Category: – Corporate Worship

The Preaching of the gospel has a very important place in God’s scheme of redemption. As Paul wrote, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14).

Preaching is the means by which the gospel is spread throughout the world. The apostles as Christ’s ambassadors initially proclaimed that message on Pentecost. As the church grew persecution scattered the early believers, and we are told that they “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Men like Stephen, Philip, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Titus, etc., all serve as examples both of the need and efficacy of preaching the gospel of Christ.

The Bible shows two general purposes for preaching. As we have already shown, the preaching of the gospel to the lost brings faith to the hearts of men. As John noted, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Continue reading “Corporate Worship: Preaching” →

In the Old Testament God gave the command for the Israelites to tithe to support the nation, especially the Levites and Priests in their duties. “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s. It is holy to the LORD. If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-fifth to it. And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the LORD” ( Leviticus 27:30-32).

The most significant point for us as we consider giving in the New Testament is the statement that the tithe “is the Lord’s.” God’s people have a responsibility to return a portion of what the Lord has blessed us with back to Him. It is the Lord’s! As Paul wrote, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” Continue reading “Corporate Worship: Giving” →

On the night of His betrayal, Jesus instituted a supper to be observed in His kingdom to commemorate His sacrificial death for mankind. This is one of the responsibilities that we have as Christians as we come together to worship God. Consider Jesus’ words on that occasion:

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-29).

As we consider this act of worship it is needful to establish the pattern required by the Lord to please Him, and also to consider the importance and solemnity of this feast. Continue reading “Corporate Worship: The Lord’s Supper” →

Another important aspect of our collective worship is the offering up of prayers. It is evident in examining the practice of prayer that God expects it. Like with singing, no prohibitions are given regarding time or place. We are told to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). We have examples of Jesus praying in solitude (cf. Luke 5:16), and are instructed in the practice of solitary prayer ourselves (cf. Matthew 6:5-6).

We are also given examples of Christians praying together. In Acts 12, we find Peter to have been imprisoned. With the help of God he escaped, and went to his brethren. “So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying” (12). Continue reading “Corporate Worship: Praying” →

As we continue to consider the idea of corporate (collective) worship in an assembly, I would like to direct our minds to the topic of singing. Several truths are to be considered in this simple article.

The practice of musical worship to God is authorized, but in some ways limited. In other words, God allows (actually demands) we worship Him with song, but He specifies clearly the way in which we are to do it. There are many choices with regard to songs in worship, and sometimes God does not specify His limiting desire in any particular aspect. When this happens we are given choice. However, when God chooses we are to abide by His choice rather than substituting our own. This is a simple principle. Jesus said that in His kingdom, “true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (John 4:23). Continue reading “Corporate Worship: Singing” →

We recognize the opportunity for us to worship God as individual Christians. For example, we are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” And in James 5:16, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” These verses are examples of personal worship to God, as we praise His name in our devotions toward Him.

There is also an idea of collective worship in the New Testament. From the very beginning of the church we are told the new converts, “continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). An explicit example of this worship is given in Acts 20:7, when the disciples in Troas “came together to break bread.”

A term used for such worship is “corporate” worship. The word corporate in this context means “group.” Simply put, worship that God calls us to do together. As we look severally at the different acts of worship authorized by God, we begin here with some introductory thoughts. Continue reading “Corporate Worship: An Introduction” →