This week we conclude our practical, and hopefully helpful, consideration of some of the “furnishings of the church.” One of the major goals of these articles is simply to get us to really think about the purpose of the church and our assemblies. With that in mind, consider just a few more items with me.
SONG BOOKS
Song books (or PowerPoint) is used as an expedient matter in our singing in worship. They assist us in blending our voices together as a sweet aroma to our great God. Though there is an inward worship that take place in the heart as we sing, singing is the most “visibly expressive” and outwardly active aspects of our worship. During the other acts of worship, the majority of worshipers remain silent. Worship in song, however, allows each of God’s children the blessing of audibly expressing his thanks and praise unto God (see Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Likewise, it gives them the opportunity to encourage one another with spiritual admonition (see the previously sited verses). God’s people should love to sing the praises of the God who saved them through His Son! You can sing His praises at home too!
THE TABLE
The Lord’s Supper is referred to as the “table of the Lord” in Scripture (see 1 Cor. 10:21). This expression actually represents the Lord’s Supper itself, not merely a physical table. Jesus established this memorial to be a weekly reminder (see Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2) for Christians of the sacrifice that He made for their sins. In observing this memorial they preach a silent sermon to each other concerning the death of Christ, and do so until He comes again (1 Cor. 11:26). The “communion” (see 1 Cor. 10:16. The ESV uses “participation”) is shared between the Christian and His Savior, as well as between brethren in Christ. The weekly observance not only obeys an inspired precedent, but it helps us keep gratitude in our hearts and focus from week to week.
THE STAGE/PULPIT
A tangible stage or pulpit is not a necessity, but Ezra found it useful (see Neh. 8:4). It is the place from which the Word of God comes forth. Of course, it is not the man that we raise up, but the Word of the Lord!
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Bible classes are of great value, but don’t underestimate the whole church being together in the studying of God’s Word. This concept is seen several times in the OT (see, for example: Ex. 35:1; Josh. 18:1; 22:12). Not only is the knowledge and motivation gained very important, but there is a unifying and bonding effect that takes place through studying holy truths together.
It is important to understand that God never intended for a preacher or teacher to do our thinking and Bible study for us. Public study is vital but should also be seen as supplementary to private study. Christians should be eager and diligent students of the Bible! (1 Pt. 2:2; 2 Tim. 2:15). Christians should also “trust but verify.” In other words, they should be like the noble Bereans and be certain that the things they heard were true to God’s Word (see Acts 17:11).
THE WINDOWS
While being together as a body is vital, may the windows of the building remind us that there is a world out there that is in need of the Gospel of Christ. The church comes inward to be fueled to go outward. Through coming together they are built up in the faith and better equipped to take the Gospel of Christ to a lost and dying world (see Mt. 28:18-20).
My prayer is that you will consider these matters, but especially His Word, when you gather with the saints and worship and work with them to God’s glory.
Daren Schroeder