Worship in Spirit and Truth: Restoring the New Testament Pattern

If you were to step into a time machine and travel back to the first century to visit a gathering of early Christians, what would you see? You wouldn't find light shows, professional rock bands, or complex rituals directed by a centralized hierarchy. Instead, you would find a group of believers gathered in simplicity, focused entirely on the "apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42).

In the church of Christ, our goal is not to be modern, trendy, or "relevant" by the world's standards. Our goal is to be biblical. We believe that worship is not about entertaining ourselves; it is about pleasing the Creator. As Jesus told the woman at the well: "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). To worship in "truth" means to worship according to God’s Word (John 17:17). Here is why we follow the specific pattern of worship found in the New Testament.

Singing: The Heart of the Matter

One of the most distinct characteristics of the church of Christ is our music. If you visit us, you will notice something "missing": there are no pianos, organs, or guitars. We practice a cappella singing. Why do we do this? Is it because we don't like instruments? Not at all. Many of our members are talented musicians. We sing without instruments because the New Testament provides no command or example for their use in the church. Paul instructed the church: "Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19).

In the New Testament, the "instrument" God requested is the human heart. When we add mechanical instruments, we are adding to the Word of God—something the Bible strictly warns against (Revelation 22:18-19). Christians are commanded to praise God in song (Colossians 3:16).  The kind of music God has commanded for His church is vocal music only, that is, singing.  There is no command or example anywhere in the New Testament for the use of mechanical instrumental music in Christian worship. To add instruments of music to our singing is a sin for it is adding to what God has told us that He wants.  No man has the right to do this (Revelation 22:18, 19; II John 9-11).  We are to "make melody in our hearts" (Ephesians 5:19), the instruments made by God, not instruments made by man!

In a world of performance-based worship, there is a profound beauty in every voice—young and old, trained and untrained—blending together in pure, vocal praise to the King. God never commanded us to have special singers in our worship such as choirs.  Every Christian must praise God in song just as every one must partake of the Lord's Supper for himself.  The purpose of our worship to God is not to entertain ourselves.  Therefore, what we do in worship is not based on that which appeals to our physical senses, but must be based upon what pleases God! When we understand God's greatness, His glory, majesty, wisdom, and strength, and reflect upon His infinite mercy in giving His only begotten Son to save us from our sins, our hearts will overflow with a "sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of the lips giving thanks to his name" (Hebrews 13:15).

The Lord’s Supper: A Weekly Memorial

In many religious groups, "Communion" is a monthly, quarterly, or even yearly event. However, when we look at the pattern of the early church, we find a different frequency. "Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them..." (Acts 20:7). Because every week has a "first day," we believe the New Testament example directs us to partake of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday.

The Lord's supper or communion (I Corinthians 10:16) consists of two things: (1) unleavened bread (without yeast) and (2) the fruit of the vine (grape juice). It is the highlight of our week—a time to quiet our minds, examine our hearts, and remember the staggering price paid for our sins. The purpose of the Lord's Supper is to bring to our remembrance the sacrifice of the body and blood of Jesus on the cross for our sins (Matthew 26:26-29).  We must be very careful when we partake of the communion that we discern the blood and body of Jesus so that we partake in a worthy manner (I Corinthians 11:23-30). Christians are to eat the Lord's Supper every first day of every week (Acts 20:7).

Prayer: Petitioning God & Praising His Name

Worship is a conversation. In prayer, we speak to God. In the preaching of the Word, God speaks to us. Our prayers are not recited from a book or repeated by rote tradition. They are the sincere outpourings of the congregation led by men of the church, addressed to the Father in the name of Jesus, our Mediator (I Timothy 2:5). Prayers offered to God are to be a part of our public worship as well as our private daily devotions. 

There are many examples and precepts concerning prayer in the New Testament (I Timothy 2:1-8, Philippians 4:6, etc.). In our prayers to God we give thanks and praise His name.  In our prayers we can pray for our needs and for the needs of others. Jesus gave us a "model" prayer in Matthew 6:5-15.  He did not intend for us simply to repeat this prayer by rote but gave it as an example by which we could pattern our own prayers.  Jesus Christ is our mediator and high priest.  Therefore, our prayers must be addressed to God in the name of Jesus (John 16:23, I Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 4:14-16, I John 2:1-2).

Preaching, Teaching & Reading Scripture: Letting God Speak

God has commanded us to teach His Word (Matthew 28:19-20).  Therefore, preaching is central to our assemblies. We don’t gather to hear motivational speeches or political commentary. We gather to hear "the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27). We are commanded to "preach the word" in season and out of season (II Timothy 4:2) because it is the Word that saves, convicts, and builds us up.

Both the saved and sinners need to be taught.  Therefore, a lesson from the Bible is one of the acts of worship in which Christians are to engage (Acts 2:42).  We must learn God's Word so that we can grow stronger in Christ, teach others, and overcome false teachings (I Peter 2:1-2, II Timothy 2:2, 4:1-5).  This is a very important part of our worship and must never be overlooked. This is why we seek out men to fill our pulpits that are effective communicators of the gospel. Not prophets, but preachers and evangelists.

Giving: A Cheerful Sacrifice

Finally, our worship service also includes the "collection for the saints." Just as the early church did, we give on the first day of the week (I Corinthians 16:1-2). We do not believe in high-pressure "tithing" demands or selling "blessings." Instead, we believe in the New Testament principle: "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" (II Corinthians 9:7). This money is used solely for the work of the Lord—spreading the Gospel, edifying the members, and helping those in need.

The weekly collection is the primary way Christ's church gets the necessary funds to do its work. God has given us the perfect plan for giving (I Corinthians 16:2).  We are told who is to give, "Let every one of you."  We are told when we are to give, "Upon the first day of the week."  We are also told how much to give, "As God has prospered us."  We show our love for God when we give cheerfully and willingly to Him (II Corinthians 9:7).

Conclusion

Restoring New Testament worship requires a shift in perspective. It’s not about "What do I enjoy?" but "What has God authorized?" When we strip away the inventions of men—the shows, the instruments, the rituals—we find a simple, powerful connection with God that transcends time. We invite you to experience the beauty of simplicity. Come and worship with us as we strive to be "Christians only," honoring God in the way He specifically requested.

You are loved.

Ray Reynolds

#ReynoldsRap #ReclaimingHope #PeachtreePress #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #lifecoaching #inspiration #encourage #positive #rayreynoldsrap #reclaiminghopeministry #Christianity #summerdale #churchofchrist #bible #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #gettingtoknowyourBible #gospel #judgment #authority