Holy Week: Thursday

Today we finish reading the Upper Room Discourse. Ask the Lord to allow you to “be there” with Jesus and the disciples as you read. Remember: He knew what was coming that night—they did not! Read slowly—out loud if you can. Be comforted by the words of our Savior.

The reading for Thursday: John 15-16

Chapter 15 is a wonderful teaching about our unique relationship of “abiding in Christ,” and a somber warning regarding rejection and persecution by the world.

Chapter 16 concludes with words of comfort and promise regarding our access to the Lord through prayer.

Holy Week: Wednesday

Perhaps one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible, much less in the gospels, is John’s record of what took place in the Upper Room on Jesu’s last night with the disciples. We only recently finished many weeks of preaching through this passage!

Read the first half of the Upper Room Discourse today and the second half tomorrow. Think of the wonder that by reading this we have the opportunity to “be there” with Jesus and the disciples. Read it slowly—out loud if you can. Drink it in and enjoy the words of our Savior.

The reading for Wednesday: John 13-14

Holy Week: Tuesday

On Tuesday of holy week Jesus devoted Himself largely to teaching. Some of the most important teaching was about about God’s plan to change His focus from the Jews exclusively to include believing Gentiles along with believing Jews. Contrary to the accusation that this is “replacement theology,” it is actually “expansion, or inclusion theology.” God never promised to save people solely because they were Jewish. There are many examples of unbelieving Jews during the times of the Old Covenant. What the Lord does in the New Covenant is to save many from among the Gentiles along with the Jews who believe.

Readings for Tuesday are: Luke 20:1-47, and for those who are able to read more, Matthew 21:23-25:46.

Holy Week: Sunday & Monday

What is Holy Week? It is the last week of Jesus’ life beginning with Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday. Chronologies of the days of Holy Week are not all exactly the same and are somewhat subjective. Let me suggest some readings for this week as we meditate on this “week of weeks.”

Yesterday was Palm Sunday. Each of the four gospels record Jesus’ Triumphal entry. Read the four accounts:

Matthew 21:1-17

Mark 11:1-11

Luke 19:28-44

John 12:12-19

Today is Monday. Jesus did several things we can read about in these verses:

Matthew 21:18-19

Mark 11:12-19

Luke 19:45-48

John 12:20-38

Understanding faith and repentance

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis added)

We began yesterday considering four opinions about what is the required response to the gospel. Go back and read that if you haven’t. I want to expound on the fourth (and correct) opinion a little more in this post.

The correct response is Faith Alone, understanding that though “faith alone saves, the faith that saves is not alone.” Repentance is the required response to the gospel, not in addition to faith, but as a necessary aspect of saving faith.

Those who insist that salvation is by faith plus repentance (works) fail to understand the writings of James (2:14-26). It is easy to understand these words as saying that faith alone is not enough because he writes of the necessity of works. The misunderstanding insists that works (repentance) is something we do in addition to faith. The actual meaning of the passage is that though we are justified by faith alone (Romans 3:28, 4:3-5. 5:1), our faith is “validated” by our “works”—a changed life under the Lordship of Christ. James’ point is that there are too many “antinomians” (see yesterday’s post) who think they can believe the facts about Jesus and continue living in sin.

The legalist, who adds anything to faith as being necessary for salvation, says salvation is based at least in part to what I do. The antinomian says salvation is based on faith without regard for what I do. Both extreme positions are incorrect. The biblical position is that salvation is by faith in Christ ALONE, but that repentance is always—and must necessarily—accompany true saving faith.

Here is the kicker: Understood biblically, both saving faith and true repentance are not “works” that come from us. No. Both are gifts of God, given to those who are born again by the sovereign and unilateral work of the Holy Spirit. Faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8, 1 Timothy 1:14). Repentance is a gift from God (Acts 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25). All glory therefore is to God alone, lest anyone should boast!

What is the required response to the gospel?

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis added)

What is the required response to the gospel? Here are four opinions.

Some say the required response to the gospel is what we must do, by changing our lives. These calls for what we must do usually include turning from sin, joining a particular church, and engaging in prescribed religious activities. This response to the gospel is what we call “works.” It is refuted by Paul in Ephesians 2:8-9.

Others say the required response to the gospel is that we must trust in Christ Jesus AND do the kinds of things mentioned in the previous paragraph. This response is what we call faith PLUS. Romans 3:28 specifies the importance of faith in Christ APART from works. This was a major theme of the 16th century Protestant Reformation, and it is called Faith ALONE. The Roman Catholic Church officially requires faith in Christ for salvation, but ADDS works. It does not matter what follows the word AND, after faith. Adding anything to faith in Christ is a declaration that Christ’s sacrifice for our sins is not sufficient, which is a major mistake.

A third group, well-intentioned insists that faith ALONE negates the need for repentance, as though repentance is adding works for salvation. Some in this camp go so far as to say that Jesus can be received through faith as Savior, while no acknowledgement of His Lordship is required. Early on in my Christian development, I was influenced by this thinking because I was so committed to the doctrine of faith ALONE. Thanks be to God, I was taught well and rescued from this third error which is sometimes called antinomianism.

The fourth position, which I own as the correct biblical position, says the required response to the gospel is faith alone, but that true saving faith is always accompanied by repentance. I like the saying: “Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is not alone.” Isn’t that what Paul taught in Acts 20:21?

I want to write a bit more about this than will comfortably fit in today’s blog, so a wrap up including James 2 will follow tomorrow.

Are you part of a Home Fellowship?

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis added)

Corporate worship in a local church is the primary ministry of the local church. But Acts 20:20 provides biblical precedent for a very close to primary, secondary ministry. That Paul ministered not only to the while body when gathered together, he also ministered from house to house, that is, to small groups.

At Grace Bible Church we have two official small group ministries that serve two different purposes. Home Fellowships (HFs) are about fellowship and caring for one another. Discipleship groups are about spiritual growth through Bible study and accountability. We’ll consider Home Fellowships here and discipleship groups next time.

Home Fellowships exist so that people can develop and enjoy more intimate personal relationships than we can experience in corporate worship on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings. The HF groups are led by elders or deacons, or by other couples approved by the elders. These groups, made up several households (men, women, and children), meet informally for lunch on the second Sunday of each month. Beyond that, each group is free to follow whatever format works best for their group. Besides eating, the groups discuss a spiritual topic (often discussing that morning’s sermon), but HFs are not a Bible study. The groups pray for each other, and usually have some sort of networking (via email or text) so prayer needs can be shared throughout the month. Each group prays for and corresponds with one of GBC’s missionaries. Some groups sing, others do not. While HF groups meet monthly on the second Sundays, they are free to meet at additional times during the month.

Home Fellowship leaders also meet a few times each year to encourage one another, share their experiences and swap ideas.

We do not assign people to particular HFs, preferring to allow everyone to visit a few groups and join the one they are most at home with. Those who choose not to attend a HF are not out of the loop. Until they do choose to participate, their names are on a HF’s roster so that in case they have a need, that HF is asked to reach out to help.

Nobody in the church needs to know everybody, but everybody does need to know somebody. That is what HFs are all about: relationships. They meet a need that is essential to the life of the church body. Are you in a HF? If not, may I encourage you to visit a few, and plug into one? It is only once each month but the benefits far outweigh the time commitment.

Essentials of corporate worship: the Lord's Supper (2)

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis added)

Corporate worship in a local church is the primary ministry of the local church. Corporate worship has four indispensable components: (1) Reading & Preaching the Word, (2) Prayer, (3) Worship in Song, (4) The Sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

We have considered the Word (both reading and preaching), Prayer, Worship in Song, and we have been considering the sacraments. This time we will continue that consideration with thoughts on the Lord’s Supper.

Who should receive the Supper?

• As mentioned last time, only believers, people with a credible profession of saving faith in Christ should receive the Supper.

• Historically, only baptized believers should receive the Supper. Because baptism is supposed to be a first step after conversion, and because baptism is the initiatory sacrament, why should a person receive the Supper if that person will not be baptized?

• What about children? Children need to have a credible profession of saving faith in Christ and be baptized before receiving the Supper.

How should we receive the Supper?

We need to receive the Supper with understanding of what the Supper is about, with reverence remembering Whose Supper it is, and what it cost Him to purchase our salvation, and having confessed known sins.

Additionally, as mentioned in the previous post, the Supper is to be administered in corporate worship services, not privately (except in the case of taking the Supper to the sick).

Essentials of corporate worship: the Lord's Supper (1)

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis added)

Corporate worship in a local church is the primary ministry of the local church. Corporate worship has four indispensable components: (1) Reading & Preaching the Word, (2) Prayer, (3) Worship in Song, (4) The Sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

We have considered the Word (both reading and preaching), Prayer, Worship in Song, and we have been considering the sacraments. This time we will continue that consideration with thoughts on the Lord’s Supper.

As Baptism is an initiatory sacrament (administered as the first sacrament and usually only once), the Lord’s Supper is an ongoing sacrament, received regularly and frequently. Remembering that the sacraments are outward visible symbols of inward spiritual realities, what is the reality symbolized by the Lord’s Supper? The bread and the fruit of the vine symbolizes and reminds us of what Jesus has done to save us. His body was broken (symbolized by the bread), and His blood was shed (symbolized by the fruit of the vine). That we eat and drink symbolizes that we have “received” Christ—personally and inwardly.

Only those who have received Christ (John 1:12-13)—by trusting in Him as their one and only Savior and Lord—should receive the Supper, otherwise receiving the symbol of the Supper is not based on the spiritual reality of salvation.

Neither baptism nor the Lord’s Supper should be administered privately by individuals, but publicly by the Church, normally by duly ordained officers (elders or deacons) of the church. An exception includes officers of church taking the Lord’s Supper into the homes or bedsides of believers.

Next Time: who should receive the Supper and how?

Essentials of corporate worship: Baptism

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis added)

Corporate worship in a local church is the primary ministry of the local church. Corporate worship has four indispensable components: (1) Reading & Preaching the Word, (2) Prayer, (3) Worship in Song, (4) The Sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

We have considered the Word (both reading and preaching), Prayer, and Worship in Song. We began last time considering worship in the administration of the sacraments. We continue with that consideration.

Baptism is an initiatory sacrament. It is ideal for believers to be baptized soon after being born again. Because sacraments are outward physical symbols of an inward spiritual reality, unless the reality has taken place (the person has been born again) the sacrament is meaningless. Only born again believers should be baptized.

Baptism cannot save anyone, but everyone who is saved is commanded to be baptized (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:28).

Baptism is symbolic of having one’s sins washed away. Baptism by emersion is symbolic of dying with Christ, being buried with Christ, and rising to new life in Christ.

Public baptisms are a wonderful time for believers to give testimony of their conversion: (a) in the hearing of the church because it is an encouragement, and (b) in the hearing of non-believers as an evangelistic opportunity.

Next time: The Lord’s Supper

Essentials in corporate worship: Sacraments

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis added)

Corporate worship in a local church is the primary ministry of the local church. Corporate worship has four indispensable components: (1) Reading & Preaching the Word, (2) Prayer, (3) Worship in Song, (4) The Sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

We have considered the Word (both reading and preaching), Prayer, and Worship in Song. This time: we continue with some considerations regarding Worship in the administration of the sacraments.

There are only two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Sacraments are outward physical symbols of an inward spiritual reality. The inward spiritual reality is that one has been born again by the Holy Spirit of God, and is therefore saved. If the reality has not happened, the symbol is meaningless and should not be performed or partaken of.

Sacraments are also called ordinances because they are commanded (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:38, and Matthew 26:26, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25).

The sacraments are rituals. Rituals are not bad if they are Biblical; if we understand what they mean, and we partake thoughtfully and reverently.

The sacraments are normally to be administered as an act of corporate worship. Only in very special circumstances should they be administered privately. The sacraments are to be administered by the Church, in a local church, preferably by duly ordained officers of the local church (Elders or Deacons).

Believers are to observe the sacraments regularly and frequently until Christ returns.

Remarriage

Question: When is remarriage permitted in Scripture?

Short Answer#1: Remarriage is sanctioned by scripture when a marriage is terminated either by Death (Romans 7:1-6), or Divorce if, and only if, there were biblical grounds (Matthew 19:9).

Then there is this question: Can two Christians marry even if one or both was previously divorced without biblical grounds?

The short answer to this question is that what we did before we were saved is washed away by the blood of Christ! Believers are new creatures in Christ, old things have passed away. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Hallelujah!

The longer answer includes the following:

1. Sometimes the consequences of sins committed before receiving Christ cannot be avoided. Crimes committed are still subject to penalties. Children born out of wedlock, or in former marriages, are still our children. Once a person comes to Christ and past sins are forgiven, believers should be all the more diligent to accept responsibility for the consequences of past sins--even though the penalty before God has been paid in full by Christ!

2. Individuals must be honest with the Lord and with themselves, however, since some may claim to have been born again after divorcing, when in fact that were born again before the divorce. If the "I did it before I was saved," argument is being claimed, it must be true, not a loophole.

This brings up another similar question. Can a person who was a Christian when he or she obtained an unbiblical divorce, not knowing it was sinful, ever be free to remarry? Here again, care must be given.

• Under the Old Testament Law (Leviticus 4), God is clear that ignorance is not an excuse for sin. This is why the Law required sin offerings specifically for unintentional sin.

• If the previous spouse is a believer and the two are willing, I would encourage them to explore the possibility of reconciling and remarrying.

• If the previous spouse is not a Christian, the believer should do all he/she can to seek forgiveness and make things right, though remarrying a non-believer would not be the right thing to do.

• If the previous spouse is a Christian or not, and if that previous spouse has remarried, I would say that in most cases, the believer may remarry someone else.

• The question of remarriage to someone other than the previous spouse is even more complicated when there are children involved. In such cases, I would say previously divorced people need to put their children's best interests ahead of their own desires for a second marriage.

There are no doubt more scenarios than have been considered here. I trust that it is obvious that divorce and remarriage is complex and messy, and there are seldom one-size fits all answers. May we as believers be reminded of why God hates divorce! These knotty matters are best untied with direction from a biblically minded pastoral counselor—who has a high view of the sanctity of “the Lord’s holy institution which He loves,” (Malachi 2:11) namely: the sacred covenant of marriage.

Important Footnote: What should people do who have divorced, and even remarried unbiblically? We cannot “un-ring the bell!” Because we cannot undo past sins, ask the Lord for forgiveness and do the right thing, going forward (which likely means asking for forgiveness of those who were hurt by past sin). Praise God that in Christ, all our sins have been forgiven! (Colossians 2:13-14)

Abusive Marriage and Divorce (Part Two)

Q: If the only biblical grounds for divorce are sexual sin and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, what about cases of abuse?
The first part of my answer was on yesterday’s blog. Read it first if you haven’t. Here is part two:

There are two kinds of separation: separation, and legal separation.  For safety, and other practical considerations, simple separation may need to take place immediately (even before any church discipline begins).  Hopefully, the abused has sought pastoral counseling before this step is taken, but for sure if and when this step does take place.  If the counseling and separation does not yield actual and verifiable results in the marriage, legal separation may be the next step.  Taking this next step does two things.  First, legal separation tells the abusive spouse that this is serious and the abused spouse (and the church) mean business.  Second, legal separation protects the abused spouse from potential legal/financial problems that the abuser may cause the family.  Though a person can file for legal separation (and a restraining order if needed) on their own, in many cases an attorney may be most helpful. 

Legal separation is similar to divorce, except that it does not legally dissolve the marriage.  It does not make either party "single," nor is either party free to be involved in other romantic relationships, much less to remarry.  Why separation, whether simple or legal?  It protects the abused party.  It puts the abusive party on notice that a change in life style must take place.  And it gives the Holy Spirit time to bring the abusive party to repentance instead of essentially closing that door with a divorce.  If and when repentance takes place, the marriage can be restored, and that is the best and most desirable outcome.

What if there is no repentance?  First, patience is required—just as the Lord is patient with His erring bride!  Second, when there is no repentance, any one of several scenarios may play out.

1. The unrepentant party, who under church discipline is to be treated as a non-believer, will initiate a divorce.  In this case the "believing spouse," would be free, even to remarry (1 Corinthians 7).

2. The unrepentant party will go on with life exhibiting that he or she has no intentions of reconciling.  In this case, it is possible that enough time may pass that the believing spouse may be justified in filing for divorce simply to end an otherwise endless stalemate.  In my judgment, this may be justified—but it must not be rushed.  I would add that the believing spouse must be on double guard not to get into any relationships that could cause him or her to rush for the sake of being able to remarry, because he or she is still married!

3. The believing spouse may choose to honor his or her marriage vows and resign to living as a separated married person for the rest of his or her life (or at least for the foreseeable future).

As hopefully can be seen, these are complicated matters.  Here are a few bottom lines:

• God loves marriage and so must we—including doing all we can to avoid divorce, which God hates (Malachi:2:16).

• God’s ideal is repentance and reconciliation—even if it takes time.

• We must not adopt, and/or rush to, simplistic answers to such complex issues.

• Pastoral counseling (which may include church discipline) should be sought early.

• God is right about everything, including what He says about marriage, divorce, and remarriage.

Abusive Marriage and Divorce (Part One)

Q: If the only biblical grounds for divorce are sexual sin and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, what about cases of abuse?

Great question!  As I said in a recent sermon on divorce (from Malachi 2:10-16), one of the missing links in the divorce (and remarriage) equation is church discipline.  But I get ahead of myself.

First, we must understand that there is a half-way step between marriage and divorce.  That step is separation, and more formerly, legal separation.  I would never counsel a person to remain in an abusive living situation.  But saying that I must digress yet again.  What kind of abuse am I referring to?  Physical, or mental/emotional?  Either, or both, but caution is in order.

When a spouse is being physically abused, he or she not only may, but must, remove him or herself from danger.  No question.

When it comes to "mental/emotional" abuse, there are nearly as many shades of gray as there are individual situations.  Mental/emotional abuse is real and in many cases, like physical abuse, the abused individual definitely may need to leave.  Sadly, however, there are those who insist that living with a person who is not nice all the time is tantamount to mental/emotional abuse.  In such cases a kind, wise, and discerning pastoral counselor needs to help the parties sort matters out before jumping to separation, much less divorce.  Sometimes living with a difficult person (as unpleasant as it may be), is part of what it means when in our vows we say, "for better or worse."

Second, as mentioned in the recent sermon on divorce, the Church has been negligent in Her duties to shepherd the flock—which includes church discipline.  Physical abuse, true "mental/emotional" abuse, as well as other sins such as substance abuse, and even chronic financial irresponsibility (gambling, refusal to work, or irresponsible indebtedness) are lifestyle sins that the Church must be prepared to address.  Addressing these with an unrepentant person calls for church discipline.  And that is anything but simple, easy, or pleasant.

How does this relate to separation and/or divorce?  Not all would agree with this but when a person reaches the nuclear option in Church discipline (excommunication), are we not to treat the offending person "like a heathen and a tax collector?" (Jesus' words Matthew 18:17, cf., 1 Corinthians 5).

But let us remember the purpose of excommunication.  It is not to get rid of the person, but to bring the person to repentance—which may take time.  Sometimes it takes a long time.

So with the backing of a church that is willing to practice church discipline, the abuser may be excommunicated for living in a state of unrepentant sin.  Part of that excommunication (in cases of abuse) would necessitate marital separation (not divorce, and certainly not hasty divorce).

More on separation next time…

Essentials in corporate worship in Song (Part 2)

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis mine)

Corporate worship in a local church is the primary ministry of the local church. Corporate worship has four indispensable components: (1) Reading & Preaching the Word, (2) Prayer, (3) Worship in Song, (4) The Sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

We have considered the Word, both reading and preaching, and Prayer. This time: we continue with part two of Worship in Song.

We considered last time that worship of God is not entertainment for us, and that worship in Song is about Him—not about us. This time let’s understand that worship in song must be done with songs that are: (1) Biblically and theologically sound. (2) Singable. And (3) Beautiful.

(1) What we sing is every bit as important that we sing. That is why we carefully vet every song before it is used in a worship service at GBC. We sing songs that are to our about God and His grace, rather than songs about making us feel good. Believe me, there are many “Christian” songs that miss the mark on this essential point. What we sing must be biblically and theologically sound.

(2) Worship singing in church is congregational. The musicians, sound system, and words on the screen all have a singular purpose: to help the congregation sing. There are songs that are too musically complex for congregational singing. We stick with songs that are singable.

(3) Have you heard the phrase: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”? We all have, but that is simply not true. God is beautiful. We are told to worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness. Listen: God is the only one who is qualified too define beauty—especially when it comes to how we worship Him! The point is, there are styles of music that we may like (my preference will always be jazz), that are simply not beautiful as God is beautiful. Though it is not easy to define beautiful music, I think that most of us recognize beautiful music when we hear it. I’ll just say that music that has a beat but no melody lacks the beauty required for worship in church. Worship in song must be beautiful because God and His holiness are beautiful.

Next time a little more about worship through the sacraments.

Essentials in corporate worship in Song (Part 1)

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis mine)

Corporate worship in a local church is the primary ministry of the local church. Corporate worship has four indispensable components: (1) Reading & Preaching the Word, (2) Prayer, (3) Worship in Song, (4) The Sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

We have considered the Word, both reading and preaching, and prayer. This time: Worship in Song.

It has been said, “God’s favorite instrument is the human voice,” wait for it, “singing praises to His name.” I believe that is true. We can be sure that God loves to hear His people sing His praises, if for no other reason, because the Psalms (God’s hymnal) is the longest book in the Bible.

How should we understand and engage in worship in song? There is more to it than can be captured in two blog posts. (Yes, tomorrow will also be about worshiping God in song.)

First, worship of God is not entertainment for people. Any time it becomes entertainment it has ceased to be worship. God shares His glory with no one! We must always resist musical worship that even comes close to entertainment for us. But enough about so-called worship concerts.

When we worship God in song, HE, and HE alone is the Audience. We the people sing for His pleasure and for His glory, or else it just isn’t worship.

Second, we are to worship Him for who He is and for the great and marvelous things He does. Our songs should exalt Him as Creator, as Savior, and as King. The “exception to this rule“ is that we have biblical warrant to sing songs of encouragement and exhortation to each other.

Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (emphasis mine)

But even here, note that as we teach and admonish one another in song, we do so, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord, since whatever we do, we do in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him! So true worship in song is always about Him!

Next time a little more about worship in song.

Essentials in corporate worship: Prayer

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis mine)

Corporate worship in a local church is the primary ministry of the local church. Corporate worship has four indispensable components: (1) Reading & Preaching the Word, (2) Prayer, (3) Worship in Song, (4) The Sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

We have considered the Word, both reading and preaching. This time: Prayer.

When Jesus cleansed the temple He said His Father’s house was to be “a house of prayer” (Mark 11:17). Interestingly, He said “a house of prayer for all nations,” pointing forward to the Church made up of both Jews and Gentiles, not merely the Jewish temple. The Church is to be a house of prayer. It is a house of preaching and/or fellowship, but let us never forget the importance of prayer. When the local church is gathered for corporate worship, prayers are to be an an essential component.

Jesus said that “apart from Him we can do nothing” (John 15:5). That being true, we pray that He would work in and through us to accomplish His divine will. It is, therefore, necessary:

• To gather for prayer before the actual service begins. Can you come to the preservice prayer at least once a month? Don’t stay away because you are nervous about praying aloud. Pray silently. And as you listen to others, you will learn how to pray aloud, and will feel more at ease.

• To open the worship service with prayer asking the Lord to superintend over all that takes place. As the service begins, let us all pray, expecting the Lord to do His work in us as we gather for worship.

• To have a set time of corporate prayer in the worship service. We have different men in the church who take turns leading us in prayer. Allow me to encourage you to do more than listen to the men who pray aloud. Rather, let us all actively pray along with whoever is leading us in prayer.

Prayer is an expression that we need the Lord. A lack of prayer is a silent expression that we do not sense any particular need—that we can handle things without Him. Let us be reminded that we need the Lord. And pray!

Next: A few words about singing in corporate worship.

Essentials in corporate worship: Preaching

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis mine)

Corporate worship in a local church is the primary ministry of the local church. Corporate worship has four indispensable components: (1) Reading & Preaching the Word, (2) Prayer, (3) Worship in Song, (4) The Sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Last time we considered the importance of reading God’s Word as an essential component of corporate worship. This time: Preaching. Here are two simple truths about preaching.

First, what to preach:

• Preach the Word, not current events, not politics, not the preacher’s opinions, not devotionals intended to make people feel good about themselves.

• Preach the Word, not self-help. The gospel is the opposite of self-help because the gospel addresses the fact that we are altogether unable to help ourselves, which is why we need the Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Preach the Word, not moralism (be good) or legalism (do good).

• Preach Christ and the Gospel no matter what the text. And if one can find nothing to say about Christ and the gospel from a text, one has not fully understood the text.

Second, how to preach. “Preach the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). The best way to do this is to preach through whole books of the Bible (a). Most times, that means preaching verse by verse. Sometimes giving overviews of books or chapters is appropriate. And though some New Testament books may be preached more often, we must not ignore the Old Testament.

Someone once described preaching through books like this: (1) Read the text. (2) Explain the text. (3) Do the same thing next week continuing with the next verse. A commitment to this kind of preaching helps keep both the preacher and the people focus on the Word rather than on favorite subjects.

(a) Preaching topical messages from time to time may be appropriate, but these can too often turn into the preacher’s opinions, whereas a steady diet of preaching through books of the Bible point us to what God says about everything. BTW: Expositional preaching is preaching that exposits (explains) a text. Topical messages can and should be expositional, meaning they are based on a text of scripture, even if the message is not a part of a verse by verse series through a book of the Bible.

Next: A few words about prayer in corporate worship.

Essentials in corporate worship: Reading

And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:18-21 (emphasis mine)

Corporate worship in a local church is the primary ministry of the local church. Corporate worship has four indispensable components: (1) Reading & Preaching the Word, (2) Prayer, (3) Worship in Song, (4) The Sacraments—Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Additional components are additional, and not essential. Some non essentials (announcements, missionary updates, etc.), are helpful and good so long as they do not eclipse the three essentials. Other non-essentials are more likely to divert the congregation’s focus away from the essentials and are therefore probably best avoided.

What about the essentials? When recording what the first church in Jerusalem “continued steadfastly in” immediately after Pentecost “the Apostles’ doctrine” is listed first (Acts 2:42). “Continuing steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine” is synonymous with reading and preaching the Word of God. Preaching is primary.

Reading: I confess, I used to shy away from reading longer portions of God’s Word for fear that people would not follow and remain engaged. Then I understood 1 Timothy 4:13, “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” Obviously, “giving attention to exhortation and doctrine” refers to preaching. But then I learned that “giving attention to reading” isn’t a reference to personal reading, but to the public reading of God’s Word.

As a result, we began reading longer passages including reading through the Psalms in our Lord’s Day worship. The power of God’s Word is in the Word itself, not in the people’s attention. Paying attention is indeed important, but God’s Word is powerful in and of itself. So let us pay attention so as not to miss the power of the Word of God as it is read in the worship services.

One footnote. Those who read the Word aloud should also do their best to know and understand what they are reading so as to read the Word in a manner that helps make what is being read as understandable to those who are listening and following along.

Next: A few words about preaching.

Summarizing one's life's work

From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:17-21

As was Paul’s custom, he followed up with the churches the Lord used him to plant. Ephesus was no exception. Paul had a special affinity for that church, having spent so much time there. Paul began what turned out to be his last face to face talk with them. He addressed the elders, reminding them of his time there.

• He reminded them of his personal relationship with them, of his humble service, of his passion (tears), and of how he suffered persecution.

• He reminded them of how he tirelessly gave them the Word of God, both when preaching publicly and when in small groups in their homes.

• He reminded them of his commitment to preach Christ to any and all—regardless of race or cultural background.

• And his message? Nothing other than Christ and the gospel, calling for repentance regarding sin and faith in Christ.

I pray that if my life’s work were ever summarized, it would be similar to Paul’s summary of his. No matter what else we do, may we serve Christ and His Church similarly.