In Spirit and In Truth

... unlike Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil, and his brother's were righteous. - 1 John 3:12

It is most likely true that every day, somewhere in this fallen world, a Christ-follower dies for simply following Christ, for worshiping the one, true God. It is also a foregone conclusion that since we are now penetrating the hardest edges of unbelief around the world, as worshippers increase, persecution is likely to increase. Of course, we should not, we must not be surprised. Righteous Abel obeyed God fully through his acts of worship and was martyred by an unrighteous Cain who was obviously convicted by his brother's example. In other words, persecution of true worshipers is nothing new. It began "in the beginning."

It is the nature of unbelief to seek the removal of conviction. This is why some ridicule true faith and others try to eliminate it. Cain was convicted by Abel's example of true worship, which makes me wonder if perhaps some of our opposition to a "style" of worship is actually spiritual conviction in the face of that which is true and faithful.

Those who worship God must do so in spirit and truth and those who are found worshipping in this way will always be offensive to those who are not.

I think worship is a lifestyle, first of all. - Michael W. Smith