~ OUR WORSHIP: ROOTED IN SCRIPTURE, SHAPED BY THE GOSPEL

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Worship begins not when we decide to sing or pray, but when God Himself calls us to come before Him. The Call to Worship, often spoken by the pastor or minister, reminds us that worship is a response to God’s initiative—He draws us into His presence so we may praise, rejoice, and align our hearts with Him (Psalm 95:1-7).

· Why it matters: The Call to Worship sets the tone for everything that follows. It reminds us that worship is a dialogue with God, not a performance for others, and that we gather not out of obligation, but in joyful response to His invitation.

Singing is central to worship because it is both teaching and thanksgiving. Through hymns and spiritual songs, we declare God’s glory, recount His mighty acts, and unite our hearts in truth and praise (Psalm 95:1-2; Colossians 3:16).

· Why we sing together: Singing allows the congregation to speak the gospel to one another, internalizing the truth and rejoicing in God’s presence. Hymns also help us prepare our hearts for confession and reflection, celebrate God’s grace, and respond to His mercy.

Both Old and New Testament readings point us to God’s covenant faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises in Christ.

· Why we read Scripture: The Word forms our faith, corrects error, and teaches us to live in light of God’s truth (Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 3:16). Worship centers on God’s revealed Word because hearing and responding to God is the heart of worship.

The faith we confess is the historic Christian faith “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3)—the gospel entrusted by Christ to His apostles and handed down by the church through the ages. In this part of the service, we reaffirm the essential truths of that faith. At times, the gospel is proclaimed through a clear statement of its core tenets, reminding us of God’s saving work in Christ. At other times, we join together in reciting one of the ancient creeds or a Reformed confession, either responsively or in unison, declaring the enduring truths of Scripture.

· Why it matters: Affirming the Tenets of the Gospel unites the congregation in truth and reminds us that worship is rooted in God’s revelation and Christ’s saving work, not our personal preferences.

In response to the gospel, we confidently draw near to the throne of grace, acknowledging our sin and receiving God’s forgiveness. This moment in worship reminds us that our hope is not found in our own perfection but in God’s abundant mercy revealed in Christ.

· Why it matters: By confessing our sin, we enter God’s presence honestly, and the assurance of pardon points us back to the gospel: Christ has secured forgiveness and restored our relationship with God (Romans 5:1-2; 1 John 1:9).

Prayer in worship is our dialogue with God, expressing adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.

· Why we pray together: Corporate prayer expresses our shared dependence on God, unites our hearts to His will, and provides a time for the congregation to intercede for one another. In this way, we actively participate in God’s kingdom purposes here on earth (Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Giving is not just financial—it is an act of worship. By offering our gifts, we acknowledge that all we have belongs to God, and we participate in His mission (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

· Why we give: Offering our resources reflects gratitude, trust, and obedience. It connects our hearts to God’s work in the world.

As disciples growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ, the sermon is the faithful exposition of God’s Word—showing how Scripture reveals the glory of Christ and speaks into our lives today (2 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Peter 3:18). It is not merely instruction or advice but God’s truth pressed upon our hearts, calling us to faith, obedience, and deeper trust in Christ (Romans 10:17).

· Why it matters: The sermon anchors our worship in the gospel. It strengthens faith, equips us for daily living, and reminds us that worship is not only about what we sing or do in church, but about being shaped by God’s truth for a life of faithful obedience in the world (Romans 12:1).

The Lord’s Supper is a visible proclamation of the gospel. In this covenant meal, we remember Christ’s sacrifice, proclaim His death until He comes again, and participate in the unity of His body (1 Corinthians 11:23–26).

· Why we celebrate it: The Lord’s Supper is a means of grace through which Christ spiritually nourishes us, strengthens our faith, and deepens our unity in Him. It is worship in action—responding to the gospel with humble gratitude and renewed obedience.

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He did not simply provide a model—He gave them words to say (Luke 11:2). These words shape our desires, priorities, and dependence on God (Matthew 6:9–13).  

· Why we pray it: By praying the Lord’s Prayer together, we join our voices with believers around the world and across the centuries, expressing our shared trust in our Father, seeking His kingdom, and confessing our dependence on His grace, provision, and protection.

God delights in blessing His people. As such, the benediction is God’s spoken blessing at the close of worship, reminding us that worship does not end at the church doors. It assures us of His presence, grace, and peace as we return to our daily lives (Numbers 6:24-26; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

· Why it matters: The benediction sends the congregation out in the power of God’s Spirit, reinforcing that worship is both an encounter with God and a mission—we leave encouraged and equipped to live for Him in the world.