Worshiping God

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During our services, we read a chapter from the Old Testament and another from the New Testament. This practice is rooted in the belief that all Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16) and valuable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. We follow the example set by Ezra and Nehemiah in the Old Testament, where the public reading of Scripture was central to worship (Nehemiah 8:1-8). This is essential for us to hear the whole counsel of God, not just the parts that are easier to understand or more familiar (Acts 20:27).

Verse-by-Verse Preaching: Our sermons usually involve working through books of the Bible, one verse or chapter at a time. This method, known as lectio continua, helps us understand the Bible in its full context and prevents us from skipping over challenging or uncomfortable passages. This approach is based on the belief that all of God’s Word is important and must be taught faithfully (2 Timothy 4:2). By preaching this way, we aim to provide a thorough understanding of God’s will as revealed in Scripture.

Topical Preaching: Occasionally, our sermons focus on specific topics that are particularly relevant to our lives. These topical sermons are still deeply rooted in Scripture, as we believe that practical issues should always be addressed through the lens of God’s Word (1 Peter 4:11). Even when focusing on particular life issues, we ensure that our teachings align with biblical principles and are grounded in the truth of Scripture.

We encourage the memorisation and understanding of the foundational truths of Christianity through the Westminster Shorter Catechism. This catechism is a series of questions and answers designed to teach core Christian doctrines. It’s an important tool for building a strong foundation of faith, particularly for our younger members. The Bible encourages the teaching of sound doctrine (Titus 2:1) and the passing down of faith from one generation to the next (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). By learning the catechism, our members gain a deep and lasting understanding of essential Christian beliefs.

We sing the Psalms, which are songs directly from the Bible, without any musical instruments. This practice is based on the belief that worship should be guided strictly by what God has commanded in His Word (Colossians 3:16). The New Testament encourages singing Psalms as a way of teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom from God’s Word. Historically, this was the common practice in early Christian worship and in the Reformed tradition. We believe that singing without instruments helps us focus entirely on the words of Scripture, which are powerful and sufficient in themselves.

We believe that Sunday, the first day of the week, is set apart as a special day for worship. This belief is based on the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, which took place on a Sunday, and the practice of the early church, which gathered on this day (Acts 20:7, Revelation 1:10). We see Sunday as a day to pause from our regular activities and focus on God through public and private worship. Isaiah 58:13-14 encourages us to “call the Sabbath a delight” and to honour it as a day devoted to God. By dedicating this day to worship, rest, and family time, we follow the biblical pattern of setting aside time to draw near to God.

We encourage everyone to engage in daily family worship at home, which includes reading the Bible together, singing a Psalm, and praying. This practice is supported by biblical examples, such as Abraham, who was commended for commanding his household to follow the Lord (Genesis 18:19), and Joshua, who declared that his household would serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). Deuteronomy 6:6-7 emphasizes the importance of teaching God’s Word to children in the home. Family worship helps build a strong spiritual foundation, encouraging families to grow in their faith together.

The Lord’s Supper: We celebrate the Lord’s Supper during the year, we share bread and wine, symbolising the body and blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). This sacrament is for members of our church, provided they are living lives that honour God. The Bible teaches that we should approach the Lord’s Table with reverence and self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28), recognising the seriousness of this sacred act.

Baptism: We baptise individuals who have professed their faith in Jesus Christ, as well as the children of believers. Baptism is a sign and seal of belonging to God’s family (Acts 2:38-39). The practice of household baptism, seen in the New Testament (Acts 16:15, 1 Corinthians 1:16), reflects the belief that God’s promises extend not only to believers but also to their children. Although baptised children do not partake in Communion until they are old enough to understand and personally confess their faith, they are still recognised in the church family.