---
title: "Dear Christian Brothers and Sisters, | Worship in Spirit and in Truth"
description: "Dear Christian Brothers and Sisters, — section 2 of Worship in Spirit and in Truth by Pastor Owen Anderson. Read the original text online with Scripture references and section navigation."
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/worship/worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth/dear-christian-brothers-and-sisters/"
author: "Owen Anderson"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/papers/worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth.pdf#page=5"
---

# Dear Christian Brothers and Sisters, | Worship in Spirit and in Truth

I write to you at a time when the church is in decay. The power of the Holy Spirit seems to have been withdrawn from her, leaving her often empty, anemic, and dishonored among the nations. Even in the United States, with its long Christian history, the churches are marked by compromise and worldliness. In England and Scotland, the condition is even more dire.

I plead with you to return to the worship of God. God is holy, and we are to worship Him only as He commands. His Word makes clear what that means. Return to the psalms. Confess them with your lips. Do not sit idly by, listening passively to a choir sing on your behalf. Musicians, do not separate yourselves from the congregation to play instruments. Instead, sing together with God’s people. As a gathered congregation, lift up your voices in unison as a congregation, proclaiming the pure truth of the Word of God living in your hearts. Worship God in Spirit and in truth. Worship Him as Jesus and the disciples did. Sing the psalms with joy, vitality, and understanding.

I understand that even for many in the Reformed tradition today, let alone among Evangelicals, this may sound preposterous. You’ve likely never heard of such a thing. Yet, it is exactly how Jesus and the disciples worshiped, how the church worshiped through the centuries, and what the Reformers like Calvin taught. I urge you to join me in looking at how God has commanded us to worship Him. Then, after considering His commands, tell me—what objections can possibly remain?

In Christ,

Owen Anderson Pastor Christ the King RP Phoenix, Arizona oanderson@hccphx.org

Original source: [Worship in Spirit and in Truth, Owen Anderson (2025)](https://ctkrp.org/assets/papers/worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth.pdf#page=5)

## Related reading

- [Opening Scripture readings](https://ctkrp.org/worship/worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth/opening-scripture-readings/)
- [Singing in Public Worship](https://ctkrp.org/worship/worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth/singing-in-public-worship/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/worship/worship-in-spirit-and-in-truth/dear-christian-brothers-and-sisters/