A young seeker wanted to know about the Lord Jesus Christ. He found one church in his Google search and decided to go to that place. One Sunday morning, hesitantly, he reached the place. There was loud music he could hear where he parked his motorbike. Then he walked towards the entrance. When he entered, he was stunned. The stage, well-lit, smokes like a cloud, some people singing and swinging on stage, the whole audience was clapping and dancing, and he could hear the music, which submerged the voice, if there were any. Did he come to a concert? Frightened, he walked back; fortunately, some ushers helped him to take a seat.
Christian gathering: God commanded Israel to celebrate the Sabbath, Saturday, every week. Godly Christians do not neglect gathering every Sunday to give glory together. (Hebrews 10:25) The essence of the gathering of disciples is evident in the early Christian gathering. (Acts 2:42) Witness, Word, and Worship should be integrated with equal importance.
Witness: The Lord gave the New Covenant to His disciples in the Upper Room, which is termed the Last Supper. The early Christians broke bread in their frequent gatherings. Paul writes that it is a command given to believers to celebrate Holy Communion as a witness, remembering His sacrifice and anticipating His coming. (I Corinthians 11:27-32) The Roman Catholic church celebrates the Eucharist (Mass) every day in its parishes. Sadly, the celebration has been reduced to a daily ritual, as there was no understanding of the truth and its implications in personal life.
Word: When the Protestant movement began, the pulpit became the most important aspect of Sunday gatherings. Reformers emphasized the significance of preaching the Word to the congregation in a language they could understand. As Paul exhorts, preaching the gospel, teaching His Word, and applying the truths were their priority. (II Timothy 4:2)
Worship: The Pentecostal movement started emphasizing worship, which mostly meant singing joyfully, clapping excitedly, and even dancing like David did. Giving was also part of worship. (Proverbs 3:9)
Are Word, Witness, and Worship balanced in Sunday gatherings?