Praying

“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

It is remarkable to consider that our prayers grant us access to the throne of grace of our very Creator, and even more so that He answers (Hebrews 4:14-16)! Prayer is to be a constant in the Christian’s life, including worship services. Worship generally starts and ends with a prayer led by one of the men of the congregation, and there are often various prayers led throughout the service as well, in particular with the Lord’s Supper. The prayers are not rote or rehearsed, but are sincere and a reflection of our heart and desire (Matthew 6:5-15).

Singing

“Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.” (James 5:13 NLT)

Another way in which we worship is in the singing of songs, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:17; Colossians 3:16). You may notice, though, that we have no musical instruments. This is not a matter of preference or tradition, it is a matter of authority (Colossians 3:17). In the New Testament, God simply gives us the instruction to sing. We do so as a congregation, lifting our collective voices together in praise to God and edifying one another in the process. Do not worry if the quality of your voice is lacking, it is the quality of the heart that God desires (John 4:24)!

Lord’s Supper

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)

When we gather for worship each first day of the week (Acts 20:7), we partake of the Lord’s Supper according to the pattern of Christ and the instruction given by His apostles (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). As with all else, we are bound by the specific authority found in the New Testament. Therefore, along with a weekly observance, the elements of the fruit of the vine (grape juice) and unleavened bread have remained unchanged since the first century. It is during the Lord’s Supper that we specifically reflect upon the great cost of our sins, the blood of Christ, and the amazing love and grace shown by the Father (John 3:16). Communion will not be withheld from those wishing to partake, however we would warn that one truly examine their standing before God before celebrating all He sacrificed (1 Corinthians 11:27-28).

Giving

“On the first day of the week, let each one of you lay something aside.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)

Another aspect of worship only authorized and practiced on the Lord’s Day is the collection. Members of the local church give as they have purposed in their heart, cheerfully and liberally, for the work of the local church (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). These monies go to the work of evangelism (spreading the gospel), edification (strengthening the local church), and limited benevolence (material assistance limited to the saints). Because providing assistance for a spiritual work is a means of fellowship with that work (Philippians 4:14-19; cf. Philippians 1:5), we stress that an individual’s primary responsibility lay with their local church. However, if you have judged the work that we do as a local church worthy of your fellowship, we appreciate your freewill offering.

Preaching

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

Every time we assemble, a gospel message is presented either by our local preacher or one of the other men of the congregation. These messages (usually 30-40 minutes on Sunday, 5-10 minutes on Wednesday) are Scripture based and Scripture filled (1 Peter 4:11). Our pulpit is for proclaiming God’s word and its application to our lives, not to forward some personal or earthly agenda. As such, we cannot promise that everything you hear will please you, but such is the nature of the gospel (Galatians 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:1-4). It calls upon us to transform our lives and attitudes (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 4:11-13) and we would be wrong to gloss over the cost required to be a faithful follower of Christ (Luke 14:25-33; Acts 20:26-27). But though the cost, consider the reward promised to us (Romans 8:18; 2 Timothy 4:8) – salvation, spiritual blessings, hope of Heaven – and He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 11:23)!