On more than one
occasion, I’ve heard that “I can worship God anywhere.” That might be somewhat true, but…..More often
this is an excuse used to not attend worship in church.
When (or in some cases –
if) you get to heaven, do you think you will be allowed to worship out on your
own?
I always believed that it
is important that believers gather together for worship. Recently, a lesson was presented that really
defined why worship is important as gathered believers. I want to share what those reasons – with,
hopefully, approval of Thad Ford who made the presentation.
Group worship begins with
the concept that we gather together to worship God – not ourselves. Gathering together is not what we gain
through feelings, but giving to God praise to Him through the teaching of His
Word and song.
Gathering together in
worship is more than just teaching and singing.
Here is where I knew these other activities were important aspects of the
church, but failed to tie them together with worship.
Preaching and teaching –
involves the expository explanation of the author’s instructions to us from God.
The Word moves us to better understand ourselves, our relationship with God, and
our relationships with others. Worship here is the recognition of absolute
perfection of God and His Word.
Reading scripture
Fellowship
Baptism and
communion
Prayer
Receiving and
distributing gifts
Singing of
songs
Evangelism
Public confession of the
faith
Salutations with a holy
kiss
Response to praise and
prayer with the saying of “Amen”
Church
discipline
Sending, supporting, and
receiving reports about missions work
Use of spiritual
gifts
“God in His great wisdom
has given clear principles to guide the corporate worship of His
people”
Where were you when the
body gathered together in worship?
