New Focus on Services

Today is fasting day and God has been speaking to me about some things. I have really been seeking the Lord on how to move our services to the next level. He took me back again to the Tabernacle. He began instructing me on things I missed. I understood the elements and the patterns, but I forgot the people!

Sit for a minute and imagine what was going through the hearts of those that entered the outer court. Something shifted on the inside of their hearts the moment they stepped through the gate into that court. Everything else ceased to be important, except the presence of God. They entered in with reverence and a heart filled with worship. This heart attitude gave great respect for the presence of God’s Spirit and made Him feel welcome. I really believe the Spirit of God is longing for that again among His people.

God reminded me of one Church I went to years ago in the New England area. It was primarily made up of Hispanic and Black members. Everyone was fellowshipping and sharing out in the foyer of the Church. The moment they entered into the sanctuary, the fellowship stopped and the worshiping started. To them, the sanctuary was a holy place and reverence was given to the Holy Spirit the moment they crossed the threshold.

I know that we have been very lax and casual about many things at Biblical Life; I wanted everyone to feel at home. We are also kind of handicapped in that we do not have a place outside of the makeshift sanctuary we use to fellowship in before Church. I think now as a spiritual family, we need to work together to make the Holy Spirit feel welcomed in our services. Fellowship is wonderful and I propose that we fellowship after the service. Pastor Rodhouse and I will begin creating an atmosphere of music, praise, worship and reverence about 20 minutes before services begin. When you arrive, use the restrooms, quickly get situated and begin to join in. I think this attitude toward the services and giving respect to the presence of God is more Hebraic than everyone having a tallit and displaying a Torah scroll.

For our elders and those training for ministry, let us be an example for the rest of the Body. If we enter in, show respect for the House of God and the Spirit of God, even new people coming in will immediately join in. We set the pace and the example – lets be the right one!

One day, as we grow, we will have a building that has a foyer in it. Folks will be able to fellowship a little bit before coming into the sanctuary. Until that day, let’s work on doing this: Have fellowship with God first and then each other afterward.