As I am in the process of looking for a new church, I'm reflecting not only on what Sunshine is doing wrong, but what I want to see done right in a church that I belong to. (This will probably take a while.)
Biblical elements of corporate worship include preaching and teaching the Word of God, prayer, the public reading of Scripture, the singing of Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, and celebrating the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper. (Read the whole article)
I'm not advocating for "if it's not in the Bible we can't do it" mindset (that rules out Easter songs, instrumental music and powerpoint.) But I'm thinking that we can apply the "Solas" to worship. Because of my recent experiences, I'm looking again at the basis for the church I end up choosing.
After many conversations, I believe that worship is not a "free for all", with everyone being able to "worship in their own way". God, better than anybody, knows how He wants to be worshiped. I'm reading in the Old Testament and I just got done reading all of the regulations that He placed on Israel - right down to the setup of the camp and the order that they would march in when traveling.
When making the tabernacle, God ordained even the number of "curtain rings" on each side of the curtain and the tiniest detail of the robes the priests were to wear.
God knows how He likes to be worshiped.
To review, the Five Solas are:
Sola Scriptura: the inerrant Scripture is the sole source of written divine revelation, which alone can bind the conscience. (other sources will say that "Scripture is the only inspired and infallible guide to faith and conduct")
Solus Christus: our salvation is accomplished by the mediatorial work of the historical Christ alone.
Sola Gratia: in salvation we are rescued from God's wrath by His grace alone.
Sola Fide: justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. In justification Christ's righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God's perfect justice.
Soli Deo Gloria: because salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God, it is for God's glory.
