What Should Expect When you Visit The Church?
Biblical Worship
What is Biblical Worship?
Biblical worship is simple. When God calls a people unto Himself for worship,
He does not require us to make things up as we go. The Lord has used faithful
men of God to write to us Spirit-inspired books and New Testament letters so
that we will learn not to go beyond that which is written (1 Corinthians 4:6).
Biblical Worship is Adoration to God that Finds Approval from the Bible
The first thing you should look for in Biblical worship is Biblical teaching that
leads to sound doctrine. Is the truth of God's Word being taught in a way that draws the disciple closer to God? This is essential, but sound doctrine must not
be cold dogma; Biblical worship is Christ-centered, grace oriented, and it edifies, educates, corrects, convinces, and instruct in the ways of righteousness. Sound teaching and preaching of the Word will involve the thorough investigation of a passage of Scripture that the pastor carefully explains in such a way that it is a usable blessing for the congregation.
Biblical worship is simple. When God calls a people unto Himself for worship,
He does not require us to make things up as we go. The Lord has used faithful
men of God to write to us Spirit-inspired books and New Testament letters so
that we will learn not to go beyond that which is written (1 Corinthians 4:6).
Biblical Worship is Adoration to God that Finds Approval from the Bible
The first thing you should look for in Biblical worship is Biblical teaching that
leads to sound doctrine. Is the truth of God's Word being taught in a way that draws the disciple closer to God? This is essential, but sound doctrine must not
be cold dogma; Biblical worship is Christ-centered, grace oriented, and it edifies, educates, corrects, convinces, and instruct in the ways of righteousness. Sound teaching and preaching of the Word will involve the thorough investigation of a passage of Scripture that the pastor carefully explains in such a way that it is a usable blessing for the congregation.
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Biblical Worship is Psalm Singing
In Acts chapter 16, we read that Paul and Silas were in imprisoned for disturbing the city by advocate customs that were unlawful for Romans to accept
or practice. While shackled and in chains, about midnight, the Bible says that Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns (Gk. hymnéō) to God.
These hymns were likely the paschal hymns--Psalms 113 - 118 and 136, which the Jews called the "great Hallel." For this reason, the 1599 Geneva Bible,
in acts 16:25, translates hymnéō as "psalms." Psalm singing was not only the practice of Paul while in chains, but it is the Apostolic instruction to the churches.
To the church in Ephesus, Paul wrote: "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;" (Ephesians 5:18-20). To the church is Colossea, Paul wrote: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16)
Finally, the Apostle James instructs his readers (which includes you and me) that if we are afflicted we should pray and if we are merry, we should
sing psalms. (James 5:13)
The 150 Psalms is God's songbook for His people. If the church you are thinking of joining does not sing Psalms, ask yourself, "Why not," and then
ask the elders, "Why do you not sing Psalms?" Their answers may surprise you.
Of course you can also expect to sing the great traditional Christian hymns of the faith, like Rock of Ages, Holy, Holy, Holy, Blessed Assurance,. . .
In Acts chapter 16, we read that Paul and Silas were in imprisoned for disturbing the city by advocate customs that were unlawful for Romans to accept
or practice. While shackled and in chains, about midnight, the Bible says that Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns (Gk. hymnéō) to God.
These hymns were likely the paschal hymns--Psalms 113 - 118 and 136, which the Jews called the "great Hallel." For this reason, the 1599 Geneva Bible,
in acts 16:25, translates hymnéō as "psalms." Psalm singing was not only the practice of Paul while in chains, but it is the Apostolic instruction to the churches.
To the church in Ephesus, Paul wrote: "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;" (Ephesians 5:18-20). To the church is Colossea, Paul wrote: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16)
Finally, the Apostle James instructs his readers (which includes you and me) that if we are afflicted we should pray and if we are merry, we should
sing psalms. (James 5:13)
The 150 Psalms is God's songbook for His people. If the church you are thinking of joining does not sing Psalms, ask yourself, "Why not," and then
ask the elders, "Why do you not sing Psalms?" Their answers may surprise you.
Of course you can also expect to sing the great traditional Christian hymns of the faith, like Rock of Ages, Holy, Holy, Holy, Blessed Assurance,. . .
Biblical Worship Includes Administering the Ordinances: Baptism and the Lord's Supper
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances appointed by the Lord Jesus and are to be continued in his church to the end of the age. While baptisms are occasionally performed on Sunday mornings during worship, the supper of the Lord Jesus, a perpetual remembrance and portrait of the sacrifice of himself in his death, is usually practiced at least once a month. The supper is to be a bond and pledge of their communion with Christ and each other. (see the 1689 LBCF)
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances appointed by the Lord Jesus and are to be continued in his church to the end of the age. While baptisms are occasionally performed on Sunday mornings during worship, the supper of the Lord Jesus, a perpetual remembrance and portrait of the sacrifice of himself in his death, is usually practiced at least once a month. The supper is to be a bond and pledge of their communion with Christ and each other. (see the 1689 LBCF)
The Bible speaks of fellowship among God's people and the recurring word we find in the Biblical text is the Greek word "κοινωνία" (koinonia). Koinonia, often translated "fellowship" in many versions of the New Testament, speaks of close relations between church friends, where sincere, gracious dialogue and mutual concern is active and felt. Christian fellowship is rooted in our union with Christ (1 John 1:6-7). At First Baptist Church of Port Jervis, we are our brother's keepers and we strive to live as Paul instructed the church of Rome in Romans chapter 12 and Philippians 2:1-2 which says, Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any κοινωνία (fellowship) of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (NKJV)
Proverbs 11:30 says, "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." The Lord instructed His disciples go and make disciples of all the nations, and to baptize new believers in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Once Christ wins a soul with the Gospel, our Lord instructs us to teach these new disciples to obey all the commands He have given to us. Here at First Baptist Church of Port Jervis, we seek opportunities to share Christ with a dying world and help them grow to maturity in the faith.