2-"Worship Accepted by Allah"

As we have learned from what preceded, we do not draw near to God through our own works, but on the basis of the blood of Christ, which was shed on the cross as an atonement for our sins. However, this does not exempt us from living a practical life of holiness. Our conduct must demonstrate the reality of our faith.

Jesus said:"If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."(Matthew 5:23–24)

Here, the Lord’s words emphasize the importance of the condition of our hearts toward others before we offer our worship to God. The Lord is not pleased with a divided life in which we worship Him while continuing to harbor many forms of evil in our lives.

Furthermore, worship is not simply a matter of fulfilling religious rituals or obligations. Christ has wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us (Colossians 2:14). Rather, we should worship Him with hearts that love Him and listen attentively to His commandments.

We have become accustomed to repeating prayers and reciting certain words that we have memorized by heart, without daring to ask whether all of this is in harmony with the Word of God. Perhaps we have worshiped God out of fear of hell, with our lips but without genuine concern, or with a religious spirit that lacks a true knowledge of God.

The Lord says in His Word:

"And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do." (Matthew 6:7)

What we desperately need is a genuine, living, personal relationship with our living God. Above all, we need His presence in our lives. His presence creates within us a hunger and thirst for Him and a love for Him with all our hearts. Then we will cry out with the psalmist, saying:

                          Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You

                                                                                                                                To be continued…