Our Worship

Worship is not a time for “self-expression” nor self-gratification. Worship is a time for the Christian to offer spiritual sacrifices to the Almighty (1 Peter 1:25). Worship is displaying respect for the person, purposes and power of God (Habakkuk 2:20; John 4:23). There is a prescribed way in which to worship: “God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Therefore, Christian worship is outlined in Holy Writ. Christian worship consists of the acts listed below:

PRAYER

Various prayers are to be offered in Christian worship—thanksgiving, supplications, intercessions, etc. (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; James 5:16). Men are to lead prayers in an assembly of mixed audience at all times (1 Timothy 2:8).

PREACHING/TEACHING

God chose preaching as the means of reaching the lost with the Good News of salvation (Mark 16:15-16; Romans 1:16). Gospel preaching is designed to exalt the person, purposes, power and promises of God (2 Timothy 4:2). Too, Gospel preaching educates and encourages the church about its responsibilities to God, one another, spouses, children, friends, foes, neighbors, etc. (Matthew 7:12; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Galatians 6:1-10).

LORD’S SUPPER (COMMUNION)

The Lord’s church observes the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week on Sunday as did the churches in the days of the apostles (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 1 Corinthians11:23-29). There were/are no holidays (Easter) observed commemorating the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. We partake of unleavened bread which represents Jesus’ body. By partaking of the bread we are reminded of Jesus’ selfless sacrifice for our sins (Romans 4:25). We also partake of the fruit of the vine which represents the blood of Christ, which was shed for the salvation of the world. Christ shed His pure, precious and powerful blood to redeem us from sin and to purchase the church (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18-19).

SINGING

The Bible commands Christians to “speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). As did the early Christians, so we engage in congregational singing. The clearly stated commands do not allow for choirs, solos, quartets, bands, etc. Since melody is to be made in the Christian’s heart, there is no authority for mechanical instruments. Congregational singing is the only way to comply with the “one another” requirement of the command. This means that substitutes are not allowed. In other words, all Christians must be engaged in singing at the same time.

GIVING

The churches in the Bible gave of their means upon the first day of every week (1 Corinthians 16:1). We have the honor and privilege of giving back to the Lord that which He gave to us. Each Christian is commanded to give “as he has been prospered”. The churches in the Bible never, ever solicited non-members for financial assistance (Acts 11:28-30). The Lord’s church is supported solely by the freewill offerings of its members. The Lord’s church does not raise funds by car washes, selling pie suppers or doughnuts, etc.