Acts 20:7

          Today's church is almost obsessed with the idea of "praise worship". Many believe the entire purpose of our coming together is to praise God through singing and by partaking of the Communion. If our worship is not up-lifting, then it is not true to the purpose of our assembly. Others insist that there be no glitches, negative vibrations, nor long sermons. After all, we are here to be built up. It is thought that if we can't leave here feeling better about ourselves, we have failed in our worship. Is this a correct view of worship?

          I suspect First Century worship was much different from what we experience today in our assemblies. For one thing, I doubt that any of the early churches published a "worship program". I get the sense that the early church was not the least bit concerned about how "professionally" the services were conducted. In fact, Paul made it abundantly clear that he was not concerned with eloquence when he presented the Gospel message, 1 Cor 2:1-2.

          According to Acts 20:9, Paul kept talking "on and on". In his mind, speaking (teaching the Word) outweighed the time being spent in other areas of worship. I'm not sure his sermon was all that exciting because at least one man, Eutychus, fell asleep during the preaching and fell to his death. After Eutychus was brought back to life, the brethren broke bread and ate. Afterwards, Paul continued speaking until morning. You can forget preaching until midnight! This sermon went on and on and on. It lasted until daylight!

          Somehow, I doubt that the church in Troas would be looked upon with favor in the church of the 21st Century. Where was the "praise" worship? Where was the "exciting" polished performance? Why, they even took a break for a common meal! Perhaps we need to reconsider our view on acceptable worship. Think about it!

-- George Carman

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