WorshipBy Steven F. Deaton |
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The Bible teaches there are five basic acts of worship for the church. To go beyond these is to walk by sight, not by faith; it is to assume authority where none is granted (Matt. 28:18). We know that the apostles were guided by the Holy Spirit. Thus, if we discover what they did when they worshipped, we know it is right. Consider the following and notice how simple New Testament worship really is. Preaching (Acts 20:7).New Testament churches gathered for the study of God’s Word. No, they did not have the New Testament written down. However, they did have the apostles and prophets who taught them the inerrant Word (Acts 20:17-32). From the very beginning of the church, when the members assembled, they learned the “apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). Today, we must give attention to Bible study in our worship services. The preacher needs to “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2-5). The audience needs to search the Scriptures to see if the lesson is truth—then apply it (Acts 17:11). This part of worship should not be a shallow pep-talk. It is not for amusing and entertaining the congregation. Rather, it is for spiritual enrichment, as well as corrective admonition (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). Prayer (Acts 2:42). Prayer is essential to the life of a church. We see where the disciples prayed about their needs and fears (Acts 4:23-31; 12:5). We can pray about physical and material things; that we have food, clothing, shelter, etc. and thank God for what we have. We especially need to pray for spiritual blessings. Thank God for His Son. Ask for forgiveness. Seek strength to resist temptation and grow stronger. Pray for others facing troubles and trials in their lives. Pray that the gospel will spread far and wide. Singing (Eph. 5:19). Musical worship is a unique part of worship. It is a time when all members of the audience can raise their voices to God and praise Him. We also encourage and admonish one another; teaching as we speak (Col. 3:16). The New Testament knows nothing of instrumental music in worship. It is silent on the subject, just as the Old Testament was silent on priests coming from the tribe of Judah (Heb. 7:12-14). Priests were not permitted to come from Judah, or any other tribe than Levi. Levi was specified, thus priests from other tribes were prohibited. In musical worship, singing is specified and any other form of musical worship is therefore unlawful. Giving (1 Cor. 16:1, 2). The church has certain duties to perform, including—but not limited to—spreading the gospel, assembling for worship, and helping its needy members (1 Thes. 1:7-9; Heb. 10:24, 25; Acts 6:1-6). If money is needed for this work (to support a preacher, rent or purchase a building) it is raised through the free-will offering of the saints. This is to be done on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1, 2). Money is not to be solicited from outside sources, by other means like bake sales, or on other days. When God said the first day of the week, He meant the first day of the week. Lord’s Supper (Matt. 26:26-28). The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is an occasion where Christians remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 11:23-26). It is a time to reflect on His sacrifice and what is means to us. The first century Christians met on the first day of the week to observe the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7). Like other matters already mentioned, when God specified the first day of the week, He meant just the first day of the week—all others are ruled out. Likewise, it is a weekly occurrence. The first day of the week comes weekly, just like the Sabbath came weekly (Ex. 20:8). The Jews were not to remember the Sabbath yearly or monthly, but as often as it came—weekly. Christians are to observe the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week as often as it comes. |
I will build My church. |
