“Jesus showed little interest in religious systems for their own sake; to Him they were secondary-seasoning not the meal itself’ What He came to bring was something far greater: the Way, the Truth, and the Life – familiar Jewish and biblical expressions that described a way of living aligned with the heart of God (cf. Psalm 1:6; Jeremiah 6:16).
Religion so often fixates on appearances: rules, rituals, regulations, penalties, and outward conformity. Jesus, by contrast, came to redeem what lies beneath the surface. He came to heal hearts, renew minds, and restore the broken places within us that no external system of control or discipline could ever reach.
In other words, you do not glorify God by merely attending a weekly gathering, singing songs, and listening to a lecture. That, by itself, does not move His heart. Christ showed us what true worship looks like: forgiving those who wrong us, loving our enemies, defending the vulnerable, and caring for the poor, the orphan, and the widow. That is holiness. That is worship. That is the Kingdom of God made visible.”
-Eitan Bar (The Gospel before Christianity)
Amen! This totally aligns with Pastor Mark’s message at PCC last Sunday on worship.