In Reformed circles, there is a Latin saying – Semper reformanda, always reforming. The full version is ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda, which, when translated, means “the church reformed, always being reformed.” Most of the time, I hear just “Semper reformanda suggesting some kind of reform in the church as opposed to adopting some contemporary or pragmatic solution to church growth or even church life or what some contemporaries call “worship experience”.
While many are seeking new ways to make church more interesting, fun, and engaging, others are seeking a simpler, more biblical, and Christ-honoring form of worship. Here at Bible Way Baptist, we are reevaluating all our forms and practices in worship, reducing or eliminating those practices that distract from a purer form of worship. I remember years ago, we would have a meet-and-greet, announcements, birthday recognition, and even the “altar” call. These were all integrated into the service and were becoming too much, especially as our church began to grow. Even before I knew what the Regulative Principle of Worship was, I started making changes and systematically started removing those distractions. Now we open with a prayer of pardon, reading of scripture, opening prayer, singing of hymns (working towards singing of the Psalms as well), preaching (expository), call to prayer, and lastly the benediction. There are always things and ways to improve, so semper reformanda coupled with the Regulative Principle will serve as a framework for worship.
For this blog, I wanted to talk about the publick reading of scripture. Paul tells Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:13 “Till I come, give attendance to reading…” The immediate context concerns the publick reading of scripture. In the apostolic age, there were few copies of scripture, and when the saints gathered for worship, it was important for the preacher to read scripture publicly, especially since many had not heard it before and even fewer had their own copies. Paul writes and encourages the church at Colossae to do the same – Colossians 4:16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
We see this in practice in the Old Testament as well. Deuteronomy 31:10-13 The publick reading of scripture was a part of national life, and I believe the local church should prioritize it as well. This, of course, would be in addition to reading the sermon text.
The publick reading of scripture brings us together, unifying us around the word of God and helping, teaching, and edifying the saints as they seek more understanding and grow in grace and in knowledge. Nehemiah 8:8 captures the sense of this perfectly – “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.“
While many may have Bibles or Bible apps, it doesn’t always mean they are read, and there are yet others who attend church who don’t have Bibles and have never heard the Bible read. What a great opportunity for a local church to really emphasize the Bible and its importance in worship.
The great apostle said – faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. With the publick reading, both believers and non-believers alike can be encouraged to believe and live for the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible is God’s book to man; it is an inspired book, it is meant to be read, studied, preached, meditated upon, and followed and should without question have a pre-eminent place in worship.
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