UNACCEPTABLE WORSHIP
 (Exodus 20:1-6)

 Most folks have the idea that would make it almost impossible to worship in an unacceptable manner. Anything and everything goes!

(1).  A MAN CAN WORSHIP THE (WRONG GOD)! Exodus 32:1; Romans 1:20-23; Acts 17:23-34).

(a).  MATERIALISM (Job 31:24-28). COVETOUSNESS IS IDOLATRY (Colossians 3:5; Matthew 6:33. Some folks idols are FAMILY; JOBS; RECREATION ETC. ETC.  Is it possible that  YOU Are an idolater?

(2).  RIGHT GOD WITH WRONG AUTHORITY!  (Malachi 1:6-8; Leviticus 22:19-25). They were offering that which had no "market value" in sacrifice to Jehovah! He would not accept such. Each sacrifice prefigured the "lamb of God" the Christ who was later to offer Himself without spot for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21; John 1:29).

(a). Today: "WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH" (John 4:23-24; 1 Peter 2:5) We must act by the authority of Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:17; 2 John 9-11; Matthew 15:8-9). We are to act by "Christ's, not Moses' authority today (Matthew 17:5; Acts 3:22-23).
 

 LORD'S DAY WORSHIP CONSIST OF:

(1). (Acts 2:42) The Apostle's doctrine. See (Acts 15:24); John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:3; James 1:25).

(a).  Lord's Supper each first day (Acts 20:6-7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30). Some intended to observe who failed! (Verses 17-22).

(b). Singing Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:15).

(c).  Giving to support the cause of Christ (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians chapters 8 & 9). Cheerful, willingly, bountifully, as one purposes and as one has prospered.

(d).  Bible Study and or preaching Christ (Acts 20:7; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Timothy 4:16; 1 Timothy 3:15; Matthew 28:20).

(3). Some Worship The Right God in The Wrong "Place" Jerusalem was the right place  for the Jews. (1 Kings 12:28-30). Jereboam had set up alters one at Bethel and one at Dan and ordained a new priesthood etc. This was not acceptable to God! Besides they made graven images to assist in their "worship." This was to prevent the members of the ten tribes who had rebelled from returning to "Jerusalem" where God had "recorded His name" (2 Chronicles 6:9-11), which was the right place for Jewish worship. See (John 4:19-20; Acts 2:5; Acts 8:27-28).

(4).  Men and women today attempt to worship God in the "WRONG PLACES."  I mean by the "wrong places" in the wrong  relationship. Many attempt to worship God as members of human denominations, plants not planted by the Lord which are destined to be "rooted up" (Matthew 15:13). Teaching and practicing as their doctrines, commandments of mere men which render their worship vain! Jesus said so (Matthew 15:8-9)!  One who has not been "reconciled unto God in one body by the cross of Christ" is unable to worship God and Christ in Christ's name. Citizens of satan's kingdom cannot render acceptable worship to God! (Ephesians Ephesians 2:11-17; 3:21; 1 Peter 3:12)! Jesus said "there shall be "one shepherd and one fold" (John 10:16).  The New Testament church, Christ's kingdom, (Matthew 16:18-19), is called also the "house of God" (1 Timothy 3:15). Only those who are members of His family are able to worship Him.

(5).  But, one may WORSHIP THE RIGHT GOD, BY THE RIGHT AUTHORITY, IN THE RIGHT PLACE, AND STILL NOT  WORSHIP GOD ACCEPTABLY!  HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?

(A).   BY NOT DISCERNING THE LORD'S BODY AND BLOOD IN COMMUNION (1 Corinthians 11:28-30; 1 Corinthians 10:16).

(B). BY NOT MEANING WHAT ONE SINGS!
(C). BY NOT MEANING WHAT ONE PRAYS!
(D). BY NOT GIVING CHEERFULLY AND    BOUNTIFULLY  AS ONE HAS PROSPERED!
(E). BY FAILING TO BE A PROPER LISTENER WITH   INTENT TO DO THE WILL OF CHRIST! (James 1:22-25; 2:14-26).

(F).  IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT ONE MUST BE PRESENT IN OUR ASSEMBLIES TO FULFILL THIS PART OF OUR WORSHIP AND SERVICE TO THE LORD (Hebrews 10:23-31).

Are you a true worshipper  of God?  Think seriously about this question and act in keeping with the Lord's will!  Matthew 11:28-30; Acts 2:38,41, 47 1