WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH: A Key Teaching and Revelation

The Lord appeared to a minister
 back in the 1980’s and showed him a church service and said “These modern day Charismatic’s know a little about praising me, but they know little or nothing about true worship.”

The Lord went on to say that the church was substituting brass for gold (explained below). God has His plan for worship and if we want to experience His presence, anointing and manifest glory in our lives and services we need to follow His plan, not our own styles and traditions. If you desire a deeper true worship experience then invest 15 mins in reading the rest of this teaching. I will share some of things the Lord told this man of God and what he told 3 other people in prophetic experiences, as well as teach the word of God. This is not about any denominational style, but true worship for any true Christian. *** You will soon go permanently deeper, and will cease to do certain distracting practices common today! ***

GOD’S ORDER OF WORSHIP

In the Old Testament we see in exodus that God spent 6 chapters instructing Moses in great detail how to construct the Tabernacle and all the important furnishings to be used in worship and service. The same when Solomon built the Temple. Because He is the person of worship and He is Holy and gave His plan for how they were to draw near to Him. It had to be followed. They weren’t to just do their own thing. For the OT saints the Bible has much to say about their God-given order of worship that we wont go into now.

JESUS CHANGED THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

In the encounter with the women at the well Jesus announced a profound change would be coming to the God-given order of worship.

— John 4,19-24: “The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship. Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, WHEN THE TRUE WORSHIPERS WILL WORSHIP THE FATHER IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH; FOR THE FATHER IS SEEKING SUCH TO WORSHIP HIM. GOD IS SPIRIT, AND THOSE WHO WORSHIP HIM MUST WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH.”

She was wanting to know who had it right between the Samaritans and the Jews but Jesus pointed to something greater. After the birth of the church at Pentecost, People would no longer have to go to the Temple at Jerusalem to present themselves before God where the Spirit of God dwelled in the holy of holies, now they would become his temples with the Holy Spirit indwelling them.

— 1Cor 3,16-17 “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”

The Old Testament (OT) saints were spiritually dead, the New Testament (NT) saints are born again New Creations and spiritually alive and reconciled to God. Everything would now be done in partnership and in the presence of the Spirit of God dwelling in us. The Lord is concerned that the church is filled with His Spirit, baptised in His power, abiding in His presence, drinking in the rivers of living water, worshipping in union and communion with Him – in Spirit and Truth. Eph 5,17-18: “Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit”

ARE YOU BRINGING BRASS OR GOLD?

Where the Lord said to that Minister that the church was substituting brass for gold, he was comparing it to an incident that occurred with Israel. The Lord had instructed Solomon that the furnishings of the house of the Lord were to be made of pure gold, and the shields of pure gold, which he did (2Kings7,48-50). Years Later a change happened after the King of Egypt invaded Israel:

— 2Chron 12,9-10 “So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the king’s house; he took everything. He also carried away the gold shields which Solomon had made. Then King Rehoboam made brass (or bronze) shields in their place, and committed them to the hands of the captains of the guard, who guarded the doorway of the king’s house.”

Brass looks a lot like gold but is actually an alloy, a cheaper mix of copper and zinc. As Rehoboam had substituted brass for gold shields, the church today has substituted brass for gold, with worship that looks similar but has a worldly mix, and even a mix from the OT order.

Consider this as we look the details of NT order of worship:

PSALMS, HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS

— Col 3,16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

— Eph 5,17-20: “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.“

Psalms are an inspired songs/poem such as the 150 songs in the book of psalms and many new ones the Lord gives His people. Hymns are songs of worship, not meaning singing just from a traditional hymn book, but singing worship in union with the Spirit of God songs both new and old that flow with HIm. These songs should also have teaching of truth in them, the word of Christ, in the words that may be sung to yourself, others and to God. Spiritual songs are songs that are given you directly by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that you speak or sing forth. It may start with one verse that then flows on from there as you step out and follow His lead. These can be done on your own with God, and also in gatherings.

It does not mention music and instrumentation here. These are fine to use but they are to be the minor element and should not eclipse the singing of worship or distract but simply complement. The church today has added to this list by bringing in the worldly styles of Rock n roll, Rap, Reggae music – this is BRASS, a mix with the world, that actually distracts from pure focus on God and dissipates true worship. (See more on that in the testimonies below)

— 1Cor 14,26 “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” See that full chapter for more on these points.

WHAT ABOUT DANCING ??

Many today dance to the music as part of their worship or churches have choreographed dance teams on stage and they say its Biblical using, 2Sam 6,14:“Then David danced before the LORD with all his might”. But this is more Brass, it’s a mix with the old order of worship in OT and worldly things. You will not find one single scripture on dancing before the Lord in the New Testament. What David did then was perfectly right for then, but today we do not dance BEFORE the Lord or to the beat of the music, but we may dance IN the SPIRIT if the Holy Spirit manifests in us that way, moving us by his power and directing our steps. The two are entirely different things. If you bring Brass you will grieve Him.

WHAT ABOUT CLAPPING ??

It is a very common modern thing in Charismatic churches to clap to the music of the fast songs, to clap at the end of the song, and as directed by the leader or Pastor to give the Lord a clap offering. And it as often quoted: Psalm 47,1 “Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!”. But again this is but the OT order, and such clapping is offering more Brass and grieves Him. Clapping is even applause rather than worship. You will not find one single scripture instructing us to clap our hand in worship in the New Testament. Rather you will find instructions to lift our hands,1Tim 2,8: “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting”. Prayer, praise, worship are all direct communion with God, praise is a high form of prayer. As we lift up our hands in worship we will often feel His glorious presence and are more still to purely focus on Him (which does not happen when clapping).

REJOICING AND THANKSGIVING

As we give thanks and rejoice in the Lord we may laugh in the Spirit as the Spirit manifests the fruit of joy in our hearts, such joy is our strength, Phil 4,4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”

— Eph 7,21: “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.”

— Col 3,17:”And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him”

REVERENCE & TRUTH

These two are big keys to worship, and need to be better set in order in a believers life if they desire more of God. He is a great King and He is holy, and must be reverenced in awe and godly fear. We must also walk in transparent truth and holiness, and not worldly compromise or hypocrisy lest we grieve Him. The worldly, lukewarm & disobedient, Christians need to repent to enter into true worship, and even to stay saved.

— Heb 12, 23-24 “let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.”

— 2Cor 7,1 “having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

LIVING SACRIFICES

Going beyond expressive worship and communion our whole lives are to be given in worship of God, laying down self, living holy & acceptable to Him, changing our thoughts to His thoughts, our ways to His ways, renewing our mind, seeking His will.

— Rom 12,1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

WORSHIP OR IDOLATRY ?

Worshiping in spirit and in truth does not involve the use of images, statues, idols, objects, no saints or prayers to Mary. Such things are forms of idolatry that God hates. We are also not to become fixated with people, obsess over favourite preachers or singers, or denominations but keep our focus on worshipping God.

— Rev 22, 8-9 “ Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

— 1 John 5,21 “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”

MORE ISSUES THAT NEED TO CHANGE IN CHURCH WORSHIP

The following are some negative issues common in some churches today that are a distraction from true worship and that need to change.

1.) Having music that is only designed to be relevant to one age groups eg just the youth, or just the older people. We are here to serve all people
2.) Having the music sound system so loud its almost deafening. Blasting people with volume wont help them focus on God, but will hinder them.
3.) Having only young pretty girls with good figures on the worship team as singers. And/or wearing tight, revealing or sexy cloths. Flesh focus! Dress modestly and help others focus on Christ alone and dont be a source stumbling for others.
4.) Having the worship team lead like rock stars at a concert, stealing the focus, copying the world. Instead we need to lower ourselves and lift up the Lord.
5.) Musician showing off with drum solos and guitar solos, distracting the focus.
6.) Worship leader trying to hype up the congregation with clapping and dancing and various antics, when all you need to do is encourage them to turn their eyes on Jesus
7.) The use of very large video screens, disco type lighting, and even some churches use smoke machines. More distractive brass!
8.) Also we are not called to follow an old denominational tradition that hinders the flow of the spirit and denies His inspired gifts. We must welcome the Spirit of God and follow His lead.

Lets get back to simplicity & purity in devotion to Christ. The Father seeks those who will worship Him in Spirit and Truth. He desires us to be continually filled with His Spirit and true worship helps achieve that. Its so simple.
***** THREE TESTIMONIES *****

1. DAVID.E.TAYLOR – WHY THE LACK OF POWER IN THE CHURCH

Preacher David Taylor testified of how he was caught up in the Spirit and the Lord Jesus showed him why there was a lack of power and demonstration of the Spirit in the church today including issues such as: worldliness in the congregation, worldly music being used by the worship team, fear of man in the Pastors. This was hindering a great a glorious outpouring. He was shown churches where worldly music styles were being used by the worship team and that the pastor knew in His heart that it was wrong but feared the people and keep silent. The church needs to repent and put away worldliness, put away worldly rap & rock music & seeker sensitive strategies, and shun the fear of man and return to the fear of God. Watch the video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vift1BEL1wA

2. RODOLFO ACEVEDO – UNHOLY MUSIC IN THE CHURCH

From His testimony of Heaven and Hell and the Condition of today church : “Now the Lord showed me a disco and a church and the Lord told me: “observe well” and I looked and saw that the church just looked like the disco! There was no difference! They had the same sound systems, same music, same equipment that is entering from the world into the church! The world should convert to Christianity but not the other way around. We are bringing the world into the church! Also I have to tell you this: We cannot praise and worship God with Reggaeton, with Bachaton or Rock. Even today there are Christians songs that are being sung to God and then to the world, using the very same words! They don’t mention God but only mention the word ‘love’.

I also saw Rap music and Perreo in the church and that is unacceptable. The Bible says that we must worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Rock is satanic and it was invented in hell. Pastors and evangelists, please get that Cursed music out of the churches!!! (Read the rest here )

3. ANGELICA ZAMBRANO – WORLDLY MUSIC STYLES IN THE CHURCH

From her 3rd testimony of Heaven and Hell: The LORD said “I will show you another sin that takes place on the alter of churches. It is regarding music.” The Lord showed me people playing and listening to rock music, rap music and reggae music in the alter at churches. This displeases the LORD. The word of God says He wants us to worship Him in Spirit and Truth. He does not say He seeks for those who will rap for Him in spirit and in truth.

We moved to another location in Hell and I saw a young christian man who was singing christian rap or reggae style music. I asked the LORD ‘Why is he here? LORD I really want to know why is he here? Why is he singing?”. At this time I was remembering how many musicians are in Hell; Selena, Michael Jackson, , and many other musicians are burning in Hell. I asked “LORD did he sing in the church?”. He replied “Yes daughter he sang at church”. The LORD did not say anything else after that statement.

I began speaking with this young man. He said “My name is Mark. I am in this place because I did not worship the LORD . I sang rap style music instead. I would sing these songs at church but I did not like to pray, I had no prayer life. I did not like to seek God’s presence. My purpose in singing these songs was to attract young people to church. I wanted gang members to come to church, I didn’t realise it is God who must draw them. It is He alone who deals with there hearts.”

I asked “How long have you been in this place? and is there any other reason you are here?”. He said “4 years. Yes I had a lot of pride, I am also here because of that. Here the demons torment me and continually laugh at me they say ‘Worldly music is an instrument that we use to bring young people to this place.‘ Mark was completely bound while he talked with me. His arms and body were tied up with snakes.

He would cry and ask me “Can you help me?”
I said “No Mark, I would if I could but I cannot”.
He replied “I know I will never get out of here. Look at me, I am in torment. When I died I fell into a tunnel. After I descended from the tunnel my body exploded as I landed in Hell. Worms came out of my body and I have remained in torment until now. I have become disfigured and the flames of Hell continue to burn me. I cant stand it anymore. The demons say this is my kingdom and that satan is my god”.
I said “I understand, but Mark on Earth you had a chance to repent.”

He cried and said “Tell the young people to worship Jesus. Tell the whole church to worship. God seeks true worshippers!” After Mark had spoken a flame came between us. He became engulfed by the flames as soon as I stepped away. While we had been speaking the flames had only risen to his waist, after his last statement his torment continued as before.

The LORD said “Daughter, many people think that with certain music and certain programs they are able to attract the world and reach the gang members and drug addicts. No! It is not men that bring conviction of sin, it is the Holy Spirit that deals with and convinces man of his sins. It is I who touches hearts. It is I who deals with the hearts of man, I alone am able to save. Men think they are the saviours.”

This is what the LORD told me. I cried. This was so difficult for me, it is still difficult. I think that if you are listening to this type of music you must STOP. This is between you and God though. As I fulfil God’s will in telling you, I am no longer responsible because I told you what God said. If you want to accept it, accept it. If you want to reject it, reject it, I fulfil my responsibility. This is something He required of me. If I don’t obey Him, Hell awaits (Ezekiel 3,16-21). I don’t want to go to that place & end up in torment, I have already visited there 3 times, its more real than life in Earth. As we left Mark’s cell he began to blaspheme. The LORD told me ‘When we leave this place tell My church to worship Me in Spirit and in Truth”. (Read the rest here)

— John 4, 23 “the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

WORSHIP SONGS, EXAMPLES

These are some examples from songs that are on You Tube that I consider acceptable worship songs. I give example as some people have asked for them. One song does not endorse all the songs by an artist (as many singers today have both good and bad songs), but each song should be judge on its own merits.

1. You Are Holy – Hillsong
2. Before you I Kneel – Keith and Kristen Getty
3. Bless the Lord oh my soul – Matt Redman
4. I worship you – Julie True
5. God, I love you so – Freddy Hayler
6. I worship you Almighty God – Kent Henry, Hosanna Music
7. He is lovely, To keep your lovely face, How Marvelous – Bob Fitts
8. In Christ Alone – Keith and Kristen Getty
9. Jesus, what a beautiful name – Hillsong
10. Let us worship the Lord Jehovah – Maranatha Singers

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