All Christians have, more or less, looked into the Word of God (the Bible) to find the way of salvation, but it seems that very few, after being saved, have searched the Word to find out how the Lord would have them to assemble together for worship and ministry. Though all believe that there is only one way to be saved, many consider that each is left to himself to choose how he should worship. Today, in Christianity, it seems that Christians are doing what the children of Israel did in the days of the judges, “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judg. 17:6; 21:256In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 17:6)
25In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25); Deut. 12:88Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes. (Deuteronomy 12:8); Prov. 21:22Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts. (Proverbs 21:2)). As a result, there is a wide variety of opinion as to Christian worship, and much of it is conflicting. Most Christians have gone on for years worshipping, each in his own way or style, peculiar to his personal preference and denominational affiliation. Literally, for generations Christians have accepted what tradition has given the Church without question. In fact, most think that it is God’s ideal.
The Bible—the Ultimate Authority
The question that we need to ask is, "Does God care which way His people worship Him, or how they meet together for ministry? Does He have an opinion on this subject?" The answer we believe is, "Yes." Since there is only one place to which we can turn for authoritative answers on this and other subjects—the Word of God (the Bible)—it’s time that we got back to the basics in Christianity and had a fresh look at the Scriptures to see what God has to say about the subject of Church order. Since it is “the church of God” (Acts 20:2828Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:28)), surely He must have something to say about how Christians ought to worship. We believe that the pattern for Christian worship and ministry, and Church government is in the Bible, but it seems that most Christians have missed it.
A Challenge Concerning the Scripturalness of Denominational Christianity
Since we are to be “ready always to give an answer to every man that asks” us about our beliefs on a variety of Biblical subjects (1 Peter 3:1515But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15)), we ought to be able to give an answer from the Word of God as to why we worship the way we do. Can we then, give our authority from the Scriptures for the way in which we meet together as Christians for worship and ministry? Or are we merely following the traditions of men?
To stimulate our thoughts along these lines we ask the following questions as a challenge to all believers for their Biblical authority as to why they worship in the way they do. The following questions are not meant to criticize the present order of worship and ministry in the Church today, but to stir up our thoughts as to what God’s order really is.
1) What authority is there from God’s Word for setting up so-called denominational or non-denominational "divisions" within the Christian testimony, when the Lord and the apostles taught that Christians should walk in oneness and unity in all things? (John 10:16; 11:51-52; 17:11, 2116And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (John 10:16)
51And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. (John 11:51‑52)
11And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. (John 17:11)
21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 17:21); Eph. 4:2-42With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (Ephesians 4:2‑4); Phil. 2:22Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Philippians 2:2)) In fact, Scripture decries the making of sects and divisions among believers! (Rom. 16:1717Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Romans 16:17); 1 Cor. 1:10; 3:3; 11:18-1910Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10)
3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (1 Corinthians 3:3)
18For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. 19For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. (1 Corinthians 11:18‑19))
2) What authority do Christians have from God for calling their so-called “church” groups names, such as: Presbyterian, Baptist, Pentecostal, Alliance, Christian Reformed, Anglican, etc., when we have no direction in the Bible to meet together in any other name than the name of the Lord Jesus Christ? (Matt. 18:2020For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20); 1 Cor. 5:44In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, (1 Corinthians 5:4))
3) What authority do Christians have for naming their so-called church groups after prominent gifted servants of the Lord, such as: Lutheran (Martin Luther), Mennonite (Menno Simons), Wesleyan-Methodist (John Wesley), etc., when Scripture decries the forming of a fellowship of Christians around a leader in the Church? (1 Cor. 1:12-13; 3:3-912Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:12‑13)
3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. (1 Corinthians 3:3‑9))
4) What authority from God do men have for establishing these churches on the lines of national distinctions, such as, “The Church of England,” “The Chinese Mennonite Brethren,” “Greek Orthodox Church,” “Filipino Baptist,” “German Church of God,” etc., when Scripture tells us that there are no national or social distinctions in the Church of God? (Col. 3:1111Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. (Colossians 3:11))
5) What authority do Christians have for fashioning their places of worship after the pattern of the tabernacle and temple of the Judaic order in the Old Testament? Many of these church buildings have ornate furnishings of gold and other fine materials. Many have a "altar," though it doesn't resemble the Old Testament altar. Others have special parts of the building roped off as being more sacred than other parts. What authority do Christians have for borrowing things like this from Judaism, when the Bible indicates that Christianity is not an extension of Judaic order, but rather an entirely new character of approach to God? (Heb. 10:19-20; 13:1319Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (Hebrews 10:19‑20)
13Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. (Hebrews 13:13); John 4:23-2423But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23‑24))
6) Is there any foundation from the Word of God for having steeples and crosses, etc., erected on these so-called "church buildings"?
7) Is there any foundation from the Word of God for calling these buildings “a church?” The Biblical definition for the "Church" is a company of believers who have been called out of both the Jews and the Gentiles by the gospel, and are united into one body by the indwelling Spirit of God, to Christ their Head in heaven. Hence, the Church is a company of redeemed people—not a literal building made with men's hands (Acts 11:22; 15:14; 20:2822Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. (Acts 11:22)
14Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. (Acts 15:14)
28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:28); Rom. 16:55Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. (Romans 16:5); 1 Cor. 1:22Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2); Eph. 5:2525Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (Ephesians 5:25)).
8) What authority from Scripture is there for setting up a man in the Church (a Minister or a Pastor, so-called) to “conduct” the worship? Scripture teaches that the Spirit of God has been sent into the world for the purpose of guiding Christian worship (Phil. 3:33For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:3); John 4:24; 16:13-1524God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)
13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 15All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you. (John 16:13‑15)). The Bible indicates that the Lord, by the Holy Spirit, is to preside in the assembly of the saints and direct the proceedings as He chooses (1 Cor. 12:1111But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (1 Corinthians 12:11)).
9) What Scriptural authority is there for having pre-arranged worship services in these churches? Often a program will be handed out describing the order in which the worship will be carried out on that particular day.
10) What authority is there from Scripture for calling the services that go on in these churches “worship,” when they usually consist of listening to music and having a man give a sermon?
13) What authority is there for rehearsing the Psalms in those so-called “Christian” worship services, when the Psalms do not express the sentiments of believers who know Christ's finished work on the cross? The Psalms do not express the worship of those on Christian ground, who know the privilege of access into the presence of God as purged worshippers (Heb. 9:14; 10:19-2214How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14)
19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21And having an high priest over the house of God; 22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19‑22))
14) Why do most churches have the Lord’s supper once a month or every three months, when the habit of the Church in Scripture, once it was established under Paul's ministry, was to break bread each Lord’s day? (Acts 20:77And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. (Acts 20:7))
15) What authority is there from New Testament Scripture for having a choir of trained singers to aid the worship?
16) What authority from Scripture is there for the use of robes and special garments in the services of Christian worship? The choirs inn these churches are usually dressed in robes, and the Ministers are often similarly attired—depending on which denomination they may be affiliated with.
17) What authority do these churches have for allowing women to publicly preach and teach when the Bible says that the role of the sister is in not taking a public place in the Church, either in administration, teaching, or preaching? Scripture says that they should be silent in the assembly (1 Cor. 14:34-3834Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 37If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. (1 Corinthians 14:34‑38); 1 Tim. 2:11-1211Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:11‑12)).
18) What authority is there for women praying and prophesying (ministering the Word in preaching and teaching) in these churches with their heads uncovered, when the Word of God says that the women should be? (1 Cor. 11:1-161Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 3But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 4Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoreth his head. 5But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoreth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 6For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. 7For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. 8For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 9Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. 10For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. 11Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. 12For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. 13Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? 14Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. 16But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. (1 Corinthians 11:1‑16))
19) What Scriptural authority is there for allowing only certain individuals (the Pastor or Minister) to do the official ministering from the Word of God? Why is there not liberty in these churches for all who are able to minister to do so, as led by the Spirit? The Bible teaches that when Christians come together in assembly that all (brothers) are to have liberty to minister as the Lord would lead them by the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:6, 11; 14:24, 26, 316And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. (1 Corinthians 12:6)
11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (1 Corinthians 12:11)
24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: (1 Corinthians 14:24)
26How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. (1 Corinthians 14:26)
31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. (1 Corinthians 14:31)).
21) What Scriptural authority is there for the idea that there are men on earth today who have power to ordain others? Where did those men get this power?
22) Is there any authority from Scripture for making a man a Pastor of a local church? Scripture never speaks of the gift of a pastor as a local office, but rather, is a gift to the Church universally? (Eph. 4:1111And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11)) Moreover, what authority is there for naming these men who preach and teach “Pastors” (i.e. “Pastor Jones”), when in Scripture the gift of pastoring (shepherding) was never given as a title to someone?
24) Is it a Scriptural practice for the Church to be choosing its “Pastor” or “Minister?” The usual procedure is that the would-be “Pastor” will be invited to a certain church group where he will be given an opportunity to prove himself by giving some sermons. If his preaching is acceptable, then the church (usually through a board of deacons) will elect him to be their “Pastor.” Is this procedure according to the Word of God?
25) What Scriptural authority is there for church denominations choosing their elders? There is not one assembly of Christians in the Bible that chose its elders.
26) What authority from Scripture do churches have for making holy days and observing Christian festivals, such as, Good Friday, Easter, All Saints Day, Lent, Christmas, etc.? Scripture says that Christianity is not to do with special days and seasons (Gal. 4:1010Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. (Galatians 4:10); Col. 2:1616Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: (Colossians 2:16)).
27) What Scriptural authority do those ministering in the pulpits of these churches have for teaching erroneous doctrines such as, Covenant Theology, A-millennialism, Conditional Security, Purgatory, Absolution, Law-keeping, etc.?
28) Is there any authority from Scripture for “testimonial” meetings, where a man will get up and tell the audience how he got saved, often dwelling on his past life of sins?
29) What authority from the New Testament is there for taking tithes (giving 10% of our income) from the audience, when tithing is clearly a Mosaic law for Israel? (Lev. 27:32, 3432And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord. (Leviticus 27:32)
34These are the commandments, which the Lord commanded Moses for the children of Israel in mount Sinai. (Leviticus 27:34); Num. 18:21-2421And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. 22Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die. 23But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance. 24But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the Lord, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. (Numbers 18:21‑24))
30) What Scriptural authority is there for the fund-raising efforts and the asking for donations from mixed audiences of saved and lost persons in these churches? The Bible indicates that the servants of the Lord took “nothing” from the unsaved people of this world among whom they preached the gospel (3 John 77Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. (3 John 7)).
32) Is there any foundation from the Word of God for these churches sending Ministers and Pastors to a particular place to carry on a service for the Lord? We have often heard comments like, “Pastor so and so was sent out by such and such organization.” Scripture shows that Christ, the Head of the Church and Lord of the harvest, sends His servants under the direction of the Spirit into the work He has for them, and that the Church is to merely recognize it by giving the servant the right hand of fellowship (Matt. 9:3838Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:38); Acts 13:1-41Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:1‑4) – J. N. Darby Trans., Gal. 2:7-97But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. (Galatians 2:7‑9)).
33) Where in Scripture do we get the concept of the Church being a teaching organization? We often hear people say, “Our church teaches that...” In the Bible, we do not read of the Church being in a position of authority whereby it formulates doctrines as a legislative body, but simply being a company of believers taught by teachers raised up by the Lord (Acts 11:2626And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26); Rom. 12:77Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; (Romans 12:7); Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 227He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7)
11He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (Revelation 2:11)
17He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. (Revelation 2:17)
29He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 2:29)
6He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:6)
13He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:13)
22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:22); 1 Thess. 5:2727I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. (1 Thessalonians 5:27)).
34) Is there any authority from New Testament Scripture for the Church "christening" babies, and having "dedication" services of Christian children?
"We Can Do Anything in Worship If Scripture Is Silent on It!"
Some Christians respond to these questions by reasoning that if the Word of God does not specifically address or prohibit something, then it is a non-issue with God. They believe that the Bible does not directly address the subject of how Christians should meet together for worship and ministry, and therefore, it is something that should be left to personal taste and discretion. Consequently, they see nothing wrong with implementing things into Christianity that are not in the Bible.
This view conveniently excuses the present order of things in the Church today. However, this assumption is quite incorrect because the Bible does address the subject of how Christians are to meet together for worship and ministry. God’s ideal is clearly found in the Scriptures. To think that the worship of God in Christianity is simply a matter of personal preference is ignorance. W. Kelly said, “She of Samaria [John 4] thought, like many an one since, that the worship of God was only a question of human opinion. Strange that even God’s children should doubt that God’s worship must be of God’s will! That He Himself should be denied a voice—the voice—in His own worship is indeed the climax of man’s incredulity. But so it has been, and so it is, that men see not the presumptuous self-will that does not allow God to decide what is His will for the worship of His children.”
Mr. Kelly also said, “Man’s will is bad enough anywhere, but it is specially so where it intrudes into God’s worship. Be assured that those who complain of lack of light on such a subject in Scripture have a far more serious question to settle. For this is as much a matter of revelation, and so of faith on our part, as the salvation of a man’s soul; the same faith which can trust God in one thing can trust Him in everything; while on the other hand, the incredulity which doubts God on one point is ready to doubt in all. I deny, as a matter of fixed principle, that the Word of God is obscure [on the subject of worship]: the allowance of such a thought arises from nothing but secret infidelity, and infidelity from an unjudged will.”
Furthermore, it is not a rationally sound principle to reason from what is not in the Bible to learn God’s mind on a subject (2 Tim. 1:77For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)). In essence, what is being said is, “We can do whatever we want in worship and ministry as long as it’s not prohibited in the Bible!” This is not rational. It reminds us of what one well-meaning, but confused, brother once said: “There is more between the lines of Scripture than on the lines!” Surely this cannot be the right way to seek God’s will on this subject. If we applied that principle to other subjects that pertain to Christian doctrine and practice, there could be no end to what we could make them out to mean. The truth would be lost in no time. In fact, to a large extent, this is what has happened in regard to this very subject of how Christians should meet together for worship and ministry. The reason God gave us His Word is so that we might know His will (1 Cor. 2:12-1312Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (1 Corinthians 2:12‑13)). The honourable thing for us is to “search out” the truth in His Word and seek by His grace to practice it (Prov. 25:22It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter. (Proverbs 25:2); Acts 17:11-1211These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12Therefore many of them believed; also of honorable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. (Acts 17:11‑12)). The habit of the Apostle Paul was to “reason out of the Scriptures” (Acts 17:22And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, (Acts 17:2)); he didn’t reason into the Scriptures. This shows that we really do not have any right to take our thoughts to the Word of God and try to make it say something that we want it to say.
Perhaps the pattern for Christian worship and ministry is so simple that people have overlooked it and imagine that it is not addressed. Allowing for human ideas and preferences to have a place in the worship of God has resulted in the traditional order of Church government that exists in denominational Christianity. It not only has no foundation in the Word of God, but it plainly contradicts the statements in His Word. Mr. T. B. Baines said, “Either God has laid down an order for the assembly, or He has left it to man’s will to do so. If He has laid down an order, it is clearly obligatory upon all, and every departure from that order is an act of disobedience.” If we were honestly seeking God’s will, the only logical way to get help on this subject would be to go back to the Word of God and start from "scratch," so to speak, saying, “We will do nothing, but what is mentioned in the Bible in our worship and ministry?” This is what we will attempt to do as we pursue this subject in this book.
The Need for Unlearning Certain Things
Before we attempt to present God’s order from God's Word for Christians meeting together for worship and ministry, there are unfortunately, many false ideas that need to be cleared away first. Just as a builder digs deep to remove a lot of rubbish and untrustworthy material before he lays a single stone (Luke 6:4848He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. (Luke 6:48)), we feel it is necessary to clear away certain mistaken ideas that have come to be accepted in the Christian world that simply have no Scriptural support.
Over time many things in the Christian testimony have been taken by the masses as being God’s way. It seems that very few have even thought to check whether those things are in accord with the Word of God—the Christian’s charter and guide. People have simply accepted it all at face value. One of the problems with this is that when we have lived so long with these things they tend to be ensconced in our minds as being truth, when really they are just tradition. Such pre-conceived ideas cloud our thoughts and hinder us from seeing the truth. Therefore, for many of us, learning the truth of God’s order for Christians meeting together for worship and ministry, will mean that we may have to unlearn some things that we have (wrongly) imbibed over the years. And that is not always easy.