Taking A Second Look
At least four types of worship are mentioned in the New Testament. (1) Vain Worship. Jesus said of the Pharisees: "Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do." Mark 7:7-8. (2) Ignorant Worship. Paul said to the Athenians: "Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you." Acts 17:23. (3) Will Worship. Paul said of the false teachers among the brethren: "Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh." Colossians 2:23. (4) True Worship. Jesus said to the Samaritan woman: "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24. This is the only type of worship that God accepts. Compare the above with a recent newspaper clipping: "The Unitarian-Universalist Church of New York recently held an outdoor worship service in Central Park, including various instrumental music and a 'flower communion' service. The event was called a Religious Happening,' Enough to make the angels weep!