2. BANNERS

Ex. 17:15 Jehovah Nissi ("The Lord my banner")
Banners are used in scripture as beacons or articles of warfare and as instruments of worship.

Other scriptures where banners/flags are used in worship or warfare:

Pss. 20:5; 60:4; Song of Sol. 2:4; 5:10; 6:4; 6:10; Is. 5:26; 11:10, 12; 13:2; 31:9; 49:22; 59:19; 62:10; Jer. 4:6; 50:2; 51:12, 27; Zech. 9:16
Contrast Num. 21:8–9 and Jn. 12:32. When Jesus is lifted up, all men are drawn to Him.

IV. Forms of Worship Using Sacraments

sac·ra·ment n.
1. in Christianity, a rite that is considered to have been established by Jesus Christ to bring grace to those participating in or receiving it.
2. sac·ra·ment or Sac·ra·ment- the bread and wine consecrated at Communion
3. something considered to be sacred or have a special significance
(Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.)

1. BAPTISM
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Also: Acts 2:41; 8:12–13, 36–38; 9:18; 10:47–48; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:5; 22:16; Rom. 6:3–4; 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4;5; Col. 2:12; Heb. 6:2)

2. COMMUNION
1Co 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? (Also: Matt. 26:20–30; Mk. 14:17–26; Lu. 22:14–30; Jn. 13:21–30; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 11:23–26)

3. FOOTWASHING
John 13:1–20 (Also: Matt. 26:6–13; Mk. 14:3–9; Lu. 7:38–44; Jn. 12–1–11)

Footwashing is not a common practice in worship. I have seen, and participated in footwashing services that have been very meaningful, and were powerful times of worship.

V. Forms of Worship—General Congregation

1. Reading the Word—Some churches have three Bible readings (sometimes called "Lessons.") Lu. 4:16; Acts 13:27; Col. 4:16; 1 Thess. 5:27; 1 Tim. 4:13; Rev. 1:3

Old Testament
Epistle
Gospel

2.Reciting Creeds

3.Corporate Prayer/Intercession
Acts 1:14; 2:42; 6:4; 12:15; 16:13

4.Testimonies
Pss. 9:1; 26:7; 145:4–7; Acts 20:24; 1 Cor. 14:26

5.Tithes/Offerings
Mal. 3:10
It is important to recognize that offerings are an important part of worship. The way that we handle finances is an indication of how we will function as worshipers. There are over 1000 references in Scripture to offerings.

6. Gifts of the Spirit
1Co 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant
Acts 2:4, 11, 38; 10:46; 19:5–6; 1 Cor. 12–14; Heb. 2:4
The gifts of the Spirit are given to edify and perfect the Church.

Three gifts to cause us to think like God:
Word of wisdom
Word of Knowledge
Discerning of spirits

Three gifts to cause us to speak like God:
Prophecy
Different kinds of tongues
Interpretation of tongues

Three gifts that cause us to do the acts of God:
Faith
Gifts of healings
The working of miracles
There is a difference between the private use of the gifts and the public use of the gifts.

7. PREACHING
Matt. 24:14; 26:13; Acts 5:42; 6:4; 8:35; 10:42
There are too many Scriptures to include them all. It is obvious that the gathering of God’s people throughout the ages has included the preaching and teaching of the Word.

8. PRAYER FOR THE SICK OR THOSE IN NEED
Acts 5:16; Jas. 5:14–16

9. MISSION
Our worship should always lead us to our mission in the world—to minister the grace and glory of the Lord to our families, brothers and sisters, cities, and nations.

-Vivien Hibbert-