“As you come to Him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV)
Just so you know, as Christians, part of our worship is to serve as priests - to minister to God and then carry His light, goodness, glory, and love to a dark, hurting and confused world. Through Jesus, we have been redeemed and set apart for that purpose. Through Jesus, we have direct access to the throne room of Heaven. Proclaim it!
Our Sunday evening small group has started a new series with a study guide on the book “HOW TO WORSHIP A KING” by Zach Neese. Exciting lessons. Our first dive into the series encouraged us to enhance our worship by finding our identity in Christ and stepping into our priestly role.
Here is a simple version of our “priestly job description.”
“At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD to stand before the LORD to minister to him and to bless in His name, to this day.” Deuteronomy 10:8
The priest has three jobs -
CARRY THE PRESENCE – The priest is to carry the Ark of the Covenant, representing the presence and throne of God, and to be a living throne on which our King is transported.
MINISTER TO GOD – The priest is to minister to God. What we minister to is what we enthrone. Worship is ministering to God.
BLESS IN HIS NAME – Bless the people. The priest is to look at people through God’s perspective and bless them in His name. God sees us already seated in the heavenly places - we are also to see people for who they can become. Priests.
*Also, the phrase, “to this day”, in the verse shows the ongoing significance and relevance to our priestly duties as they pertain to our worship. And just think what could happen if we, as Christians, (and priests) applied these things to our worship
***** Part of our lesson challenge is to memorize this passage:
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
I encourage you to encourage me to commit this passage to memory! Keep it close to your heart! Let me know if you do, I would love to hear you recite it and proclaim it! Congratulations to Charlotte Burton for being the first one of the group to do that! 😊
Want more information about being “called out of darkness into His marvelous light”? Join us on Sunday afternoons as we learn through this book and God’s Word. Also, please make sure you check this newsletter, the bulletin, the website, and the announcement slides on Sunday, and the groups in the foyer for any upcoming worship opportunities. It is part of your priestly duty.
✌❤️ - peace and love … Billy
*NOTE: If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions regarding the Worship Ministry, or want to know more about what we do, and how we do it, please talk to me! Come see me at the church or call me or email me at any time.
