: This act symbolizes humility and recognition that all authority, victory, and honor ultimately belong to God, not to those who receive crowns from Him.


Psalm 66:4 (All creation worships)

"All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name."

Question: How can the whole earth worship God?
Answer: This is both poetic and prophetic. It reflects the reality that all creation reveals God's glory (Romans 1:20) and anticipates a time when all nations will recognize and honor God.


Exodus 34:8 (Worship in response to revelation)

"And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped."

Question: Why did Moses worship so quickly?
Answer: Moses had just encountered God's glory and heard Him proclaim His name and character (merciful, gracious, etc.). His immediate worship was a spontaneous response to God’s revelation.


Luke 7:1–7 (The faith of the centurion)

"...just say the word, and my servant will be healed..."

Question: What makes the centurion's faith special?
Answer: His faith is remarkable because he recognized Jesus’ authority and trusted His word completely—without needing physical presence. Jesus marveled at such faith, especially coming from a Gentile.


Revelation 1:17 (John’s reaction to Jesus)

"When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me..."

Question: Why did John fall as though dead?
Answer: John was overwhelmed by the glorified appearance of Jesus. It reflects reverence, fear, and awe in the presence of divine majesty. Jesus’ comforting touch reveals His love and authority.


1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (The Lord’s Supper)

"...do this in remembrance of me... For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."

Question: What is the purpose of the Lord’s Supper?
Answer: It is to remember Jesus’ sacrificial death, proclaim it publicly, and look forward to His return. It's a sacred act of worship and testimony for believers.


1 Corinthians 11:26 (Proclaiming the Lord’s death)

"You proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."

Question: How is the Lord’s death "proclaimed" by the act of Communion?
Answer: The bread and cup symbolize Jesus’ body and blood, reminding participants and witnesses of His atonement. It becomes a visible sermon of the gospel.


1 Corinthians 11:27–30 (Unworthy participation)

"...whoever eats...in an unworthy manner will be guilty... That is why many of you are weak and ill..."

Question: What does it mean to partake unworthily, and what are the consequences?
Answer: To partake unworthily means treating the Lord’s Supper casually, with unconfessed sin, or without reverence. Paul warns that doing so invites God’s discipline, including physical consequences, to preserve the church’s holiness.

No comments:

Post a Comment