Category: Worship

I just watched a lengthy video featuring a number of Calvinists who were taking issue with what music in worship has become in American churches. They were concerned with too great an emphasis upon the musical style (with the most important thing being how it “makes me feel”); a willingness to put up with a church teaching error, as long as “the music is good”; and an unfortunate imbalance as music is overemphasized as a part of Christian worship.

The video was interesting, as I think it addressed problems we see in the Lord’s church as well. I personally have encountered Christians who prefer songs based upon musical style rather than the sentiment expressed; who are more interested in whether a congregation has “good singing” than whether it stands for truth; and who would travel 250 miles for an “annual” singing, but can’t be bothered to attend a neighboring congregation’s gospel meeting!

In the conclusion of the video, the narrator asked 8 questions that I think make valid points about what music should be:

Continue reading “8 Questions about Music” →

Would it be considered controversial to state that the purpose of our worship assemblies is not to evangelize? Perhaps it would be less so if I explained what I mean by the statement.

First, I am not saying that evangelism can’t take place in the assembly. In fact, first principle preaching in the worship assembly is one way that the children of Christians reach the point of being convicted, and thus converted. Also, it is conceivable that the conversion of an occasional visitor may be the salutary consequence of such lessons. More probably, first principle lessons will serve to “stir up your pure minds by way of reminder” (cf. 2 Peter 3:1), equipping the saints to share with others what they have learned, and had reinforced by the preacher’s words.

Continue reading “The Purpose of Our Assemblies” →

The lesson discusses the true identity of the church, the sin of denominationalism, and answers scripturally the question asked in two ways…

1) Are those in the church the only ones saved?

or, more commonly

2) Do you think that only those who are members of the church of Christ going to heaven?

Audio (Part 1)

Audio (Part 2)

Powerpoint Slides

Spring Meeting 2014: Kyle Campbell

The lesson deals with common misconceptions people have about the Lord’s church due to the denominational error that is present in our day.

Audio

There is no waiting in line:

• To be heard by God in prayer.
• To receive spiritual blessings.
• To praise and worship God.
• To read and learn more about God.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

When it comes to worshiping God, peculiar views abound. Some believe that EVERYTHING we do is worship. Others believe that man is free to worship God in any way that suits him. The Samaritan woman in John 4 thought the worship of her “fathers” on “the mountain” was acceptable to God. Jesus told her it wasn’t. “You worship what you do not know…” (22). Later he told her, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (24). Jesus’ words prefaced a change in worship from that offered by the Jews. No longer are we to offer up animal sacrifices, burn incense, or use mechanical instruments of music. Christian worship is simple, reverential and wonderfully edifying.

When Christians come together on the Lord’s day, with God’s approval we do the following:

1. Sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16)
2. Pray (1 Cor. 14:15)
3. Partake of the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:23-34; Acts 20:7)
4. Give a portion of our means back to God (1 Cor. 16:1-2)
5. Listen to the teaching of the word of God (Acts 20:7)

By following God’s pattern in worship, we submit to His will. We acknowledge that we are not free to “use our talents” in whatever way we desire. We realize that we are not free to innovate, and depart from the instructions He has given to us. We are not free to worship as the Jews.

Others pursue innovations that appeal to the flesh, or seek to alter in some way the pattern of worship revealed in scripture. Faithful Christians content themselves with worship “in spirit and truth.”

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Speaker: Jonathan Hinds

The lesson uses the text of Malachi to admonish us as the priests of God (cf. 1 Peter 2:9). It is possible to despise the name of God, to weary him by our apathetic response of faith. We must take care to worship him with reverence and zeal.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides (will be uploaded soon)

Lesson 1 of 8 in a series on Awesome Texts.

Revelation 4 and 5 reveals a vision of John, where he describes the throne room of God. The text reveals a most important point. God is the center of the universe, and all of creation exists to offer up praise to Him, and the Lamb of God.

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

(This article originally appeared as a paid ad in (April 2012) in the newspapers published by Suburban Newspapers, Inc. The papers cover five small communities in the Forth Worth area).

In Ecclesiastes 12:13, a very wise man wrote “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” Such a simple truth, but one that is unfortunately seldom heeded.

Why do you go to church? It seems like for a lot of people, worship is entertainment; and a church’s purpose is to facilitate self-actualization. And that seems to be a bit backwards.

Worship should be (and if it is true worship, it is) an offering to God. The purpose of worship is to please God, not to please ourselves. In order for it to please Him, our worship must be in accord with His will. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

The purpose of the church is to do the Lord’s work in the world. It is a religious institution, dedicated to spiritual work. Members share the gospel with the lost, build one another up through worship and fellowship, and engage in benevolent activities. While entertainment and socializing seem to be the central priority of the church experience in our day and time, that is not what God intended for His people. Paul said that the church of the living God is “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).

Our view is not a typical way of looking at worship and service to God. Are you serious about your service to Him? Come visit the West Side church of Christ!
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John 4:16-24

Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well was astounding in both circumstance and content.

The Jews hated the Samaritans, and the feeling was mutual. The conflict had its origin in the divided kingdom, and the animosity only grew through the centuries until the time of our Lord. It is important to note that the Samaritans were the remnants of the northern Jews who had been taken into Assyrian captivity, and had intermarried with other races upon their return to Samaria. The mingling of races, combined with the Samaritans acceptance of pagan gods led to a mongrel race and religion.

Continue reading “True Worship” →

Josh Cox preached this lesson, explaining Jesus’ words in John 4:24, where He said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

This post contains short summaries and links to both audio and Powerpoint presentations of all the sermons Mo Hafley preached for the West Side congregation in the Fall 2010 meeting, November 6-11.

Lesson 1: Looking Unto Jesus

In this sermon, Mo Hafley of Paden City, WV uses the text of Hebrews 12:1-7, to establish the nature of the Christian’s race on earth, and the motivation behind it as we look to Jesus, our Savior.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Lesson 2: How We Worship

This sermon by Mo Hafley is a discussion on proper worship to God, with an emphasis on focus and proper spirituality when we sing, pray, commune around the Lord’s table, give of our means, and listen to the preaching of the Word of God.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Lesson 3: A Few Days with Paul

This sermon by Mo Hafley is a discussion of Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica and Berea, as recorded by Luke in Acts 17:1-13. Paul and the first century disciples showed great courage in the preaching of the gospel of Christ.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Lesson 4: Parents and Children

This sermon by Mo Hafley is a wonderful treatment of God’s word on the topic of Parenting. In it, Mo shows what God expects of Christian parents, and even has some words of admonition for children.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Lesson 5: Preaching Properly

In this sermon, Mo Hafley discusses the proper tone we are to take in preaching. Emphasis is placed upon militance in preaching, as too often in our day and time people heap up for themselves teachers having itching ears. Soft preaching is not God’s way.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Lesson 6: Holy Living in an Unholy World

This sermon by Mo Hafley documents the moral evil that is present in our world, and especially our nation. Biblical advice is given to Christians, explaining how we are to navigate in such troublesome waters.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Lesson 7: Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego

This lesson is an expository treatment of Daniel 3, showing the courage of these great servants of God. Regardless of consequence, Christians must emulate them.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Lesson 8: Evidences

This lesson by Mo Hafley is a concise detailing of various internal and external evidences, given to prove God’s existence, and the validity of the Bible as God’s revelation.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .

Lesson 9: Homesick for Heaven

This lesson was an appropriate ending to our gospel meeting with Mo Hafley. He used homesickness (an emotion we have all felt) to explain the type of desire and expectation we as Christians should have regarding our heavenly home.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .

Brethren, I recently came across a good article written by Rick Holt, an elder for the Mt. Baker church of Christ in Bellingham, Washington. In it, he discusses present day problems with inattentiveness and disruption in worship. I have intended to address this myself, and would like for you to consider the following quote from the article.

My, my, how times have changed, or have they? These days, the schools still deal with the same problems, but a new set of hindrances have been introduced including the use of cell phones, text/pix messaging, playing games, etc. These problems occur not only at schools, colleges, and secular jobs, but during the worship of God on the first day of the week, and specifically, at the Mt. Baker church of Christ. Brethren, I have seen people writing notes then laughing to the point of bending over so as not to be seen (which didn’t work, by the way), games being played, manicures being done, no participation in the singing, the week’s working schedule being written out, and giggling during the observance of the Lord’s Supper. Did I just say that…pretty blunt, wasn’t I? Is this what God purposed before the foundations of the world…worship in this manner? Where is your heart? Why have you come to services? This is not play-time! You are in the presence of God, gathered with the saints (Heb. 13:22-29).

Continue reading “Texting in Worship” →

A general sermon on the subject of Singing. Establishes authority for the act of worship, as well as showing how various innovations regarding musical worship over the centuries are unscriptural. The sermon shows why we sing, the benefits, and gives some practical suggestions to song leaders and the congregation.

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here

Sermon Audio: Click Here

Guest Speaker: Keith Greer. There is an eternal principle that remains true in every age. Succinctly stated, God speaks, Man believes, Man obeys, God saves.

While the particulars of God’s message may change, the principle remains. This is certainly true with regard to God ordained worship.

(Note: This is a two part sermon. This evening sermon covers the last 7 slides of the presentation).

Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .

Sermon Audio: Click Here .