God could reject our worship for a number of reasons. He specifically condemns acts of worship associated with idolatry, unbelief, disobedience, and evil motives (Jeremiah 13:10; Exodus 30:9; 32:22-27; Jeremiah 7:21-26). Rehearsing this list makes me aware that our offerings of worship will never please God on their own. Try as hard as we can, our hearts and worship will always be tainted in God’s sight. The ultimate factor of acceptable worship is faith in and union with Jesus Christ. Our spiritual sacrifices are “acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). It is His sinless offering of worship that cleanses and perfects ours.
— Bob Kauflin (b. 1955), Musiker, Lobpreisleiter, Pastor und Buchautor
Related Bible passage: 1PE.2.5
Topics: Grace & Redemption, Humility & Pride
Occasions: For Reflection
Bob Kauflin
Bob Kauflin (* 1955) ist ein US-amerikanischer Pastor, Musiker und Autor, der ab 1997 als Leiter von Sovereign Grace Music die musikalische Ausrichtung des Gemeindeverbandes Sovereign Grace Ministries prägte. Er steht für die Verbindung reformierter Theologie mit zeitgenössischem Lobpreis und schuf weitverbreitete Lieder sowie Standardwerke über einen theozentrischen Gottesdienst. Für Bibelleser verbindet sein Werk theologische Tiefe mit moderner Gesangspraxis, während seine langjährige Leitungsverantwortung in dem wegen des Umgangs mit Missbrauchsvorwürfen kritisierten Verband umstritten bleibt.
All quotes by Bob Kauflin (20)
It wasn't the nails that held Jesus to the cross. It was love.
Max Lucado
Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.
Philip Yancey
In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.
Henri Nouwen
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers
God counts on your failure far more than you do yourself.
Hans Peter Royer
Ultimately mourning means facing what wounds us in the presence of One who can heal.
Henri Nouwen
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Tim Keller