Does God Care About Our Worship Practices?
In today’s religious world, worship takes on many forms — some filled with grandeur, emotional appeal, or personal preference. From instrumental bands to drama performances, candles, and ritualistic ceremonies, people often assume that as long as worship is heartfelt, God is pleased.
But is that what Scripture teaches?
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” — John 4:24
Notice Jesus’ words: must worship in spirit and truth. Worship is not just about sincerity, it is about truth — worship that is according to God’s revealed will.
The Principle of Divine Authority
God has always expected His people to worship Him exactly as He commands — not adding to, taking away from, or substituting His instructions.
“Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.” — Deuteronomy 12:32
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” — Colossians 3:17
Worship is not an area where God has left us to be creative or to follow popular trends. True worship is always authorized by God.
New Testament Authorized Worship Practices
When we open the pages of the New Testament, we find a simple and consistent pattern for how Christians worshiped. Notice what was present in every faithful church:
✅ 1. Singing
“Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” — Ephesians 5:19
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” — Colossians 3:16
- The early church sang — they did not use mechanical instruments.
- The music of worship is vocal, directed to God, and meant for mutual teaching and encouragement.
✅ 2. Praying
“They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” — Acts 2:42
- Christians were devoted to prayer together.
- This included prayers of thanksgiving, supplication, and intercession.
✅ 3. The Lord’s Supper
“Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread…” — Acts 20:7
- The early church partook of the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week.
- The bread and the fruit of the vine were symbols of Christ’s body and blood (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
- This was not an occasional or annual observance, but a weekly memorial.
✅ 4. Preaching and Teaching
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine…” — Acts 2:42
- The church gathered to hear the Word of God preached.
- The apostles’ doctrine was the source of instruction (Acts 20:7; Acts 20:28-32).
✅ 5. Giving
“On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper…” — 1 Corinthians 16:2
- Giving was done every first day of the week.
- It was free-will, cheerful giving — not tithing, which was part of the Old Law (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
Going Beyond God’s Word is Dangerous
Throughout history, God has consistently condemned unauthorized worship.
- Nadab and Abihu were struck dead for offering unauthorized fire (Leviticus 10:1-2).
- King Saul lost his kingdom for offering unauthorized sacrifices (1 Samuel 13:8-14).
- Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (Matthew 15:9).
When we add instruments, skits, unauthorized acts, or neglect what God has commanded, we violate the principle of authority.
“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God.” — 2 John 9
Worship Practices Must Be According to God’s Pattern
God has given us everything we need to know regarding acceptable worship. The first-century church followed the pattern, and so must we today.
“Hold fast the pattern of sound words.” — 2 Timothy 1:13
Adding to or subtracting from this pattern is not worship in truth.
Why It Matters
Worship is not about pleasing ourselves — it’s about pleasing God.
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” — John 4:23
God is actively seeking true worshipers, but they must follow His will, not the traditions of men.
A Loving Plea
Dear friend, have you examined your worship?
Are you following the simple pattern left by Christ and His apostles, or have you adopted additions that God never authorized?
God desires your worship — but it must be in spirit and in truth.
We invite you to open your Bible, study carefully, and return to the simplicity and beauty of New Testament worship.