ISAIAH 56

Key Verse: Isaiah 56:7 “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.”

The Church comes from the Greek word, Ecclesia, which means a called out assembly of Christians. The church is you and me, the Christians!

1.  The Church Is Not A House Of Party

V7 “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer:…”

Many people come to church as though they are in the House of Party. There will be great celebration, great music, great singing, great dancing and great merry making. They expect to hear a great message of how great they are and how successful they can be in life.  But do they come as a church praying that they shall be holy as God is holy?

2.  The Church Is Not A House of Politicians

V7 “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar;…”

Many people come to church as though they are in the House of Politicians. They will dress well, greet well, speak well, donate well in their so-called burnt offerings and sacrifices and do everything to please everyone. But do they come to church praying that their burnt offerings and their sacrifices be holy and acceptable before a holy God?

3.  The Church Is A House Of Prayer

V7 “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.”

Indeed, the church is a house of prayer. The Christians are to humble ourselves and realize that we are nothing and God is everything and we pray for His presence, power, providence and protection upon us. We may worship God, hear God’s message and serve God as teachers, choir members, ushers, greeters, etc., but the top requirement of God for His church or for you and me is that we pray, pray and pray!
 
Prayer of the Week

God, help me to truly pray to you as we are the house of prayer.

Action of the Week

Set aside a regular time of prayer alone with God; a time of prayer with your family; a time of prayer with your fellow Church members or Christian colleagues or friends.