|
Jesus said, "God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship him in spirit
and truth" (John 4:24).
This statement tells us that our worship must be
prompted by the right spirit, and it must be according to truth. |
| |
| In keeping with our focus to be a New Testament church, our worship services
incorporate the five items observed by the first century church: singing, praying,
preaching, giving, and partaking of the Lord's supper. If we are to follow the examples of
the New Testament church, these elements of worship are essential. |
| |
| The importance of prayer is emphasized repeatedly throughout the Bible. It is
important not only in a congregational worship service, but in our daily lives as well, as
it is the only way in which we can communicate directly with God, The Bible tells us
to "pray continually" (I Thessalonians 5:17).
Jesus often prayed to God and left us instructions as to how we should pray
(Matthew 6:5-13). |
| |
| The roles of preaching and teaching are critical elements of worship as well. We
are commanded to study (2 Timothy 2:15).
Preaching provides a time dedicated to the
study of God's word with applications exhorting us to biblical living and service.
Our worship service is an important time for the sincere searcher to hear God's will for
their lives. This is plainly stated in Romans 10:14.
Thus, the preaching of God's word in our worship is profitable for both the
mature Christian and those seeking God's truth. |
| |
| The Bible tells us to set aside a portion of our money and contribute it to the church
when we meet on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:2).
Giving is necessary
to support the work of the church, including providing salaries for our full-time staff,
supporting our various ministries, and maintaining our facilities. We are told not
to give reluctantly, but cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7)
and generously (Romans 12:8). |
| |
The early Christians sang songs of praise to God in their worship. They used
psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to express the sentiments of their hearts. The
subject of music in worship is encountered eight times in the New Testament:
- Matthew 26:30;
- Acts 16:25;
- Romans 15:9;
- 1 Corinthians 14:15;
- Ephesians 5:18,19;
- Colossians 3:16;
- Hebrews 2:12;
- James 5:13.
These verses clearly refer to
the music offered from the human heart and voice. For this reason, "a
cappella" singing (i.e. singing without instrumental accompaniment) is the only form
of music used in our worship. The New Testament (and historically, the early church)
excludes any mention of instrumental music; therefore, we find it necessary and
appropriate to leave it out as well. |
| |
| Jesus instituted what we refer to as the Lord's supper to commemorate His suffering and
death for our sins
(Matthew 26:26-28).
The unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine
symbolize Christ's body and blood. In the Old Testament, under the law of Moses, the
Israelites were commanded to "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy"
(Exodus 20:8).
The command was understood to mean every Sabbath day, and was observed
in the same manner. Similarly, we observe the Lord's Supper every Sunday (the
"first day of the week") in memory of Christ's death and in celebration of His
resurrection (Acts 20:7). |
| |
|
