Learning More About Worship
Where did the idea of "separate and apart" with reference to "acts of worship" come from?
After 350 AD, churches began to separate acts of worship (Masses) into segments or "sacraments", the Lord's Supper being one of those segments. This practice did NOT originate with either Christ or the Apostles.
This Blog Post will attempt to answer the following questions:
(1) Has there ever been a Scriptural basis for lists of worship items that were "separate and apart"?
(2) Are there Biblical texts that designate separate acts of worship?
Only ONE verse speaks to "act of worship" and this verse is Romans 12:1
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your supreme spiritual act of worship.
NO OTHER verse separates worship into "acts". Why not? Keep reading.....
(3) Are acts of worship "separate and apart" from other acts of worship?
(4) Did human tradition create a check list for "acts of worship" because we felt a need to accomplish certain tasks in order to be pleasing to God?
(5) Did God ever separate worship into a list of "acts"?
If we are truly honest, *list checking* has never been what God intended from us in place of first fruits of praise and worship.
(6) Is the Lord Supper separate from prayer, singing, giving, serving, or admonishment?
If your answer is "yes", then we need to take a walk through Scripture. Because we are going to find that Christ instituted the Lord's Supper with prayer, singing, giving, and admonishment! Let's look at God's Word.
Historical Context
In Exodus 12:15-27, the Passover, which the Lord rededicated in His new Kingdom, was instituted with unleavened bread, bidder herbs, and Holy Assemblies which included tefilahs (prayers), singing, bowing low in worship, words of remembrance, and offerings (Exodus 23:15). In fact, a man was not to approach Passover "empty handed" or without an offering to God.
In Deuteronomy 16, God commands men to appear before the Lord 3 times a year: during the Feast of Passover, Feast of Weeks, and Feast of Booths. In all three of these feasts men were to "rejoice" and "every man was to give as he was able according to the blessing of the Lord..." (Deut 16:1617).
In Deuteronomy 12:1-12, during re-dedication and worship to God, the feasts were celebrated with burnt offerings, tithes, and contributions from their hands. They were to rejoice fully before the Lord. This is a holistic worship...whole-hearted, whole-body, whole-spirit, all in or nothing-at-all worship. God has never accepted less. He deserves nothing less than fully integrated, fully sacrificial, fully dedicated worship.
In Leviticus 23:5-15, families where to bring their first fruits, offerings, to the Lord during the Passover celebration.
Passover was a feast of integrated celebration which included all these expressions of honor: assembling, giving, rejoicing, singing, praying, and admonishment.
We see that Jesus maintained the integration of the Passover Feast with prayers, hymns, admonishment, service, and giving (Matthew 26:25-30). In John 13:26-29, giving was still a part of the Passover (instituted as the Lord's Supper). This is apparent as the disciples clearly "assumed" Judas was sent by Jesus to distribute their offerings to the poor. They did not suspect him of betrayal because he held their offerings.
The "last supper" gathering included Jesus serving his disciples in the washing of feet, praying, feasting, singing, and giving. None of these were cited as "separate acts" of worship. This phrase is clearly not a part of Scripture.
The New Testament never sectioned off "acts of worship". This practice began in the apostate church sometime after 350 A.D. Do we want to follow Christ or follow traditions of men?
Instead of trying to dissect the worship by extracting certain acts as "separate and apart", let us strive to unify the worship as a total experience of praise, honor, sharing, admonishing, communing, and service while remembering the sacrifice of Christ during the Lord's celebration feast. This integrated worship experience is a response to the Grace that has been shown us through His sacrifice. Let us not approach this feast "empty handed". Let us bring our hearts, minds, bodies, souls, spirits, emotions, talents, supplications, praise, and resources to the throne of God by giving Him honor in all these things.
To separate the Lord's Supper from other so called "acts of worship" (non-Biblical term) has no basis in Scripture. To separate is to lose the holistic nature of worship. Since it is not Biblical to separate worship into irrelevant and relevant parts, this practice has a tendency to convey erroneous messages to the worshiper.
For instance:
Are we "finished communing with The Lord" once the last cup is passed? Really? Finished? Is that why some folks feel like they MUST come for the Lord's Supper, but can forsake the rest?
Vain worship is exemplified by a set of rites, ritualistic acts, and/or ceremonies checked off as if the very act of accomplishing them is enough. True worship, in spirit and in truth, requires the totality of heart, mind, and soul dedicated to adoring God throughout the entirety of our assemblies and our daily living. Is God satisfied with anything less?
To better understand that the assembled worship experience is not a set of isolated "acts" but instead a forum to present ourselves wholly and completely to sacrifice and service, we should look more deeply into the Greek words for worship.
Since the English Bible has only 10,000 words and the original Greek text incorporates over 50,000 words, it improves our understanding when we search Scripture using the original text. Instead of seeing the Scriptures like a black & white TV-- in low resolution, we are able to see the Scriptures in High Definition with bold colors when we examine a few Greek words.
SIDE NOTE: The bitter herbs which was the "sop" Judas dipped his bread in with Christ (Matthew 26:23 ) represented the bitterness of bondage and betrayal. This was the last time bitter herbs were used. Christ did not give the bitter herbs a place in His new Kingdom. Once the betrayal was accomplished by Judas, the bitter herbs were no longer included or relevant. Christ went to the cross "joyfully" (Hebrews 12:2 ) so that His Supper became a Thanksgiving Feast (Eucharist - 1 Cor 10).
Let us look at "Worship" in the Original Greek so we can better understand the enormity, the all-inclusiveness of worship instead of the exclusiveness (separate and apart issue). To do this, we need to become familiar with the Greek words used for Worship in our New Testament.
NOTE: We will NOT look at words for worship which were used in the "negative" sense. Such as:
threskos thrace'-kos probably from the base of 2360; ceremonious in worship (as demonstrative), i.e. pious:--religious
This term was used to chastise hypocrites for their vain ceremonies and rituals (Acts 18:13) . God is not interested in ceremony and ritual. He has called us into relationship.
True Worship includes:
(1) communion with God. Communion does not end when the last cup is collected into the Lord's Supper trays. Communion means to "drawing near" to God. This is the "spirit" of worship.
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): proserchomai pros-er'-khom-ahee from 4314 and 2064 (including its alternate); to approach, i.e. (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to:--(as soon as he) come (unto), come thereunto, consent, draw near, go (near, to, unto). This is the heart of worship.
(2) a celebration, a feast, a joyful expression of our appreciation to God. "Eucharist" is the Greek word for "Thanksgiving Feast". This is the attitude of worship.
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): eucharistia yoo-khar-is-tee'-ah from 2170; gratitude; actively, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship):--thankfulness, (giving of) thanks(-giving).
(3) praise, honor, glory, and whole-hearted sincere dedication of your time, energy, resources, heart, mind, body, spirit, & soul, (self) to the Lord. This is the holistic nature of worship.
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): doxa dox'-ah from the base of 1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship. This is the response in worship.
(4) applaud, adore, praise, bowing down, prostrating, humbling self
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): proskuneo pros-koo-neh'-o from 4314 and a probable derivative of 2965 (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand); to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore):--worship. This is the position of worship
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): therapeuo ther-ap-yoo'-o from the same as 2324; to wait upon menially, i.e. (figuratively) to adore (God),
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): sebasma seb'-as-mah from 4573; something adored, i.e. an object of worship (god, altar, etc):--devotion, that is worshipped. This is why we worship.
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): psallo psal'-lo probably strengthened from psao (to rub or touch the surface; compare 5597); to twitch or twang, i.e. to play on a stringed instrument (celebrate the divine worship with music and accompanying odes):--make melody, sing (psalms). This is expression in worship.
(5) Voluntary and unrestrained
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): ethelothreskeia eth-el-oth-race-ki'-ah from 2309 and 2356; voluntary; will worship. This is the motive in worship.
(7) seeking God because of a desire and craving
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): ekzeteo ek-zay-teh'-o from 1537 and 2212; to search out, i.e. (figuratively)investigate, crave, demand, (by Hebraism) worship:--en- (re-)quire, seek after (carefully, diligently). This is the emotion of worship.
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): zeteo dzay-teh'-o of uncertain affinity; to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God),
(8) testimony and witnessing about what God has done for you and calling upon Him in prayer
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): epikaleomai ep-ee-kal-eh'-om-ahee middle voice from 1909 and 2564; to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.):--appeal (unto), call (on, upon) This is exemplified in worship.
(9) an assembly.
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): episunagoge ep-ee-soon-ag-o-gay' from 1996; a complete collection; especially a Christian meeting (for worship):--assembling (gathering) together. This is the community in worship.
(10) showing respect, honor
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): eusebeo yoo-seb-eh'-o from 2152; to be pious, i.e. (towards God) to worship, or (towards parents) to respect (support):--show piety, worship This is the result of worship.
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): latreia lat-ri'-ah from 3000; ministration of God, i.e. worship:--(divine) service
(11) showing charity through service
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): leitourgeo li-toorg-eh'-o from 3011; to be a public servant, i.e. (by analogy) to perform religious or charitable functions (worship, obey, relieve):--minister. This is the result of worship.
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): latreuo lat-ryoo'-o from latris (a hired menial); to minister (to God), i.e. render religious homage:--serve, do the service, worship(-per).
(12) communicating, praying, supplication
In GREEK (Strong's Lexicon): proseuchomai pros-yoo'-khom-ahee from 4314 and 2172; to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship:--pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer. This is the privilege in worship.
When we take all these definitions together we see that communion and assembly worship entail praise, prayer, giving, service, charity, and much more.
ARE THERE Really ONLY 5 ACTS OF WORSHIP?
5-FINGER SERMONS:
How & why did 5-Finger Sermons originate?
Back in the day when folks did not own their own Bible, were not Bible literate, in fact, not literate at all, circuit-riding preachers came around occasionally to deliver the Word of God. To help these folks remember God's word, they created the 5-finger sermon; easy to remember and easy to follow.
The 5-finger sermons were NOT the whole truth. We don't just have to "hear, believe, repent, give a singular confession, and be baptized". We don't just have to "sing, pray, give, partake of the Lord's Supper, and hear a sermon". We can do all these things and NOT be pleasing to God. These sermons were merely "aids" to the truth.
It is true that if we were the circuit-riding preachers we might have come up with the same sermon ideas when considering our audience. However, these messages should not become catechisms. The 5-finger sermons were not preached by the Apostles and they should not be held onto as "all truth". As literate Christians, we should long for more substantial studies in God's Word.
21st CENTURY: "To whom much is given, much will be required."
In a day and time when just about everyone is literate; when multiple Bibles are in our homes; when online lexicons, concordances, Bible references and Bible study materials are available to us at the click of mouse; when our world has become so complicated and stressful; and our spiritual lives are under constant and increasing attack, it is not possible to think that the 5-finger sermons will satisfy the spiritual cravings of this generation.
It is time for the church to chew on the "meat" of the Word and grow in knowledge and understanding beyond sermons designed to assist those who were much less informed. It is time for the church to GROW in wisdom and relationship to our Lord Jesus Christ. It is time for the church to be much better equipped for the times in which we now live.
When we come together in assembly here are just a few of the One Another "acts" we are charged to do: (Note that these are not "One-to-all-others" acts.)
• Romans 15:14 And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.
• Romans 16:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
• 1 Corinthians 14:25 as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”
• Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
• Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you
• Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
• Ephesians 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
• Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
• Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:9 Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;
• 1 Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
• 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater;
• Hebrews 10:24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
• James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
• 1 Peter 1:22 Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,
• 1 Peter 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
• 1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
• 1 John 1:7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
• 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
• Romans 15:30 Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,
James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises.
These "one another" Scriptures refer to each Christian one to another. They do not refer to what is done by a single member, but all members. Do WE give opportunity each time we come together for each Christian to follow these commands?
On a Side Note: The early church fathers wrote that the assembly of the saints was for the primary purpose of remembering the Lord through His Feast. All "acts of worship" were expressions of thanksgiving during this Feast. That WAS the purpose of the service according to the Didache (writings of early fathers). We have slowly moved away from that priority. The modern-day priority has become more about a focus on who and what the preacher is all about. This was never intended by Christ.
We find the Apostle Paul staying 7 days with church folk in places such as Troas, Tyre, and Puteoli in order to worship with them by the breaking bread.
If, indeed, the Lord's Supper is the main reason we assemble for worship, is there any reason to separate it or to "end it" as in the statement, "we have now completed the Lord's Supper"? Our worship and communion with God should be integrated into the entire worship assembly of praise and remembrance as exemplified in the New Testament.
Let us grow up and mature in our understanding of God's integrated worship assembly and help us all to grow up in integrating worship into our daily lives.
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