When we meet as a church, we share in many things together. These next two studies explain the biblical reasons of why we do what we do. 

SINGING

Ephesians 5:18-20

-Singing fills us with the Holy Spirit

-We actually speak to one another as we sing

-Our attitude should be joyful and thankful

Colossians 3:16-17

-Singing is a way of letting the word of Christ dwell among us

-Most songs have Scriptural grounds so we are actually singing the Bible!

I Corinthians 14:15

-We are to sing with our spirit, which means we are excited, joyful and fired up!

-We are also to sing with our minds, thinking about the words and allowing them to move our hearts

SCRIPTURE STUDY/SERMONS

Ezra 7:10, Nehemiah 8:1-6

-It was an intricate part of God’s people

Malachi 3:16-18

-God is honored as we are moved to decisions through preaching

-It is a great time to make solid decisions to change

-Note Taking – The opportunity to carefully examine the sermons afterwards like the Bereans (Acts 17:11-12)

COMMUNION

Acts 20:7

-It appears from the evidence of the New Testament and that of early church history that the disciples broke bread together at least once a week.

Luke 22:14-20

-The Passover was a CELEBRATION of how God rescued his people. Communion serves the same purpose for us today.

-It is an opportunity to reflect on God’s love and mercy and how he has rescued us.

-The bread – representative of Christ’s body, broken for his people

-The wine/juice – representative of Christ’s blood, poured out for his people

-By taking communion we (1) acknowledge/remember Christ’s sacrifice for us and (2) reconfirm the covenant relationship that he established with us. (3) we celebrate/give thanks for being rescued by God.

1 Corinthians 11: 23-30

-Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. His instructions were clear: “do this in remembrance of me.” Christ’s sacrifice and covenant are holy and precious. The Bible teaches us that taking communion calls for self-reflection and unity among the believers. 

Before taking communion, reflect on the following:

-Is there lingering sin I ought to confess?

-Is there a relationship in the church that needs to be mended?

FELLOWSHIP

Malachi 3:16-18

-Fellowship should be filled with discussion about responses to the time of worship

-This provides prayer (James 5:16-17), accountability and encouragement

John 15:9-12

-God has made a direct spiritual connection between our love for one another and our connection to Him!

-Fellowship is a great time to bond and open our hearts to each other (II Corinthians 6:11-13)

-Fellowship is also a great time to plan time together outside of church (Acts 2:46,  Romans 12:13, 2 John 1:12)

Spiritual Exercise: During the next Sunday worship service, think about the words to the songs as you sing. Also share a decision that you have made from the sermon with another disciple.