From the Elder's Pen "Ten Commandments . . ." 7/27/03 Past/Future Articles

 Have you ever heard someone say, “I just don’t get much out of the worship service?”  Sometimes this is more of a commentary on the person than on the service.  Here are some suggestions that may help you improve the quality of your worship when you gather with the saints on the Lord’s day.
 1.  Make Sunday Worship A Priority.  It is the most important commitment of the week.  It is nothing less than a meeting with God.
 2.  Don’t Bring God Left-Overs.  God has always demanded the “first fruits.”  He cannot be satisfied with scraps.  Get plenty of sleep on Saturday night and come to worship with an alert and fresh mind.
 3.  Prepare Your Mind.  Discipline begins in the mind.  So does discipleship.  Train your mind to concentrate on things of the Spirit.
 4.  Be On Time.  Rushing in late makes it difficult for you to settle into meditation and disturbs other worshipers.  Get up a little earlier if necessary.
 5.  Bring Your Bible.  Coming to worship without your Bible is like going out to drive your car without your keys.
 6.  Open Your Mouth And Sing.  Singing is not an option.  It is a command.  Those who violate this command are just as guilty as if they neglected the assembly in the first place.
 7.  Sit Close To The Front.  Experience has shown that some marginal church members would rather switch congregations than to change pews.
 8.  Before And After Services – Be Friendly.  Worship is enhanced when done as a family.  Family members should know and love each other.
 9.  Listen Carefully To The Sermon.  Taking notes may help.  Follow along in your Bible.  Take the message seriously.  It will help you.  It will encourage the speaker.  It will show non-Christians that you are serious.
    10.  Make Your Worship God-Centered – Not Man-Centered.  Worship is primarily a giving situation.  Those who say, “I don’t GET much out of worship” are wrongly focused.  It is in the GIVING of ourselves that we GET.  NO GIVING – NO GETTING!