Spirit and Truth – genuine, true, and needed –

Spirit and Truth
October 8, 2025

While away on retreat, it has not only been a time of worshiping together with other clergy but also a great reminder of the need for personal sabbath, reflection and drawing nearer to God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

While the holy fellowship has been great there have been those times for some personal reflection, seeking forgiveness, and experiencing redemption. In my time this morning, I was drawn back to the scripture that was used to guide us through our thoughts regarding extravagant worship this past week.

Here is the verse that really spoke to me “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him.” — John 4:23 (ESV)

These words though still flowing through the ages was spoken to someone just like each of us, the Samaritan woman at the well. When Jesus spoke these words – He was breaking barriers—social, religious, and spiritual. The woman wanted to talk about heritage, hurts, proper ways in which people should worship and where —but Jesus redirected her question to how we should worship.

What does it mean to “worship in spirit”? The conclusion I draw is it is not about rituals, buildings, traditions or packing it into a hour a week. It is about relationships. It is something that is happening on the inside and flows out. It is not about your taste for style, whether you lift your hands or dance, or if you like or dislike the sermon. True worship is born in each individual heart that has been awakened, repaired, renewed even circumcised by the Holy Spirit. Whether it be in a temple, a tent, or on the bottom of a bunk bed at a retreat center it is realizing that holy presence that where ever you are God is there. That whatever you are going through, God is with you. That the only true hope we will ever have is to be in the heart of God allowing all Spirt and truth to happen. It’s not performance—it’s presence.

To “worship in truth” means that our worship must be about allowing God to anchor in the reality of who God is and what His Word declares. It requires honesty before God—no masks, no assumptions, not self-centeredness. Worship is where we come as we are, and acknowledge our need for His grace and mercy, and align our hearts with the truth of the character of Jesus Christ. By the way this is the kind of church and holy fellowship I am seeking after.

Just allow the Holy Spirit to lead you – it wherever you are and whatever has been in the past, just empty yourself and see how when spirit and truth are realized – we will truly see power, authority, and genuine hearts for worship happen as the Holy Spirit invades our space.

I want to encourage you into a time of prayer and reflection. Let your shield down, lay down your weapon you don’t have to fight. Enter into a holy presence of God wherever you are – be true and honest, it is just between you and God, nothing will be used against you and allow God to happen.

Now, just like the Samaritan women leave the well changed and go and tell everyone how Jesus has changed your life.

I will be praying for you and me and the change of heart, soul, and mind we all so desperately need.
Peace,
Pastor Calvin