Worship & Wisdom: A Sabbatical Visit to the Church of Christ @ Austin Eastside

Put it all on the altar of sacrifice if you love God!

During my sabbatical, I had the privilege of visiting the Church of Christ at Austin Eastside. The decision to attend was driven by my friendship with Bro. George Williams, a pioneer preacher, cohort classmate, and someone I deeply respect. Bro. Williams is an outstanding preacher, but more importantly, he is an exemplary Christian, husband, and father. Despite all that he knows and has experienced, Bro. Williams continues to seek more knowledge of God, as evidenced by his pursuit of an a DMindegree from Lipscomb. His thirst for divine wisdom is truly inspiring.

Before we arrived, I sent Bro. Williams a text to let him know we were coming. It's something one of my other mentors in the Gospel, BB Gatson, always advised me to do. Although I generally prefer to arrive late and quietly to blend in with the congregation, I’m grateful I reached out. Bro. Williams mentioned that he would have had me preach if there weren’t already plans in place for that Sunday. Honestly, I was relieved—I cherish hearing him exegete the word of God, so the opportunity to listen was a blessing.

Lessons from the Visit

One of the most impactful messages I took away from that Sunday centered on the importance of giving and preparing oneself for God before worship. The idea that giving is not just a physical act but a form of worship itself resonated deeply with me.

How is Giving Worship?

The scriptures remind us that giving is a significant part of worship. Proverbs 3:9 tells us to "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops." This teaches us that true worship comes from the heart—giving to God should be done with the same reverence as any other act of worship.

Isaiah 29:13 warns us that worship without the heart is meaningless, and yet, in Isaiah 1:10-20, we see God's incredible willingness to still sit at the table with us, despite our flaws. Jesus also emphasized in John 4:23-24 that true worshipers must worship in Spirit and truth, which involves both our intellect and alignment with God’s word.

The New Testament is filled with examples of worship, appearing 59 times with connotations of bowing down and adoring God. Worship acknowledges what God has done, who He is, and what He will do. Psalms such as 98:1-7, 96:1-9, and 86:8-15 capture this beautifully.

Preparing for Worship

Preparing for worship is not just about physical readiness but about spiritual readiness as well. Practical steps include setting out clothes the night before, eating beforehand, praying for focus, listening to music that centers the soul, and avoiding arguments or contentious discussions on Sundays. Fixing broken relationships beforehand is also crucial, ensuring our hearts are right before we enter God’s presence.

How is What I Give Worship?

Giving, whether it be our time, money, or ourselves, is a tangible way to honor God. Proverbs 3:9 emphasizes that giving should be from our first fruits, signifying the weight and importance we place on God. The story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22:1-13 illustrates the depth of our worship through sacrifice—if God holds weight in our lives, we are willing to sacrifice for Him.

Even if we are not in a position to give much, as 2 Corinthians 8:12 assures us, God is comfortable with us where we are. It’s not about the amount but about the heart behind the gift. Giving is also a test of our love, as noted in 2 Corinthians 8:8-9.

A Prayer for Myself and Avenue G Church of ChrisT

Heavenly Father, the one who showed us how to give sacrificially through His own example of unselfishness,

I lift up myself and the Avenue G Church of Christ to You today. I understand that I do not always give in the manner that you gave. I fully understand that my giving can become rote and not sacrifice. I ask God that you help me to always present a sweet smelling aroma to you. A sacrifice that is mindful, prepared, and helpful to the Kingdom and your mission. Teach us all how to give to You in ways that honor You—not just in money, but in our time, our energy, and our hearts and family. May our worship be sincere, stemming from a place of deep reverence and love for You. Help us to prepare ourselves each day for the work and worship we offer, so that it is pleasing in Your sight. I am thankful that you allow us to exist on this earth in spite of our selfishness at time. I am thankful that you allow us the opportunity to spread this message to others. Guide us to live as examples of Your grace, continuously seeking to know You MORE.

In Jesus name, Amen!