What did God think about our worship of Him? We believe that is the only relevant question for the church to raise as it concerns worship; because in truth, when the church gathers for worship, it’s only about our service and devotion to God that matters. We are gathered together for Him and not ourselves. In fact, even in the fellowship we render to each other as Christians on the Lord’s day, the motivation and goal of such fellowship is the glory of God. God must therefore be at the center of all that we are and do in corporate worship. It’s all about Him.
This is why we believe that the elements of a worship service ought to be restricted to those which God has revealed in His Word. Left to ourselves, we cannot know what is pleasing to Him. Consequently, we only do that which He has Himself ordained for us. Thus, we read and sing the Word of God; we listen to God’s Word preached; we pray together, administer the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper; give our tithes and offerings; and fellowship together as united believers in Christ (1 Tim. 4:13; Eph. 5:19; 2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Tim. 2:1-8; Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:26; Acts 2:42; Heb. 10:24-25; Mal. 3:10). In short, the order of biblical worship is set and restricted by what God has commanded. This means that whatever God has not commanded cannot be allowed and accepted as true worship.
As the manner in which these activities are to be done, Jesus said that we are to worship God “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). “Spirit” refers to the spirituality of our worship, that is, that we worship God not primarily through ceremonies and rituals and buildings and sacred furniture, but with a right heart and right motives. “Truth” refers to God’s self-revelation, to whom the Bible reveals Him to be and what it says about what pleases Him. The writer to the Hebrews refers to us worshiping God with “reverence and awe” (Heb. 12:28). There is nothing superficial or light or flippant about meeting with God. The worship of God’s people is to be simple, spiritual, and reverent. It is not a time for creativity and fanfare.