How Do We Worship as We Wait?

A Biblical Guide to Living in Expectancy

"But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." - John 4:23-24

URGENT PLEA: The Deception That Could Cost You Everything

"Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that YOU CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH which was once for all handed down to the saints. For certain persons have crept in unnoticed... who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ." - Jude 3-4

THE MOST DANGEROUS LIE IN THE CHURCH TODAY

BELOVED, I CANNOT REMAIN SILENT.

While I intended to write to you about the glorious truths of worship and our blessed hope, the Spirit of God compels me to first sound an alarm that may pierce through the fog of deception that has settled like a death shroud over the church in these final hours.

THE ENEMY HAS STOLEN THE GREATEST TRUTH AT THE MOST CRITICAL MOMENT.

For generations, Satan has perpetuated a lie so devastating, so spiritually deadly, that it threatens to catch millions of believers sleeping when the Bridegroom comes. This deception has been whispered in seminaries, preached from pulpits, and taught in Bible studies until it has become accepted as unquestionable truth.

THE LIE: "No one knows the day or hour of Christ's return, so don't even try to watch for specific times."

THE TRUTH: Jesus spoke a Hebrew idiom specifically referring to the Feast of Trumpets - commanding us to watch for those exact days with hearts full of expectation.

THE DECEPTION THAT BREEDS COMPLACENCY

"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone" Matthew 24:36

THIS VERSE HAS BEEN WEAPONIZED AGAINST THE VERY PEOPLE IT WAS MEANT TO PREPARE.

When Jesus spoke these words, every Jewish person listening KNEW He was referencing the Feast of Trumpets - the only feast that began on a new moon whose exact timing required two witnesses to sight the first sliver. It was known by the very phrase "the day and hour no one knows" because it could not be predetermined until the witnesses confirmed the sighting.

Jesus was not discouraging watchfulness - He was commanding it for specific days!

But the enemy has twisted this truth into a doctrine of apathy. "Don't watch for times and seasons," they say. "Just live your life." Meanwhile, Paul commands us: "But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief" 1 Thessalonians 5:4

WHICH VOICE WILL YOU BELIEVE?

THE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS DECEPTION

BELOVED, THE STAKES COULD NOT BE HIGHER.

When believers accept the lie that we cannot know the season of His return, they fall into the very trap Jesus warned against:

"But if that evil slave says in his heart, 'My master is not coming for a long time,' and begins to beat his fellow slaves and eat and drink with drunkards; the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him" Matthew 24:48-50

THIS DECEPTION PRODUCES:

Spiritual lethargy when we should be alert.

Worldly compromise when we should be holy.

Neglect of prophecy when we should be studying the signs.

False security when we should be examining our hearts.

Wasted time when every moment counts for eternity.

"Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming" (Matthew 24:42). Jesus commands watchfulness, not ignorance!

THE TRUTH THAT SETS CAPTIVES FREE

THE GREEK WORD "KNOWS" (EIDO) IS IN THE PERFECT TENSE - indicating something that was true when spoken but would not necessarily remain true in the future. Jesus was not establishing a permanent principle of ignorance. He was identifying a specific timeframe using a known Jewish idiom.

CONSIDER THE OVERWHELMING BIBLICAL EVIDENCE:

"But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief" 1 Thessalonians 5:4.

"Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet" 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God" 1 Thessalonians 4:16

THE "LAST TRUMP" PAUL REFERENCES IS THE TEKIAH GEDOLAH - the final, longest blast of the shofar during the Feast of Trumpets!

Jesus fulfilled the spring feasts to the exact day. Logic and Scripture demand He will fulfill the fall feasts with the same precision.

THE LATE HOUR DEMANDS URGENT ACTION

BELOVED, WE ARE NOT LIVING IN ORDINARY TIMES.

As I write these words, the Feast of Trumpets 2025 (September 22-24) approaches with prophetic significance that should cause every believer to fall on their knees. The signs Jesus described are exploding around us:
Israel is back in their land as prophesied.

The technology for the mark of the beast exists.

Birth pangs are increasing in frequency and intensity.

Deception is rampant even among the elect.

Love is growing cold as lawlessness increases.

IF THE RESTRAINER IS REMOVED AT THE FEAST OF TRUMPETS, THOSE WHO MISS THE HARPAZO WILL FACE THE UNFILTERED WRATH OF GOD WITHOUT CHRIST.

"And then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming" 2 Thessalonians 2:8

A PLEA FROM A BROKEN HEART

I write to you with tears streaming down my face and a heart breaking for the church.

How many believers will be caught off guard because they believed the lie that we cannot know the season? How many will miss the wedding because they stopped watching for the Bridegroom?

"Remember therefore what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you" Revelation 3:3

THE CHURCH AT SARDIS THOUGHT THEY WERE ALIVE, BUT JESUS CALLED THEM DEAD.

Are we repeating their fatal error? Are we so comfortable in our deception that we cannot hear the trumpet blast of warning?

CONTEND EARNESTLY FOR THE FAITH

Like Jude, I appeal to you to CONTEND EARNESTLY for the faith once delivered to the saints.

Do not let anyone rob you of your blessed hope with clever arguments and theological sophistries. The simple truth is this: Jesus spoke in Jewish idioms His audience understood, and He was pointing them to specific days when they should watch with expectant hearts.

THE FEAST OF TRUMPETS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOUT:

The King's coronation.
The resurrection of the dead.
The marriage of the Lamb.
The final trumpet blast.

THESE ARE NOT COINCIDENCES. THESE ARE DIVINE APPOINTMENTS.

THE CHOICE BEFORE YOU

Beloved, you stand at a crossroads that will determine your eternal destiny.

Will you believe the traditions of men that have made void the Word of God? Will you allow the enemy's deception to lull you into spiritual slumber at the most critical moment in human history?

OR

Will you believe the clear teaching of Scripture? Will you watch with expectant hearts during the Feast of Trumpets? Will you live as the wise virgins who kept oil in their lamps?
"And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut" Matthew 25:10

THE DOOR IS ABOUT TO SHUT.

FINAL WARNING

I have discharged my duty before God by warning you.

If you choose to believe the lie that we cannot know the times and seasons, you do so at your own eternal peril. But if you will open your hearts to the truth of Scripture, you will find that God has not left us in darkness.

"For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, 'Peace and safety!' then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief" 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4

YOU ARE NOT IN DARKNESS IF YOU ARE WALKING IN THE LIGHT OF HIS WORD.

The signs are all around us. The time is at hand. The Bridegroom comes.

WILL YOU BE WATCHING? WILL YOU BE READY?

MARANATHA! EVEN SO, COME LORD JESUS!

"Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen" Jude 24-25

The Heart of True Worship

In a world filled with uncertainty, believers throughout the ages have found themselves asking the same fundamental question: How do we worship God while we wait for His promises to be fulfilled? Whether waiting for deliverance, healing, provision, or the ultimate promise of Christ's return, the call to worship remains constant and central to our faith.

The Samaritan woman at the well asked Jesus about the proper place of worship - should it be Jerusalem or Mount Gerizim? Christ's response revolutionized our understanding of worship forever. True worship isn't bound by location, ritual, or ceremony. It transcends the physical and enters the spiritual realm where our hearts meet the heart of God.

As we examine Scripture, we discover that worship while waiting isn't passive resignation - it's active, transformative engagement with the living God who has called us to be His people.

The Foundation: Worship in Spirit and Truth

The Revolutionary Encounter

When Jesus met the Samaritan woman, He broke multiple cultural barriers. Jews didn't associate with Samaritans, men didn't speak privately with women, and religious leaders certainly didn't engage with those of questionable moral standing. Yet in this encounter, Jesus reveals the true nature of worship that transcends all human barriers and limitations.

"Jesus said to her, 'Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father... But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers'" John 4:21, 23

What Does It Mean to Worship in Spirit?

Worship in spirit means:

Heart Engagement Over External Performance True spiritual worship originates from a regenerated heart, not from external religious activities. The prophet Samuel declared, "But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart'" 1 Samuel 16:7

Life in the Spirit, Not in the Flesh Paul reminds us, "For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit" Romans 8:5 Spiritual worship flows from a life surrendered to the Holy Spirit's leading.

Unity with God's Spirit "But he who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him" 1 Corinthians 6:1. When we worship in spirit, we enter into communion with God at the deepest level of our being.

What Does It Mean to Worship in Truth?

Worship in truth encompasses:

Alignment with God's Revealed Word Jesus declared, "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth" John 17:17 True worship must align with Scripture, not human traditions or preferences.

Honesty and Authenticity David cried out, "Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom" Psalm 51:6 God desires genuine, authentic worship from hearts that are honest about their condition.

Christ-Centered Focus Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" John 14:6 All true worship ultimately points to and flows through Christ.

The Transformation: Living Sacrifices

The Reasonable Service

Paul's exhortation in Romans 12:1-2 provides the practical framework for worship while we wait:

"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" Romans 12:1-2

Understanding the Living Sacrifice

Built on God's Mercies Paul begins with "therefore" and "by the mercies of God." Our worship response flows from understanding what God has done for us. The previous eleven chapters of Romans detail God's incredible mercy toward sinful humanity through Christ's redemptive work.

Presenting Our Bodies Unlike Old Testament sacrifices that were external offerings, we offer ourselves - our physical bodies as instruments of righteousness. "So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure" Philippians 2:12-13

Living and Holy The sacrifice isn't dead but alive, set apart for God's purposes. We live unto God while we wait. "For if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's" Romans 14:8

Acceptable to God Our worship is pleasing to the Father when offered through Christ. "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name" Hebrews 13:15

The Renewal Process

Non-Conformity to the World True worship requires separation from worldly patterns and values. "Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" 1 John 2:15

Mind Transformation "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things" Philippians 4:8

Discerning God's Will As our minds are renewed, we increasingly understand and align with God's perfect will for our lives.

Worship While Waiting: Biblical Examples

Abraham's Patient Faith

"By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going" Hebrews 11:8 Abraham worshiped through obedience while waiting for God's promises.

Hannah's Persistent Prayer

"So Hannah rose after eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. She, greatly distressed, prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly" 1 Samuel 1:9-10 Hannah's worship included honest emotional expression while waiting for God's answer.

Simeon's Expectant Hope

"And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him" Luke 2:25 Simeon worshiped through patient expectation of God's promises.

The Early Church's Unified Devotion

"They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" Acts 2:42 The early believers worshiped through consistent spiritual disciplines while awaiting Christ's return.

Practical Elements of Worship While Waiting

Prayer - Constant Communication with God

Individual Prayer "Pray without ceasing" 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Our worship includes ongoing dialogue with our heavenly Father.

Corporate Prayer "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven" Matthew 18:19

Scripture Study - Feeding on God's Word

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" 2 Timothy 3:16-17

"But He answered and said, 'It is written, "MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD"'" Matthew 4:4

Fellowship - Community in Christ

"And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near" Hebrews 10:24-25

Service - Active Love for Others

"For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another" Galatians 5:13

Praise and Thanksgiving - Declaring God's Goodness

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God" Colossians 3:16

The Urgency of Faithful Watching: Understanding "That Day and Hour No One Knows"

The Jewish Idiom Revealed

When Jesus said "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone" Matthew 24:36 NASB), we know for certain He was using the well-known Jewish idiom specifically referring to the Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah).

Why the Feast of Trumpets was "Unknown":

It was the only biblical feast that began on a new moon - the first day of the seventh month (Tishri).

The exact timing could not be predetermined because it required two witnesses to sight the first sliver of the new moon.

Until these witnesses confirmed the sighting to the Sanhedrin, no one knew the exact day or hour the feast would begin.

This feast was known by the idioms "The Hidden Day" and "The Day and Hour No Man Knows."

Biblical Evidence: "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation'" Leviticus 23:24

The Greek word "knows" eido) in Matthew 24:36 is in the perfect tense, indicating something that was true when spoken but would not necessarily remain true in the future. Jesus was telling His disciples that the timing of His return for His bride would be like the Feast of Trumpets - requiring watchful anticipation for those specific days.

The Connection to Christ's Return

The Last Trump: "Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed" 1 Corinthians 15:51-52

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first" 1 Thessalonians 4:16

The "last trump" Paul references is the Tekiah Gedolah - the final, longest blast of the shofar during the Feast of Trumpets, held as long as the trumpeter had breath.

The Parables of Readiness

The Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) "Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom" Matthew 25:1

This parable emphasizes the need for spiritual preparation and sustained readiness during the specific timeframe Jesus indicated - the Feast of Trumpets season. The wise virgins maintained oil for their lamps, representing the sustained spiritual life necessary for faithful watching.

The Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) "For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them" Matthew 25:14

Faithful stewardship while the master is away demonstrates worship through responsible use of God's gifts and calling as we anticipate His return during the appointed time.

The Command to Watch

"Therefore, be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming" Matthew 24:42

"Be on guard, keep awake; for you do not know when the appointed time will come" Mark 13:33

Understanding the Jewish context, these commands take on urgent meaning - we are to watch with great anticipation during the Feast of Trumpets, knowing this is the season of His coming for His bride.

Grace: The Food from Heaven

Living by Grace Alone

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast" Ephesians 2:8-9

Grace isn't merely God's unmerited favor - it's His divine enablement that empowers us to live righteously while we wait. "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus" Titus 2:11-13

Christ: Our Daily Bread

"Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst'" John 6:35

Just as the Israelites gathered manna daily in the wilderness, we must feed daily on Christ through His Word, prayer, and spiritual communion.

Sharing the Message of Hope

Our Commission

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" Matthew 28:19-20

Urgency with Gentleness

"But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence" 1 Peter 3:15

Love as Our Motivation

"The love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf" 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

FINAL CALL: Time Is Up - Eternity Is Now

THE WEDDING IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. THE DOOR IS ABOUT TO CLOSE.

As I write these final words, my heart is breaking for every soul who has not yet said YES to Jesus. If you have read this far, it is because the Holy Spirit is drawing you. Do NOT resist Him. This may be your final opportunity.

THE BRIDEGROOM IS COMING. THE FEAST OF TRUMPETS IS UPON US.

The signs are everywhere. The birth pangs Jesus described are increasing in frequency and intensity. Israel is back in their land. The technology for the mark of the beast exists. The stage is set for the antichrist. The restrainer the Holy Spirit working through the Church) is about to be removed.

But right now - in this moment - grace is still available.

If You Have Never Surrendered Your Life to Jesus:

You were born into the curse, but Jesus died to set you free. You cannot save yourself. Your good works cannot earn God's favor. Your religious activity cannot wash away your sin. Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse you and make you right with God.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" John 3:16

"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name" John 1:12

PRAY THIS PRAYER RIGHT NOW:

"Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner in desperate need of a Savior. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I surrender my life to You completely. Be my Lord, my Savior, my King. Wash me clean with Your blood. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I want to be part of Your bride when You return. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus' name, Amen."

IF YOU PRAYED THAT PRAYER WITH A SINCERE HEART, YOU ARE NOW A CHILD OF GOD. GO SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH THE WORLD, GET INTO YOUR BIBLE, AND NEVER STOP PRAYING. Be a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ, READ YOUR BIBLE AND SHARE THE GOOD NEWS.

If You Are Already a Believer:

WAKE UP! RISE UP! THE KING IS COMING!

This is no time for lukewarm Christianity. This is no time for compromise. This is no time for playing church while the world burns around you.

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil" Ephesians 5:15-16

WHAT YOU MUST DO RIGHT NOW:

Repent of any known sin - Come clean before God. Confess, forsake, and walk in His righteousness.

Forgive everyone who has hurt you - Unforgiveness will keep you out of the rapture. Release them and be free.

Live as a living sacrifice - Your body, your time, your resources, your relationships - everything surrendered to His will.

Watch and pray - Keep your eyes on Israel, the Middle East, and the Feast of Trumpets. Be ready.

Share the Gospel - Every person you know needs to hear this message. Their eternity depends on it.

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

This has always been about LOVE. God's relentless, pursuing, never-giving-up love for humanity. From the moment Adam and Eve fell, God had a plan to bring His children home. Every sacrifice, every prophet, every promise pointed to Jesus.

He left the glory of Heaven to be born in a stable. He lived a perfect life you could never live. He died a death you deserved to die. He rose from the grave to prove His victory over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven to prepare a place for you. And now He is coming back to take you home. The time is here.

THIS IS NOT THE END. THIS IS THE BEGINNING.

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away'" Revelation 21:3-4

Soon - perhaps within days - the trumpet will sound. The archangel will shout. The dead in Christ will rise. Those who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

WILL YOU BE READY?

The choice is yours. The invitation is extended. The door is still open.

But not for long.

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming quickly.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen" Revelation 22:20-21

MARANATHA! EVEN SO, COME LORD JESUS!

The time is fulfilled. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Repent and believe the Gospel, for the King is coming to claim His bride.