Regarding Reading Scripture THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2007 Posted by: Glencullen Baptist Church | more.. Regarding Reading Scripture By Pastor Phillip Cavin In my last article concerning the public worship of God at Glencullen I pointed out the centrality of the Scriptures to all that we do. They are not only regulative as to how we are to live out our faith in Jesus Christ in the world and with one another but they are regulative to direct our worship as to its content, manner and order. Moreover, because we believe the testimony of Scripture concerning itself to be central in the life of the church at work and worship it should not be surprising then to read Paul’s clear Apostolic admonition to Pastor Timothy in I Timothy 4: 13, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation to teaching.” The word devote (ESV) or attendance (KJV) means to give close attention; it implies thought and effort in and toward a thing. Therefore it means, not only to think about something but to take it up in practice with discipline and care. So Timothy is to give very careful attention, devote himself to the work of the ministry. Note the Apostle Paul focuses upon three vital aspects of public Gospel ministry to be carried out in the church, which Timothy is to give Himself to in thought and effort: reading, exhortation, and teaching. Often in our churches (Reformed Baptist) there is proper attention given to exhortation and teaching but sometimes reading is not thought to be as important, however the New Testament places a great deal of importance on the public serious reading of Scripture. Geoffrey Wilson commented: “First there is the public reading of the Scripture, a practice taken over from the synagogue (Luke 4: 16, 17; Acts 15: 21; 2 Corinthians 3: 14). Apostolic letters were also read to the congregations; and we see in this tacit recognition of their inspiration and authority the origin of the New Testament canon (Colossians 4: 16; 1 Thessalonians 5: 27; 2 Peter 3: 15, 16; Revelation 1: 3).” - The Pastoral Epistles, The Banner of Truth Trust, Edinburgh, 1982, pg. 67. Therefore, by the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostles, and the clear instruction given to Timothy at Ephesus we dare not take lightly the place and importance of the reading of God’s Word in the public worship of His people on the Lord’s Day. That is why when I read the Scriptures I often will give instruction prior to beginning that we should give careful attention to the reading of God’s Word. We are bound by holy example and Christian imperative! I hope that our practice is never viewed as simply “rote religion” or “meaningless ritual of habit.” The Bible is in fact God breathed, every word is given graciously by God and has been providentially preserved for us, to the end that we may know who God is, what He is like and His only Son Jesus, and to know these things is eternal life. In addition, we read the Bible seriously in our public worship so that we know God’s will for us. In other words, in the public worship of God’s people at Glencullen we are convinced that God speaks to us in His Word. What an incredible blessing and kindness of His grace to us who certainly not deserve it. My prayer is that the reality of these things grip our minds and hearts in such a way that we can’t wait for the Lord’s Day in order to hear His Word not only taught and preached but carefully and soberly read. May God fill us up with holy anticipation week by week to hear the Word of God. As instruction is given to pay careful attention to the reading, may we all say; “yes and amen this is the truth of God to us.” Moreover may God in kindness always bless us with pastors who will give proper attention of focus and effort to the public reading of Holy Scripture, and may we all be quick to pray and ask God’s blessing upon such spiritual discipline. Category:  Worship • permalink | email blog | post new | printer-friendly | clone this | rss feed

Leading in Public Prayer by Maurice Roberts MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2007 Posted by: Glencullen Baptist Church | more.. Leading in Public PrayerBy Maurice Roberts By 'public prayer' we mean prayer offered in the presence of a Christian congregation. This contrasts with prayer offered in secret or in the family, where a somewhat greater freedom may be appropriate... [ abbreviated | read entire ] • permalink | email blog | post new | printer-friendly | clone this | rss feed

Regarding Public Prayer MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2007 Posted by: Glencullen Baptist Church | more.. Regarding Public PrayerBy Pastor Phil Cavin Last week I posted an article about "Public Worship At Glencullen" focusing upon the necessity that there be alignment between what we believe to be true and how we worship. Prayer is a vital part of... [ abbreviated | read entire ] • permalink | email blog | post new | printer-friendly | clone this | rss feed

Public Worship at Glencullen Baptist Church TUESDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2007 Posted by: Glencullen Baptist Church | more.. Public Worship at Glencullen Baptist Churchby Pastor Phil CavinI have given a lot of thought to worship over the years, its essence, manner and even order. There is a controversy today over worship in the evangelical church; books have been... [ abbreviated | read entire ] • permalink | email blog | post new | printer-friendly | clone this | rss feed