INQUIRER: I want to ask, what is the rightful way of serving God?
Bro. Eli F. Soriano (EFS): You know, brother, the rightful way of serving God,is obeying His commandments. Because if you will obey man's commandments, you say you serve God, but you really obey man, in Mark 7:7-8 -
Bro. Daniel S. Razon (DSR): "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,"
EFS: Did you see that? When you serve God, you should not follow man's commandments. Christ said - "Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." For example, you serve God, but you are taught the commandments of man. For example, in religions today - "Wearing slippers inside the chapel is prohibited. You should wear shoes even if you have to borrow money. Wearing shirts inside the chapel is prohibited. You should wear a suit, even if you don't pay for that." Just like someone we know in our place. He borrowed money from me and did not pay. But when he enters their chapel he wears a white suit. But he doesn't pay his debts.That is their proper way of worship when they gather in the chapel. Is that how it is in the Bible, Brother Mel? In James 2:1 - (REVISED STANDARD VERSION)
DSR: "My brethren, show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man with gold rings and in fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘Have a seat here, please,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘Stand there,’ or, ‘Sit at my feet,’ Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?'
EFS: See that, Brother Mel? It shows partiality when you prohibit those who wear shirts to enter. In James 2:1, the Bible states - "...show no partiality..." When a poor man in shabby clothes enters in your assembly, let him enter. Serving God must be based on the Bible, on the words of God. But if you are taught to stand when you pray; you should not always stand when praying, according to the Bible. Let us look at how the apostles of Christ prayed. In Acts 20:36 -
DSR: "And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.'
EFS: How is that in English? Let us read that in English -
DSR: “And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.”
EFS: See that? Do Christians observe kneeling, Brother Mel?
Bro. Mel Magdaraog (MM): Yes. Christians kneel when they pray.