Sunday Morning Worship Service
Each Sunday morning, the Church gathers together to worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth. We follow a structured approach and strive to replicate the events established by Jesus and the apostles in the New Testament. Church services are carried out by the brethren and overseen by Elders of each congregation.
Just as Paul exhorted Timothy, we begin each worship service with prayer and supplication (1 Timothy 2:1-6). In his letter to Timothy, Paul urges him to remain in Ephesus to train the Ephesians on the proper way to worship. In this letter, Paul writes,
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
After prayer, we sing songs of praise to the Lord. Unlike the Old Testament, the New Testament has no mention of worshipping with instruments. Because of this, we emphasize the “spiritual” aspect of musical worship using only our voices.
There are several mentions of spirituality in relation to music in the New Testament. The apostles referred to “spiritual songs” and “singing with the spirit” in multiple places throughout scripture (Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:15). We believe God looks upon our hearts during the song service, not focusing on the beauty of our voices, but the enthusiasm and feeling we put into this sacrificial form of worship.
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
After the song service, we reflect on the death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During this time, we focus on the magnitude of the suffering He experienced and reasons for which He died.
We aim to follow the instructions of the apostles as they carried out this service after Jesus’ death, partaking of unleavened bread (Leviticus 2:4) and strong wine (Numbers 28:7) from a single cup.
Jesus pulled these elements from the Feast of the Passover as a symbol of his sacrifice, asking them to remember him after his death.
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Unlike the Old Testament, when the Jews were required to give 10% of their abundance, we are now instructed to give out of an abundant heart. As Paul urged the Corinthians, we give not of necessity, but cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7) in support of the saints.
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Preaching is an essential part of sharing God’s word with both believers (1 Corinthians 1:20-22) and non-believers. Through preaching, the brethren communicate the teachings of Jesus Christ, encouraging understanding and spiritual growth. It serves as a vital tool for instruction, edification, and spreading the Gospel, aligning with the scriptural command to teach and baptize all nations.
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.