A recent thread reminded me of a question that I have struggled with.
Regarding the Regulative Principle, what are the rules for distinguishing between Public, and Family Worship? Where do we get the rules? Is it context of the commanded elements?
For example, how do we know that Psalms only are permitted in public worship, but other songs are ok in family worship? The same question could be applied to instruments or catechising.
Some elements are self-explaining, such as preaching and the adminstration of the sacraments (i.e. only a pastor can adminster, therefore it is meant for the public assembly). But what about the rest?
Regarding the Regulative Principle, what are the rules for distinguishing between Public, and Family Worship? Where do we get the rules? Is it context of the commanded elements?
For example, how do we know that Psalms only are permitted in public worship, but other songs are ok in family worship? The same question could be applied to instruments or catechising.
Some elements are self-explaining, such as preaching and the adminstration of the sacraments (i.e. only a pastor can adminster, therefore it is meant for the public assembly). But what about the rest?