Since the Bible is our guide, "...given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine..." to the end "...that the man of God may be complete..." (2 Timothy 3:16-17), we should expect to find in it's pages how a public worship service ought to be conducted. I believe firmly that as we look into God's word, we see an "apostolic guide" to the assembly. By "apostolic guide", we simply mean that the practices engaged in by the New Testament church were either commanded by, or given approval to in some way by the apostles of Christ. If we are to faithfully worship the Lord, we will pilot our actions by God's revelation to man.

WHEN SHALL WE WORSHIP? THE SABBATH DAY OR THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK?
There are two days of worship specified in the Bible; the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11) and the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Notice, these days are distinct from one another (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1-2). Though in Old Testament times, God required His people ot observe the Sabbath, such is not the case for the Lord's church (Hebrews 7:18-19; 9:15-18; Colossians 2:16-17). The Sabbath is referred to in the New Testament, but not as a day to be observed by Christians. Notice:

• 43 times in reference to Jesus' life on earth. He kept the Sabbath, for He was a Jew, born under the law of Moses. For Him to not keep the Sabbath would have been a violation of the Law.

• 15 times in reference to the worship of the Jews. Several of these are occasions when Paul went into a synagogue to teach. Note, these were Jewish assemblies, not Christian.

• 1 time, in which Christians are instructed concerning their freedom in Christ from the Law, and thus told "...let no one judge you...regarding...sabbaths..." (Colossians 2:16)

The New Testament makes the following references and observations of the first day of the week:

• Jesus’ tomb was found empty on the first day of the week (Mark 16:9; John 20:1)

• Jesus appeared to His assembled disciples on the first day of the week (John 20:19, 26)

• The church began on the first day of the week (Acts 2; Leviticus 23:15-16)

• Christians assembled on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2)

SHALL WE SING OR PLAY?
To worship correctly, we must have authority for what we do (Colossians 3:17). When we consider what God's word says about our worship in song, time and again we are told to sing (Acts 16:25; Romans 15:9;1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12; James 5:13).

Some might make the objection, 'But the book of Revelation speaks about harps and....' Indeed, it does. However, realize that the language of the book conveys a "signified" (1:1) message. Also, the instruments mentioned are heavenly, not earthly. To use Revelation as justification for the use of instrumental music in worship completely avoids the context of the book.

Some might object, 'But musical instruments were used in the Old Testament’. Yes, they were. Musical instruments were commanded to be used in Old Testament worship (2 Chronicles 29:25). However, we are no longer under the Old Covenant. If we will grasp one part of the Old Law and apply it today, we are a debtor to keep all (Galatians 5:3; James 2:10).

DINING WITH THE LORD AT HIS SUPPER.
The church at Corinth was misusing the Lord’s supper, and thus the apostle Paul sought to set things right there. Consider from 1 Corinthians 11:

• They had profaned the Lord’s supper by turning it into a common meal (v 17-22).

• Paul restated the orderly fashion in which the Lord instituted the supper (v 23-26).

• He emphasized the importance of properly partaking (v 27-34).

Consider the 5 ‘Ws’ of the Lord’s supper.

• Who - Christians (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:27-32).

• What - Unleaven bread and fruit of the vine (Matthew 26:17, 26-29; Exodus 12)

• Where - location is not important (John 4:21, 23). Wherever the disciples gather.

• When - Every first day of every week. (Acts 20:7). The only authorized day.

• Why - to proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26)

GIVING BACK TO THE LORD.
We do not give a tithe (Numbers 18:24; Hebrews 7:5) today, as was given in the Old Testament for the Levites. In the New Testament, the Lord commands a free will offering, which is used for the saints (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). The only day upon which we are authorized to take a collection for the saints is the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

TALKING WITH OUR FATHER.
Prayer is an important part of the assembly of God’s people (Acts 2:42). Those who lead the assembly in prayer must do so with the spirit (proper attitude) and the understanding (1 Corinthians 14:15). There are varioius things which ought to be prayed for:

• 1 Timothy 2:1-4 - all men, those in authority;

• Matthew 5:44 - enemies;

• John 17:20 - unity;

• Acts 19:5 - distressed brethren;

• Colossians 4:3 - open doors.

Jesus gave a perfect prayer (Matthew 6:5-13), not to be recited (see verse 7), but to be used as a pattern (see verse 9) for us to follow.

LISTENING TO OUR FATHER.
Not only do we take the opportunity to speak with God, but we also allow Him to speak to us through the preaching and teaching of His word. There are several examples of the early church assembling to hear God’s word spoken (Acts 2:42; 11:26; 20:7, 18, 20, 26-27). Paul commanded others to preach and teach the word (1 Timothy 4:11; 5:20; 6:2; 2 Timothy 2:2; 4:2; Titus 2:15).

Some of the wonderful benefits to the saints are:

• God’s word is food for the soul (1 Timothy 4:15-16; James 1:21; Romans 1:15-16).

• Hearing the word will affect growth (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 5:12; Colossians 2:6-7).

• God’s word is wholly profitable (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

• Studying enables us to worship God acceptably (2 Timothy 2:15).

DECENTLY AND IN ORDER.
The apostle Paul provides a pattern for an orderly worship service in 1 Corinthians 14. The specific implementation in the context (miraculous gifts) does not apply today, in the absence of miraculous gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 13:8-12), however, the principles of orderly assembly certainly do. Notice Paul's focus throughout on what is beneficial for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 14:4, 5, 12, 17, 26, 31). Paul demanded an orderly assembly (1 Corinthians 14:26-33, 40), not simply by suggestion, but by command (1 Corinthians 14:36-38).


Friends, let us have our assemblies before the Lord decent and in order. May we consult God's word to be sure that all things we are doing are according to His will, not our own. If we are to be found pleasing in His sight, it will be by walking in accordance with His word.

Click here for this week's Answering The Atheist
How many apostles were in office between the resurrection and the ascension? Do 1 Corinthians 15:5 and Matthew 27:3-5; Acts 1:9-26; and Matthew 26:18 contradict?