Worship

Scripture

I don’t know much about Scientology, but from what I’ve learned from a World Religions course in seminary, the main function of the cult is blackmail. The two-hour documentary series, Going Clear: Scientology and The Prison of Belief based on the book by Lawrence Wright, a defector of Scientology, confirm this tactic. He said one of the ways the cult controls its members is by their requirements to confess their deepest and darkest secrets for “forgiveness and future accountability.” Imagine coming to our church membership class and me saying, “For you to be a part of this church, I need to know your secrets. Go.” Then following that awkward confession up with, “Now you need to know if I sense you’re going to another church I will share these with the world.” 

No thanks. While reading John 8 I couldn’t help but think of this analogy, and chuckle a little, when Jesus confronts the crowd of people who have brought a woman caught in the act of adultery to Him testing His Jewish ethic. If Jesus were to adhere to Judaism at this moment, this woman’s head will soon become a bullseye for rocks. Instead, Jesus flips the script and encourages the first to toss a rock to be the one without sin. Slowly, they drifted off one by one. Then Jesus asks the woman, “Where are your accusers? Did even one of them condemn you?” After telling Jesus “No,” He does what sets Him apart from every other world religion and cult, He declares, “Neither do I condemn you. Now go and sin no more.” 

You don’t need to join Scientology for someone to know all your secrets. Jesus knows them. The difference is, knowing the deepest darkness about us, He is gracious enough to forgive us and send us on our way. This is the heart of the gospel: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom.5:8) The next time the crowd, or your mind begins to condemn you or remind you of your past, dwell on the words of Jesus, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” 

He knows… and He’s forgiven us anyway. What a glorious God we serve.

Prayer

HONOR GOD

Psalm 147:1

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! How beautiful it is when we sing our praises to the beautiful God, for praise makes you lovely before Him and brings him great delight! 

Celebrate God with your praise, by doing so you fulfill what you were created for.

ASK GOD

2 Samuel 22:7

I called to the Lord in my distress; i called to my God. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached his ears. 

God is listening and hears every desperate cry

 SUBMIT TO GOD

John 14:21 TPT

Those who truly love me are those who obey my commands. Whoever passionately loves me will be passionately loved by my Father. And I will passionately love you in return and will manifest my life within you. 

 Lord help me to grow in affection towards you. Reveal yourself to me and through me to the world around me.