INSIGHT
 
   One of the most impressive facts revealed in the New Testament is the marvelous unity with which early Christians worshipped and served God. Not only were disciples united in their form of worship, but were united even in the teachings which they embraced. Luke says in Acts 2:42 that "they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." One of the classic facts of both secular and biblical history is that in the days of the apostles there were no separate denominations and all faithful believers were in complete fellowship with all other Christians throughout the world.
   The reason for such unity lies in the complete harmony of the apostolic teachings, which are now contained within the New Testament. When Paul went to Rome, for example, he preached the same doctrine that he had preached in Ephesus, Corinth, Galatia and throughout the known world. Therefore, no separate denomination was formed as a result of his teaching. The same was true of all the other inspired teachers. Being divinely guided by God, they never taught conflicting teachings or practices. Instead, the result was a church identical to the others established. In the New Testament, we do not read of a plurality of "denominations," but simply The Church. In Acts 2:47, for example, we read, "And the Lord added to their number [lit. church] daily those who were being saved." Again Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, "...on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
   Unity is the response of Christ's prayer. In John 17:20-21, He prayed that all His followers be one. For as Christ and His Father are one, so must His disciples be one.
The Body of Christ
The New Testament Worshippers


Key Text:                 John 4:23-24 
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.

Theme:
According to Jesus, one of the reasons for unity was to promote belief that He came from the Father (John 17:21).  Many people in the world today have grown discouraged because of the disunity and confusion found in so-called Christianity. True believers are unified under the Lordship of Christ. Jesus said that the Father seeks those who would worship Him in Spirit and in truth. True worship involves not only sincerity, but also truth. Jesus clarifies this statement by defining truth as God’s word (John 17:17).

Application:
Here are some practical suggestions:
1. Read the New Testament epistles, and familiarize yourself with the teachings of the first century churches of Christ.
2. Read the following passages in Acts and familiarize yourself with how sinners were converted to Christ: Acts 2:36-42; 8:4-12; 8:26-39; 16:13-15; 16:23-34; 18:4-11
3. Thank God every day for knowing the truth!!!

But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. Mt 13:16

May the Lord richly bless you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sermon Outline


Worshipping In The Body

I. The "Worshipping" Church

  A. Worship defined
    1. Greek word: Proskunéo
      a. adoration defined
      b. honor defined
      c. devotion defined
    2. Worship involves a subject & object

  B. Motivated To Worship
    1. Motivated by Love (1 John 4:9-10)
    2. Jesus is the Reason
      a. Give him honor (1 Cor 6:20)
        --the honored king (1 Tim 1:17)
      b. His love controls us (2 Cor 5:14)

II. A Worshipping Heart: John 4:23-24

  A. True Worship
    1. The state of mind in which we worship
      a. worship not in Mosaic ordinances
        --canceled (Eph 2:15; Col 2:14)
      b. worship in spiritual ordinances
        --Rom 8:9f (anti-flesh)

    2. Worship In Truth
      a. Lordship of Christ (Lk 6:46)
      b. Truth as the Word (Jn 17:17)

    3. Worship In Spirit (primary statement)
      a. God always sought sincerity
      b. 2 Chr. 16:9--committed heart
      c. 1 Chr 28:9 -- Lord searches the heart
        -- wholehearted devotion sought
        -- willing mind sought
        -- motives exposed
    4. God Is Spirit: The true object of worship

III. The Problem with Halfheartedness
      a. King Amaziah's problem--2 Chr 25:2

Conclusion:
Worship In Spirit (Phil 3:3)
Small Group Study

Warm-up:
What determines the value of a gift? Is it its cost? Explain.

See To It                                     John 4:1-24
1. What is the nature of the water Christ gives? What is this water? Explain with Scripture.

2. What prompted the woman to acknowledge Jesus as a prophet?

3.  How does exposure of sin promote true worship of God? What other aspects do we see in this woman that would promote true worship of God?

6. Isn’t worshipping scripturally enough? Why?

Seeing It Closer:
Take a piece of paper. After the teacher reads each question, write down your answer. Answer honestly and truthfully. No one will know your answers except you and the Lord.

1. On a scale of 1 to 5, how often do you find yourself humbly praying on your knees or prostrate before the Lord? “1”  being rarely and “5” being all the time.

2. On a scale of 1 to 5, how is your spirit of giving? “1” being least willing and “5” being most willing.

3. On a scale of  1 to 5, how important is the assembly of the saints to you? “1” being the least important and “5” being most important.

4. On a scale of 1 to 5,  how important is fellowship to you? “1” being the least important and “5” being most important.

Getting To It:
Pray for one another that our worship will be a heartfelt worship in Spirit and truth.

This week's Quiet Times:

Four Aspects of the New Testament Church

MONDAY
This week we are going to examine four events that take place every time we meet on Sunday. Read carefully Luke 22:7-10. What were Jesus and His disciples getting ready to celebrate? Look up Passover in a Bible dictionary. What does the bread represent? How about the fruit of the vine? What does He mean by saying He won’t eat of this again until the Kingdom of God comes (verses 16 & 18)? Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Why are we repeating this ceremony today? Write down and think about what goes through your mind when you take the bread and the fruit of the vine on Sunday. Read  Acts 20:7. Secular history also points out that it was the practice of the early church to partake of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. This is found in Augustus Neader, History of the Christian Religion and Church, Vol. 1, page 322. Write 1Corinthians 11:26  on an index card;  memorize it and meditate upon it. Give an encouragement call to a brother or a sister today.

TUESDAY
Money is something we all think about. Too often we approach money with an unhealthy and unbiblical attitude. The Lord sets our focus straight in Matthew 6:19-24. What should you set your heart on? In what ways can your eyes be bad? How can you make them be full of light? List some ways that you might end up serving Money. Read 1 Tim.6:6-11. What should you be content with? What happens if you pursue money? What should you pursue? If you pursue these things, it will show in your attitude towards giving: 2 Cor.9:6-15. What kind of giver does God want you to be? Look at verse 12 & 13: how is giving described? Paul instructed each member of the church to set aside money to be used for God’s people (1 Co.16:1-2). This money was to be collected on Sunday. List the top five things you eagerly desire to spend your money on. Are any of these an expression of giving selflessly? Write  Proverbs 3:9-10 on an index card;  memorize it and meditate upon it. Recite it whenever you have the desire to spend money and ask yourself,  “How can I honor God with my wealth?”

WEDNESDAY
Being at services every Sunday and reminding ourselves of the reason why we come together on Sundays can be a very convicting affair. As you grow older in Christ you realize the importance of consistent attendance and participation in the services.  We are not there as spectators, but as participants of the Supper with Jesus Himself. This can cause us to reflect on our life and doctrine; are they in sync? Am I being sincere  before God’s throne? Sincerity involves confession of our sin (mistakes). Consider James 5:16. To whom must you confess your sins? Whom should you ask to pray for you? Confessing sin and not being ashamed before the Lord is necessary for effective and powerful prayer. Write  Proverbs 28:13 on an index card;  memorize and meditate upon it. Get together with a sister/brother and confess your sins and pray for each other.

THURSDAY
Another area of worship is singing. Read Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 carefully and write down the key attitudes necessary for  spiritual joy to remain, even in the most difficult trials. Let us focus on Ephesians 5:17-21. What does getting drunk on wine lead to? What does being “filled” with the Holy Spirit lead to? How does joy in the Spirit express itself? What is the purpose of singing? The result of being filled with the Spirit is a joyful heart that sings. Do you like singing? Do you sing with your heart as well as your voice? Write down your thoughts on the following: Colossians 3:16-17; James 5:13; Hebrews 13:15. Express your joy in the Spirit in song. And remember, God does not judge by the quality of the voice, but rather by the quality of the heart! Write  Ephesians 5:18-19 on an index card;  memorize and meditate upon it.

FRIDAY
I’m sure that next Sunday’s worship service will be seen in new light by all of us who have studied diligently these passages. Isn’t it beautiful the way the Lord has arranged everything to be edifying and supportive of us!? Carefully read Ephesians 4:11-16. Why has God assigned apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers and pastors to the church? Look up the meaning of these in a Bible dictionary. Is it God’s desire for you to grow? Why is it important to grow? Notice verses 15 & 16: What is your part in church growth? Remember, the only way you can be built up is if you are willing to be broken down. What can you do to prepare yourself for the works of service in the church? Write down your thoughts on Jeremiah 18:1-6. Write  Ephesians 4:11-12 on an index card;  memorize it and meditate upon it.