So far we’ve discussed what the Church is and why we gather, and some ways we might show Christ before we’re gathered (click here for Part 1 & Part 2). Now we will move forward to what showing Christ might look like while we’re gathered. By this, we’re referencing our formal worship time. That word, formal, can be a scary for some, as it can often be equated to stifling the Holy Spirit. But by formal we are merely referencing the time on Sundays that we’ve formally set aside to come together, proclaim the gospel to each other, and worship our great God who alone is worthy of all our praise.
So, what does showing Christ look like, in our actual worship service?
This might seem obvious but it’s important to remember that we are gathered with other people and that our actions do affect those around us. And this isn’t something special to church, people can’t help but be affected by the mood of others. Take any great concert, or sports game, or theater performance for example. When others around you are excited, even if you don’t grasp the intricate strategy at play on the field, you can’t help but be energized yourself. As much as we like to make things about ourselves, how we worship before others matters.
Here are some of the elements of our gathering and how recognizing the Body of Christ, and Showing Christ to others might look during them.
How We Heed the Call to Worship – Our services begin with a call to worship. Every church has some way to officially begin the service. For some this may be dimmed lights, or music playing, or a prayer. At Grace Covenant we begin with a Call to Worship from the Scriptures. Honoring the Body of Christ and looking to the interest of others might look like a readiness for the service to begin, ready to worship with others when the time has come.
How We Sing – God’s people are singing people (Matthew 26:30), and will continue to be singing people through all eternity (Revelation 19:6). If you’re the type of person who doesn’t much care for singing, this might sound like bad news-but it’s not! God desires, indeed commands, the heartfelt joyful adoration of his people so we know that this is a good thing for us. However, the singing is not just for God but for his church. Scripture tells us to address one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:17-20). In Colossians, singing is tied to Word dwelling in us richly, teaching and admonishing one another (Colossians 3:16-17). When you sing in church it’s not your personal worship time but a time to worship God together by singing to him and to each other. Simply by singing we are proclaiming the gospel and showing Christ to each other. Striving to show Christ to others while singing might also look like we believe what we’re singing and that our minds and hearts are engaged.
How We Engage the Liturgy – At Grace Covenant, Christ is the center and his Word is crucial to our knowing him. This is why all elements of our worship are tied to the Word. Scripture tells us that when we come together things are to be done orderly (1 Corinthians 14:40) and the Apostle Paul explains that when we pray and sing, we not only pray with our affections but with our mind also (1 Corinthians 14:14-15). He then goes on to say, that this is so that what we are saying is understood by those around us. Each Sunday we gather, not to passively watch but to actively participate in the worship, so that each one of us can proclaim the gospel to ourselves and to each other. This is why our worship service is modeled around the gospel itself, by proclaiming the holiness of God, our sinful rebellion against him, and his wonderful mercy and grace provided to us through the atoning sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ. By engaging the service, thinking about what we’re doing while we’re doing it, we may better understand and show Christ and his gospel to each other.
How We Hear the Word – When the Word is being proclaimed to us, how do we receive it? This is the very Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his will, his desires, his commands, his love, being proclaimed to you. Showing Christ to others might look like attentiveness, nodding when the truth is speaking to you, humbleness when being challenged.
It’s possible that some of these points may seem insignificant. But perhaps for each of these areas, consider what it would be like, to not do so. What are you saying if you ignore the call to worship, and continue to talk while others are turning their minds and hearts to their creator in word and song? What are you saying if you refuse to sing because singing is just not your thing? How does it affect others if you’re tuned out during particular parts of the service that don’t speak to you? Whose interests are you really putting first?
Paul said that he counted everything as loss in light of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:8) and that he was ready to do anything so that others might know Christ with him (1 Corinthians 9:22-23). To be conscientious of others, to put their interest before ours, to show Christ to those around us that they might know Christ Jesus better, is worth it.
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