Ironworks

            Giving is the fifth of the five acts of worship covered over the last four weeks. This is often a topic that is avoided or looked upon with great skepticism. The main reason is that often we do not want to hear about it because we forget the importance of it. Like all of the acts of worship, we do it because we are commanded to do so. Paul wrote, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.” 1 Cor. 16:1-2 From this passage, we see that the collection was to be taken regularly on the first day of every week.   It was to be something which each saint had planned for; that which is put aside and saved. We are to give proportionately; that is as each may prosper. Our giving should keep up with our income and moreover our he...

            I am so grateful for the opportunity to preach every Sunday. This is something into which I put much energy, time, and prayer. Yet preaching is not about me. It has never been about me, and it will never be about me. Paul said, “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor 1:23-24).   Preaching is the fourth of five elements that we partake on the first day of the week. Yes, we partake together.             I am reminded of Paul’s word in Romans 10:14-17 , “ How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How be...

Worship is a great privilege that God has given His church. Over the last two weeks, we have examined 2 of the 5 elements of our worship in singing and prayer. Today our subject is the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial. “ For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 1 Cor 11:23-24 It is also a proclamation. When we gather together, we proclaim the death of the Lord. This proclamation unifies us all in Christ . “ For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” 1 Cor. 11:26 The Lord’s Supper is communion or fellowship with Christ. “ The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ...

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Ephesians 5:19 How prepared are you to sing praises to God? We are very blessed each Lord’s Day to gather together to worship God and one of those acts of worship is singing. Sadly, some do not truly take advantage of this. Is it that we forgot our purpose? What are the hindrances that keep us from practicing this act of worship? In the above passage, we are told in what manner we are to practice this act of worship.   Paul also 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 Do you get the impression that singing is important? It is even described as that which teaches and admonishes our brothers and sisters in Christ. Thus, our songs must be scriptural to effectively fulfill those requirements. T...

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 1 Timothy 2:8 From the very beginning of the church, prayer is something that was ever present (Acts 1:23-26; 2:42; 4:23-32). This is one of the five elements of worship in which we participate every first day of the week.  Paul wrote to Timothy on how to conduct himself in the church (cf. 1 Tim 3:15).  This included instruction on prayer within the assembly. From the Word, we find that men are to lead in prayer within our assemblies. This is not to devalue women but simply that God has given us the pattern that men preside over the assembly (cf. 2 Tim 2:9-15). The required men are those who can lift up holy hands without wrath and dissension. This is not a posture. The type of man God desires to lead the congregation in prayer is one living a holy and righteous life. A man whose attendance, habits, divisiveness, and wrath are questionable should not be one who is in this...