Why do we have an Order of Baptism in our hymnal? One of the great gifts God has given His Church is the gift of Baptism. Jesus instituted Baptism during His earthly ministry for our welfare. He placed the blessings of His death and resurrection in Baptism. The Order of Baptism in our worship reminds … [Read more…]
From the Word “But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 We don’t like to admit that there are things we can’t do. Human nature calls us to brag about the things … [Read more…]
From the Word “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” 1 Peter 1:3 What a journey! We have been to the manger and the … [Read more…]
Why and when do we have white paraments? White is the color of purity, holiness, and virtue. These are all attributes of God, and the gift God gives His holy people by grace through faith in Jesus. Jesus purifies His people by taking our sins on the cross and dressing us in His righteousness. The … [Read more…]
What is Easter? Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Christians celebrate Jesus’ victory over death. Every Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus, but Easter is the day of the church year when we celebrate it in all its fullness. What does it mean to our worship? … [Read more…]
What is Confirmation? Confirmation is when people confirm that they believe the faith of the Scriptures. There is a process of instruction for others to learn the substance of the faith, after which they are given the opportunity to confirm that they believe it before the congregation. They are thus received as communicant members of … [Read more…]
Why do we have Black paraments? Black paraments are used on Good Friday. On that day, the sun was darkened while Jesus died on the cross. Jesus took the darkness of sin unto Himself that we might be redeemed. What do they mean to our worship? Our Good Friday worship is a focus on the … [Read more…]
Why is our Sanctuary shaped this way? Many Christian sanctuaries are shaped similar to the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. They include a larger area similar to the Holy Place of the Temple, and they have a smaller altar area similar to the Holy of Holies. Some churches of this design also added side extensions … [Read more…]
Why do we have communion rails and use communion ware? Communion rails provide a place for God’s people to gather to receive the Sacrament of Christ’s body and blood. The communion ware are the vessels through which the bread and wine are distributed. What do they mean to our worship? The Sacrament of the Altar … [Read more…]
What do we use purple paraments? Purple is the color of the robe Jesus wore to the cross. It is associated with His suffering and death. We use purple during the season of Lent because we focus on His suffering and death, and because purple is also associated with royalty. Our Savior was crowned with … [Read more…]