Marrying an Unbeliever: Systematics over Exegesis of 2 Corinthians 6:14a

Abstract

This paper titled, “Dynamics of Congregational Worship in Hebrews 10:19-25 and Its Relevance to the Contemporary Church in Nigeria,” discusses the benefits of the Christ-event (sacrificial death, resurrection and ascension) to acceptable worship. God deserves to be worshipped and honored as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Congregational worship is an avenue for believers in Jesus Christ to appreciate God for the past blessings received, as well as presenting their requests to God in anticipation of future blessings. With the veil in the temple torn into two during the death of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary, a new way of good access has been opened to believers in Jesus Chris, as he had secured opportunity for believers with the privilege of always drawing nearer with new confidence to the throne of grace in order to enjoy the benefits of approaching God. Unfortunately, today, in Nigeria as in some other countries, congregational worship no longer seems to be spontaneous and passionate as it should be, because worship has lost its value or flavors. In some churches, worship is seen only as ritualistic, obligatory and lacking in dynamic value. Such experiences of spiritual dryness should not continue; else congregational worship will remain a fluke. To achieve the goal of this paper, the writer has examined the goals of Christian worship, especially, corporate or congregational worship. He had also embarked on an exegetical study of Hebrews 10:19-25 by exploring the meaning of some Greek words and phrases in their historical contexts. In the process, the opinions of some biblical scholars were also examined and presented. Lastly, the writer drew some inferences from the exegetical study of Hebrews 10:19-25, from where he presented the benefits of congregational worship, to serve as recommendations for contemporary churches.