TITLE: Introducing the Worship

TEXT: John 4:20-24

PROPOSITION: When we fully understand what worship is, it will become more meaningful in our lives.

QUESTION: What?

KEY WORD: Avenues

INTRODUCTION:

1. Today's worship will be a little different in its structure.

2. I will be introducing the avenues of worship.

1. Read and study the Bible

   1. Revelation 1:3 "Blessed are they who read..."

   2. 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God..."

   3. Acts 17:11 Bereans were "more noble...searched the Scriptures"

   4. Scripture reading from John 4:20-24

   5. As we read and study the Bible we must be impressed with three things:

      1. The Bible is the Word of God.

      2. God is speaking to us, individually.

      3. We will be judged by these words. John 12:48

2. Communion

   1. Called - Lord's Supper, Communion, break bread

   2. Time for meditation and contemplation

   3. Not closed or limited by us. Limitations are:

      1. Believers

      2. In the kingdom of Christ

      3. Self-examination

   4. 'Tis Set the Feast Divine (Followed by Communion)

3. Giving – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7

   1. First day of the week

   2. Not fund-raisers, pie suppers, etc.

   3. Not forced, taxed or assigned

   4. Freely, willingly, not of necessity

   5. Think about how you have been blessed – GIVE

4. Prayer

   1. Prayer can be personal and private.

   2. Prayer should also be in the assembled church.

   3. Watch and Pray
      [Stand for song and prayer to follow.]

   4. Following this song _____________ will direct us in prayer.

5. Singing

   1. We sing because God commands us to sing.

      1. Ephesians 5:19 "Speaking to yourselves..."

      2. Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell..."

      3. James 5:13 "Is any merry? Let him sing..."

   2. We do not use instruments because our goal is to:

      1. Do WHAT God said,

      2. The WAY God said,

      3. BECAUSE God said it.

      4. We desire to obey God the best we can.

   3. We do not have a choral group because:

      1. Worship is not for our entertainment.

      2. It is our expression of praise to God.

   4. We are told to sing three types of songs.

      1. Psalms - Scripture set to music.
         Psalm 148 – Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah

      2. Hymn - high praise addressed toward God
         We Praise Thee, O God

      3. Spiritual Song - encouragement to each other
         We're Marching to Zion

6. Invitation

   1. As our worship period closes, I hope that you have had time to consider your spiritual state.

   2. A song of invitation is used as a convenient time to express your desires.

      1. Baptism into Christ for the remission of sins

      2. Restoration to fellowship and active service

      3. Prayer requests, needs, forgiveness

      4. I Am Resolved Stand and sing

7. Announcements because we are a family and we care.

   1. Announcements

   2. Closing Blest Be the Tie that Binds

   3. Dismissed in prayer by _____________