ORDER OF SERVICE
REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE OF WORSHIP
CORPORATE WORSHIP
God tells His people how He desires us to worship Him. Even though He doesn't tell us what style of song or form of dress, He does give us clear examples of the elements of Spirit-filled worship. We see these elements broken down into five commands that are to be carried out each week.
PREACH THE WORD
In 1 Timothy 4:13, Paul told Timothy to exhort and teach His people. The only way to accomplish that is to teach His word, not the wisdom of man, stories, opinion, politics, ten steps to a better marriage, or any other earthly lessons. Only expositional proclamation of His word alone will suffice.
READ THE WORD
In 1 Timothy 4:13, Paul tells Timothy that as an overseer he is to devote himself to the public reading of scripture.
We believe as Hebrews 4:12 says that God's word is living and active, and discerns the heart. It is the source of all that we need for life and godliness.
SING THE WORD
Colossians 3:16-17 and Ephesians 5:19-20 tell us to admonish and address each other through song. We desire to make a joyful noise to the Lord as a means of worship, encouragement, affirmation, and catechization through Biblically sound songs, from biblically sound sources.
PRAY THE WORD
We see this example from the apostles in Acts 2:42 in how they devoted themselves to prayer and intercession.
We also see Paul urging Timothy to be praying for all people within the context of corporate gathering.
We pray God's word because we desire to pray God's will.
SEE THE WORD
We see the word through the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is usually scheduled for Sunday gathering and the Lord's Supper is administered every week as the early church practiced.