Why we do the things we do at church
Hearing & Preaching of the word – Part 1 – Section A
Category: Listening to god
The purpose of church is to glorify god, but how does the church service look under
other purposes such as:
• Being a part of a community
We are all part of different communities where we gather under a common interest. In
the church we gather to learn more about Gods word. But if the church was just for
the purpose of being a part of a community, the majority of the focus will be for
fellowship (pizza night every night, sing Tamil songs, socialising) therefore more
time spent bonding and less time spent glorifying.
• Getting more knowledge about Christianity
Christianity today is the most widespread religion in the world. But if the church was
solely based on learning more about the religion it will entail longer sermons and
bible readings instead of bible study. This will lead to risk of just taking in what you
are told and not really listening to what got has to say or building a stronger
relationship with Jesus and not to mention NO FOOD .
• Keeping the practices and traditions of past generations
Most of our family have became Christian from another religion and still carry out
some of the aspects from that religion into the church. A church that has a purpose to
keep practices and traditions is ok if there is a limit to what this might involve, the last
thing the church needs is to just be involved on the peripheral things about the
members that attend. Keeping traditions can hinder the ability to accept change
(change is good  ), therefore the church would be more culturally focused which
leaves the door open to be a multicultural church.
• Feeling motivated and good / being entertained
This is tricky. We sing to praise god but we should always remember not to overdo it
so that people are not caught up in the cool sounds and high quality performance of it
all that they forget why they are actually singing (to praise god). If the church were to
focus on the entertainment part of the service, as uplifting as it might be with a degree
of professionalism, higher focus on performances does not leave much room for the
essence of Gods word. This may ultimately affect the way we listen to sermons,
instead of hearing what we need to hear; we will just hear what we want to hear.
The most important thing in the service: Sermons
But should the world of god be the most important thing. So take a break from
reading this lengthy summary and think what you cannot go without with food
already counted as one.

A. What would most churches say is the “central importance” of their service
2 Peter – 1:16-21
16We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he
received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the
Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."[a]
18We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on
the sacred mountain.
19And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to
pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the
morning star rises in your hearts. 20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy
of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21For prophecy never
had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along
by the Holy Spirit.
For those who do not know who wrote 2 Peter it was PETER . But despite the fact
that Peter wrote this passage, we must understand that the ultimate author of this is
god and his word was carried along by the holy spirit to Peter, therefore we know that
its reliable.
Duet 8:3
He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which
neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread
alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word
that comes from the mouth of God
Hebrews 1:1-2
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in
various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he
appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe
Guys, we should be hungry and focused for the word of god as it is essential for our
Christian lives because Jesus speaks to us through the bible.
Here’s Adrian’s diagram
God  Jesus  Word
We see in the comparison between Duet and Matthew that Jesus also focuses on the
word of god. Through Hebrews we can gather that everything that has been said , has
been said. There is nothing new, everything that needs to be revealed has been
revealed and that’s why the bible is everlasting.

Romans 15:4
4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through
endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and
training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for
every good work.
This tells us all about teaching, endurance and encouraging 
Well children, that is it.
I’ll leave you with what Joel Anna left us with
Your all at an age where you have the choice, so make it.
This will help you appreciate the services 