Throughout this course we've asked one simple question:

What does the New Testament actually teach about Christian worship?

Rather than beginning with traditions or modern practices, we've begun with the biblical text. We've allowed the writers of the New Testament to describe how the early Christians worshiped and why those practices mattered.

We've seen that worship is more than something that happens for an hour on Sunday. It is a life devoted to God. At the same time, the New Testament places great importance on Christians assembling together to encourage one another, remember Christ, pray, sing, give, and learn from God's Word.

We've also learned an important principle.

Our goal is not simply to repeat what the early church did.

Our goal is to understand why they did it.

When we understand the purpose behind God's instructions, we are better able to apply them faithfully in our own time and culture.

Throughout this study we've returned to the same questions again and again:

• What does the text actually say?

• What was the author's purpose?

• What has God instructed?

• How can we faithfully carry out His will today?

Those questions will continue to guide every course in this library.

Christian worship is not about pleasing ourselves.

It is not about following the latest trends.

Neither is it about preserving traditions simply because they are old.

True worship seeks to honor God by listening carefully to His Word and responding with grateful, obedient hearts.

That has been the purpose of this course.

My prayer is that it has encouraged you to look beyond opinions, examine the Scriptures for yourself, and appreciate both the simplicity and the beauty of New Testament worship.

As you continue your study, remember the principle that has guided us from the beginning:

Read first. Conclude later.

Continue Your Study

Next Course

The Church

The New Testament uses many names to describe God's people:

The Body of Christ.

The Family of God.

The Kingdom of God.

The Temple of the Holy Spirit.

The Bride of Christ.

Are these different organizations?

Or are they different pictures of the same people?

In our next course we'll begin where the New Testament begins and allow the biblical writers to answer those questions.

Related Bible Studies

• Why Does Authority Matter?

• How Do We Build Sound Doctrine?

• What Is Worship?

Companion Video

Putting It All Together

Read First. Conclude Later.