Worldliness in Worship
P   h   i   l        G   r   e   a   r

This is certainly true in worship. Love for worldly things and ideas can affect what we expect in worship assemblies. Without even knowing it, we can be worshiping in "the flesh and in truth," instead of in "spirit and in truth." (John 4:24)

Worldliness causes an overemphasis on fancy buildings. A million-dollar auditorium may appeal to the world, but God is concerned about what's inside the worshipper.

Worldliness turns worship into pep rallies. It seems some want the same thrill-a-minute excitement you get at a ball game or amusement park. Worship has to be fun, or I'm not interested. Our music has to imitate the world's, or it's dull. The preacher has to be funny and entertaining to be considered good. Never mind whether or not he is saying anything worthwhile, as long as he makes us laugh. Certainly we should enjoy the worship, but because we have taught our spiritual man to enjoy the simple New Testament pattern of worship. If worship is boring, the problem may be in my own heart.

Worldliness causes us to think we have to turn out the lights and hold hands to be "spiritual." We are looking for that elusive "spiritual feeling." While we can pray in the dark, we can be just as spiritual in the daylight. Spirituality comes from within our own hearts, not outward circumstances.

When we have to use worldly things to make our worship meaningful, it's time to search our hearts.

Worship is to edify the inward man, not satisfy the feelings of the flesh.

Dishes

Those who provided food for the Foster family may pick-up their dishes in the foyer. Try to get them as soon as possible to prevent possible damage.

Orange Street Online

If you have a computer or Web-TV we would be pleased if you would visit us at: www.orangestreetcofc.com . Your ideas and thoughts will be appreciated.

Fish Fry Fellowship

The Jackson Ave. congregation in Bartow is hosting a Fish Fry Fellowship next Saturday (9/25) from 3PM till dark, at Mary Holland Park in Bartow. Bring anything you like to eat with fish, and your own seating. Bartow is providing dinnerware, napkins, fish, trash cans, drinks, and hot dogs for those who don't like fish. Hilton Summers from Winter Haven will lead us in singing. Let Gene know if you plan to go.

 

To: The Congregation From: The Elders "For the past three or four months the elders have been working on plans that we feel will improve our local outreach program and reinforce our own congregation. The elders will be making some changes and the preacher will have new work goals. We are counting on the members here at Orange Street to help. It will take several months to get our plans up and running. We are planning to purchase a two or three year old 15 passenger van at a cost of about $15,000.00. We also feel that a new more attractive sign on the corner of Bridgers Avenue and Orange Street costing about $6,000.00 will improve our looks and attract attention in Auburndale. If you have any comments on the above please see the elders. Also if you wish to discuss our plans please see us. The most important thing we would like for you to do is pray that what we are doing is moving in the right direction and will be good for Orange Street."