What Does The Bible Say About Worship?

Preaching
A quick glance through the New Testament reveals that preaching God’s word was a
principle activity when brethren assembled in the church to worship.  

At first glance, it seems that the other acts of worship prescribed in the New Testament
demand personal action from the entire congregation, whereas preaching has only one
active participant.  That is not true—listening is supposed to be an active exercise
(Matthew 13:9).  

The first disciples of Christ “continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine” (Acts 2:42).  
The twelve apostles received divine authority to be Jesus’ spokesmen after His death.  
They spoke through inspiration of the Holy Spirit “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who
receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent
Me” (John 13:20).  

Thus, the apostle’s teaching becomes pivotal to the establishment and continued
growth of Christ’s church!

When you think of “doctrine” what comes to your mind?  Stuffy old traditions?  Human
creeds which identify an “official church stand” on various issues?  

Actually, among human denominations, that is the meaning of  “doctrine”.  Yet, the Bible
speaks of doctrine as it pertains to the teaching of Christ or the apostles.  

The young preacher Titus was told “speak the things which are proper for sound
doctrine” (Titus 2:1).  We are told that abiding in the doctrine of Christ is the only way we
can have God’s approval “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of
Christ does not have God.  He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father
and the Son...” (2 John 9-11).

Does it make a difference therefore, whether we use instrumental music in worship or
not?  Whether we teach that baptism is “for” the remission of sins or “because of” the
remission of sins?  Does it really matter whether or not we believe in miraculous
healing for today?  Or whether there are one or three persons in the Godhead?    

The purpose of preaching and abiding in the apostle’s doctrine in the early church was
to establish it in the faith, then lead it unto spiritual maturity, so that it would no longer be
tossed about by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:11-14).  

Some people say that such doctrinal discussions are just a bunch of questions for
scholars and theologians to argue about—a mental exercise for bored, spiritual
eggheads!  

People say that doctrine is not nearly as important as what is in a man’s heart.  But who
ever told them that?  Preaching is not just some stuffy, boring exercise, but is actually
very important for the stabilization and growth of the church.          

Bible centered preaching is important because it instructs us “All Scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every
good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  The expressions of our worship glorify God, but the
changes we make in our lives through His word, glorifies Him too!  

Bible centered preaching is important because it exhorts us to be faithful “And with
many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse
generation’” (Acts 2:40).  Brethren are built up and encouraged by gospel preaching
(Acts 14:22).   

Bible centered preaching convicts men of sin “Preach the word!  Be ready in season and
out of season.  Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy
4:2).  Preaching steps on toes sometimes because we need to be aroused in order to
recognize our lost condition before God.

Bible centered preaching warns men of judgment “Him (Christ) we preach, warning
every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man
perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:28).  The world will be judged and through
preaching men can learn what to do to be saved “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of
Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16).

Is it any wonder that gospel preaching holds an important place in the worship of the
New Testament church?  Isn’t it obvious it should hold an equally important place today?

--Rob Harbison