Page 315 - Bible Writers Theology Original

ership,each memberoftheChurchshouldstrivetoexcelineveryareaofhis life and to be used by God. It was not only the twelvedisciples thatChrist wanted to make "fishers of men" God has given talentstoallmembers ofthe body of Christ according to their abilities. Matt. 25:1-30; Luke 10:1-16; Mark 16:17-18; Mat. 10:32-33; Matthew 4:19; 5:13-14). Other metaphors areused to describe their service in the New Testament, such as priests (I Peter 2:9; Revelation 5:10) 2ind ambassadors of Christ (II Corinthians 5:18-21; Acts 18:26). (See also I Corinthians 9:24-26; Ephesians 6:10-18; Romans 12:1.)
C Worship for the Lord
1 Corporate Worship
Jesus made clear to the Samaritan woman that true worship is in the spirit(John4:24). ThebookofActsrecordsatremendousdepthofworship in the early Church. The Spirit led the Church to a sharing of possessions. They "breaking bread from house to house...continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine...and in prayers...praising God" (Acts 2:42-47). When
threatened or in prison, those early Christians were notable for their praise of God (Acts 4:24-f; 16:25).
They gathered in formal worship at the Temple in Jerusalem and were regularly in the synagogue (Acts 13:14). They would also organize their own worship times (Acts 13:1-2; I Corinthians 14:23-25). Praising God by singing was also part of their worship (Matthew 26:30; Acts 16:25; Ephesians 5:19-20; Revelation 5:8-14).
In matters of corporate worship, the inspired words of Paul to the Thessalonians put forward this interesting pattern (I Thessalonians 5:16-21):
2
• "Rejoice evermore," for the Lord is the source of our joy (Philippians 4:4; Nehemiah 8:10; Galatians 5:22).
• "Pray without ceasing" (Luke 18:1; Romans 12:12).
• "In everything give thanks" (Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:4-7, Ephesians 5:19-20).
• "QuenchnottheSpirit"(IITimothy1:6;Zechariah4:6;John4:24).
• "Despise not prophesjring" (ICorinthians 14). • "Proveallthings"(Acts17:11;IJohn4:1-6)
• "Hold fast that which is good" (John 8:31-32).
Sacrament or Communion
The partaking of the Lord's supper was regularly practiced in the early Church(Acts2:46;20:7). AftereatingthePassoversupperwithHisapostles on the night of His betrayal, the Lord instituted the sacrament: "And He
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