May 23, 1948 OUR NEED OF PUBLIC WORSHIP Ezra 3:10-13; Psa. 84:1,
lation, chapter 5, pictures to us God’s heavenly people following the rapture of the church. Worship again is seen to be a vital factor. It is evident then that public worship will continue even after the present scene is changed. It becomes God’s children therefore to experience its joys and blessings now. Recommended by Louis T. Talbot» f Paul R. Bauman, Sam H. Sutber- land, and others. Titles include: Life Facts, Hell, Christ Speaks on Hell, When the Books Are ^ O p e n e d , Ye Must Be Born Again, PUBLICATION Sliding Into Hell from a Church Pew, Eat, Drink and Be Merry, The Delusion oi Head Belief, Soul Winner's Chart. Send 10c for samples of all publications listed! ^ i g y p T R A C T S
2; Ezek. 11:16; 37:26-28 the temple. But God said to them, “Yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.” It reminds us of the words of Matt. 18:20, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Christ’s presence is the absolute essential for true worship. The Permanence of Public Worship (Ezek. 37:26-28) This passage refers to Israel’s future when that people will be restored to their land and to God. His sanctuary will be forever established and worship will be a vital and permanent factor. Reve
P o in te rs o n th e Le s s o n God has created man a social being. He is so constituted that normally he needs, enjoys and seeks, fellowship with others of his kind. In harmony with this fact, God has planned that His children should come together at stated times for the purpose and privilege of worship. If he neglects to dp this, it is at the ex pense of the impoverishment of his own soul. And so the thought of this week’s lesson is that man not only needs to worship God; he needs also to worship Him together with others of like faith. The Content of Public Worship (Ezra 3:10-13) The content of public worship is sug gested through the experience of the children of Israel at the time they were laying the foundation of the restored temple. There was “praise” by means of instruments and the human voice (w . 10,11). There was singing and giv ing of thanks in view of God’s mar velous goodness (v. 11). True worship, as we noted in last week’s lesson, is a sincere recognition of God’s worth and true character. There was shouting on this occasion (v. 11). The people were overwhelmed with God’s goodness. Too many have lost the “shout” out of their lives today. They are no longer deeply- impressed with the values of divine benefits. Furthermore, there was min gled weeping and joy. Both have their place for, though the joys of being God’s children are many, yet solemn reflec tions come to the true worshiper as he realizes that many failures have marred the past so that the record is not all that it should be. The Longing for Public Worship (Psa. 84:1,2) The Psalmist represents every true saint of God. He yearned for the wor- ship of God’s House. The word longeth in verse 2 is a strong expression, and the word fainteth indicates that unless the Psalmist reaches the place of wor ship soon, his spirit will be exhausted. There is that in the public services of God’s House that answers to the funda mental need of man. It is a cause for real concern when a professed child of God does not love the place of worship. Quite likely he is a Christian in name only. There needs to be some real heart searching in this matter in many cases today. Read Hebrews 10:25. Love for God’s house is one of the signs of the new birth. The Heart of True Worship (Ezek. 11:16) Church buildings have definite advan tages but they are not indispensable. The Lord’s presence is the essential fac tor. People isolated from privileges of contact with buildings for worship need not despair. That was the condition de picted in the verse before us. Israel was scattered. They were far removed from A P R I L . 1 9 4 8
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