Why tolerate preaching devoid of Christ and the gospel?

"And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned [neglected] to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:25-27

Why do even Christian people in churches tolerate pastors who neglect the whole counsel of God?

• It has been so long since they have heard biblical preaching (if they ever have) that they not only fail to miss it, they feel uncomfortable when they hear it! Let us be so used to biblical preaching that we immediately notice when what we are hearing is not!

• People stay in their churches that do not preach the whole counsel of God because they love their church and their friends are there. Friendship or Christ? Is that really such a difficult decision?

Rx: (1) Listen critically as did the Bereans in Acts 17:10-15. (2) Pray that the Lord would speak to the pastor’s heart. (3) Kindly (with no self-righteousness!) share your concerns with the pastor. (4) If there is no change, it is time to go to a church that preaches the whole counsel of God.

“Christless Christianity” under the guise of expository preaching

"And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned [neglected] to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:25-27

Last time we considered what it means to declare the whole counsel of God, and what is at stake for not doing so. This time, let us consider how to be sure declaring the whole counsel of God is not being neglected.

Some maintain that preaching expository sermons ensures that the entire counsel of God is being declared. Is that an ironclad guarantee? Sadly, no. First, even if a preacher is working his way through a passage as part of working his way through a book of the Bible, the whole counsel of God is being neglected when the message is legalism (do good), or moralism (being good), instead of Christ and the gospel (who Christ is, and what He has done, for we who are incapable of doing or being good!).

Preaching through passages and books of the Bible does not guarantee that the whole counsel of God is being declared, since the entire Bible (correctly understood) is about Christ and the gospel. It is not only possible, but far too common for preachers (if we dare call them that) to promote “Christless Christianity” under the guise of expository preaching.

May preachers refuse to neglect preaching the whole counsel of God and may parishioners not tolerate anything less.

Next Time: Why churches tolerate this kind of neglect.

Death by partial truth

"And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned [neglected] to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:25-27

What does it mean to declare the whole counsel of God? In short, it means to “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” It has become common these days, even in so-called evangelical churches, to fall pitifully short of this biblical ideal. It is not that so many say anything wrong, it what they don’t say that is so troubling. Speaking rank heresy is not the problem so much as it is not declaring Christ and the gospel. The avalanche of “talks” in our day (we dare not call then biblical sermons!), that are nothing more than “self-help pep talks about how to have a better life now,” are arguably worse than rank heresy. Why? Because we might hope that true believers would bolt out the door if they were being fed heresy. But when these unbiblical group therapy sessions are the norm in so many churches, the people sit idly by and think all is well. Make no mistake, partial truth is untruth.

What is missing? Christ and the gospel. Oh, Jesus’ name may be uttered, but he is not the Jesus of the Bible who came to save His people from our sins. He is instead Jesus, the “life coach” whose limp-wristed aim is to make us like ourselves, be do-gooders—and most of all, like and support churches that are not churches.

These leave out the part about the holiness of God, the sinfulness of all people, and heaven forbid, any mention of a God who judges and condemns sinners to eternity in Hell. A call to abandon any and all hope in oneself is replaced with commercials for self-esteem. Repentance is replaced with encouragement to do better by following a few easy steps. And the frame adorning this false picture looks like a worldly concert instead of a reverent worship service.

This sad new-normal is the antithesis of declaring the whole counsel of God, and untold masses of people are routinely being deceived to face God’s judgment and an eternity in the Hell they never heard about at their “churches.”

Our commitment to proclaiming Christ and the gospel as our primary task

"And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned [neglected] to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:25-27

Let us not forget the context of these words. Paul was making his last quick visit with the elders of the church in Ephesus. Paul had planted that church and discipled its leaders over the course of around three years. After a long while away planting other churches, Paul stopped to say farewell while on his way to Jerusalem. He correctly seemed to know that he would not pass that way again. Before giving those elders some warnings and final instructions (later in this chapter), he reminded them of how he had ministered to them.

What did Paul mean by saying that he was “innocent of the blood of all men”? The next sentence explains what he meant. He was innocent of the blood of all men “For [because he had] not shunned [neglected] to declare to [them] the whole counsel of God.” Huh?

Paul felt so obligated to preach the Word, that had he not, he would have felt responsible for those who, having not heard, would have perished in their sin.

Remembering the previous post, how committed was Paul to the primary task of sharing Christ and the gospel as the one and only means of addressing everyone’s greatest need? How committed are you and I? How committed is the Church in our day of so many so-called churches that major on self-help, group therapy, and entertainment?

We certainly are not the only church, nor are we the best church, but may we always be a church committed to proclaiming Christ and the gospel as our primary task.

Footnote: Let us remember that the gospel is not only “the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16) for those who are lost, but also for those of us who are being saved.

BTW: What does it mean to “declare the whole counsel of God”? Next time…

We have but one message

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:24

There are so many needs in this world. It is tempting for well meaning people, including Christians, to try to make the world a better place by meeting those needs.

But what if there was one need that was more dire than all the rest—combined? Wouldn’t addressing that one greatest of all needs be the wisest, most important, and most urgent? Of course it would.

There actually is one need that is infinitely more important than all other rival needs. That need is for forgiveness if sin. Why is that the most urgent of all needs? Because all other needs are minor and temporary compared to the most important and eternal—since the ramifications are eternity in either Heaven or Hell.

Jesus is the supreme example of understanding this greatest of all needs. He came (Matthew 1:21) “to save His people from their sins” by providing forgiveness. If that was not the greatest need, His priorities would have been misaligned. Granted, Jesus did address some lesser needs. He did perform miracles that had only temporary benefit, but feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and raising the dead (who would physically die again) were part of, and secondary to, His primary mission to forgive sinners.

Paul followed in Jesus’ footsteps. Miracles were performed at his hand, but only as a part of, and secondary to, his primary mission to “to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” If we have been forgiven, let us follow Paul’s example as he followed Jesus’ example. “Let us do good to all men, especially those of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10), but always as a part of, and secondary to, sharing Christ and the gospel.

We all have a race to run

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 20:24

Priorities. Paul’s were clear. His life was devoted to preaching the gospel of the grace of God. This endeavor was his life and his joy, even when it meant that his life was on the line.

First things first. Not every Christian is called to preach the gospel vocationally—that is as a pastor, evangelist, or a missionary. Paul’s vocation, not only as a pastor, evangelist, and missionary but as an Apostle, was unique in many ways. The Kingdom of God had only one Paul, just as there is only one of each of the rest of us.

What we do well to take away from Paul’s special life is that we are to live our comparatively common lives with the same determination to run and finish the unique races the Lord has called each of us to, and to do so with joy.

As followers of Jesus Christ we are all commissioned to love and follow Jesus, and to make Him known. But we all do this differently based on who God has made, called, and gifted us to be. Whether a missionary Apostle (like Paul), or a spouse, parent, child, sibling, common laborer, or CEO of a fortune 500 company, loving—following, and speaking about the Lord Jesus is the race we are called to run. Running the race with and for Jesus—regardless of how He has made, called, and gifted us—will give our lives the greatest meaning, and be the source of purest joy.

What keeps us from that is simple. Do we believe it or not?

Discernment to follow & Faith to perserve

I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.
Acts 20:23

Paul was being led by the Holy Spirit of God. He didn’t know exactly what that meant (v.22), but the Lord did reveal to him that in this case, following the leading of the Holy Spirit included “prison and hardships.”

I wonder how many of us would follow the leading of the Holy Spirit if we knew that suffering was up ahead?

2 Timothy 3:12 clearly says, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” However, that does not mean we are to look for persecution. In fact, Jesus instructed the disciples to leave places that will not receive us as Christians (Matthew 10:14), so it is not wrong to try to avoid persecution when it is possible. In Paul’s case, however, following the leading of the Holy Spirit necessarily included persecution.

It requires discernment to know when to avoid persecution and when to embrace it as God’s will. And when persecution is God’s will, it takes faith to embrace it. May the Lord grant us both the discernment and the faith to follow Him and to trust Him.

Bonus thought: Jesus understood that going to Jerusalem meant the cross. He trusted His Father no matter what the cost. Who besides me is thankful?!

Don't blame the Holy Spirit for your choices!

And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there…
Acts 20:22

Two Phrases. Both easily understood. The first maybe a bit dangerous.

Phrase One: Paul was being compelled by the Spirit of God (ESV). He was not saying that it was his own spirit that was directing him. It was the Spirit of God. Why would I say this may be dangerous? I have heard so many people over the years insist that the Spirit of God was directing them to do things that were unbiblical—and therefore not the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is very dangerous. The only time we dare say the Spirit of God is compelling me is if we are obeying the clear teaching of scripture. Otherwise we may be simply following our own often misguided hearts.

It is one thing to say “I think the Lord would have me do this or that.” By saying that, we are at least leaving the door open if we are wrong—WE (not the Holy Spirit) are the ones in error.

Paul was an Apostle. Like the Old Testament prophets, Apostles were supernaturally chosen, called and gifted to have spiritual insights that are beyond what we are accustomed to.

Phrase Two: When we are being led by the Spirit of God, it is true that we frequently do not know what is up ahead. How can we? We cannot see the future! Following the leading of the Holy Spirit is not so much a supernatural matter as it is a matter of obeying what God has clearly revealed in the Bible, along with the flexibility to face the unforeseen that we cannot control, trusting that God most certainly is in control of all things.

And as we’ll see next time, sometimes He leads us not only “besides still waters,” but into difficulties and even persecution.

Holy Week: Good Friday

This will be the last day of our Holy Week Blog posts. Today we will read about the trial and crucifixion. There readings deserve our reverence, and thanksgiving.

For the resurrection: See you Sunday morning for worship. If you can, come between 9:45 & 10:15 am for prayer, and for worship at 10:30 am.

The reading for Good Friday: Read any or all of the following:

• Matthew 27:1-66

• Mark 15:1-47

• Luke 23:1-56

• John 18:28-40, & 19:1-42 (55 verses)

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.