02/20/19 HONEST AND HOLY WORSHIP

02/20/19 HONEST AND HOLY WORSHIP

Even prophets control their own spirits.
We can choose to Suppress, Express or Hyper-Impress.

EXPLANATION
Prophesying, speaking the word of God, which is forth-telling rather than foretelling, is one of the leading Gifts of the Spirit and ministries in the church. Prophesying (preaching, teaching, admonishing) does not take a person's self control away. Even when speaking for God, God's spokesmen are still in control of their own spirits.

With this as a foundation, we then see that anyone who is moved by the Spirit of God is not overpowered by God, losing self control. Therefore, during worship services we are expected to maintain control, even as the Holy Spirit is moving upon us. If we just release ourselves to an unseen power, we could be yielding to an unfriendly spirit, rather than the Holy Spirit. God expects us to yield completely to the Holy Spirit, but He does not want us to lose self control, which is actually the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, even in moments of great joy, ecstasy, love, amazement, brokenness, we do not give way to uncontrolled physical demonstration.

On the other hand, it is also possible to quench the blessing of the Holy Spirit by refusing to give Him outward praise and honor and glory and thanksgiving.

This is why I chose these three titles.
1. It is possible for us to SUPPRESS the blessing, anointing, presence of the Holy Spirit by choosing not to reveal the joy, love, excitement, amazement through testimony, hand waving, crying, shouting, clapping, jumping, etc.

2. It is possible for us to EXPRESS the blessing, anointing, presence of the Holy Spirit by allowing the joy, love, excitement, amazement we are experiencing, through testimony, hand waving, crying, shouting, clapping, jumping, etc.

3. It is possible for us to HYPER-EXPRESS our worship by allowing emotion to take control of us or forcing a fleshly action of hand waving, crying, shouting, jumping, clapping, with the intent of impersonating a personal outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

As I have pointed out before, it does not matter how loudly we shout or how high we jump, so long as we walk straight when we land.

Worship is not primarily a physical exercise routine, but neither is it intended to be a lifeless gathering of unmoved and unmovable participants.

There have been, and still are abuses of lively worship services. But worship is a natural reality in the supernatural realm of worship the Super Natural God. If we display physical manifestations out of mere habit or expectation, then that is of the flesh. If we refuse outward and excited expression to be seen, then that too is of the flesh.

We don't have to plan on how we will worship. Worship God in the beauty of holiness and be willing to "SAY SO" as the Holy Spirit nudges you. It will seem strange to begin with (to raise your hand or your voice), but remember, it is also strange for the non-churched person to sit in a sanctuary, read a Scripture, sing a song, pray a prayer. But as people worship more, and as they do that which is Biblical and "normal" for worship, the more comfortable a person will become.

One of my reasons for this post is because most Western/Modern Christians have been conditioned to NOT SHOW ANY EXCITEMENT IN CHURCH.