BEN F. VICK, JR.
In last week’s bulletin we began a brief study of acceptable worship. We defined worship, mentioned various kinds of unacceptable worship, and discussed what is acceptable worship. In this article we want to consider the avenues of worship. There are five in number. Keep in mind that acceptable worship includes three essentials: We must worship (1) the right object—God; (2) with the right attitude—”in spirit”; and (3) in the right way—according to God’s word.
Preaching is God’s method of getting his word out to others. Paul wrote to Titus, “But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour” (Tit. 1:13). In another place we are told, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (I Cor. 1:21). What is God’s attitude toward preaching and preachers? “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in in whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Rom. 10:13-15). Preaching God’s word is an act of worship to God in which both preacher and audience participate (II Tim. 4:2).
Another act of worship is that of the Lord’s supper. Jesus said, “This do in remembrance of me,” when he instituted the Lord’s supper (Lk. 22:19). After the establishment of the church, we learn that they observed this supper regularly. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). The “breaking of bread” is a synecdoche which stands for the Lord’s supper. It includes both the partaking of the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine. In Acts 20:7 we learn further that this act is to be observed on the first day of the week. “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.”
Many in the religious world and some even in the Lord’s church are saying that the Lord’s supper can be taken any time. They reason this way because they do not believe that approved apostolic examples are binding. However, if their reasoning be right, then they have no mandate from heaven as to when it can be observed. They are left to their own whims and inner feelings. But Paul commanded, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by him” (Col. 3:!7). Where is New Testament authority for partaking of the Lord’s supper on any day other than the first day of the week?
We are also to worship by singing. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16). “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Eph. 5:19). We are to sing songs of praises to God when we are happy (Jas. 5:13). But someone says: “Well, how can I sing when I am depressed, blue, troubled, etc.?” That’s a good question. I have often wondered about that myself. However, brother Jimmy Thompson, former preacher at West Newton, now deceased, made a very good point in the bulletin article some time ago. He mentioned the Lord’s having instituted his supper, knowing full well the cross was just a few hours before him; and, yet, he, with the apostles, sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives (Matt. 26:30). No one could possibly feel any more mental anguish than did our Lord on this occasion, but he sang. Singing is not only a way to praise the Lord, but is also a way to lift our spirits.
Giving is another act of worship. “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God” (Phil. 4:18). The early church were generous givers (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35). They gave regularly. “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there will be no gatherings when I come” (I Cor. 16:2). The meaning in the Greek New Testament is “upon the first day of every week.” Giving is a duty, but it also is called a “grace” (II Cor. 8:1-5). The Lord promises to bless us if we give. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Lk. 6:38).
The avenue of prayer is one of the great privileges that the child of God enjoys ye is often neglected. It, too, is an act of worship. Perhaps this is one of the reasons there is such an emphasis upon it in the Bible. “And he spake a parable unto them (to this end,) that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Lk. 18:1). “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5). “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by him” (Col. 3:17). “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2). “We give thanks for Gold always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers” (I Thess. 1:2). “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (Mk. 1:35). “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Eph. 6:18). “Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (Jas. 5:16). “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).