As a church, we relate to God both individually and corporately. Individually, we are committed
to obedience to God in all areas of life and to vital communion with Him through prayer, praise, and
the study of the Scriptures. Corporately, we gather together in God's presence on the Lord's Day
(Sunday) to worship Him in a service of celebration and covenant renewal (Hebrews 10:24,25).
We believe since the Holy Scriptures are the only infallible rule of faith and practice, the principles
of public worship must be derived from the Bible, and from no other source. Among these elements
are prayer (Matthew 6:6-13), song (Matthew 26:30, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16), the reading
(Luke 4:16-27) and preaching of the Word (2 Timothy 4:2), and the administration of the
sacraments (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25). In observing these elements of worship, we
give God the honor due His name and gain the strength we need to serve Him.
The end of public worship is the glory of God. His people should engage in all its several parts
with an eye single to His glory. Public worship has as its aim the building of Christ's church by the
perfecting of the saints and the addition to its membership such as are being saved - all to the glory
of God. Worship is not just one activity among others, but is the very heart of the believer's existence
and of the body life of the church.
Worship is the purpose for which God has saved us from sin (John 4:23; I Peter 2:9). Because
the praises of God in Christ will fill the new heavens and the new earth (Rev. 5:12-13), our present
earthly worship is to be reverently joyful, hearty and exuberant, as well as humbly astonished and
contrite in anticipation of that heavenly worship which we will enjoy forever. Worship is not only
a duty, but it is also the highest and most joyful activity of our redeemed humanity.
