A Kingdom Catechism
Are we neglecting what God requires of us in worship?
Q 63: What sanction does the Lord threaten for disobeying the second commandment?
A 63: By disobeying the second commandment the redeemed bring upon themselves the displeasure of the Lord, His judgment against their sins, and the threat of their being cut off from fellowship from His and His Body. (Lev. 20.1-5; Ex. 20.5; Deut. 5.9; 2.7-11; Deut. 13.6-11; Lev. 20.1-5; Deut. 18.9-13)
Contemporary Christians may find worship “enjoyable” or “meaningful” or even “effective” in bringing unbelievers to church. But these are not the primary purposes of worship. These may be only temporary benefits which satisfy immediate felt needs. But they do not necessary build the Church or further the Kingdom of God. Only God can do these things in and through and for and with His people, and He does them only when His people worship Him as they should.
The state of the church today, and of the Kingdom of God in general, suggests that, for all our “exciting” worship, we are not finding the favor and presence of God – or His promises – as He intends. Rather, we may actually be separating ourselves from Him by bringing into our worship that which God proscribes, while, at the same time, neglecting that which God commands.
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