The title of today's lesson reflects three basic tendencies prevalent in the lives of God's people throughout history: Idolatry, nostalgic tradition, and failure to maintain God's "due order." It is in the heart of men to worship, but with that desire come gods of our own choosing. 

As the second wave of  COVID-19 eases, we anticipate the reestablishment of our regular worship services. Brother Singh contends that if the Church had been functioning to God's satisfaction, He would not have chastised as we were for the past year. Our Pastor will make changes to our worship. The "due order" ( 1 Chronicles 15:13 )will be reestablished. Jesus hates iniquity, thus holiness will be restored to our sanctuary.

Paul, writing to Timothy,  instructed the young pastor to remain at Ephesus so that he might "charge {or command} some to teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies (which minister questions, rather than godly edification which strengthens faith)"(1 Timothy 1:3-4). In tonight's lesson, Paul Singh emphasized that theoretic doctrinal error is not nearly as pernicious or deadly as false doctrine concerning lifestyle! Simply put, holiness is more important than the tenets of one's theology.  

In this lesson, Brother Singh gave us an overview of his journey from pagan origins to the Body of Christ. Every elect child of God seeks the truth (even though it may not be apparent to us during our journey). We intuitively yearn for something more, but God must lead us to it step by step. The truth is reality! Yet, God must open our spiritual ears and eyes to recognize it (Matthew 13:16). For that reason, Paul cautioned, "Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation" (Hebrews 3:15). 

A building with a steeple does not make a church. Calling ourselves the Body of Christ does not mean that God recognizes us as such. Like Sardis, we could have a reputation, yet God sees us as dead. If we seek an assembly to model ourselves after, we need to go back to the Book of Acts. We cannot measure ourselves against the standards established by Brother William Sowders but instead to the Church that emerged from the upper room.

A building with a steeple on top does not make a church. Jesus said, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18). Some believe that Peter was the rock upon which Jesus built the church. However, if this is true, why did Paul state, "as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon" (1 Corinthians 3:10)

In this foundational message, Brother Singh establishes why TRUTH is paramount in the lives of God's elect. The early Church faced many competing ideologies for the hearts and minds of God's people. Jewish fables and Greek philosophy abounded. Interwoven into the culture and traditions of Jewish life, myths, and genealogies pressured Jewish converts to adhere to practices handed down from previous generations. It is almost impossible for 21st Century Christians to understand the grip these influences held, yet we can compare the modern assault on the Church from atheism and gender identity politics. Many false concepts indoctrinate our youth in our schools.

"Deception" is a primary tool of the devil. People naively buy genuine fakes all the time, from Rolex watches to Gucci bags, and Christianity is no exception. When Satan destroys a church, he does not close it down. Instead, he renders the Church impotent so it cannot produce overcomers. Worse, the congregation is blissfully unaware, and we deceive ourselves through hypocrisy, fooling ourselves into be believing we are righteous when we are not! Brother Singh stresses that we fondly quote Revelation 18:4, "Come out of her, my people, ..." presumptuously assumING the warning refers to every denomination, except the "us." 

If self-righteousness could save us, from our fallen nature, there would have been no need for Jesus to die. 

Brother Singh emphasizes that discipleship requires self-denial.  Using Philippians Chapter 3 to encourage fellow-ministers, he minded us that the apostle Paul "flushed" the very status symbols that we covet today! Ignoring the 21st-century customs and norms is not easy.  Success in the world demands education, accreditation, titles, and the trappings of material success. To "love not the world" is counter-intuitive! Yet to be genuine followers of Jesus, we are required to go against the grain. 

Brother Singh shows us that the illumination of his heart enabled Joshua to have a servant's attitude. Carnal-mindedness caused Aaron to be a people-pleaser. Joshua waited faithfully for Moses at the mountain's base while Aaron caved to a peoples' fickle demands to build and worship a golden calf.  There is a discernible difference in the sound of carnal-worship and the sound of Spirit-led worship. (Exodus 32:17-18) Carnal worship is chaotic and frantic (even war-like); spiritual worship is melodic with praise and adoration to God. 

Paul instructed the Ephesian church to "be strong in the Lord and the power of his might" (Ephesians 6:10). Hearing the word of God with our ears educates us. It is an intellectual process. Listening with our heart illuminates us. It changes our lifestyle, attitude, behavior, and thought processes. When the "word" resides in our heart, it strengthens the inner man.  (See Romans 7:22).