Welcome to the Bible Correspondence Course. We appreciate you taking the time to study God's word. This is the last study in this series. We hope you have enjoyed the course and that it has given you a better understanding of God's word. Hopefully, this will give you the information necessary to bring your life to a point that is pleasing to God. As with the other studies, we suggest using the King James Version or the New King James Version of the Bible.
This study will continue the discussion of the Lord's church. It will discuss what goes on in the assembly of the church. In this lesson we will consider the importance of the assembly, then the things done in the assembly. This will include singing, prayer, teaching, communion and contribution.
Since this study continues the theme of the previous study, selecting the right church, the summary at the end will cover both studies. These issues are important. Don't just take for granted what the study says. Open your Bible, read the references and consider what God says about these issues.
This study will continue the discussion of the Lord's church. It will discuss what goes on in the assembly of the church. In this lesson we will consider the importance of the assembly, then the things done in the assembly. This will include singing, prayer, teaching, communion and contribution.
Since this study continues the theme of the previous study, selecting the right church, the summary at the end will cover both studies. These issues are important. Don't just take for granted what the study says. Open your Bible, read the references and consider what God says about these issues.
Coming To The Assembly Is Important
The assembly of the church is an important part of the Christian life. Among other things, it is intended to provide strength and encouragement for Christians. Your presence in the assembly is therefore, important. Hebrews 10:24-25 speaks of the value of encouraging each other. Included in this passage is the command to not forsake the assembly of the church. Part of uplifting fellow Christians and being uplifted is coming to the assembly. If you do not regularly assemble with God's people, your spiritual life is bound to weaken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 talks about the importance of not being alone. It is much easier to live the Christian life if you enjoy the regular encouragement of other Christians. When you fail to assemble with the saints, you deny yourself this kind of encouragement and harm your spiritual life.
There will be times that other things interfere with your plans to come to assembly. Matthew 6:33 teaches that the Lord and his kingdom should be more important to us than other things in life. So you should make every effort to be there whenever you can. In Psalms 122:1 David talked about being glad to come to God's house for worship. You should want to be at services for your own benefit, for the benefit of others and to worship God.
How You Worship is Important
In earlier studies we discussed the importance of rendering acceptable worship to God. Such discussions are directly relevant to the study before us. Today, denominations conduct their services in a variety of ways. Many practices are in direct violation of God's will. Some defend this variety of practices contending that it doesn't matter how we worship God, so long as we do it from the heart.
This idea is never taught in the Bible. Contrary to this, in Matthew 15:8-9 Jesus said worship that is done after the doctrines of men is vain. Of course vain worship will not be accepted because vain means empty and useless.
In I Corinthians 11:18-22 and the verses that follow, Paul condemned them for what they were doing in the worship services. If it doesn't matter how we worship, why would Paul rebuke them in this fashion? Obviously it does matter how we worship God.
Remember, Cain's sacrifice was rejected because it was not offered in the way God desired. Nadab and Abihu died because they violated God's law in the way they offered worship. It matters to God how we worship him. Therefore, you should assemble with a congregation that offers acceptable worship to God. The next articles will discuss what acceptable worship involves.
How We Sing
One of the things God wants us to do in the assembly is sing. Ephesians 5:19 commands us to sing for our edification and for our God. Speak to yourselves, making melody in your heart to the Lord, he said. I Corinthians 14:15 talks about how we should sing with the spirit and understanding. When you offer musical worship to God, you should put your heart into the singing. Think about the words so you can understand and learn from the song's message. Think about praising God with the song's message.
Some denominations accompany their singing with musical instruments. Is this acceptable to God? In Colossians 3:16 Paul spoke about our singing. He said it must teach and admonish. Any kind of music that does not meet this requirement is not scriptural music. It may seem trivial to you. Perhaps their choice of fire seemed trivial to Nadab and Abihu. [See study number three.] But they died just the same. Since the sounds of an instrument do not teach nor admonish, they do not comply with the restrictions God has placed on musical worship.
Some attempt to justify the use of instrumental music by appealing to the Old Testament. Under the law of Moses they were commanded to use instruments of music in their worship. [See II Chronicles 29:25.] However, we learned the law of Moses was done away at the cross. Therefore, we cannot appeal to it to guide our worship today.
How We Pray
Prayer is another part of worship in the assembly. Some of the same principles that apply to singing also apply to prayer. Hebrews 13:15 tells us the fruit of our lips is a sacrifice of praise to God. This refers to both prayer and singing.
Just like singing, prayer is to be done with the spirit and understanding. [See I Corinthians 14:15.] When someone is leading the assembly in prayer, you should listen to the words, understand their message and put your heart into speaking these to God.
Hebrews 4:16 invites us to boldly approach God in prayer. I Peter 5:7 bids us to cast all our cares upon the Lord. Prayer is a blessing and privilege. It is a unique opportunity to speak to God about what troubles us. Prayer in the assembly is an important part of worship. Although, this is not the only place you can pray. You may also privately speak to God outside the assembly.
Matthew 6:6 speaks of praying to God privately. James 5:13 encourages us to pray when we are afflicted. I Timothy 4:4 teaches us to receive our food with prayers of thanks. Prayer has its place in any area of the Christian life. It is also a part of our worship assembly and should be done according to what the Bible says.
Teaching in the Assembly
Teaching is another vital part of the assembly of the church. The teaching portion of the service is a key part of God's plan for educating his people. I Corinthians 14:26 says all things in the service must edify. Teaching is included in that. In I Corinthians 14:31 Paul says the intent of prophesying or teaching is that all will learn and be comforted.
God has placed certain restrictions on teaching as well as on other things in the assembly. In I Corinthians 14:34-35 and I Timothy 2:11-12 God forbids women to participate in teaching the assembly. Of course many denominations have women Pastors and teachers. But God has specifically forbid this in words that cannot be misunderstood.
Some denominations frequently practice alleged tongue speaking in the assembly. This, too, is restricted In I Corinthians 14:27-29 Paul clearly says there must be no tongue speaking (speaking in a foreign language) without an interpreter. Some claim the Holy Spirit leads them to speak in this way. But the Spirit would never lead someone to speak uninterpreted tongues when he strictly forbids it in scripture.
In I Corinthians 14:40 Paul gives a general rule that regulates all portions of the assembly, teaching included. We are told that these things must be done in an orderly manner. Anything that is done by the assembly of Christians that is not orderly or not consistent with other applicable regulations is wrong and makes the assembly unscriptural.
Communion
The communion is a memorial service that honors the sacrifice of Christ. Acts 20:7 records that the disciples broke bread (observed communion) on the first day of the week. The church is never seen observing the Lord’s supper at any other time. Since the new Testament disciples partook of the communion on the first day of the week, we should follow their example and do likewise.
What is done at the communion service or Lord’s supper? Christ instituted it during the Passover supper on the night of his betrayal. [See Matthew 26:26-28.] In I Corinthians 11:23-30 Paul talked to the church at Corinth about the Lord's supper. They had been observing communion in an unacceptable way. When correcting them, Paul reminded them of the example Jesus set in Matthew 26. Paul bound this example on their observance of the Lord's supper to correct the problem. This fact shows that at least some of these examples are binding. When an example such as taking unleavened bread and fruit of the vine on Sunday, the first day of the week, is the exclusive pattern set forth, it carries great weight in showing how we are to observe this memorial. These examples show us how to observe communion today. Paul spoke to them about taking the bread in remembrance of Christ's sacrificed body and about taking fruit of the vine in memory of Christ's shed blood. The early disciples did this on the first day of the week. It is a serious memorial that should be done with great self examination. Each person should solemnly reflect on the death of Christ and remember what he has done for us.
Many denominations today do this only occasionally or never. Others don't use unleavened bread and fruit of the vine as Christ exampled. But this is as important as any other part of our worship. It should be done at the time and in the manner the Lord has established.
Contribution
In I John 3:17 the Bible says we should give to those who have need whenever we have the resources. Galatians 6:10 teaches we should do this whenever we have opportunity. Our benevolence should especially abound toward those who are Christians.
Of course individual benevolence is an important deed for Christians to do. But there is a collective giving for the work of the church we should also do. I Corinthians 16:1-2 commands that on the first day of the week, we should all give for the work of the church. Giving to the church treasury was the practice of Christians as early as Acts 4:35. The fact that Paul tells them to do this so there would be no assembly for the collection when he came implies that this giving was done in such a gathering.
Each Christian has a responsibility to give as individuals. We must also give to the church. II Corinthians 9:6-7 teaches us to be generous and liberal in our giving. The more Christians give to the church, the more work the church can do in spreading the gospel and helping the needy. Since Paul commanded this be done on Sunday, it is appropriate for us to do so today. It is a wonderful opportunity for you to return to the Lord some of the bounty he has given to you.
Summary of studies nine and ten
This and the previous study have discussed different aspects of the Lord's church. Much has been said about the way Christ set up his church in contrast with the way many denominations function today.
Selecting a congregation to assemble with and worship God is an important decision. You must first obey the gospel so the Lord will add you to his church. Then you must find a congregation that is functioning in a way that is pleasing to God. If you do not regularly assemble and worship in a scriptural manner, you will weaken and eventually fall. If you assemble and worship in a way that is not right, your worship will not be acceptable and pleasing to God.
First, you must remember that Christ built only one church. Denominations that contend any church is acceptable are contradicting what the scriptures teach. Some say one church is just as good as another. But in Ephesians 4:1-6 the same list that says there is one Lord (Jesus) says there is one body (church). If one church is just as good as another, then one Lord is just as good as another. You don't need a counterfeit church. You need the Lord's church. You need to regularly assemble with God's people and worship in a way that is pleasing to God. Doing anything different could jeopardize your salvation.
You need to find a congregation that teaches the true gospel as taught by Christ and his apostles. Many denominations teach a perverted gospel. The Bible says to avoid these false prophets, let them be accursed.
You need to find a congregation that uses Bible teachings as their guide and not the ideas of man. The Bible must guide every area of congregational function and development. Most religions follow a human plan for government involving a human hierarchy of authority. Christ's church has only Christ as its head and the offices authorized in scripture.
The Bible must guide the way worship services are conducted. Coming to the assembly is important and what is done in the assembly is important. Congregations that worship in a way that is contrary to God's will are not appropriate choices for your church home. Many congregations use instruments of music to accompany songs and prayers. They involve women Pastors and/or teachers, uninterpreted tongues and other things that violate the regulations God has imposed on the assembly. The New Testament church assembled on Sunday for the Lord's supper and contribution. Churches that don't do these things as God commands are not offering acceptable worship. You should not assemble with groups like this. Find a congregation that is committed to doing things God's way. Commit yourself to doing things God's way, and you will be blessed.
Selecting a congregation to assemble with and worship God is an important decision. You must first obey the gospel so the Lord will add you to his church. Then you must find a congregation that is functioning in a way that is pleasing to God. If you do not regularly assemble and worship in a scriptural manner, you will weaken and eventually fall. If you assemble and worship in a way that is not right, your worship will not be acceptable and pleasing to God.
First, you must remember that Christ built only one church. Denominations that contend any church is acceptable are contradicting what the scriptures teach. Some say one church is just as good as another. But in Ephesians 4:1-6 the same list that says there is one Lord (Jesus) says there is one body (church). If one church is just as good as another, then one Lord is just as good as another. You don't need a counterfeit church. You need the Lord's church. You need to regularly assemble with God's people and worship in a way that is pleasing to God. Doing anything different could jeopardize your salvation.
You need to find a congregation that teaches the true gospel as taught by Christ and his apostles. Many denominations teach a perverted gospel. The Bible says to avoid these false prophets, let them be accursed.
You need to find a congregation that uses Bible teachings as their guide and not the ideas of man. The Bible must guide every area of congregational function and development. Most religions follow a human plan for government involving a human hierarchy of authority. Christ's church has only Christ as its head and the offices authorized in scripture.
The Bible must guide the way worship services are conducted. Coming to the assembly is important and what is done in the assembly is important. Congregations that worship in a way that is contrary to God's will are not appropriate choices for your church home. Many congregations use instruments of music to accompany songs and prayers. They involve women Pastors and/or teachers, uninterpreted tongues and other things that violate the regulations God has imposed on the assembly. The New Testament church assembled on Sunday for the Lord's supper and contribution. Churches that don't do these things as God commands are not offering acceptable worship. You should not assemble with groups like this. Find a congregation that is committed to doing things God's way. Commit yourself to doing things God's way, and you will be blessed.
How Christ organized His Church
There is no life like the Christian life. In Christ we have hope and joy like can be had in no other way. Those who live in sin promise liberty, but the sinful life can only bring bondage. [See II Peter 2:19 and Proverbs 13:15.] In contrast, the Christian life offers liberty from sin and hope for eternal life. In Matthew 5:12 Jesus bids us to rejoice because we anticipate a heavenly reward. In Romans 8:18 Paul says the magnitude of this reward far outweighs any problem we may have today.
Some hesitate to start their walk with Christ. It is true that the Christian life is a challenging life. Christ tells us we must crucify our desires and follow him. [See Luke 14:26-27.] In Ephesians 4:1 Paul tells us to walk worthy of the Christian vocation. Hebrews 12:14 says we cannot see the Lord without living a holy life.
Christianity is difficult, but it is not impossible. God realizes we will not live perfectly. That is why he promised to cleanse us of our sin if we will walk after him. [See I John 1:7.] I John 2:1 says Christ is our advocate with God. When we fail, we can appeal to God in prayer through Christ, and he will forgive us. James 5:16 tells us to confess our faults to a Christian friend and seek prayer. In this way we can receive help to live a better life. There is no life like the Christian life. It is challenging but rewarding. Besides, the alternative is eternal damnation.
Some hesitate to start their walk with Christ. It is true that the Christian life is a challenging life. Christ tells us we must crucify our desires and follow him. [See Luke 14:26-27.] In Ephesians 4:1 Paul tells us to walk worthy of the Christian vocation. Hebrews 12:14 says we cannot see the Lord without living a holy life.
Christianity is difficult, but it is not impossible. God realizes we will not live perfectly. That is why he promised to cleanse us of our sin if we will walk after him. [See I John 1:7.] I John 2:1 says Christ is our advocate with God. When we fail, we can appeal to God in prayer through Christ, and he will forgive us. James 5:16 tells us to confess our faults to a Christian friend and seek prayer. In this way we can receive help to live a better life. There is no life like the Christian life. It is challenging but rewarding. Besides, the alternative is eternal damnation.
