What is Biblical Worship?
The Bible, being the Word of God, is the only authority that one can follow to worship to God. Worship is an offering of sacrifice from the members of Christ's church to God. Only in the Bible does one find the acceptable pattern for worship. God has instituted one of the greatest establishments. With that established institution, He provided the guidelines and means of understanding for the members of that institution to offer an acceptable and pleasing sacrifice of worship to Him (Matthew 4:10; John 4.24). God is the only audience in that is present in a worship service (Revelation 22.9).
Teaching
The pattern of worship is revealled in the pages of God's Word at the hands of His messengers (II Timothy 3.16). The pattern begins on the fiftieth day following the Passover Supper; the day is pentecost--a Sunday, following the Sabbath Day. One this particular day of Pentecost, Peter stood up and quieted a crowd of people gathered from every nation under the heavens (Acts 2). After preaching the first sermon of the resurrected Christ, about three thousand souls were added to the church that very day (Acts 2.38-44). "And they continued in the apostles doctrine...from house to house" (Acts 2:45). We see that teaching is part of worship. Can that be all? Continue reading.
Teaching God's Word the Garfield Heights church of Christ emphasizes the importance of a working knowledge of the Bible for all members. The Bible teachers at Garfield Heights strive for excellence in their classes. They study God's Word and prepare their lessons well to bring the message of New Testament Christianity to the students. Often engaged in lively discussions, teachers guide their students to a better understanding of biblical teaching and of the application of these principles in our everyday lives. At Garfield Heights we have Bible classes for all ages. Why not join us as we strive to learn more about God's word and His will for us?
The Lord's Supper
As one studies the Word of God, we see that more is revealed concerning worship to God. Continuing, one studying the book of Acts finds quickly that the church is contagious in enthusiasm and obedience. The Gospel of Christ spread like a wild fire at the mouth of the apostles and the obedience of the church to save others who were lost in sin (I Corinthians 6:11). When it was time to meet, the church came together to break bread in memory of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 20.7). We see that it is the responsibility of christians to partake weekly, not once a month, not once a year, not on special holidays, but weekly to partake of the memorial meal of Christ, the Lord's Supper.
Jesus Himself on the night of His betrayal inaugurated this memorial meal (Matthew 26:26-28). Christians observe the Lord's Supper in memory of His death (I Corinthians 11:24-25). The emblems--unleavened bread and fruit of the vine symbolize the body and blood of Jesus (I Corinthians 10:16), respectively. Churches of Christ observe the Lord's Supper on each first day of the week. We do this following the teachings of the New Testament and the practice of the first century church.
Prayer
Christ taught his disciples to pray and commune with God (Matthew 6.9-13;Luke 11.1-4). These men, apostles, asked on occassion of the audiences to which they visited and wrote, to pray for the kingdom and the spread of the borders of that kingdom (I Thessalonians 3.1-2). What is "prayer"? There are several aspects of prayer. Prayer is communion with God. It is a response of man for what God has done for us. Prayer may be an earnest request for something. It may be an utterance of praise or thanksgiving. God hears and answers the prayers of the righteous (James 5:16). The Lord will continue to hear and bless His children as long as they continue to follow Him.
The church is also is commanded to continue in prayer. It is the responsibility of each christian to carry their cares and concerns to God and lay them at His throne. Our greatest companion is Christ. Only when we approach the throne of God through Christ, can we truly cast our burdens on Him (I Peter 5.7). The early church continued stedfastly in prayer (Acts 2:42). Prayer is important, both in private lives of christians (Acts 12.5) and in the public worship of the church (Acts 16:13).
Giving
The command to give is not of a compulsory giving--that would be stealing and plundering. The giving commanded of the church is one of "charity", willingness, and over abundantly. The example we have of this is the admonition that is given by the mouth of Paul concerning the giving when the saints are gathered. The implication is that each time the saints are gathered that we should give from our profitableness of the week.
Singing
"A Capella" singing, with voices raised in praise to God, is the only music used in our worship. In Ephesians 5.19, Christians are exhorted to "speak to yourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord." The heart is the only instrument mentioned here. There is no biblical authorization for the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship. Singing as a part of worship has a two-fold purpose: