Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God. And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the LORD who sanctifies you.
Leviticus 20:7-8 (NKJV)
Sanctification is a word that we don’t hear preached in our pulpits much these days, but it is a vital ingredient in the life of any worshipper, not to mention any follower of Christ. In our 21st century world we have entire denominations whose whole doctrine centers around this one concept, and at the same time we have other denominations departing from this teaching entirely. Let’s take a look now and find out how this concept applies to us as worshippers and Christ followers.
The biblical definition of the word ‘sanctify’ centers around three other main words: clean, set apart, and holy. Webster’s definition is almost identical: (1) to set apart to a sacred purpose, (2) to free from sin (3) to make productive of holiness or piety. In other words when God says in verse 8 of Leviticus 20 that He is the “Lord who sanctifies” that means he cleanses us of sin, He sets us apart for His purpose, and He makes us holy.
To understand this character of God a little better let’s study what it means when God calls himself “The Lord who sanctifies”. 1 John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Two verses earlier in verse 7 John says, “the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.” Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:26, “Christ…loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word….” Finally, Titus 2:14 says, “Jesus Christ….gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”
The opportunity for cleansing and holiness now is available to all of us because of the blood and word of Jesus Christ. He is indeed “The Lord who sanctifies.” But we must understand that sanctification is not only a cleansing process, but it is also a process of being called out and separated by God himself. This is where we come into play. When God tells us in His word that He will sanctify, He has bound Himself to that word. He must act upon it. But there is also a role in this drama that we must play.
As worshippers and worship leaders we are in essence the spiritual descendants of the Old Testament Levitical priesthood, and I believe that the same rules of holiness and sanctification that applied to them still applies to us today. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first high priest in the sanctuary of the Lord, and Exodus 28: 36-38 gives us a clear illustration of the importance of holiness in worship.
“Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD. Fasten a blue cord to it to attach it to the turban; it is to be on the front of the turban. It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the LORD.
It is very clear that God required a standard of holiness in the lives of those who offered up worship unto the Lord. Aaron could not come into the presence of the Lord with his own guilt and sin on his head because he was the one responsible for carrying the guilt and sin of the people of Israel. The ‘holiness of the Lord’ was to be placed on the forehead of Aaron, and it was to go before him as he came into God’s presence. The worshipper who is expecting to come into the presence of the Lord must be sanctified, or made holy, before the Lord.
We don’t like to hear this message because it means that we have to change the way that we live. It means that we can no longer be a ‘normal, go-with-the-flow’ Christian. The bible is very clear that there is only one standard—the Lord’s standard. This message is not just limited to the Old Testament, but also is very evident in the New Testament. We know that Romans 12:1 teaches us how to be a true worshipper, but we are given further instructions in verse 2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” 1 John 2:15 commands us, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Did you catch that? The love of the Father is not in those who want to hold on to the things and the patterns of this world. If we want to be in the will and the love of God we need to become like Jesus and be “in the world, but not of it” (John 17:16-17).
As a worship leader, I cannot take a group of people to a place that I have not yet been myself. If I have not become holy and set apart to the Lord, how can I lead others into holiness? God is a jealous God and He will not share us with another. We are to be set apart to Him and only Him. Our introductory scripture above is from verses 7 and 8 of Leviticus 20, but the first 6 verses of this chapter truly sum up the jealousy that God has for us.
The LORD said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites: ‘Any Israelite or any alien living in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech must be put to death. The people of the community are to stone him. I will set my face against that man and I will cut him off from his people; for by giving his children to Molech, he has defiled my sanctuary and profaned my holy name. If the people of the community close their eyes when that man gives one of his children to Molech and they fail to put him to death, I will set my face against that man and his family and will cut off from their people both him and all who follow him in prostituting themselves to Molech. “I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people.”
God will not share us—His prized possession—with another. He is not jealous of us as some would believe, but He is jealous for us. We belong to Him, and we have been called by His name. Peter states that “we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.” Deuteronomy 14:2 declares, “You are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
What a privilege and a blessing to know that God desires fellowship and communion with us. He longs to be near us, but He also intends for those who desire to be near him to be holy and living for Him alone. As worshippers live your life in such a way that the world will know that you are different. Let them know that the Lord has sanctified you. Cleanse yourself daily, and be holy as He is holy.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Extreme Makeover Heart Edition
Recently, God has been allowing me to go through the fire. This is really the first time I've ever had to go through all of this. It seems like the past 11 years of ministry have been pretty easy for me. Yes, I've had some hard times, but now it seems like someone is literally ripping my skin off my body.
At first I couldn't really understand what was going on, but then it hit me.
If you've ever seen Extreme Makeover: Home Edition then you know what happens. Some family has been living in a dump of a house. The floor is falling in, there's mold every where. There are roaches all over the floor. It is not livable at all, and yet there is usually a larger than normal family living there. By the end of the show, the bus moves out of the way to reveal a beautiful home that anyone would love to live in.
Our lives are much the same way in the eyes of God. Our floor is falling in, we have mold in our hearts, and our lives are not suitable for God to dwell there. We are not in a position for promotion because there is too much unhealthy junk in our lives. God has a greater plan for our lives than we realize, but in order to accomplish that plan we have to get a makeover.
The hard part is that God doesn't simply add nicer parts to our existing life. Just like that old, junky home God will allow us to be stripped of everything that we are. Many times He will even break up our foundation. This can be very painful. But we are now in a position to be built back up with a new foundation, new walls, new protections, and a new look. We can't see it, but God can. He knows that in order for us to step into our promotion, we have more character and more resistance.
You may feel like the demolition team has entered your life and is destroying everything, but just remember God is getting ready to recreate you into something that He will use for His glory.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Solution to the Current Financial Crisis
The Solution to the Financial Crisis
by Russell Henderson (russellhenderson.com)
It is no secret that the United States of America is in a serious financial crisis. This past week we have seen President Bush and many of our Senators behind closed doors trying to come up with a plan to get us out of trouble.
Let me tell you right now, as long as they keep trying to do in on their own IT WON’T WORK!!!.
But I have the solution. You won’t hear about this on NBC, CBS, or ABC. You probably won’t even hear about this on CNN or FOX News.
Here it is.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Jeremiah 29:11-14
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
Psalm 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord
Jeremiah 33:3
“Call to ME, and I will answer you. I will show you great and mighty things, which you know not of.
And here’s the kicker…..
2 Chronicles 7:14
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
Did you see that? God said that if you need help there are some things that He requires.
1. Humble Yourself. The first thing that this nation has to do is humble ourselves. Do you know what is destroying America? PRIDE. That is a little pr and little de with a big “I” right in the middle. We’ve spent so much effort in trying to make America great our own way, and we’ve pushed God out of everything, our schools, our government, and even our homes.
2. Pray and seek HIS face. After we’ve humbled ourselves, we’ve got to turn our face towards and heaven and PRAY!!!!. That is the only way we can see our mountain moved. We’ve got to recognize that there is a power higher than us that needs to be at work. Let’s get out of the way, and let God work. Time and time again when Israel would be punished because of sin, if they would turn back to God, He would answer them.
3. Turn From Our Wicked Ways. Do you know what that is? Get rid of your sin. Let’s get back on our knees and confess that we have sinned, and REPENT!!! Having the words “In God We Trust” doesn’t mean one thing if we aren’t willing to trust Him completely. If you confess your sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us.
4. He will hear us, forgive us, and heal our land. Do you want your nation saved, do you want it healed? That is the answer.
President Bush can’t fix this, Senator McCain can’t fix it, and Senator Obama can’t fix. The only way this crisis is going to be fixed is by getting on our knees and seeking the face of God.
What about you? Have you been laid off from your job? Are you struggling to pay your bills, or just put gas in your car? I’ve got the answer.
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
How do I know that this will work, because God is not a man that He should lie. Everything He has ever promised has come to pass, or will come to pass if we would simply swallow our pride, and trust in Him.
Stop looking for man-made ways to solve your problems. Man can do nothing, but we can do "all things" through Christ who alone gives us strength.
I don’t have President Bush’s number, but I don’t need it.
Keep this email forwarding to everyone you know. And do me a favor, don’t just forward it because everyone hates forwarded emails. Copy it and paste it in a new email.
Come on America, let start praying.
by Russell Henderson (russellhenderson.com)
It is no secret that the United States of America is in a serious financial crisis. This past week we have seen President Bush and many of our Senators behind closed doors trying to come up with a plan to get us out of trouble.
Let me tell you right now, as long as they keep trying to do in on their own IT WON’T WORK!!!.
But I have the solution. You won’t hear about this on NBC, CBS, or ABC. You probably won’t even hear about this on CNN or FOX News.
Here it is.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Jeremiah 29:11-14
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
Psalm 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord
Jeremiah 33:3
“Call to ME, and I will answer you. I will show you great and mighty things, which you know not of.
And here’s the kicker…..
2 Chronicles 7:14
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
Did you see that? God said that if you need help there are some things that He requires.
1. Humble Yourself. The first thing that this nation has to do is humble ourselves. Do you know what is destroying America? PRIDE. That is a little pr and little de with a big “I” right in the middle. We’ve spent so much effort in trying to make America great our own way, and we’ve pushed God out of everything, our schools, our government, and even our homes.
2. Pray and seek HIS face. After we’ve humbled ourselves, we’ve got to turn our face towards and heaven and PRAY!!!!. That is the only way we can see our mountain moved. We’ve got to recognize that there is a power higher than us that needs to be at work. Let’s get out of the way, and let God work. Time and time again when Israel would be punished because of sin, if they would turn back to God, He would answer them.
3. Turn From Our Wicked Ways. Do you know what that is? Get rid of your sin. Let’s get back on our knees and confess that we have sinned, and REPENT!!! Having the words “In God We Trust” doesn’t mean one thing if we aren’t willing to trust Him completely. If you confess your sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us.
4. He will hear us, forgive us, and heal our land. Do you want your nation saved, do you want it healed? That is the answer.
President Bush can’t fix this, Senator McCain can’t fix it, and Senator Obama can’t fix. The only way this crisis is going to be fixed is by getting on our knees and seeking the face of God.
What about you? Have you been laid off from your job? Are you struggling to pay your bills, or just put gas in your car? I’ve got the answer.
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
How do I know that this will work, because God is not a man that He should lie. Everything He has ever promised has come to pass, or will come to pass if we would simply swallow our pride, and trust in Him.
Stop looking for man-made ways to solve your problems. Man can do nothing, but we can do "all things" through Christ who alone gives us strength.
I don’t have President Bush’s number, but I don’t need it.
Keep this email forwarding to everyone you know. And do me a favor, don’t just forward it because everyone hates forwarded emails. Copy it and paste it in a new email.
Come on America, let start praying.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
A Shaking is Coming
I have been saddened to see prominent members of the Christian music & worship community fall into sexual sin, whether it be an extra-marital affair, pornography, or even homosexuality.
It tells me that no one is exempt from the attacks of the enemy. He is out to desrtoy the worship of the church. If Satan can destroy our worship, then he has destroyed our faith, trust, and obedience. Every fruit of the Holy Spirit, every spiritual gift and chartacer has its foundations in worship.
I know that I am not exempt from Satan's attacks, and I know that Satan would love to see me fall into sin as well. That is why I have to put my Spiritual Armor on daily. I've got to have the strength of the Holy Spirit to stand and fight when the battle's come.
I don't understand how people think they can fight the enemy when they haven't been in God's word, they haven't been in prayer and worship.
Most people don't think that anything will happen to them, but I am confident of this one thing. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken.
The enemy is trying to destroy us, just look around. It is evident in our churches, in our politics, in our televisions. The devil is try to shake us off our foundation.
Will you be the next one to fall, or will you stand and fight, firmly secure in the faith of Jesus Christ.
It tells me that no one is exempt from the attacks of the enemy. He is out to desrtoy the worship of the church. If Satan can destroy our worship, then he has destroyed our faith, trust, and obedience. Every fruit of the Holy Spirit, every spiritual gift and chartacer has its foundations in worship.
I know that I am not exempt from Satan's attacks, and I know that Satan would love to see me fall into sin as well. That is why I have to put my Spiritual Armor on daily. I've got to have the strength of the Holy Spirit to stand and fight when the battle's come.
I don't understand how people think they can fight the enemy when they haven't been in God's word, they haven't been in prayer and worship.
Most people don't think that anything will happen to them, but I am confident of this one thing. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken.
The enemy is trying to destroy us, just look around. It is evident in our churches, in our politics, in our televisions. The devil is try to shake us off our foundation.
Will you be the next one to fall, or will you stand and fight, firmly secure in the faith of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Pentecostal and Proud
The bible says that in the last days there will be horrible persecution for followers of Christ. I never thought that I would be around to see how normal society is complete bitter and hateful towards believers--especially Pentecostal believers. So what is it that has stirred up so much emotion lately.
Well, it's no secret that the "pentecostals" have always been the black sheep of Christianity. Even fellow believers are seemingly out to get pentecostals.
The term pentecostal is basically given to label those that identify with the accounts of Acts chapter 2. Those in the upper room were baptized with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, hence the name Pentecostals.
Why do we scare society so much. What is it about us that is so offensive. So we speak in tongues. The disciples spoke in tongues, Paul spoke in tongues. Paul even said "I wish everyone spoke in tongues".
My purpose is not to debate and defend "pentecostalism". I am simply trying to live up to the lifestyle the Bible teaches. Pentecostalism, speaking in tongues, or whatever you want to call is not just a fad for me. It is an experience that I would not trade for anything.
Well, it's no secret that the "pentecostals" have always been the black sheep of Christianity. Even fellow believers are seemingly out to get pentecostals.
The term pentecostal is basically given to label those that identify with the accounts of Acts chapter 2. Those in the upper room were baptized with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, hence the name Pentecostals.
Why do we scare society so much. What is it about us that is so offensive. So we speak in tongues. The disciples spoke in tongues, Paul spoke in tongues. Paul even said "I wish everyone spoke in tongues".
My purpose is not to debate and defend "pentecostalism". I am simply trying to live up to the lifestyle the Bible teaches. Pentecostalism, speaking in tongues, or whatever you want to call is not just a fad for me. It is an experience that I would not trade for anything.
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