|
The New Testament presents five apostolically approved acts that the early church collectively practiced. Thus, God teaches us by showing how and what should be done. Many consider each of the five practices noted below to be an item of worship. Unfortunately, some who purport to be members of the Lord's church endeavor to teach others that these items are not "worship," and that worship is simply an individual act that we do all the time as we praise God. It seems they think the church is not needed and that they want to do away with it completely-that individuals doing their own thing is the proper course to follow.
That we agree on the definition of worship and whether each of the authorized acts is to be considered worship is not as important as our obedience regarding what God teaches the church to do when it comes together. And yes, the Bible is clear in teaching that we are to come together at least on the first day of the week and that it is sin to forsake the assemblies (Acts 20:7; Heb. 10:25, 26).
The source of the problem these brethren have is a lack of understanding and respect for authority. They seem not to understand the difference between a collective body of Christ (the church assembled) and individuals (the church distributed), who may worship anytime and anywhere. While we agree that individuals have this freedom, it has no bearing or effect on a congregation’s responsibility.
Instead of speaking of the "the five acts of corporate worship" (to include giving, which may not be worship at all), perhaps it would be best to use the following instead: Five Acts That Christians Are Authorized to Engage in When a Church "Come Together into One Place".
Below is the list with accompanying scriptures that authorize each practice:
Lord's Supper
Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:26; Acts 20:7
Singing Hymns
Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:18-20; 1 Corinthians 14:15
Prayer
Matthew 6:9; 1 Timothy 2:8; 1 John 5:14; 1 Timothy 2:8-12; 1 Corinthians 14:40
Giving
1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7
Teaching
2 Timothy 4:2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
|
