Act of Worship

Jonathan Michael Jones

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Christianity
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Dr. Jonathan Michael Jones' discussions of worship, theology, and culture

Sep 27

Unequally Yoked

Scripture is replete with difficult-to-understand passages that are often misinterpreted, misapplied, and perverted for personal gain. One such instance is the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the Church at Corinth. Paul instructs the Church at Corinth (and, thus, all believers to follow), “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Cor 6:14) While it might be simple to focus on the first part of the command (not to be yoked with unbelievers), all aspects of the verse stem from the second aspect—the lack of commonality between believers and unbelievers. Perhaps one of the most misunderstood and certainly misinterpreted verses in the Bible, when examined from a broader approach, the meaning becomes clearer and it is not related to romantic relationships, as is commonly suggested.
Sep 24

Worship and Missions Interview

Dr. Jonathan Michael Jones interviews missionaries, Stephen and Leann Abbott, of France, and then participates in their interview.
Sep 7

Can a Christian Be a Socialist?

Socialism and its far-reaching and seemingly unceasing grasp have seen drastic rises in Western culture—especially in the United States of America. Recent data reveals surprising (and troubling to many) increases in socialist support in the United States. Nearly half (46% to 49%) of 18- to 34-year-olds view democratic socialism positively. Separate data from organizations like the Cato Institute indicate that up to 62% of young people aged 18 to 29 hold favorable views of socialism. Within the Democratic party, support of socialism is up from 50% to about 66%. While most Americans tend to favor capitalism over socialism, the numbers continue to fall for the former and rise for the latter.[1] In the United States (at least), however, socialism is often masked with the title of democratic socialism—possibly a feeble attempt to separate the title from communism. The aim of both, however, is the same: to federalize the means of production and private business. With the recent elections of boldly-admitted socialists (e.g., Florida Democrat Angie Nixon, Colorado’s Melat Kiros, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NY’s Darializa Avila-Chevalier, and massive wins by Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates in Michigan and Pennsylvania, the issue is more than a mere passing phase. It is crucial that Americans consider all facets of socialism and (for the church) especially what it means for Christians. [1] Lydia Saad, “How Americans View Capitalism, Socialism, and Free Enterprise,” Gallup, August 6, 2026, https://news.gallup.com/poll/713144/americans-view-capitalism-socialism-free-enterprise.aspx.
Aug 24

How to Handle Fallen Church Leaders

When a Christian leader has a great fall, what should be the response of believers? In world that readily desires to condemn God’s people (and especially her leaders), should local churches respond differently since their lives should reflect that of The Way?[1] God’s call is not purely a vocation (although it could be) but (more) a holy charge by God himself. Collectively, pastors are an extension of the Jesus’ ministry so they are to live disparate lives from even those of the people they lead. Thus, such matters are vital to an appropriate witness for Jesus Christ so here three considerations will be discussed. 1. Immediate actions 2. Community and personal response 3. The contrast to the ways of the world [1] Here it should be understood as not minor or miniscule mistakes but rather sin-specific actions that cause severe mistrust and pain and primarily by those in local church leadership (i.e., pastoral ministry).
Aug 6

The Best Deviled Ham

The healing power of Jesus is surely no secret. Unambiguously, Jesus is God and, thus, possesses the same healing power as the Father and the Spirit. One of the most unique accounts of Jesus’ healing is told in the fifth chapter of Mark’s Gospel, and it might double as the first report of deviled ham in history. A man who is possessed by a demon understands the power and authority of Jesus in this telling and, therefore, offers a grateful response of worship because of his healing, which could not be accomplished apart from Jesus Christ. In the same way, Jesus is the answer to all the world’s problems. Without Christ, everyone would live to their own perpetual destruction. It is, nevertheless, the power of Jesus that heals, for only Jesus may take a person’s devil and turn it into deviled ham. Here (Mark 5:1-20) is an account of Jesus’ authority and recognition, several responses to Jesus, and the first recipe for deviled ham in history. To the first two elements (Jesus’ authority and recognition), a call is offered to everyone: what will you do with Jesus? Ultimately, everyone will give an answer to what they did with the Son of God, and when that answer is short, Jesus will respond to them with, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness” (Matt 7:21).
Jul 25

Self-Love: the Antithesis of the Gospel

An increasingly common fancy in modern society suggests that self-love is right. Statements such as, “I know my worth,” or even something that proposes the term itself like, “I am focusing on loving myself,” are seemingly prevalent. The idea, while alluring, however, does not reflect the gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, such a concept is antithetical to the gospel and should be avoided by Christians. A rebuttal might ask, “Does not Christ want us to love ourselves? Is not self-love merely viewing ourselves the way God views us?” While sincere questions, the gospel message answers such contentions with stark and often difficult truth: truthful in that the gospel realizes humanity’s dire state and difficult because such a realization demands justice, which certainly is not the mercy of God (except that his wrath was poured on his Son Jesus Christ); thus, God’s love, mercy, and grace are consummately underserved for anyone.[1] To appropriately analyze the absolute incorrect perpetuation of self-love, one must consider the opposing views which subsist in society: 1) the worldly idea of self-love and 2) what should be considered Christ-honoring love,[2] as the two offer diametrically competing concepts; yet, the two concepts are not both right, for only Christ-honoring love permeates the gospel message. The world’s idea of self-love, however, offers only deadlocks and destruction. Human nature enjoys being in control and struggles with the truth that a loving God is also just so reality is that he would be unequivocally right in punishing every single radically depraved person (i.e., everyone) in utter and eternal torment. To conclude such a truth, both concepts should be considered: self-love and Christ-honoring love. [1] Even suggestions that a loving God would not send an innocent person to hell falls short because such a person does not exist, and the gospel message teaches and realizes this truth. [2] It should be noted that the opposite of self-love is not low self-esteem, which is itself selfish and self-centered. Rather, Christ-honoring love understands the twofold reality of humanity’s utter and debased depravity and the unmerited mercy of God; additionally, Christ-honoring love chooses to boast not in self but in Christ and understands that the only reason Christians may stand before the Father is the mediation of Christ.
Jul 15

The Christian Worldview on Given vs. Earned Respect

People often claim that respect is earned rather than given. Nonetheless, is such a claim biblical and right? What nuances establish such a claim? The common understanding is that Christ respects all (or is at least tolerant of) all opinions, but does he? Is he? Sensible thought would suggest that people should have a broad respect for a position (e.g., the president or leader of a country, a wise teacher of a course, etc.). Therefore, to a degree, much respect is not earned but simply given in specific positions, especially those of authority.[1] The simplest Christian worldview on given versus earned respect then is this: respect is largely given rather than earned, for believers should show the same respect Christ shows for all people. How then is one to assess what more respect he or she should give? To answer such a question, a distinction should be made between those inside and those outside the Christian faith. Scripture offers several indicators of Christian respect and how God’s people should treat others—both inside and outside the faith. [1] If respect had to be perpetually earned, mutual respect among humans could not exist, for everyone would constantly try to establish and reestablish respect.
Jul 1

Introduction to Sacraments and Sacred Rites

Intro for the following may be found here. Additionally, audio for the Sacraments and Sacred Rites series may be found here. You may also listen to podcast episodes here. Additionally, Dr. Jones' book entitled Sacraments and Sacred Rites may be found here or bought on platforms such as Amazon or the Book Patch. Christian worship is a lifetime journey of participation and involvement in the life of Christ. The sacred rites and rituals in which the people of God participate should not be undermined, neglected, or misunderstood, for surely, they are vital to a life of worship both individually and corporately. This series aims to replace misunderstanding with replete comprehension and does not shy from difficult topics and terms often avoided (at least anecdotally) in Evangelical Christianity (e.g., sacrament, rite, etc.). To properly understand the significance of sacred acts of worship, however, one must not separate the sacramental nature of the Christian life, for surely, God is participatory in his people’s lives. Furthermore, Christian worship holds deep roots, which although strongly connected, transcend that of Judaism. The church calendar and the sacred rituals through which God’s people worship the triune and eternal God offer ample opportunity for the church to live within the reality of Christ’s life and participate in his redemptive process and sacrifice, for God’s people are certainly called to share not only in the life of Christ but in his sacrificial death. The more the people of God understand the sacramental nature of sacred actions in worship, the more they will experience the reality of Christ’s work in their lives and fully participate in Christ’s work within his bride: the church. This series, therefore, has the notable aim of clarification and understanding—understanding the nature of the church, the nature of sacrament, and the participatory foundation of Christian worship, which is most evident through the sacraments and sacred rites.

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Dr. Jonathan Michael Jones' discussions of worship, theology, and culture

Creator

Jonathan Michael Jones
Years Active

2017 - 2026
Episodes

317
Rating

Clean
Show Website

Act of Worship