Why We Worship the Way We Do
Riverview Church of Christ in Pasco WA is a welcoming body of Christians who worship according to the New Testament pattern. Join us Sunday for class and worship services to edify yourself and enjoy the foundations Christ gives us.
We follow the Bible based teachings given under the new covenant within the New Testament. We use direct statements, necessary inferences, and approved apostolic examples within the Bible for our worship service as well as our daily lives. We believe in Christ as the cornerstone of the church and use only the Bible as our law and guide. For "all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness." 2 Tim 3:16
We believe "there is one body and one Spirit just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:4-6
Baptism for the Called
The Lord's church is called to accept the Father, Christ, and follow His commandments. Matthew 7:21 says "Not everyone who say to me 'Lord Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven."
Whe you love the Lord, you want to and need to follow the will fo the Father. One commandment is also an outward commitment to God, Christ, and yourself. Baptism is talked about several times in the New Testament, and is important for the forgiveness we all need.
Acts 2:38
"Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Mark 16:16
"He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned."
Baptism is full immersion into the water, as seen with Jesus's baptism in Matt 3:16, He went up from the water. And with the Ethiopian in Acts 8:39, "and when they came up out of the water."
Lord's Supper
Jesus asked us to remember Him when we meet together. His life, His death, and His resurrection.
Luke 22:19-20
"And when He taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it, and gave it to them, saying. "This is My Body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. And in the same way He took the cup, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My Blood."
And seen in 1 Corinthians 11:23-30
26 "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes."
We use the Acts 20:7 as an example that the Lord's supper is to be taken each Lord's day. "And on the first day of the week, when were gathered together to break bread..."
Singing in Worship
There are many examples of music in the Bible. Music was used during entertainment, celebration, coronations and mourning. It was used to praise God and to thank God. However, all these examples of using musical instruments are in the Old Testament. New Christian church came together often to worship God and the writers have offered to us how and how often they did worship God. As with all parts of our Christian life, we need to look to the Bible for instruction and guidance.
We are told to sing and make melody in our hearts (Eph 5:19). This is more than a simple acapella song service. This is a heart filled focus on thanking and praising God. There is no example or command of the New Testament Christians to use instruments in worship. However, there is the command to sing with the correct mindset and attitude. Colossians 3:16 says “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Without the Biblical authority, it is dangerous to make assumptions on what God wants from us. Everything we do, in word or deed, we are to do all in the name of the Lord (Col 3:17). Since God was silent on the addition of instruments in worship, but vocal on singing in worship, it seems one is a certain path to pleasing Him.
