6. Worship

The worship experience is an integral part of the Christian life. It draws us into a closer and more meaningful relationship with our God. But have you ever considered why God placed the particular acts of worship we observe into our general assembly? It certainly goes without saying that in their selection and appointment, God chose exactly what he wanted. Everything God wanted in our assembly, he ordained in Scripture. Let’s look briefly at these various actions and what they mean to our lives.

1. Singing

Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16

The Bible says that singing, in part, teaches and admonishes us. Repetition helps us learn and retain what we learn. A constant reminder makes us steadfast in God’s teaching (Acts 2:42). God used this principle in the establishment of the Passover and even explained its purpose of teaching through repetition (Exodus 12:26-27). The Jewish religion eventually established the synagogue system of service to God. Every session of every service was opened with the Shema, the reading of Deuteronomy 6:4. This repetition was to remind Israel to never again enter into idolatry.

It is also through singing that we can praise and honor God (Psalm 100), the one we should glorify because of who He is and what He has done for us. It is God who has created us (Psalm 100:3) and blessed us Psalm 23) and saved us from our sins (Ephesians 1:3). The grateful, forgiven Christian will yearn for opportunities to sing His praise.

It is in the performance of songs that mankind can best express and release his emotions. It can help us better deal with our feelings and surroundings and situations in life. In Acts 16:25 we find Paul and Silas singing praises to God from prison. Doubtless this act of worship brought them great comfort. Such is still true for us today.

2. Praying

Thessalonians 5:17

Praying is a time when we can talk to God (Matthew 6:5-8). We can thank Him for all He has done for us (I Thessalonians 5:18), and we can openly confess to Him our sins and ask for forgiveness without fear of revealing some hidden act because He already knows. Prayer is quality time with God. When I was young I was grateful my father would listen to me when I needed to talk. Years later, as a father, I am grateful my children will come to me. Prayer, in and out of worship, is very important to the spiritual health of a Christian.

3. Preaching, teaching, scripture reading

I Timothy 4:13

Just as we need to talk to God, we also need to listen. We need to learn to be quiet in His presence (Habakkuk 2:20) so that we may learn from Him. The assembly is a time set aside to receive instruction, guidance, and encouragement (II Timothy 4:1-2) from the word of God. It should be done with reverence and not in frivolity. The message should meet spiritual needs, not political or personal ones. Preaching is God talking to us, more quality time between Father and child, and should be cherished and treated accordingly.

4. Giving

I Corinthians 16:1-2

Giving is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our love. We give to spread the gospel throughout the world. We give to continue the local work. We give to help the needy. We give because we love Christ and His mission. Consider the words of II Corinthians 9:6-15.

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

In this text we find that the providing of seed to the sower brings us blessings. Our money used to further the gospel is credited to our spiritual account.

5. Communion

Acts 20:7

Communion is a remembrance of the suffering of Christ on our behalf. But it is much more than that. It is a reminder of the great love of God for us and what He has done to demonstrate that love (John 3:14-17).

Of all these acts (singing, praying, teaching, giving, communion), the communion is the only one restricted by Scripture to the first day of the week. It was the purpose and center of the assembly of the church in the first century. We find giving, teaching, prayer, and singing occurring almost daily in the record in Acts concerning the church and its growth. Only the Lord’s supper is restricted to the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).

The Christian worship is all – sufficient. there is God talking to us (teaching), us talking to God (prayer), God giving to us (communion), us giving to God (giving), and singing, the natural expression of the heart of man. What a beautiful portrait is the simple new testament plan of worship.

We don’t need to add mechanical instruments of music, foot washing, a mourner’s bench, or any other of man’s trappings. In worship we find love demonstrated, communication between us and our God, and a way provided (through singing) to express our joy in Christ Jesus.