The Worship Of The church of Christ
When one visits the worship services of the church of Christ, he or she might be surprised at the beautiful simplicity of the services. This is because true worship is strictly regulated in the Bible. Jesus summarized the Divine requirements for true worship when He said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Simply put, worship must be carried out, or offered, in the manner commanded by God—if it is to be acceptable in His sight. Otherwise, worship guided by man’s ideas and doctrines is said to be vain (cf. Matthew 15:9).
Prayers offered to God through Jesus Christ. The early church continued in prayer (cf. Acts 2:42). Still today, the church of Christ makes her requests known to the Father through the avenue of prayer (cf. Philippians 4:6). As the High Priest over God’s people, prayers are offered to God through Jesus Christ, or in His name (Hebrews 4:15-16).
Singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,” (Ephesians 5:19). Singing in the early church was congregational; that is, each member singing to all the others (“to yourselves” in the verse above). The singing was also a capella; that is, without the accompaniment of musical instruments. Instead of mechanical instruments, the melody was a spiritual one emanating from the hearts of the worshipers. These were scriptural standards for singing then, and there is no Biblical authority for changing them today.
Weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is a spiritual feast which commemorates and proclaims the death of Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:26). It consists of unleavened bread, representing Christ’s body, and fruit of the vine (i.e. grape juice) representing Christ’s blood (1 Corinthians 11:23-25; cf. Matthew 26:26-29). The early church assembled on the first day of every week (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:2, ESV), and they came together to eat the Lord’s Supper (cf. Acts 20:7). Again, there is no Biblical authority for deviating from this pattern even today.
Giving of freewill contributions. The work of Christ’s church had to be financed in the first century, and such is still the case today. The New Testament pattern for financing the church’s work is through the freewill offerings of the members (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 3 John 5-8).
Preaching and teaching of God’s word. When the early church assembled, the word of God was preached (Acts 20:7). Still today, sermon material must be based on scripture, not modernistic theories and “pop” psychology. The apostle Paul wrote, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2).
A warm welcome awaits!
Visitors are always welcome to the services of the Ironaton church of Christ. We trust that you will find an atmosphere that is not only warm and friendly, but also one that is devoted to following the pattern of the early church as it is recorded in the New Testament.
Ironaton church of Christ 