WORSHIP

by Kevin Rutherford

It is very important for us to worship God in such a way that pleases Him, and without regard to the personal preferences of men (John 4:23, 24). God has created man, and God wants His creation to worship Him. However, God has never left it up to man to decide how he should worship God. God has always told us how He wants to be worshipped. For that reason, God is not happy when men choose to ignore principles, precepts, and commands concerning worship.

God had given specific directions to Cain and Abel concerning the way they were to worship Him (Hebrews 11:4; Romans 10:17). Abel’s sacrifice was accepted by God, but Cain’s was not (Genesis 4:1-7). Clearly God does not accept all worship.

God had given specific directions to .the priests concerning the way they were to worship Him. When Nadab and Abihu chose to do things their own way, God destroyed them (Leviticus 10:1, 2). After sending fire down to kill these men God said, “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified (Leviticus 10:3).”

God has given us the New Testament to be used as our standard and guide in worship (Hebrews 9:15-17). The Old Testament is no longer in effect (Colossians 2:14-17). Therefore, we must look to the New Testament to guide our worship practices.

One act of worship specified by God is that of singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). In these verses God specifically authorizes singing with one instrument, and one instrument alone. That instrument is the heart. Furthermore, these commands to sing are not limited to certain groups, choirs, or choruses. The commands to sing are given to the whole church. God wants the whole church to sing praises to Him without the use of man-made instruments and choirs. Certainly He will be upset with us if we chose to ignore His will.

When Samuel was a judge, the people of Israel looked upon the nations around them with envy (1 Samuel 8). They wanted to have a king so that they could be like everyone else. Today, many Christians are just like those Jews. They look at the denominations around them and they become envious. Some have become envious of those churches which have gathered great crowds because they have turned the worship of God into an entertainment event. Now they want to bring the same thing into the worship of the church of Christ in hopes of seeing the multitude pour through the doors of the church building.

This envious attitude has led many in the church to advocate the use of instruments and choirs. Others have taken it a step further and have suggested we ought to fellowship the Christian church denomination despite their lack of respect for God’s desires in worship. What a terrible, deadly, and dangerous attitude. Nadab and Abihu were struck down with fire for failing to obey God’s commands for worship (Leviticus 10:1, 2). The fate for those who would pervert His worship today will certainly be much worse (Hebrews 2:1-3). Worship God’s way!