True Worship (3) When We Assemble to Worship

John 4:24 – we must have proper attitudes and truth There are 5 acts of public worship Even this is questioned by some – some add and some take away

A privilege It is how we talk to God Prayers in the assembly – Acts 2:42, 1 Cor. 14:14-15 Acts 12:5, 4:23-31 Prayer

Praising God – Acts 2:47, Matt. 6:9 Thanksgiving – Col. 4:2, 1 Tim. 2:1-2 For one another - James 5:16 Requests – Matt. 6:11-13 Prayer Involves:

In Jesus name – 1 Timothy 2:5 1 John 2:1-2 Colossians 3:17 Ephesians 5:20 Prayer Involves:

With reverence Appropriate for the occasion – 1 Corinthians 14:16 Not “vain repetition” Matthew 6:7 Prayer Should be:

An act in which we praise God and encourage one another with our voices First century worship – 1 Corinthians 14:15 Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16 Hebrews 13:15 Singing

Without instrumental accompaniment All examples, plus early history show they did NOT use instrumental music! Introduced several centuries later. Earliest possible evidence – 600s Most say between AD Singing

Praising God – Heb. 13:15 Teaching and Admonishing – Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16 “One another” (ibid) – reciprocal singing ( ibid ) Psalms – praise to God (inspired) Hymns – praise and thanksgiving Spiritual songs – exhortation, admonitions, etc. (Varied) Singing in Worship

In your hearts – making melody, with grace – Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16 To the Lord – it is worship! God is glorified, even as we admonish one another. NOTE: What the song teaches must be truth! The message is most important Singing in Worship

1 Corinthians 11: On the first day of the week – Acts 20:7 When assembled – Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 11:22ff, The Lord’s Supper

NOT a full meal – 1 Cor. 11:22, 34 Instituted by Jesus “after supper” Luke 22:19-20, cf. Matt. 26:26-27, Mk. 13:22-23 “As they were eating” Luke specifies the timing, using elements from the Passover meal (unleavened bread and fruit of the vine) Giving thanks – Matt. 26:26-27 The Lord’s Supper

Is a memorial of His death, not a festive occasion. 1 Cor. 11:27-31 It must be taken “in a worthy manner” “discerning the Lord’s body” While not mandated, typically we sing a song and sometimes we read scripture to prepare The Lord’s Supper

Considering God’s gift to us and our stewardship, we return unto Him a portion of our blessings by command 2 Cor. 8:7-8 1 Cor. 16:2 – “On the first day of the week” Generously, cheerfully and with purpose – 2 Cor. 9:5-7 Giving is the ONLY authorized means of raising funds for needs Giving

How God speaks to us today Acts 2:42, 20:7, cf. 2 Tim. 4:2 1 Corinthians 14 1 Tim. 3:15, the church is “the pillar and ground of truth” John 4:24 – “in truth” Preaching/Studying

Speaker has responsibilities Acts 20:27, 2 Tim. 4:2 Listener has responsibilities – verify, apply it Acts 17:11, Matt. 28:20 Preaching/Studying

When we assemble, let us strive to worship God AS He tells us to do