My position on worship is “straight out of the book.” God said He expects us to worship Him from a sincere heart according to His Word (John 4:24). The first century church met on each Lord’s Day and worshipped through preaching and teaching God’s Word, giving of their means, observing the Lord’s Supper, prayer and singing (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). We should do likewise. Little question is raised about preaching, prayer and giving. Yet, there is often controversy regarding the Lord’s Supper and singing. We observe the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week because of an approved, apostolic example (Acts 20:7). The emblems representing the body and blood of our Savior are unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine because this is what Jesus instituted (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). There is no authority in Scripture for instrumental music in worship. Therefore, my position on music in worship is to have only a cappella (without instruments) congregational singing because that is authorized in Scripture (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).
My position regarding church leadership is that the church should have qualified elders who tend the flock of God. Elders must meet the qualifications found in the New Testament (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Elders are to oversee all the work of the church (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2-3). The congregation must submit to the authority of the elders and obey them (Hebrews 13:17). The authority of elders is limited to that which is authorized in the New Testament.
Let me share my position on a few other matters. Regarding some moral issues, Christians are to keep from any kind of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). My position on dancing is Christians ought not to participate because it is a form of lasciviousness (“lewdness” NKJV; “sensuality” ESV), which is condemned in Scripture (Galatians 5:19). This word means “indecent bodily movements; unchaste handling of others.” My position on drinking intoxicating beverages is I believe it is wrong and evidently so does God (cf. Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-31; Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 6:10). My position on pornography is that no righteous one can have any part in it because it is evil, worldly, degrading and sinful from every aspect. Pornography and these other moral issues would be included in the Christian’s responsibility to keep “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). Things in the world include “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes” (1 John 2:16).
My position regarding marriage is that marriage is for one man and one women for life. The only exception that would allow divorce and remarriage is the sin of fornication (Matthew 5:32; 19:9). The wife is to be subject unto her husband as unto the Lord. The husband is to be worthy of her respect and submission and is to love his wife as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:22-25).
My position regarding proper attire is that what we wear ought always to be decent and becoming to a Christian whether male or female, especially when we gather for worship. Unfortunately, some let the world set their standards instead of the Word of God. God’s Word is clear in this matter. Women are to wear “modest” (respectful, orderly, decent) apparel with “shamefacedness” (“propriety” NKJV, bashfulness, a sense of shame) and “sobriety” (“moderation” NKJV, self-control, sound judgment) (1 Timothy 2:9-10). We ought to all wear only that which is proper for one professing godliness (devotion, piety and reverence toward God). This would require us to eliminate clothes that are too tight, skirts that are too short, shorts that bare more than a modest skirt, tops that are too tight or too revealing, etc. Use good judgment. If in doubt, mimic the dignified Christian ladies with class who constantly set a good example for all.
