In the video titled “July 2 worship” at LivingStone Church, the pastor leads a worship service on July 2 and discusses the scripture passage from Luke 18:35-43. The pastor highlights the importance of worship and the ministry of the Word of God. He poses the question, “What do you want Jesus to do for you?” and emphasizes how facing trials and suffering can help prioritize what truly matters in life. The pastor focuses on the story of Jesus healing a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, showing the contrast between the superficial relationship of the crowd with Jesus and the deep faith and need of Bartimaeus. By accepting Jesus as our Savior, we can have our greatest problem of sin solved and have eternal life. The video concludes with information about a membership meeting and updates on the building after the service.
The Importance of Worship
The Role of Worship
Worship is a vital aspect of a believer’s life. It is not just an activity we engage in on Sundays, but a lifestyle that should permeate every aspect of our being. When we talk about worship, we often associate it with singing songs in a church service. While that is an important aspect, worship goes beyond singing. It is an expression of love, reverence, and adoration toward God.
In worship, we acknowledge God’s supremacy and surrender ourselves fully to His will. It is a way of declaring that He is worthy of our praise and obedience. Worship establishes a deep connection between us and God, allowing His presence to fill our hearts and minds. When we come before Him with a humble heart, we are enabled to experience His love, peace, and joy like never before.
Worship is not limited to a specific time or place. It can be practiced individually and corporately. Individually, we can worship through prayer, reading the Word of God, and reflecting on His goodness. Corporately, we join with fellow believers in congregational worship, where we lift our voices together in praise, listen to the preaching of the Word, and partake in the sacraments.
The Ministry of the Word of God
The Word of God plays a crucial role in our worship. It is through the Scriptures that we learn about God’s character, His redemptive plan, and our purpose as believers. The Bible is not just a book; it is God’s revelation to mankind. In it, we find guidance, wisdom, comfort, and the transformative power of God’s Word.
When we engage with the Word of God, we allow it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. It helps us understand God’s will for our lives and equips us to live according to His principles. The ministry of the Word in worship involves preaching, teaching, and studying the Scriptures.
Preaching is the proclamation of the Word of God, where a pastor or preacher expounds on a passage, explains its meaning, and applies it to the lives of the hearers. It helps us grasp the truths of Scripture and challenges us to live in obedience to God’s commands. Teaching, on the other hand, involves a more interactive approach, where the Scriptures are studied in-depth. It enables believers to gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word and its practical implications for their lives.
The Scripture Passage: Luke 18:35-43
In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter a powerful story of an encounter between Jesus and a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. This incident not only demonstrates the miraculous power of Jesus but also teaches us valuable lessons about faith, worship, and our relationship with Him.
What Do You Want Jesus to Do for You?
Facing Trials and Suffering
Bartimaeus, being blind, faced numerous challenges and hardships. In those times, blindness was not only a physical disability but also carried a social stigma. Bartimaeus had to rely on others for his basic needs, and he was reduced to begging for survival.
We all face various trials and sufferings in life. It could be physical illness, financial difficulties, relationship issues, or emotional struggles. In the face of such adversity, it is natural to seek relief and deliverance. Like Bartimaeus, we all have our own “blindness” that we want Jesus to heal.
Prioritizing What is Important
In the midst of his physical affliction, Bartimaeus recognized the significance of encountering Jesus. He realized that Jesus had the power to change his situation and bring about restoration. Bartimaeus prioritized his need for Jesus above all else.
In life, we often find ourselves caught up in the pursuit of success, wealth, or acclaim. We prioritize material possessions and worldly achievements. However, true fulfillment and lasting joy can only be found when we prioritize our relationship with Jesus. He alone can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts and bring true purpose and meaning to our lives.
The Encounter: Jesus and Bartimaeus
Approaching Jericho
As Jesus approached the city of Jericho, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus sat by the road, begging for alms. Bartimaeus had heard about Jesus and His miracles. He recognized this as an opportunity he could not afford to miss. His desperation for healing compelled him to cry out to Jesus.
The Blind Man’s Inquiry
When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Bartimaeus knew Jesus’ identity as the promised Messiah, the One who had the power to heal and restore. Despite being discouraged and silenced by the crowd, Bartimaeus persisted in calling out to Jesus.
The Crowd Tries to Silence Him
The crowd surrounding Jesus tried to silence Bartimaeus, seeing him as an inconvenience and unworthy of Jesus’ attention. They viewed Bartimaeus as a mere beggar, living on the margins of society. But Bartimaeus refused to be silenced. He recognized that in Jesus, he had found his hope and salvation.
Jesus Commands the Blind Man to be Brought to Him
Jesus, hearing Bartimaeus’ cry, commanded that the blind man be brought to Him. Jesus saw beyond Bartimaeus’ physical appearance and recognized the faith that drove him to call out. Jesus acknowledged Bartimaeus’ persistence and determination and responded to his plea.
Jesus Addresses Bartimaeus’ Request
Jesus Asks Bartimaeus What He Wants
When Bartimaeus was brought before Jesus, Jesus asked him a seemingly obvious question: “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus, in His divine wisdom, wanted Bartimaeus to verbalize his specific need. This question allowed Bartimaeus to express his deepest desire to regain his sight.
Bartimaeus Asks to Regain His Sight
Bartimaeus, with unwavering faith, replied, “Lord, I want to see.” His request was not driven by mere curiosity or a desire for temporary relief. Bartimaeus recognized that only Jesus could restore his sight and change his life forever.
Jesus Declares Bartimaeus’ Faith Has Made Him Well
In response to Bartimaeus’ faith, Jesus declared, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Instantly, Bartimaeus’ eyes were opened, and he could see. The physical healing Bartimaeus received was a testament to his enduring faith and the power of Jesus to transform lives.
The Crowd’s Relationship with Jesus
Superficial Identification
The crowd that surrounded Jesus had a superficial relationship with Him. They followed Him, not out of genuine belief or faith, but out of curiosity and the desire to witness miracles. They saw Jesus as a spectacle, an entertainer who could perform wonders to satisfy their temporary desires.
Loose Association
The crowd’s association with Jesus was temporary and lacked a deep commitment. They were content to remain on the fringes, observing from a distance. Unlike Bartimaeus, they did not recognize Jesus as the solution to their deepest needs. Their connection with Jesus was based on self-interest rather than a genuine desire to worship and follow Him.
Bartimaeus’ Faith and Relationship with Jesus
Deep Understanding of Who Jesus Is
Bartimaeus had a deep understanding of Jesus’ identity and power. He recognized Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of David, and had true faith in Him. Bartimaeus knew that Jesus had the authority and ability to bring about transformation in his life.
Recognizing Jesus as the Solution
Bartimaeus saw beyond his physical blindness and recognized that his ultimate need was not just to regain his sight but to experience the transformative power of Jesus in his life. He understood that Jesus alone could provide the ultimate solution to his deepest longings.
Contrasting Relationships: Superficial vs Faith-based
Bartimaeus’ Sincere Need vs Curious Association of the Crowd
The story of Bartimaeus and the crowd highlights the stark contrast between a sincere, faith-based relationship with Jesus and a superficial, curiosity-driven association. Bartimaeus approached Jesus with a genuine need and understood that Jesus was the answer to his prayers. In contrast, the crowd followed Jesus for superficial reasons and failed to recognize Him as the source of true fulfillment and salvation.
Conclusion
Prioritizing Eternal Life
The encounter between Jesus and Bartimaeus serves as a reminder for us to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else. Like Bartimaeus, we should approach Jesus with sincerity and recognize Him as the source of true life and transformation. While we may face trials and sufferings, Jesus has the power to heal, restore, and bring about lasting change.
Membership Meeting and Building Updates
We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to our next membership meeting, where we will be discussing important updates regarding the expansion of our worship space. As a community, we believe in the importance of providing a place where people can gather to worship and seek God together. We look forward to sharing our plans and vision for the future and hearing your input and ideas. Your continued support and participation are greatly appreciated as we work together to create a worship environment that honors God and facilitates spiritual growth.