Category: Worship
Subject: Worship
Sermon: Conflating Church Worship with Home Worship
In the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, arguments are being made by faithful Christians that are not true to the scriptures. Whatever the motivation, we must continue to proclaim the principles concerning the authority of God’s word to protect ourselves from digression.
COVID-19 (14) Do You Miss Your Brethren?
Many typically active participants in worship and fellowship have not seen their brethren in a month. Preachers are standing in empty buildings or sitting in their own homes, sharing messages through the internet. But, in most cases Christians are not together.
Even the few who remain able or willing to meet on the Lord’s day have limited their time together to a single hour once a week. Staying at arm’s length and leaving quickly, the loving closeness of a spiritual family is greatly missed. It is obvious to some that a “virtual” assembly is a pale imitation of a congregational meeting to worship God. If others were not aware of the great disadvantages of these electronic communications, it is becoming obvious as the pandemic lingers.
The Patternists: What NOT to Do in These Unique Times
We are certainly in the midst of a challenging situation with the current COVID-19 pandemic. It is unique in our lifetimes, and it has brethren scrambling to study their Bibles to determine the proper response to questions regarding assembly, obedience to civil authority, and worship.
There is insufficient room to answer these questions in this short article. Suffice to say that this writer is likewise studying and seeking to make proper applications that will please our Lord. “For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:4).
However, this writer has observed some bad argumentation being used by advocates for a particular position, and accepted seemingly without hesitation or examination by their readers or hearers. This is dangerous. Admonition is needed to be as the noble Bereans, who “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).
Continue reading “The Patternists: What NOT to Do in These Unique Times”
Sermon: The Reforms of Nehemiah
The three reforms that Nehemiah enacted, as recorded in Nehemiah 13, serve to instruct when applications are made for us today.
As the Deer
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1-2).
What a beautiful sentiment expressed here by the Psalmist. A famished deer, longing for the water that gives relief and refreshment — is used to express the desire the man of God has for His maker.
Did you know that in the midst of a secular world, where evolutionary theory and humanistic influences are used to attack faith in the Almighty, fully 89% of Americans still believe in God. Only 11% deny His existence, and only 9% total express their denial in sure terms (2014 Pew Research Study).
It is hard to destroy faith in God’s existence, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). Unfortunately, it is much easier to undermine the effects of that belief.
The Psalmist wrote, “When shall I come and appear before God?” He desired to return to the sanctuary to worship the Creator. His faith was strong, and His desire for the Almighty stirred His spirit. Think of that next time you are deciding whether you wish to come to the sanctuary yourself. Do you long to come and worship your God?
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Sermon: “Speaking to One Another”
A discussion about the type of music authorized by God in Christian worship. (With emphasis on the use and definition of the greek term “psallo” in the New Testament).
Sermon: Why Do We Praise God?
We praise God because He the Sovereign Creator of all things. And, he deigns to show his mercy and love for us His creation. In short, we praise Him because He is worthy of our adoration!
Sermon: How Lovely is Your Tabernacle!
The lesson analyzes Psalm 84, as the Psalmist praises God, expressing a longing for the opportunity to praise Him in His house. Worship is such a beneficial blessing to God’s people!
Sermon: Worthy is the Lamb
Revelation 5:12 reveals that the Lamb that was slain was worthy of praise. The lesson examines the worthiness of the Lamb of God.
Sermon: The Samaritan Woman at the Well
Lessons learned from the conversation Jesus had with the Samaritan woman in John 4 include the reality of a new relationship between Jew and Gentile, a new covenant between God and man, a new worship, and a new hope (living water).
Sermon: The Glory of God
God’s glory compels His children to live by faith, to be holy in conduct, and to offer continual praise to His name. If we do so, we are promised we will share in His glory!
Sermon: Church of Christ FAQ Sheet
A number of Frequently Asked Questions about the Lord’s church, answered in this sermon.
Sermon: Reverence in Worship
The Psalmist (Psalm 89:7) calls for fear and reverence in the assemblies of the Saints. The lesson emphasizes the benefits of joy, gladness, quietness and orderliness in attaining this ideal.
Sermon: God’s Pattern For Our Whole Life
God is our Creator, and deserves our respect and obedience. His revealed will impacts us in every aspect of our lives.
Sermon: The Christian’s Responsibility to God
The most important of our responsibilities is toward the eternal God of Heaven, our creator and the author of our redemption. We should worship, fear, obey & love Him with all our heart, soul, strength and mind.
