Worship Service

We all know what a worship service is. It's that thing we do on Sundays (sometimes Saturdays). But ... that's not the biblical version.

Paul wrote,

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship (Rom 12:1)

"Therefore." All that precedes, from God's righteous wrath to Jesus's saving sacrifice to saved by grace by faith ... and beyond. Because of all that.

"By the mercies of God." Operating on God's mercy, not our strength. Like, how we who are forgiven much can love much (Luke 7:47). We are to do this based on His mercy toward our sin.

"Present your bodies as a living sacrifice." Jesus said, "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me" (Luke 9:23). Paul wrote, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal 2:20). A living sacrifice as a lifestyle, a way of life ... a service of worship.

Yes, church is good, necessary, commanded. And worship takes many forms. Let's not neglect this one.