Why worship on Sundays?
In the Old Testament worship was on Saturday celebrating God’s finished creation. But His work of redemption was finished at Jesus’ resurrection on the first day of the week. On multiple Sundays the resurrected Lord visited the assembled Church establishing a new day for corporate worship (Luke 24:1-3, John 20:1,26, Acts 20:7-9, 1 Cor 16:1-2, & Rev 1:10).
The Song of Ascents encourages all present in the building to come and join in corporate worship.
Worship’s who, what, & where:
God alone initiates the church’s corporate worship. He summons us, not privately, but corporately, through the Word & His Holy Spirit (John 4:19-24) into His heavenly presence (Psalm 100, Hebrews 12:22-24) in order to adore and obey Him.
How do we respond to God’s call?
Worship, though initiated by God, is a dialogue between God and His people. The people of God are called to humbly respond to him by praying to him to help us focus on his attributes, and by singing his praises, focusing on his glory.
What is, and why read, the law?
The law is a reflection of God’s perfect character, AND what He requires of us. Through its reading (Nehemiah 8:1-3, Luke 4:16-21) God’s glorious character convicts us of our sin (Isaiah 6:1-5). We ought to respond in praise, reverence & awe, and repentance & faith.
Why confess sins as Christians?
Confession of sins is our agreement that God is holy and righteous AND that we have failed in what He requires of us in the law. We have sinned against God in particular (Psalm 51:4). We have fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Confession of sin is our being honest and “real” with God and ourselves in the light of God’s perfections and Word (Genesis 6:5). In confession we turn from our sins because they grieve Him, and we turn toward God (Romans 6:3-18). Confession then is a right RESPONSE OF WORSHIP to our holy triune God.
How do I respond, if I am forgiven?
You need an hourly call to believe the gospel. We don’t just repent once. We live a life of repentance (Mark 1:14-15). Neither do we believe just once. We live a life of faith (Romans 1:14-15, 14:23). And we need the regular reminder of the sufficiency of Christ’s substitutionary law-abiding life and wrath-satisfying death for our sin (2 Corinthians 5:17- 21). Christians are indeed saved by works. Not your works (Galatians 2:15-16); but Christ’s work (Philippians 3:8-11). So that we might boast and glory in Him alone and not ourselves (Galatians 6:14).
How do we respond to the gospel?
In faith! In dependence upon Christ as your source of life! In thankfulness! In praise! In obedience! All of which are now the overflow of the soul’s thankfulness to the Lord.
Is there more in the Christian life than forgiveness?
Gloriously, yes! You have been given the Holy Spirit and He dwells within you. He is applying the “gospel” to your life and transforming you to look more like Jesus Christ through the truth of God’s Word (Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Why confess a creed?
There are many creeds in the Bible (Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Ephesians 4:3- 6, 1 Timothy 3:16). Creeds are the universal church’s attempt to summarize the saving truths of Scripture. This is a power given to the church by the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Tim 3:14-15). Creeds therefore sit under the authority of Scripture. Creeds also connect us with our brothers and sisters around the world (Romans 1:8), AND in all times (Hebrews 3:1-6), as we confess the one true faith.
Why confess the Nicene Creed?
Actually, we confess many creeds. The Nicene Creed was finished in A.D. 325 at the Council of Nicaea. Called by Emperor Constantine, the eastern and western branches of the church defended the orthodox relationship of Jesus to the Godhead from the Arians. Memorize it.
Why do we read the Scriptures?
Because God’s people are to be primarily marked by knowledge of, and communion with, the true God of the Bible (1 John 2:13-14). It is imperative therefore that you know, read, and apply the truth of God’s Word to your life (Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Why did we stand while reading the Scriptures?
Because standing is a body-posture of attentiveness and respect to God’s Word (Nehemiah 8:1-4). Pray the Holy Spirit would give you the soul-posture of attentiveness and respect to the Scriptures.
How should I prepare my heart to hear God’s Word?
By looking beyond the preacher knowing that Christ himself is personally teaching his Bride in so far as what is said is the purpose God has for the text preached. Corporate worship and preaching are the primarily means of New Testament discipleship.
What should I do now?
Go into the world knowing God is with you, and empowering you, to be salt, light, and sons of God in all spheres of your life. Live to his glory.