Why We Worship As We Do

 

AT LAKEWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH, WE BELIEVE THAT CORPORATE WORSHIP IS THE EXALTATION OF GOD IN RESPONSE TO HIS REVELATION OF THE GOSPEL IN THE PERSON AND WORK OF JESUS CHRIST. OUR WORSHIP SERVICE IS THUS INTENTIONALLY STRUCTURED AROUND THE GOSPEL.

 

I. Adoration

A. Call to Woship
B. Invocation
C. Hymn of Praise

II. Confession

A. Text for Confession
B. Prayer of Confession
C. Assurance of Pardon
D. Hymn of Praise

III. Means of Grace

A. Hymn of Preparation
B. Text for Sermon
C. Sermon
D. Prayer

IV. Covenant Renewal

A. Closing Hymn
B. Benediction

Adoration

The worship service begins with the adoration of God (Psalm 106:1, 111:1). First, a biblical call to worship is reading and a prayer offered to the Lord that we would honor him in all that follows. A hymn of praise is sung, acknowledging the greatness and glory of God (Psalm 145:3).

Confession

When the character of God is revealed in Scripture and in song, the natural response of humanity is an acknowledgment of sin. He is holy. We are not. We humbly acknowledge our sinfulness before God by reading a biblical text of confession and praying prayers of repentance (Psalm 25:11; Isaiah 55:7; 1 John 1:9). Following the prayer of confession, we declare our assurance of pardon in the finished work of Christ (Romans 5:6-8, 8:1-3; 1 John 1:9). The delight in this reality overflows in a hymn of praise to the Lord in thanksgiving for our salvation in Christ.

Means of Grace

As believers who are clean in the eyes of God because of Christ (1 John 1:9), we sing a hymn of preparation for the hearing of God’s Word to us. The text of Scripture is read and the sermon is preached. Preaching is central to Christian worship (2 Timothy 4:1-5), because the Word of God is central to Christian worship (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Following the sermon, a prayer of conclusion is offered to the Lord to apply the truth of the sermon to the hearts of God’s people.

Covenant Renewal

Finally, a closing hymn is sung, summarizing the gospel and reiterating our covenant commitment to Christ. A final biblical benediction is read, sending the people of God to the nations with the good news of the gospel that has structured the past hour.