🛑Confronting Witchcraft & Occult Practices In The Church.

By Bishop Elijah H. Hankerson III, BA, MA, DD

(Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations are from the New International Version)1

GREETING

Psalm 134:1-2.1 Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord.2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1.              Life Center Service Tonight. 7 pm.

2.      Friday night join me at eastern Missouri first jurisdiction Holy Convocation

3.      Please register for the International AIM Convention under “COGIC Department of Evangelism.” July 1-5, Tampa, FL.

6.      Missouri Midwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Holy Convocation 4th Annual Holy Convocation July 21-26. In 2020 I will be celebrating 5 years as a jurisdictional bishop. Special guests include: Bishop Paul S. Morton, Bishop J. Drew Sheard GBM, Dr. Joyce Rodgers, Bishop Todd Hall and many more!

LESSON NOTES

I.          WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS LESSON?

Deception is prevalent in the last days. Some things that look like the anointing are really occult practices. There is also such a hunger for the supernatural. This lesson is designed to help provide balance from a biblical perspective. It will inform us of some things that the people of God need to avoid.

A.              Witchcraft.[1] The practice of magic, especially black magic; the use of spells. Religious practice involving magic and affinity with nature, usually within a pagan tradition.

B.              Occult.[2] Supernatural, mystical, or magical beliefs, practices, or phenomena.

II.            Does God honor the prayers of someone "praying against" another person; And, do Christians have the power to "curse" people?

Though it may seem awfully strange to the casual reader of Scripture; prayers against people apparently was pretty common. However, it does not appear that just any common believer practiced this much. Generally those who had "governmental offices" (like Prophets and Apostles) appeared to practice this. According to Scripture (Ephesians 4:11) everyone is not an apostle or prophet. And there are strict guidelines; regarding who can claim that office.

Ephesians 4:11 King James Version.[3] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

2 Corinthians 12:12. I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles.

I.               This was allowed in the Old Testament. However, it is not arbitrary. God is in control of it and regulates it.

Genesis 12:3. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

Numbers 23:8. How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced?

Judges 5:23. 'Curse Meroz,' said the angel of the LORD. 'Curse its people bitterly, because they did not come to help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.'

Psalm 5:10. Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.

Psalm 6:9-10. 9The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. 10All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

Psalm 143:12. In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.

Psalm 54:5. Let evil recoil on those who slander me; in your faithfulness destroy them.

II.            Apparently it is allowed in the New Testament. Primarily it is the apostles, however, that you mostly see practicing this.

Matthew 10:14-15 14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. 15Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

Matthew 23:13. "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.

Luke 6:27-28. 27"But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Luke 9:52-55 King James Version. 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

Acts 8:20-24 20Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the LORD in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin." 24Then Simon answered, "Pray to the LORD for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me."

Acts 13:9-11 9Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10"You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the LORD? 11Now the hand of the LORD is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun." Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

1 Corinthians 16:22. If anyone does not love the LORD, let that person be cursed! Come, LORD!

Galatians 1:8. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!

Galatians 5:12 Good News Translation.[4] I wish that the people who are upsetting you would go all the way; let them go on and castrate themselves!

Romans 12:14. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

2 Timothy 4:14. Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The LORD will repay him for what he has done.

III.           Is it naturally & spiritually dangerous to eat other people's cooking? And, should you be careful who brings you water to drink?

According to the Word what we eat and drink is blessed. This is important because as much as we "eat out" (in the United States and other nations); your food passes through many different hands. Thus, it is almost impossible to keep track of all who mean us well and those who mean us harm. We should always watch and pray and realize the days are evil (Matthew 26:41; Ephesians 5:16); but we are not to live in fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

Exodus 23:25. Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you,

Mark 16:17-18. 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

Luke 10:8. "When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you.

Acts 15:29. You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.

1 Corinthians 8:4. So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that "An idol is nothing at all in the world" and that "There is no God but one."

1 Corinthians 10:25-32 25Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, 26for, "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it." 27If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. 28But if someone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. 29I am referring to the other person's conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another's conscience? 30If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for? 31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God-

1 Timothy 4:3-5 3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

IV.           IF A DEAD PERSON SPEAKS TO YOU, IS THAT A DEMON?

A.              The Bible teaches against summoning the dead.

Deuteronomy 18:9-13. 9When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 10Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; because of these same detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. 13You must be blameless before the LORD your God.

1 Chronicles 10:13-14. 13Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, 14and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. The Bible also teaches that from God's perspective, everyone is yet alive.

Luke 20:37-38. 37But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the LORD 'the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' 38He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."

B.              Some of the departed appeared to Christ and talked with Him; in the presence of His Inner Circle.

Luke 9:29-32. 29As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.

C.              Dead saints were raised and walked Jerusalem's streets after Christ's resurrection.

Matthew 27:50-54. 50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53They came out of the tombs after Jesus' resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

D.              Apparently the Jews in Christ's time had some varied views regarding the dead.

Matthew 16:13-14 13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

E.               Paul even mentions a strange practice baptizing on behalf of the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:29. Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?

F.               Paul also referred to a possible out of body experience.

2 Corinthians 12:3-4. 3And I know that this man-whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows- 4was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.

G.              Since there is so much we DO NOT understand it is best we LEAVE IT ALONE. Whatever the Bible does not tell you; someone dead CANNOT help you more than the Word. 

1 Corinthians 13:12. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

V.              Is astrology & following zodiac signs demonic? 

A.              There were astrologers in the Bible that followed a star and worshipped the child Jesus.

Matthew 2:1 Good News Translation.[5] Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the time when Herod was king. Soon afterward, some men who studied the stars came from the East to Jerusalem.

Matthew 2:11. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

B.              God created the stars and all the constellations.

Job 9:9. Who makes the Bear, Orion and the Pleiades, And the chambers of the south;

C.              The Bible also says that in the last days there will be signs in the heavens.

Luke 21:25. "There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves,

D.              The Bible refers to Joseph using a cup to tell the future.

Genesis 44:4-5. 4They had not gone far from the city when Joseph said to his steward, "Go after those men at once, and when you catch up with them, say to them, 'Why have you repaid good with evil? 5Isn't this the cup my master drinks from and also uses for divination? This is a wicked thing you have done.'"

Genesis 44:5 International Standard Version.[6] Don't you have the cup that my master uses to drink from and also uses to practice divination? You're wrong to have done this.'" 

E.               However, Manasseh is condemned for doing the same and also for bowing to the stars.

2 Kings 21:1-6.1Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother's name was Hephzibah. 2He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, following the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. 3He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he also erected altars to Baal and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He bowed down to all the starry hosts and worshiped them. 4He built altars in the temple of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, "In Jerusalem I will put my Name." 5In the two courts of the temple of the LORD, he built altars to all the starry hosts. 6He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.

F.               The Bible also condemns fortune telling.

Leviticus 19:26 International Standard Version.[7] "You are not to eat anything containing blood, engage in occult practices, or practice fortune telling. 

G.              The Bible also refers to judgment on those who practice such.

Isaiah 47:13-14.[8] "You are wearied with your many counsels; Let now the astrologers, Those who prophesy by the stars, Those who predict by the new moons, Stand up and save you from what will come upon you.” Behold, they have become like stubble, Fire burns them; They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame; There will be no coal to warm by Nor a fire to sit before!

H.              Since the New Testament condemns fortune telling; it is not a practice that saints should do.

Galatians 5:20 Amplified Bible. idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies],

1.                Sorcery defined. Such things as occult practices, witchcraft, worship of evil powers, drug-induced trances.

Acts 19:19.[9] A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.

VI.           Is burning incense, spreading salt & applying blessed oil of the devil?

A.              There are many instances in the Bible where incense is used in worship to symbolize prayer.

Exodus 30:34-36. ³⁴Then the LORD said to Moses, "Take fragrant spices-gum resin, onycha and galbanum-and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts, ³⁵and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer. It is to be salted and pure and sacred. ³⁶Grind some of it to powder and place it in front of the Ark of the Covenant law in the tent of meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you.

Leviticus 16:12-13. ¹²He is to take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense and take them behind the curtain. ¹³He is to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the smoke of the incense will conceal the atonement cover above the tablets of the covenant law, so that he will not die.

Luke 1:10. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. 

Revelation 5:8. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people. 

B.              There is no Scripture reference for applying salt on people and places to remove demons. Here is what the Word DOES is:

James 4:7. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

C.              Oil is also used in Scripture as a part of worship.

Genesis 28:18-19 18Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. 19He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz.

Psalm 133:2. It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron's beard, down on the collar of his robe.

Mark 6:13. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

James 5:14. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the LORD.

---

[1] https://www.bing.com/search?q=witchcraft+defined&form=EDGEAR&qs=PF&cvid=8ec87ffb64e742f6a4d976b1bfb9a9a6&cc=US&setlang=en-US&PC=HCTS. (Accessed, May 14, 2019).

[2] https://www.bing.com/search?q=occult+defined&form=EDGEAR&qs=PF&cvid=c5f7f8c87282483c93d60f7c97ebc2b8&cc=US&setlang=en-US&PC=HCTS. (Accessed, May 14, 2019).

[3] Public Domain.

[4] https://biblehub.com/galatians/5-12.htm. (Accessed, May 13, 2019).

[5] https://biblehub.com/matthew/2-1.htm. (Accessed, May 13, 2019).

[6] https://biblehub.com/genesis/44-5.htm. (Accessed, May 13, 2019).

[7] https://biblehub.com/isv/leviticus/19.htm. (Accessed, May 13, 2019).

[8] https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Astrology. (Accessed, May 13, 2019).

[9] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5%3A20&version=AMP. (Accessed, May 13, 2019).

🛑Is The Church Having Too Much Church?

By Bishop Elijah H. Hankerson III, BA, MA, DD

(Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture quotations are from the New International Version)[1]

GREETING

Psalm 134:1-2.¹ Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord.² Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1.              Thank you for birthday wishes and gifts!

2.              Life Center Service Tonight. Leadership training. Spiritual gifts part II. 7 pm. 

3.              Please register for the International AIM Convention under “COGIC Department of Evangelism.” July 15, Tampa, FL.

4.              Revival this week in Terre Haute, Indiana.

5.              Missouri Midwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Holy Convocation 4^th Annual Holy Convocation July 2126. In 2020 I will be celebrating 5 years as a jurisdictional bishop. Special guests include: Bishop Paul S. Morton, Bishop J. Drew Sheard GBM, Dr. Joyce Rodgers, Bishop Todd Hall and many more!

LESSON NOTES

I.               WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS LESSON?

This lesson is not about regularly scheduled worship services at a local church or even annual gatherings of denominations or non denominational conventions. But, another way of phrasing this lesson would be to say, are churches, denominations, fellowships, non denominational etc., having too many events?

Any stroll through social media or even your postal mailbox will see a steady flow of conferences, conventions, retreats, advances, prayer meetings, fundraisers, love services, anniversaries, etc. The question is, is it too much? And, if so, what is the solution? 

II.            CHURCH LIFE HAS CHANGED IN THE PAST 40 YEARS IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY.

A.           Three major movements. Historically in the black church you had three major movements: Baptist, Methodist and Pentecostal (Holiness). These three movements had their large denominational meetings on a regional level and national level: the Baptists had “conventions,” the Methodists had “annual conferences” and the Pentecostals (Holiness) had “holy convocations.” If you heard any of those three terms, you knew which denominational affiliation it was referring to. 

B.           The local church. Also, historically the local churches did not have conventions, annual conferences nor holy convocations. They would they think of having these events nor desire to have them; as they were reserved for regional and national meetings of their respective denominations. On the local level you had “local” events: revivals, anniversaries, annual days for auxiliaries, fundraisers, etc.

C.           Denominational exclusivity. Pretty much each denomination stayed to themselves. A Baptist was only interested in Baptist events, a Methodist was only interested in Methodist events and Pentecostal (Holiness) only attended their events. If an event was not a part of your denominational affiliation you were not interested and you did not attend.

With this type of rigid set up in most black communities in America, there really was not a sense of too much church or being burned out. If anything people yearned and hungered for more.

D.           Christian television and the conference movement. With the advent of Christian television you saw the denominational barriers break down. People attended events of all denominations.  Then the “conference movement” became a part of the black church scene. With this local churches were not hosting their own conferences, holy convocations and conventions.

People do not like to use the word competition when it comes to church; however, with every denomination having their own large meeting, and now the local churches were having them as well, it seemed like everyone had to “out market” each other to try to win over attendees.

E.            Praise and worship movement. With the advent of the praise and worship movement, the distinctive style of each denominational meeting went to the back burner. At one time a Baptist meeting had a distinctive style, the same for Methodist and Pentecostals (Holiness). So now not only is there a larger number of conferences, conventions, convocations, etc.; but all are now quite similar in style, structure, content and sound.

No wonder now many people are saying that it is too much. But, a church event is not a bad thing. The issue is each event should be fruitful and accomplish something for the Kingdom of God.

F.            You can never worship God enough. Perhaps we may need to change some of our marketing. Every event is not going to be miraculous, life changing or empowering. Sometimes it is a blessing to just fellowship with your brothers and sisters. At other times it will be a blessing to learn some new information. On all occasions we should realize that the main reason we come together is to worship God. That should always be the central focus. Worship around God’s throne is 24/7. So we on Earth can never worship God enough.

Revelation 7:15. Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.

III.        “CHURCH SERVICES” IN THE OLD TESTAMENT.

A.              Patriarchal period. During the earliest times in the Bible, there did not appear to regular mass gatherings of worship as we know it. The father, the head of the household would lead his family in worship and devotion to God. 

Job 1:5. When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." This was Job's regular custom.

Genesis 22:4-5 ⁴On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. ⁵He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.

B.           Tabernacle.[2] God instructed Moses to build a “tent of meeting.” This was to be a place where the people could worship or “meet” with God. The tabernacle is actually patterned after the “portable throne room” that the Pharaohs had in Egypt. Thus, the tabernacle was an earthly representation of God’s throne. The tabernacle was always opened (as far as its general area) and there was regular worship (sacrifice) that would take place and even some major gatherings. But, again, it was not a church service or event like we are used to now. Along with regular sacrifices, here are a few things that would happen at the tabernacle:

1.                Holy Convocations. 

Exodus 23:14-17 ¹⁴"Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival to me. ¹⁵"Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread; for seven days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Aviv, for in that month you came out of Egypt. "No one is to appear before me empty-handed. ¹⁶"Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field. "Celebrate the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field. ¹⁷"Three times a year all the men are to appear before the Sovereign LORD.

2.                Teaching.

Malachi 2:7. "For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the LORD Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth.

3.                Prayer.

Exodus 33:9. Whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent; and the LORD would speak with Moses.

C.           Temple. The temple was a much more elaborate version of the tabernacle. Regular worship (identical to the tabernacle) also occurred here with the following worship activities.

1.                Sacrifices.

Isaiah 56:7.[3] These I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” 

Ecclesiastes 5:1.[4] Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil.

2.                Prayer. 

Matthew 21:13. "It is written," he said to them, "'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers.'"

a.                Prayer services. Apparently by New Testament times there were scheduled daily prayer services that people could attend.

Acts 3:1. One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer-at three in the afternoon.

D.           Synagogues. Ezra the priest possibly initiated synagogues. We cannot know for certain. But, synagogues were local places of worship that were established after the destruction of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. Synagogues could not replace the temple; but they were places where Jews could assemble for worship, instruction, study and prayer. Jesus, being a Jew, was a regular attendee at the synagogue.

Luke 4:16. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read,

Mark 1:21. They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

IV.        “CHURCH SERVICES” IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

In the Bible the Church was yet a part of the Jewish faith. Even as the faith spread to the Gentiles through Paul; there was yet a strong connection with the Jewish faith. Thus, many believers partook in worship at the temple and at the synagogue.

In addition to this, believers would gather separately to reinforce their faith in Jesus as Savior. This was done through fellowship and study. 

Acts 2:41-46 ⁴¹Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. ⁴²They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

Acts 9:2. And asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

Acts 9:20. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

Acts 13:5. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.

A.           The Didache was an early Christian instruction manual. It was written around 60. It gave instructions on various subjects, including corporate worship. Here are some of the things early Christians had to observe during worship.[5]

1.                Assembly on the Lord’s Day. But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one who is at odds with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: "In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations."

2.                Ministerial Support. But every true prophet who wants to live among you is worthy of his support. So also a true teacher is himself worthy, as the workman, of his support. Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have no prophet, give it to the poor. If you make a batch of dough, take the first-fruit and give according to the commandment. So also when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first-fruit and give it to the prophets; and of money (silver) and clothing and every possession, take the first-fruit, as it may seem good to you, and give according to the commandment.

3.                Communion. But let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist, unless they have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, "Give not that which is holy to the dogs."

B.           Are church events supposed to have miracles like in the Bible? A lot of miracles occurred in New Testament times. From the following descriptions the supernatural was definitely supposed to be a part of the worship experience. But, worship was primarily singing, Communion, learning and affirming faith in Christ. However, it appears that the miracles were more a part of work “on the field.” When the people assembled for worship, they would hear miraculous testimonies of what God was doing in the spread of the Gospel. 

1 Corinthians 14:26. What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.

Ephesians 5:19. Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the LORD,

Acts 14:26-28. ²⁶From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. ²⁷On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. ²⁸And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

V.              CHURCH SERVICES IN THE BLACK CHURCH. 

A.           The church was everyone’s life at one time. Because of racism the black church in America was the one place that blacks could worship, be entertained, have community meetings, become educated, socialize, etc. The church was the central place in the community. It was a place always buzzing with activity.

Everyone could not afford to go on vacation and because Jim Crow laws were in place there were few places of recreation. Theaters were segregated. Therefore, the church calendar was your life. Holidays were spent at special services and events at the church.

B.           Fundraising events in church. Due to lack of resources, the black church developed many innovative ways to raise funds: chicken dinners, 100 women in white, 7 churches of Asia Minor services, etc. Every church did not have a large membership; so the custom developed to invite other churches to come out and be a part of the program.

Many churches could not afford to pay a preacher to be full time, thus the concept of the “pastor’s anniversary” was established to ensure a decent compensation. If that did not suffice, then pastoral nights, pastor’s birthday, first lady’s day, etc. was established.

C.           Coming to grips with change. All of these events had an origin and reason for being initiated. The challenge is that in our time, people have more money, they have other interests, they have hobbies, they go on vacation, etc. In other words people have a life outside of the church. This does not mean that they do not love God. However, we must learn how to deal with this cultural shift that has taken place in the black community over the last three generations.

D.           There are events we have scheduled daily for all churches, denominations, fellowships, nondenominational etc. Is this helping us to be effective at spreading the Gospel? If not why? And how can we do better? The following passages show that the Great Commission is the central mission of the Church. However, we also just shared that the church has been the central institution in the black community. Thus, every event is not necessarily going to be a soul winning event. Perhaps that will help us to navigate having so many events. We should not just have an event for the sake of busyness or just to fill an empty place on the calendar. Every event should have a purpose or goal in mind; even if it is simply to worship God.

Matthew 28:16-20 New International Version. ¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Mark 16:14-19 New International Version. ¹⁴ Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen. ¹⁵ He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. ¹⁶ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. ¹⁷ And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; ¹⁸ they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” ¹⁹ After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.

Luke 24:45-49. ⁴⁵Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

Acts 1:8. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

E.            Is it biblical or ethical to have a worship service with the sole purpose of raising money? Why or why not? A worship service IS a worship service; therefore worship should be the central focus. There is nothing wrong with having a desire to raise funds, as evidenced by Paul’s instructions to the church in the text below. As stated earlier each event should have a goal. Thus if an event is scheduled to raise funds then that should be the goal and that should be publicized so that there are no mixed messages sent to the public. So you might have a fundraising event and say while we are raising funds we want to take time to give God praise as well. An example of a mixed message is when you schedule a “soul saving revival” (where soul saving should be the focus) but you have really scheduled it to be solely fundraiser. That is a “mixed message.”

Acts 20:7. On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.

Revelation 1:10. Aramaic Bible in Plain English.[6]
And I was in The Spirit on the first day of the week, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,

1 Corinthians 16:1-4. ¹Now about the collection for the LORD's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. ²On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. ³Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. ⁴If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.

F.            How does a church gauge the "success" of a worship service? Is it the shouting, altar call, salvations, etc.?[7] The success of a church service or church event is gauged by has that service/event accomplished the purpose for which it was scheduled. Furthermore, in a “worship” service, there should be some principles that are always adhered to:

1.                God should be “present.”

Matthew 18:20. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” 

2.                The Holy Spirit should be obeyed. 

John 4:23. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.

3.                The people should be edified. 

1 Corinthians 14:26-28. What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.

4.                Giving should occur. 

Acts 20:35. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

5.                God should be praised.

Acts 2:47. Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Hebrews 13:15. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 

VI.        DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE CHURCH EVERY DAY TO KEEP CHURCH MEMBERS SAVED? It is the Holy Spirit and the Word that keeps us saved. However, as the days become more and more wicked, it may become necessary for the saints to meet more regular to encourage each other and help each other to stay rooted and grounded in the faith. 

Psalm 119:11. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Ephesians 4:30. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Matthew 24:22. "If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.

2 Timothy 3:1. But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.

Hebrews 10:25. Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching

VII.     CAN YOU GET BURNED OUT ON CHURCH?

Church is to be a source of encouragement. So we are not supposed to be burned out on that which was created to uplift us. We may get burned out dealing with church people. We may get burned out dealing with church work. But, gathering to worship should not burn us out. A lot of times we are burned out do to unrealistic expectations. For example, there is no biblical evidence that a miracle should occur every time we corporately worship. Sometimes God may want us to simply learn something. Also, we can get burned out if there is no clear cut purpose for event; or if the event is only serving a carnal purpose (for example, helping the preacher to pay his personal bills). 

Paul had every reason to be burned out. But, it looks like he handled it in stride. That could be because he was more committed to being the church vs having church:

Acts 20:22-24. ²²"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. ²³I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. ²⁴However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the LORD Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.

Galatians 2:4. This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.

2 Corinthians 11:21-29 Contemporary English Version.[8]

²¹ I am ashamed to say that we are too weak to behave in such a way.

If they can brag, so can I, but it is a foolish thing to do. ²² Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Jews? So am I. Are they from the family of Abraham? Well, so am I. ²³ Are they servants of Christ? I am a fool to talk this way, but I serve him better than they do. I have worked harder and have been put in jail more times. I have been beaten with whips more and have been in danger of death more often.

²⁴ Five times the Jews gave me thirty-nine lashes with a whip. ²⁵ Three times the Romans beat me with a big stick, and once my enemies stoned me. I have been shipwrecked three times, and I even had to spend a night and a day in the sea. ²⁶ During my many travels, I have been in danger from rivers, robbers, my own people, and foreigners. My life has been in danger in cities, in deserts, at sea, and with people who only pretended to be the Lord’s followers.

²⁷ I have worked and struggled and spent many sleepless nights. I have gone hungry and thirsty and often had nothing to eat. I have been cold from not having enough clothes to keep me warm. ²⁸ Besides everything else, each day I am burdened down, worrying about all the churches. ²⁹ When others are weak, I am weak too. When others are tricked into sin, I get angry.

A.           Can you take a break from Church? We should never take a break from regular worship of God. However, it is biblical to take a break from church work and church events. Jesus commanded his disciples to get away from the people and get some rest.

Mark 6:31. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

VIII.  ARE CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PRIVATE DEVOTION? No. A church service cannot be the substitute for your personal time of prayer and meditation on the Word. Paul was always involved in some type of evangelistic or church effort. However, apparently from these texts, he did not forsake having his own personal prayer time. 

Philemon 1:4. I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,

Ephesians 1:16. I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Philippians 1:3-4. ³I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy

1 Thessalonians 1:2. We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.

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[1] Holy Bible, New International Version. 1973, by Biblica, Inc.

[2] https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/The-Tabernacle. (Accessed, May 7, 2019).

[3] https://www.openbible.info/topics/temple_of_the_lord. (Accessed, May 7, 2019).

[4] Ibid.

[5] http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-roberts.html. (Accessed, May 7, 2019).

[6] https://biblehub.com/revelation/1-10.htm. (Accessed, May 7, 2019).

[7] https://www.openbible.info/topics/worship_service. (Accessed, May 7, 2019).

[8] Holy Bible. Contemporary English Version. ABS: New York, 1995.