Today, we gather to delve into the essence of our worship assembly at the Church of Christ, a journey to understand how we honor God through our actions and intentions in worship. Let us begin with gratitude for the blessing of gathering in God’s name, acknowledging His supreme guidance in all we do.
The Church of Christ, known for its simplicity and adherence to scriptural directives, offers a distinctive experience in worship. This simplicity is not a lack of depth but a reflection of our commitment to follow Christ’s teachings and the examples set by the early church. Our worship is not shaped by modern trends or personal preferences but by a steadfast dedication to what Christ has established.
Central to our worship is the nature of our music. The Church of Christ embraces singing as a form of musical worship, devoid of mechanical instruments. This choice stems from our understanding of New Testament teachings, particularly Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, which encourage singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord. This form of worship, known as a cappella, aligns with the practices of the early church and focuses on the purity of vocal expression in praising God.
Our approach to giving is another aspect that sets us apart. Unlike the Old Testament practice of tithing, the New Testament does not specify a fixed percentage for offerings. Instead, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:2 and 2 Corinthians 9:7, our giving is to be as we have prospered, a heartfelt response to God’s blessings, given willingly and cheerfully, not out of obligation but out of gratitude and recognition of God’s providence.
The observance of the Lord’s Supper holds a special place in our worship, adhering to the pattern of the New Testament church. We partake in this sacred memorial every first day of the week, as exemplified in Acts 20:7, remembering Christ’s sacrifice through the bread and the fruit of the vine. This regular observance deepens our connection to Christ and His ultimate act of love.
Preaching, an integral part of our assembly, is rooted in the faithful exposition of God’s Word. Guided by passages like 2 Timothy 4:2, our preaching aims to instruct, encourage, and sometimes challenge, always with the goal of aligning our lives more closely with God’s will. Our commitment is to speak where the Bible speaks, ensuring that our teachings are not merely pleasing to the ear but transformative to the heart.
Prayer, a vital component of our worship, is a time for personal and communal communion with God. As instructed in 1 Timothy 2:8, our prayers are an expression of our dependence on, gratitude to, and reverence for our Heavenly Father. It’s a time to lay our petitions, praises, and thanksgiving before God, drawing us closer to Him in spirit and truth.
The role of women in our worship is guided by the teachings of 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34. While women are invaluable members of our church community, contributing in various meaningful ways, our worship services are led by men in accordance with the scriptural directives we uphold.
In summary, our worship at the Church of Christ is a reflection of our commitment to following the New Testament pattern. It is grounded in simplicity, guided by scripture, and focused on honoring God above all. As we continue in our journey of faith, let us cherish and uphold these principles, always seeking to align our worship and our lives with God’s divine will.
May our worship always be a sweet aroma to Him, and may our lives reflect the love and grace He has so generously bestowed upon us.
Discussion Questions and Answers
1. How do we know that the church is supposed to assemble for worship?
• Hebrews 10:24-25 upbraids individuals who forsake assembling. Paul commanded the Corinthian church to withdraw from a brother when they came together. The Troas church assembled on the first day of the week for worship.
2. What did Jesus mean by demanding worship be “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24)?
• Worship should not only be from the heart with sincerity, but also according to revealed truth.
3. How would modern forms of worship like dramas, puppet shows, and performances fit into Christ’s condemnation of the Pharisees in Matthew 15:3-9?
• They are teaching as commandments the doctrines of men.
4. Does the church of Christ have music?
• Yes.
5. What is the New Testament pattern for musical worship?
• We are commanded to sing and give examples of singing. No instruments are present in the early church, or for hundreds of years after. Singing words allows us to admonish one another and praise God.
6. Why is the Old Testament not an authority for instrumental music in the worship of the church?
• That law was taken away. If it is used as authority for instruments, then it also would demand animal sacrifice, the Sabbath, and incense burning.
7. What pattern for giving is in place, now that the tithe has been removed?
• One must purpose in his heart what he will give according to how God has prospered him.
8. While God appreciates a cheerful giver, what two attitudes does he disdain?
• Grudging and giving out of a sense of pure necessity.
9. What do the two elements of the Lord’s supper represent? When was this commemoration instituted?
• The juice represents the blood of Christ; the bread represents his body. It began on the night Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot.
10. What should the partaker be careful to observe during the communion?
• He should be careful to examine his worthiness and eat as a memorial of Christ’s death until he returns.
11. Why is the Lord’s supper taken only on Sunday? Why does the church not observe the Sabbath?
• The supper is taken on the first day of the week, after Paul’s pattern in Acts 20. The Sabbath was not reinstituted in the New Testament and it is clear that Sunday began to take precedence as the day Christ was resurrected.
12. What is the preacher to preach (1 Peter 4:11, 2 Tim. 4:1-5)? What is he not to do (Rom. 16:18)?
• The preacher should preach the word while refraining from tickling itching ears with smooth speeches. He must speak as the oracles of God.
13. Why is it wrong for women to lead prayer, teach, or take any other lead in worship?
• Women are told to keep silent in the churches by Bible command and that they may not teach or take authority over men in such a sphere of activity.