Worship

Nothing Quite Like It – Greg Laurie

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20

I think Christians have the best songs of any religion on earth. The Christian faith is a singing faith, which is not necessarily true of other religions. They may chant, and they may moan. They may have their various forms of music. But there is no faith that is as full of vibrant, joyful singing as Christianity.

When we come together with God’s people in corporate worship, something wonderful happens. God manifests His presence in a unique way when His people come to honour His name. As Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

God is omnipresent, which means that He is everywhere. In a technical sense, He is as present with us when we’re driving as He is when we’re in a church service. On the other hand, when we gather with other believers and lift up His name in praise together, God blesses in a special way. He manifests His presence and even His glory. There is nothing in the world like worship. It is a sense of fulfilment as we do what we were created to do, which is to glorify God.

The Bible tells us in Revelation 15, “And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb” (verses 2-3). We will be singing in Heaven. So let’s start on Earth.

The Spirit-filled church will be a worshiping church. And the Spirit-filled Christian will be a worshiping Christian.

---

Worship or Worshiptainment?  By Howard Green                

The countdown clock ticks away on the screen. The lights begin to dim and the crowd around you is energized as they all stand to their feet amid the laser lights, mood setting fog, and colorful swirling graphics on the walls.

The music is a pounding force that begs your attention. As the singers belt out their anthem, they exhibit precise choreography as they move about on stage. The front man or woman commands everyone to stand up and clap as the smiling backups are gesturing to the exited crowd to join in.

People in the crowd are energized and focused on the great stage production in front of them. The scenario I’ve just described is what you might expect at your local arena, amphitheater, or stadium. Unfortunately, this scenario is also played out in thousands of church sanctuaries every Sunday morning. When we gather as the Body of Christ, are we gathering for worship or worshiptainment?

John 4:23-24  “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Worshiptainment is a word that’s been thrown around a bit, so let me clarify what it means in this article. Worshiptainment is a morphing of traditional worship of God one would expect in a Christian gathering and an infusion of the world’s methods of getting people in the mood to worship. Simply put, it is using entertainment, hype, and controlled conditions to get a crowd to encounter some sort of spiritual experience.

The desired result is creating an experience they will return for each week. It is all about the numbers, calculations, formulas, replication, and strategic vision, much like a corporate structure. In the realm of growth as the measure of success, true worship, evangelism, and discipleship take a back seat to proven formulas.

Before we continue, I want to be clear about where I’m coming from and my motives for this teaching. There are many places one can enter into worship. We can worship God in our car on the way to work. We can worship God as we sing praises to Him while shaving or applying makeup in the bathroom. We can ascribe worship to Him as we kneel down by our bed in the morning or evening.

We might sing, speak, or silently pray to Him. It could be in our home, on a secluded hiking trail, or among other believers in a crowded sanctuary, but when we break worship down to its basic definition it always means the same thing: Worship is actively glorifying God our Father and Jesus our Savior.

In this teaching, we are focused on the miss use of the worship service in our churches and what is passed off as worship at many Christian conferences in our time. Offering up worship to the Lord is not out of compulsion, hype, or something that’s task oriented. True worship comes from the heart of a believer who offers it up as a pure expression of love, gratitude, and awe for the Lord.

I also want you to understand something very important. Some will read the title and assume this article is nothing more than a diatribe against a particular music style, venue, or personal preference. That would be an unfortunate misunderstanding because what I’m covering here is something vastly more important than personal preference or traditional versus contemporary worship styles.

What we are focusing on here is what is the motivation, methodology, and outcome of our worship to God. Some people like singing and acoustic guitars. Others like pipe organs and classic hymns. Still others appreciate drums, electric guitars, and contemporary songs. As long as the music, songs, and especially the lyrics give praise to God alone and don’t detract from the focus on Him, that is worship.

When I was in the early years of my Christian walk in the 1970s and 1980s, I loved the songs we used to sing in my youth group and church I attended. I found that most likeminded churches and Christian gatherings were the same.

We used to sing about “Thy loving kindness, He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high” or all hail the power of Jesus name. Certainly in the 80s there were the hosanna praise songs which were more contemporary, but biblically based. The point is this, classic or contemporary, the focus of the worship song was squarely  on God.

What we are addressing here is something very different. Worshiptainment is extremely dangerous. It’s danger lies in its subtle ability to take the focus off of Jesus and place it on ourselves, our struggles, on this life, and on other people. Worshiptainment places the focus on everything else but who worship should be ascribed to. Worshiptainment in it’s very essence is a movement based solely on the flesh, not the Holy Spirit.

I call worshiptainment a movement because it is becoming woven into the fabric of many previously or otherwise biblically based evangelical churches.

The onset and growth of worshiptainment has exploded in scope in just the past few years. You can see it’s seeping into our churches, and gatherings. It is epitomized in larger nationwide and worldwide movements like Hillsong and Bethel Music.

Matthew 4:10  “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Be gone, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”

It doesn’t matter if you sing traditional, contemporary, or both styles as long as our Savior is central. When Christians gather corporately to worship Jesus, He alone should be our focus. This brings us to the issue at hand.

How can Jesus be the focus of worship when there is clearly a focus on ourselves or the people in front of us. I’ve been to fellowships, churches, and gatherings where the fog machine, lights, and music are so overpowering, there is zero chance I could focus on the One seated on the throne.

Some of the songs that are being belted out are more like marching anthems of Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh sung by the performers in perfect cadence instead of broken, contrite, and humble servants worshipping before the King. You can’t throw the name of Jesus into the lyrics of a song and expect that to cover the garbage that passes for worship lyrics.

These so called “worship leaders” basically repeat the same shallow chorus over and over again as the congregation has another Sunday morning experience complete with warm feelings and goose bumps. This isn’t worship before a holy God, it is a show. It is a lukewarm, be like the world show.

The end result of the worship services in a growing number of church services is best summarized in the word Ichabod. It may as well be written on the front door of the “sanctuary” because God’s glory has departed. I want to warn you that you can’t manufacture a genuine move of the Holy Spirit or revival.

The fog can drift, the shapes on the wall can swirl, and the band can play in deafening cadence. The worship singers can raise their hands toward heaven right on cue and belt out their anthem with precision but it produces no fruit. It is an effort of the flesh that will only produce fans, not disciples.

I’ve had times when I’ve known the Lord’s presence was moving in a service and instead of pausing or waiting as people in the congregation silently pray and worship, the leader and singers will strike up the band for the next song on the schedule on that day. Have we arrived at the point when we go from song to song, to announcements, to a cute video, to the sermon, just so we can keep the schedule going and get out on time?

Whatever happened to being still and waiting on the Lord? Worship and certainly corporate worship can’t be hurried. You cannot shoehorn true worship to fit between your song schedule        or agenda for the morning and call it worship. I often wonder if many people in our churches are able to be quiet and stand in awe of the Lord for even one minute during the service without being entertained.

I’m resolute in regard to zeal for pure worship to the Lord in church and Christian gatherings. I’m certain many believers have to be dealing with the same zeal we have for the Lord’s name and true worship. Isn’t it time we lovingly and boldly speak up about this issue in our local fellowships, to other believers, and to those who are supposed to lead corporate worship?

Church and the Christian life should not be cheapened or reduced down to a movement, a fad, or a worship experience cloaked in hype, entertainment, and a smattering of religious buzzwords.

We are strangers and aliens and are to be remarkably different in out conduct actions, and worship. We aren’t to “do church’” build Christianese communities, or embrace a movement. We are called to go out and be salt and light. We are called to love one another. We are called to be holy.

Marketing, movements, and worshiptainment will never substitute for the true work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a sold-out believer. Love for the Lord and for one another is what distinguishes us from the rest of the world.

How can we expect to see true converts if we are becoming more like the world in order to reach the world?

1 Corinthians 13:1-3  “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”

I love church. I love when we gather together for corporate worship. I believe as the world grows godless by the hour, we need Christian fellowship and worship together to help us finish well. We must be protective and loving enough to (respectfully and gently) correct brethren who are sliding down into this trap of worshiptainment.

We are living in the time just prior to the Lord’s return and we cannot engage in or watch those we care about slip into this movement which is basically what worshiptainment is. I love other believers and long to see them desire the true richness of the Lord.

A growing number of our evangelical churches and gatherings have become so seeker sensitive and want to be so culturally relevant that they have reduced the service down to a pep rally, followed by a sermonette, and great fellowship and community afterward.

You can use the name of Jesus and place it on big flashing screens. You can have banners full of spiritual sounding platitudes on every wall. It is all window dressing if He isn’t central to what you are doing. We must focus on building His kingdom, not our own.

Today we have the astonishing spectacle of millions of dollars being poured into the unholy job of providing earthly entertainment for the so-called sons of heaven. Religious entertainment is in many places rapidly crowding out the serious things of God.

Many churches these days have become little more than poor theaters where fifth-rate “producers” peddle their shoddy wares with the full approval of evangelical leaders who can even quote a holy text in defense of their delinquency. And hardly a man dares raise his voice against it.  —A.W. Tozer -1955, On Our Odd Idol- Entertainment

Worshiptainment is destructive enough, but when some of our churches begin to emulate the worldly Hillsong movement or Bethel Church and Music movement, worship becomes counterfeit and is directed at the movement, not God. Hillsong has built an empire out of worshiptainment.

Its structure, leadership, and focus are on based on the movement itself and not Jesus. You can have a giant flashing screen with the word Jesus, pulsating music, and a light show that rivals all others, but the Lord desires worship from the heart, not hype. The Hillsong movement’s marriage with the world is well documented. I’m mentioning Hillsong because of the fact that their songs are being sung in thousands of evangelical churches each Sunday.

This is not exclusive, but many of their songs are course after repeated course of feel good, ear ticketing, all about me, dribble with the name of Jesus added in for supposed authenticity. I’m not talking about Brian Houston’s personal life, personal sin, or even preferences.

I’m addressing a movement that at its core, seems to be driving the focus away from Jesus and making everyone part of one big Christianese social club. This becomes very pertinent given the fact that Hillsong’s movie: Let Hope Rise will be released to theaters on September 16th.

Bethel Music, under the umbrella of Bethel Church of Redding, California is under the leadership of Bill Johnson. Included in this Bethel movement is: Jesus Culture, Bethel Music label, Schools of Supernatural Ministry, School of Worship, along with other conferences.

When I’m in a local church and see Bethel Music credited as the source of the worship song, I have to cringe. I believe many godly worship pastors or leaders must be ignorant to the fact that Bethel Church and Bill Johnson’s teachings are mired in heretical teaching.

If you didn’t know and you simply listened to the words of the songs on their own merit, you might conclude there is no problem. In reality, Bethel Church and Bethel Music have produced “worship” songs with the mantra and general idea of being free, king’s kids, and conquerors, all the while holding to the most extreme of practices within their venues: Fire tunnels, gold dust from heaven appearing, and rolling around on the floor grunting like an animal are the norm at bethel Church.

This is all well-documented and you may read further in our recent article Profiteering Prophets. I cannot begin to think we need to be spoon fed ‘worship’ music from the den of false doctrine that is Bethel Church and Bethel Music.

Psalm 95:1-6  “Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!”

Friends, true worship is ascribing glory to God. It comes from a heart that doesn’t need to hyped, pepped, or conjured up. If you are a true Christian, you know the difference. As many in the evangelical church seem to be embracing the methods of worshiptainment to increase numbers and appeal to the world, you must feel the same tension I do as I want to point people to the only

One who rightfully deserves worship alone. Let me reiterate, I love the church, I care for fellow believers, I want young Christians to know true worship isn’t something to be reduced down to religious entertainment. There is not enough hype and entertainment to carry you along in this ever darkening world or give you enough motivation to live daily for Jesus.

Spiritual pep rallies complete with cool bracelets and t-shirts commemorating a movement will not help you to stand for Jesus when it will cost you something or perhaps even cost everything. Conferences, youth rallies, and other gatherings have their place and many are so edifying to a person’s Christian walk, provided they are focused squarely on Jesus.

At the end of the day, we cannot let religious activity ever take the place of truly walking with Jesus. If you focus on and sell out to Him, you won’t need to be entertained. You will be excited by the simple fact that you are able to live your life for Jesus to the glory of God.

Looking across the religious landscape of our day, I’m becoming convinced of the root cause of shallow worship. Many have reduced the Lord down to our level. They view Him as a homie, pal, or cosmic genie in a bottle. He’s someone they sing to, to make themselves feel good.

In my opinion, we need to completely do away with self-esteem and instead esteem God as high and lifted up. If we could even take a moment to see what the Bible says about the Lord, we’d be on our faces or kneeling in worship instead of proudly belting out anthems about our struggles or how great we are.

The Bible tells us the throngs of angels surround His throne and sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy.”

In Psalm 145 David proclaims, “I will extol you my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.”

This is a heart filled with adoration and it is expressed as worship to the Lord. Me centered dribble and sappy songs about our hopes and dreams to nothing to bring worship to God.

Worship in the Bible occurs in many times and places. Sometimes it is during a high season or mountain top time in one’s life. Other times, it is after trials and hardship. Jesus ascribes worship to God when tempted in the wilderness. Paul and Silas were stripped of their clothing, beaten severely, and thrown into a dungeon, yet they praised and worshipped the Lord during the night.

The point is this: Worshiptainment focuses on the here and now, the mountaintops, and it is me centered. The loud music will fade away, laser lights will cease, the fog from the machine will dissipate, and the exited crowd will be gone.

You may feel very alone. When hard times, trials, and persecution comes, you need to be able to worship the Lord, even in that hard place because He is right there with you if you belong to Him.

Proverbs 18:24  “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

I’m certain I’ll get mail in favor of what I wrote and others will write and accuse me of being legalistic or out of step. My motives are to lovingly warn you if you are a Christian to be genuine with the Lord and desire true worship. Be intentional about warning others including your leadership about the dangers of worshiptainment.

If you are a new Christian, I’m warning you to seek the Lord, worship Him in spirit and truth, and diligently read what the Bible says about worship. Find a local church or fellowship that teaches the Bible, is Christ centered, and worships with reverence and awe for the Lord. If you need direction as to what a solid biblical church looks like, please contact us.

2 Timothy 4:3-4  “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”

In the previous verse, Paul is warning Timothy about false teaching being proliferated by those who desire to hear what they want to hear. Worldly passions give rise to people, including once solid believers wandering off into religious myths.

I’m echoing the same warning because some of what passes for worship songs in services is not doctrinally solid and biblical and it is leading people away from Jesus and back into the world. It may appear good because there is some truth, a smattering of religious platitudes, and even a mention of Jesus name.

I believe as we approach the climax of history and the Lord’s return, more churches and fellowships will begin to resemble the world. They will use its marketing tactics, clever salesmanship, and corporate models to build and replicate for strategic growth.

This will continue to be epitomized in its greatest manifestation of seeker sensitive overtures and a give them what they will return for next Sunday mentality. Worshiptainment is the end result of playing church and making little of God and much of ourselves and how great our church is.

Don’t tell people how great your church is, how much you love it,  or how cool the youth or worship pastor is. Don’t tell them how many activities your church has for the kids and whole family. People need to know how great your Savior is.

Please don’t mistake a flurry of seemingly religious activity and especially entertainment masquerading as worship as a work of the Lord. Hirelings and entertainers have many people settling for an enhanced life experience rather than an abundant life lived taking up the cross of Christ.

Throughout church history from the early believers in Jerusalem, Antioch, to those persecuted in the Middle Ages, up to the time of Spurgeon, Moody, and Tozer, worship has been focused squarely on the Lord.

The prevailing current in much of the modern evangelical church worship is “me” focused. In these end times, let us exhort other believers to true worship where the glory is the Lord’s alone. Tozer saw worshiptainment creeping into the evangelical church over fifty years ago and warned us about it.

Let’s continue to lovingly warn people against this spiritual decay disguised as being in the Lord’s presence and worship in our day.

All for Him

---

When you worship, you touch God and then God touches you back.

When you worship, you say I love you Lord and then God says I love you too.

When you worship, you say I rather be with you then anyone else Lord and
then God says me too! I rather be with you than anyone else!

When you worship, you fulfill your heart’s desire for love, and then God’s heart
is fulfilled in his love for you.

Worship is a love communication that is exchanged between you and God.

Worship moves your world closer to him, and it moves his world closer to you.

---

What Is A Tabret?

Tabrets are not only a beautiful adornment but also a powerful tool used in praise, worship and intercession. The word “tabret” is considered archaic term by modern-day Bible translators; however, the term is still found in the King James translation of the Bible. Other Bible translations substitute the word “tabret” with timbrel or tambourine.

The ancient original form of the tabret was a small, one-sided drum with a leather strap attached; beaten by stick or hand. Modern-day tabrets are a stylized version of the ancient tabret.

God says He will restore the tabret to His worshipping Bride:

Jeremiah 31:4 (KJV) – “Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.”

The day Lucifer was created, tabrets were in him:

Ezekiel 28:13 (KJV) – “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou was created.”

When we use tabrets, it is like a slap in the face to the enemy, reminding him where he came from and where he’s going.

The tabret can be used symbolically to declare the Word of God. It becomes an offensive weapon in spiritual realm:

Isaiah 30:32 (KJV) – “And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, it shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking will he fight with it.”

Tabrets were used to prepare the way for the Spirit of prophesy:

1 Samuel 10:5-6 (KJV) – “After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them: and they shall prophesy. And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.”
Tabrets were used in times of celebration:
Genesis 31:27, Isaiah 24:8

Tabrets were considered an object of beauty:
Job 17:6

Examples of how the tabret can be used to symbolically declare the Word of God:

Worship Tools are a point of contact and symbolic representation. The spiritual realm is impacted as we mix our faith with the Word of God
(Hebrews 4:2).

• The “King of Kings” tabret can be used to declare that Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords over a person, a situation, the nations, etc.
• The “Holy Spirit” tabret can be used to invite Holy Spirit to flow freely in a place, a person’s life, etc.

These are just a few examples. Let the Word of God fill your heart and Holy Spirit guide you in performing symbolic or prophetic actions with the tabret. It is a powerful tool in His hands, through ours!

The purple one is “on eagles wings”

The red one is”King of Kings”

“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:16

 

 

 

---

WHY WE LIFT UP OUR HANDS IN WORSHIP by Kathi deGraw

All through the Bible you see scriptures of people bowing down or lying prostrate, yet some of us have had experiences where we were hesitant to lift our hands in worship. When we feel that gentle tug inside; it is the Holy Spirit within us.

We feel like we want to do something such as raise our hands, but then we see our friends and family nearby and we are concerned about what it looks like and if they are doing it. We want to worship the Lord in a new way, but we are scared. We are concerned by fear of the unknown and fear of man.

When you are praying or worshiping in any situation you can lift your hands in praise and adoration to God. When you lift your hands to God in prayer or song you are releasing the Holy Spirit, showing Him you adore Him and you are saying, “God, I am open to you and a touch of Your presence.” You are worshiping and exalting Him for who He is, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

“Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms” (Psa. 95:2). The word thanksgiving (todah), according to Strong’s No. 8426, is derived from the verb yadah (Strong’s H3034). It means to hold out the hand, an extension of the hand, especially to revere or worship with extended hands. It is to thank and praise God with one’s hands extended.

Throughout the Bible it shows us scriptures of the strength and power that comes through our fingers, hands and arms.

Fingers: Our fingers are a symbol of strength and power in our prayer, praise and worship. Look at what God did with His fingers. “Then the Lord delivered to me two tablets of stone written with the finger of God, and on them were all the words which the Lord had spoken to you on the mountain from the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly” (Deut. 9:10). God wrote on a stone tablet with His fingers.

“This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.” Here, in John 8:6, Jesus used His finger to convict people of their sin and set a woman free from her sin.

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained” (Psalm 8:3).

“Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart” (Prov. 7:3).
When you are raising your hands you are also stretching out your fingers. God gave us commandments through His fingers. What are you releasing into the spiritual atmosphere by raising your hands and extending your fingers?

Hands: Hands are a very important tool in our Christian walk. We fold them or open them up while we pray. We lay hands on others to heal the sick and we extend them for a handshake or hug as a Christian greeting. God also used His hands. “Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, measured heaven with a span and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?” (Is. 40:12).

We know that God used His hands to create. “Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle” (Ps. 144:1). Right here God is training our hands for war and our fingers for battle. Raising our hands is warfare worship.

What if by raising our hands in praise to the Lord we are binding the enemy and releasing the praise to combat the attacks? What if by raising your hand you could lift those burdens and heaviness and enter into the presence of God Almighty? Well you can! That is what raising our hands does; it lifts burdens, releases His glory into the atmosphere to combat demonic attacks and helps us enter into His presence.

In Isaiah 19:16, it also shows us the strength of His hand. “In that day Egypt will be like women, and will be afraid and fear because of the waving of the hand of the Lord of hosts, which He waves over it.” The enemy cowers in fear because of an upraised hand of the Lord. So, if the enemy cowers in fear beneath the upraised hand of the Lord, then he has to cower in fear beneath our upraised hand because Jesus Christ lives in me and He lives in YOU!

Moses’ hands were used to win a war in Exodus 17:11. “And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” I love this verse. Moses’ hands were used to combat physical war and spiritual war. We can be victorious by lifting our hands and arms in worship!

Arms: As we raise our fingers and hands we are also lifting our arms. God designed everything to work together, and even our arms have significance when we raise them in praise to the Lord. Regarding Samson, Judges 15:14 says, “When he came to Lehi, the Philistines came shouting against him. Then the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him; and the ropes that were on his arms became like flax that is burned with fire, and his bonds broke loose from his hands.” Here the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him.
Isaiah 11:2 states that, “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon you.” I want the Spirit of the Lord to rest upon me and rest upon you!

Jesus took the children up in His arms and blessed them. “And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:16). Jesus used every part of Himself to bless the children, His physical body to hold Him, and His Spirit and Soul, His emotions and the authority of His words to bless them.

Clapping: Clapping is applauding and pleasing to God and biblical. It is praising our God for who He is and what He has done. If we can clap, jump, shout and cheer at a football stadium, concert, or performance, then we should do it for the Lord above, the Creator of the universe.

Psalm 47:1 tell us to clap. “Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!” Clap! Shout! Get excited! Strong’s No. 8628 defines clap (taqa’) as; to clatter, clang, sound, blow, clap or strike. Here it appears, when they define clap, that heaven is going to be noisy! If you think heaven is going to be boring and somber you are wrong. The angels are singing all day long: Holy Holy Holy! That doesn’t sound boring or somber! They are doing it in praise and adoration to our Father. Hallelujah!

We continue to have clapping and joy in Isaiah 55:12. “For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” The Bible is instructing us here how to worship. We shall go out with joy. Raising our hands, clapping and singing praise to our Lord gives us joy. How can you stay sad or depressed when you are singing, dancing, clapping and exalting the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

I am not suggesting you go and do all these hand movements and gestures and remember this list. I am encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and enjoy your worship time with the Lord. Don’t be afraid to open your hands and let the Holy Spirit move through them. Let it happen naturally.

I remember the first time the Holy Spirit called me to raise my hands. I was in a charismatic church where everyone was doing it. I kind of felt this tugging inside me like I should, but I was afraid. Did I do it? Yes, and I have never turned back. The feeling of love, honor and respect, and intimate feeling I have with the Lord is indescribable.
Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and try something different in worship, after all we are created to worship Him. Everyone enters into worship differently, but why not be open to the Spirit’s leading in case He calls you to do something different.

---

The Heart of Worship – Elizabeth Amorim

In the late 1990’s a young songwriter called Matt Redman sat down in his bedroom and quickly wrote a song about an experience that he was going through with his local church home Soul Survivor in Watford, England.

The song was called “The heart of Worship”.

At that time Redman’s church was struggling to find meaning in its musical outpouring, although Britain was producing some of the most beautiful worship songs of the era, Soul Survivor Church was missing the dynamic of the real issue of worship.

One day Pastor Mike Pilavachi stood up and told his congregation there would be no sound system and band for a season, people would just gather together with nothing but their voices, Mike felt that people had lost their way in true worship and the way to get back to the heart of it was to strip everything away.

Pastor Mike reminded his church family to be producers in worship and not just consumers, because when they came through the doors on a Sunday morning, what were they bringing as an offering to God?

At first there was an embarrassing silence, but slowly people began to break into songs and heartfelt prayers and they encountered God in a fresh way.

Over time, the sound system and the band were re-introduced again, but the perspective of what true heartfelt worship really meant had been a lesson learned.

Worship is all about Jesus.

When you come to Jesus , he commands a response from your soul that no matter where you are, your circumstances or situation, whether you have music to accompany or not, whether you are just two or a crowd, whether you meet in a huge building or a tiny room , Our Lord Jesus calls you gently to enter into a glorious and intimate experience with him.

When Matt Redman wrote the song he had no grand intentions, by any means for it to become an international anthem, Matt was simply writing out of his own heart experience , it was personal to him but he did share it with his Pastor who quickly suggested he share it with the world.

Amazed by how the Lord has since taken this song around the world for his purposes, Matt admits that he never thought the song would make it any further than his bedroom.

When it is heartfelt, real and true and sincere, when you honestly come before the Lord with open heart and arms stretched out wide, you will find a response from him. The Lord loves a true heart reflecting gratitude for all that he has done. God can take a simple song and turn it into a powerful anthem when it is sung to him out of purity and love.

But worship is not just about a song, worship is about coming to Jesus and honouring him for who he is, he is our healer, our redeemer, our Saviour, our defender, our portion, our God, our protector, he is everything that we need and without him life means nothing but with him life means everything.

---

THE EXTRAVAGANT WORSHIPPER

 

Religious people think extravagant worship is a waste of time. But Mary of Bethany taught us that Jesus deserves only the best praise.

Do you want to be a passionate worshipper of Jesus the Messiah? Although we may sincerely desire to worship our Savior with abandonment, many of us have grown up in a religious or home environment where we were never allowed, or never encouraged, to freely express our emotions.

Emotions are the language of a person’s internal state of being. They are a form of communication that powerfully conveys the intensity of things we are feeling on the inside. Unbridled emotion will permit us to express ourselves in free, spontaneous and profound responses to the God who longs to have intimacy with us.

God has always wanted to be near His people. In the beginning, the first human couple enjoyed open, unbroken intimacy and fellowship with their Creator as they walked with Him “in the garden in the cool of the day” (Gen. 3:8).

As we all know, sin broke that relationship and erected a “veil” of separation between the holy God and His own creation. God wanted to be near us so much—to repair the breach—that He became one of us. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, He “became flesh and dwelt among us … full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

By His death and resurrection, Christ tore away the veil and opened the way once more for face-to-face intimacy with the Father. But intimacy with God is not automatic; it takes time and commitment, motivated by a ravishing hunger for Him. Typically we rush into our “time with God,” rattle off our list of requests and then rush off again. We must take the time to get to know Him as He knows us—just as His friends and disciples did.

Among Jesus’ closest friends when He was on earth was Mary of Bethany. She was one who publicly expressed her love for Jesus in an amazingly lavish way. The Bible tells us in John 12:1-3 that Jesus was attending a dinner party when Mary “took a pint of very costly ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.”

In another Gospel account, we read that Mary’s sister, Martha, complained to Jesus because Mary wasn’t helping her serve the meal; but Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the good part (see Luke 10:40-42). That part was to sit at the feet of her Lord and friend, rapt in His words and His holy presence (see v. 39). Then, in an act of breathtaking extravagance, Mary lavished her love on Jesus in a display of unbridled devotion and abandoned worship.

According to the parallel accounts recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, this supper on Jesus’ behalf was held in the home of a man known as “Simon the leper” (Matt. 26:6; Mark 14:3). Luke’s account further identifies Simon as a Pharisee (see Luke 7:36,39). Although some biblical scholars contend that the story related in Matthew, Mark and Luke is a record of two different women, it is possible that all four accounts tell of two different acts by the same person.

John’s account, however, is the only one that identifies Mary by name; the other Gospel writers refer to her simply as “a woman.” Luke goes a little further, identifying her as a “sinner” (Luke 7:37). In that context the word “sinner” (Greek hamartolos) refers specifically to an immoral woman, or a woman of ill repute.

Matthew and Mark record that she poured the perfume on Jesus’ head (see Matt. 26:7; Mark 14:3); Luke and John say that she poured it on His feet, adding the additional detail that she wiped His feet with her hair (see Luke 7:38; John 12:3). We know from the different accounts that Jesus’ disciples as well as others were in attendance and witnessed Mary’s controversial act.

Let’s try to consolidate these various accounts and see if we can frame the complete picture. Jesus is in Bethany, the village where Lazarus, Martha and Mary live. While there, He attends a supper in the home of a Pharisee known as Simon the leper. Lazarus is also one of the dinner guests, as are Jesus’ disciples and others, perhaps some of Simon’s friends.

Martha is there to serve. It appears that this was not a small, intimate meal but rather a large dinner party.

Suddenly, in the middle of everything, Mary appears, carrying an ornate bottle of very expensive perfume. Seemingly oblivious to the presence of perhaps two dozen or more witnesses, she stands behind Jesus’ feet, wetting them with her tears (see Luke 7:38). Breaking open the vial of perfume, Mary first anoints Jesus’ head and then His feet.

Then, kneeling down, she gently and lovingly wipes Jesus’ feet with her hair.

Such a blatantly public display of intimate affection probably caused a sudden embarrassed silence from everyone else in the room. For some, that embarrassed silence quickly became shocked outrage, but Mary didn’t care. She was deeply in love with a man—the Messiah—who had forgiven her and saved her and who treated her with a love, dignity and respect that no one else had ever afforded her. Whatever else she may once have been or done, no matter how she may have wasted her life before, Mary is different now. Jesus has changed her.

Now she is bent on wasting her life on her Lord—the God who loved her and forgave her—and she doesn’t care who knows about it or what anyone else thinks. For Mary, the expensive perfume means nothing; it is merely a symbol of the unrestrained love she feels in her spirit and of her determination from that day forward to waste her life on God.

Religious Criticism

It didn’t take long for Mary’s radical expression of love for Jesus to provoke strong criticism. “There were some with indignation within themselves, saying, ‘Why was this ointment wasted? 5 It might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.’ And they grumbled against her” (Mark 14:4-5).

On the surface, the criticism appears quite practical and religiously correct. The perfume was worth 300 denarii, equivalent in those days to a year’s wages for a common laborer. Why “waste” such valuable essence on one person (no matter who he was) in a matter of a few seconds?

This is the typical response of religious people when confronted with an act of genuine spiritual devotion; it is incomprehensible to them. The religious mind counts the cost of such extravagance and concludes that it is a waste. Such criticism is almost always clothed in pious garb: “The perfume might have been sold … and the money given to the poor.”

What religious critics fail to understand is that extravagant acts of abandoned, “wasted” worship that are motivated by unfettered love for God need no justification or explanation before men. In fact, as I study the Bible, I find that extravagance in worship always wins out with God over self-conscious conservatism.

The real issue is whether we are trying to give attention or gain attention. God looks at the heart and welcomes the open, unfeigned adoration of His children, however it is expressed.

This is why Jesus jealously rose to Mary’s defense. “Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. You always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish, you may do good to them. But you will not always have Me. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel will be preached throughout the whole world, what she has done will also be spoken of as a memorial to her'” (Mark 14:6-9). He cut right through the pious hypocrisy to focus on matters of the heart.

What is the true object of our love? Jesus said that wherever a man’s treasure is, that is where his heart will be also (see Matt. 6:21). Mary’s heart was in the right place, and Jesus affirmed her.

Once again, Mary had chosen that good part, and it would not be taken away from her. She wasted everything she had ever achieved or earned on her new Lord!

The Door to Greater Intimacy

Wasting our life on God is a doorway to greater intimacy with Him. It is a lifestyle practice that has been sorely missing in the modern, “fast-food” church for many years. It’s beginning to make a comeback, however.

Hungry believers in all parts of the world and in every stream and denomination are starting to rediscover this lost key to the simpler, deeper life. The Lord Himself is stirring it up and bringing it to the remembrance and awareness of His people. He is raising up a company of friends, a society of the brokenhearted yet grateful.

This is neither a gender issue nor a theological, doctrinal or sectarian issue, but an issue of the heart; a heart overflowing with love and gratitude to the One who poured out and “wasted” His divine fragrance on us. What greater “waste” could there be but that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8)?

God is drawing and calling His people to a deeper, focused walk with Him, not just into the inner court but also all the way into the most holy place, that safe, quiet inner chamber to which He alone has the key. But He has given us the key and has invited us to come in.

Jesus said, “But you, when you pray, enter your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matt. 6:6). Our prayers are welcomed and received before Him just as Jesus welcomed and received Mary’s tears that wetted His feet and her perfume that anointed His body for burial. Like Mary, a people of God are arising whose chief goal will be to waste their lives on Him.

A key to living a life wasted on God is to learn to enter the place of quietness before God; a place of meditation and what many writers of old have called contemplative prayer. That is where true intimacy and spiritual communion reach their fullest realization.

I invite you and challenge you to go on a journey with me to that secret inner place, a life wasted on Jesus. It is an invitation to join the society of the brokenhearted, a people of gratitude, meekness and faith who have felt the warm gaze of the Lord into their inmost being and have heard His affirmation, “I knew you were like that all the time.”

Out of that brokenness will come forth a fragrance that will fill the house, the fragrance of abandoned, “wasted worship” and a life completely poured out for God. That fragrance will rise and be collected in heaven, where one day the Messiah Himself will be pleased to pour it back out as an ointment to draw His people to Himself and bring healing to the nations.

The road to true intimacy with God is an inward journey, proceeding into His presence through the entrance gate of quietness of the soul. It is a narrow track that lies well off the beaten path, virtually unseen and ignored by the vast majority of humanity careening headlong through life. Although it is not easy to find, the riches and rewards are well worth the effort.

Why don’t you begin to follow it? Set off today on a road less traveled and allow the adventure that awaits to whet your appetite to get “wasted” on Jesus!

---

 

Prophetic Forms in Worship – 17 January 2015

God is a God of form. When the earth was without form, He formed it out of nothing. Before He created the form of the earth, there was no purpose (Gen. 1:2). God creates form and then reveals His purpose and plan through that form. Until we allow God to shape and form us, we have no purpose in life. God desires to form himself (His character and nature) within us, and when He accomplishes this, we have the ability to “say” something through our lives…. until Christ be formed within you. Gal. 4:19

This same principle applies in worship. The attitudes of worship that are a reality in the heart are demonstrated outwardly as forms of worship. As this happens there comes some understanding of the purpose and focus of our heart towards the Lord. Worship has purpose as it goes from spiritual (unseen) reality, to demonstrated expressions of our hearts.

It is possible to see this principle demonstrated through other forms used within the Christian church. Take baptism, for example. When we descend into the waters of baptism, we are showing outwardly that we have made a spiritual and inner commitment of surrendering our lives to Christ. We die to self and bury the “old man” in the water forever. The inner decision and commitment to Christ is enough, in itself, to gain the fullness of redemption. However, as we make a public demonstration of our faith through baptism, there comes a powerful “sea]” of our inner commitment. It is as if the inner commitment is made more powerful through an outward form. Going under the water alone is not the thing that causes us to be saved. There has to be an inner spiritual commitment before there is an outward physical demonstration. Somehow, by performing outwardly the issues of the heart, there comes a tangible and powerful reality to those issues. This same thing is true with communion, laying on of hands, etc.

Jesus said that we must worship in “spirit and in truth” John 4:23. In other words, we need our worship to have reality within our heart and in our outward expression.

This brings us to the issue of the forms we use in worship. One thing that is very important to note is that the forms or outward demonstrations of our heart of worship must accurately interpret the inner reality. For example, when we are happy, our face outwardly shows this by smiling or laughing. So, too, when we worship, the work of the Holy Spirit within us, and our response to the Lord is revealed through our lives in a tangible form. These forms of worship are not dependent upon, or appropriate by reason of denomination or culture. Rather, they are acceptable, relevant and appropriate because God accepts them and finds them appropriate. Often, the ways that we commune with God and respond to Him are a reflection of the worship in heaven. We read in scripture of various forms of worship being used around the throne of God:

• The elders and angels of heaven fall down before God and cast their crowns before Him.

Rev. 4:8; 5:8; 5:14; 7:11; 11:16; 19:4

• Singing and playing instruments. Rev. 5:8-9; 14:2; 15:2

• Many loud voices. Rev. 5:2; 5:12; 6:10; 11:15; 12:10; 14:7; 14:15; 14:18; 19:1; 19:6

• Waving palm branches. Rev. 7:9

• Silence for half an hour. Rev. 8:1

• Voices like many waters and thunder. Rev. 1:15; 14:2; 19:6

• Voices that sound like trumpets. Rev. 1:10; 4:1

• The new song being sung. Rev. 5:9; 14:3

• Singing the song of Moses. Rev. 15:3

• Singing the song of the Lamb. Rev 15:3

• Antiphonal (responsive) singing. Is. 6:3

It is reasonable to assume that God is comfortable with these expressions of worship even though some of them are somewhat extreme. We tend to worship in ways that are suitable to us culturally and denominationally but we need to allow the Bible to be our textbook as a pattern for the forms of worship.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Col. 3:16

Paul admonishes us to teach out of the book of Psalms. The book of Psalms is full of expressive worship. Paul doesn’t qualify this statement by saying which Psalms are suitable for the New Testament church. He doesn’t say we can use the Psalms, but we cannot use the ones which tell us to clap our hands, shout, dance, make a loud noise, lift up banners, bow down before the Lord etc. We can only assume that all of these expressions were acceptable to the Holy Spirit and to the Apostles for use in the New Testament church. Paul did not have to write another book for the early church to explain or qualify the expressions of worship that were to be used. He referred the church to the book of Psalms and used that as a basis for worship – 1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16

The following is a list of the various forms that are found in scripture in the worship of God. None of these forms “belong” to any particular denomination. They are all expressions of worship that God accepts, and they are all acceptable forms of worship for the New Testament Church.

Forms of Worship Using the Body

A. STANDING

1 Ki. 8:22; 19:11; 2 Ki. 3:14; 5:16; 1 Chron. 23:30; 2 Chron. 7:6; 9:7; 29:11; 35:5; Neh. 9:5; Ps. 24:3; 134:1; 135:2; Jer. 7:10; Rom. 5:2

It is a mark of respect to stand in someone’s presence. It is regarded in all cultures as a sign of great disrespect to sit in the presence of royalty. As we worship our King, there are times when the Holy Spirit draws us to our feet as an expression of honor.

B. KNEELING

1 Kings 8:54; 2 Chron. 6:13; Ezra 9:5; Ps. 95:6; Is. 45:23; Dan. 6:10; Matt. 17:14; Mark 1:40; 10:17; 15:9; Luke 5:8; 22:41; Acts 7:60; 9:40; 20:36; 21:5; Rom. 14:11; Eph. 3:14; Phil. 2:10

Kneeling is an act of submission and reverence. It is the act of placing ones self lower than the one who is kneeled to.

C. BOWING DOWN

Gen. 18:2; 19:1; 24:48; Ex. 4:31; 12:27; 34:8; Num. 22:31; 2 Chron. 20:18; 29:30; Ezra 8:6; Ps. 95:6; Is. 45:23; Micah 6:6; Matt. 27:29; Lu. 24:5; Rom. 14:11

Bowing is a further degree of placing self lower than another. We can bow the head, the waist, the knee or totally prostrate ourselves. Each of these is a further degree of obeisance.

The three Hebrew words for “worship” also include the concept of bowing:

Shachah used 171 times

Qadad used 15 times

Kara used 30 times

The primary word in Greek for “worship” is proskuneo, which also means to be prostrate.

D. DANCING

Ex. 15:20–21; Judges11:34; 21:21; 1 Sam. 18:6-7; 21:11; 29:5; 2 Sam. 6:1,4-16; 1 Chron. 15:29; Ps. 30:11; 149: 3; 150:4; Jer. 31:4, 12-13; Matt. 11:17; Lu. 7:32; 10:21; 15:25

Many of the words in Hebrew and Greek for “joy” or “rejoicing” include the understanding of dancing and other physical movement. For example, the Greek verb agalliao (noun: agallias) is used over 16 times in the New Testament and translated in the KJV as “exceeding joy,” “greatly rejoice,” etc., actually means in the literal derivation: “very much leaping.” (Matt. 5:12; Lu. 1:14, 44, 47; 10:21; Jn. 5:35; 8:56; Acts 2:26, 46; 16:34; Heb. 1:9; 1

Pet. 1:6, 8; 4:13; Jude 24; Rev. 19:7

There are many occasions where dance is appropriate. Such as:

• Dancing in worship— 2 Sam. 6:14–16; 1 Chron. 15:29 David danced before the Lord with all his might.

Ps. 30:11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing

Ps. 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance

• In times of joy and festivity —1 Ki. 19:16 Able-Meholah is called “the meadow of the dance.” This is the place set a side for feast days and festivals. Elisha was born there. He is a type of the double portion ministry—another picture of the Church in the Last Days, just as dancing and celebration are marks of the Church today. The Hebrew words for “feast” and “holy day” (Ex. 12:14, 17; Lev. 23:41; Jud. 11:34; Ps. 42:4) is chagag, which is also one of the words for “dance.”

• Prophetic dance— Ex. 15:1–19 is the first prophetic song recorded in the Bible. Moses sang this song following the defeat of the Egyptians at the Red Sea. Moses’ sister, Miriam and other women responded to Moses’ song with a dance (verses 20–21). 1 Sam. 18:6–7 is a prophetic song and dance declaring the exploits of David. He had just slain Goliath, but the song and dance prophesied of the victories to come.

• The dance of War—

• Josh. 3:13 The feet of the priests made a way for God’s people to cross the river Jordan
• 2 Sam. 22:37–44; Ps. 18:47; 47:3 The Lord places our enemies under our feet. Even nations will be under our feet
• Ps. 18:34, 40; 144:1 He teaches our hands to war
• Micah 1:3 The Lord comes down and treads on the high places of the earth. “Tread”

–hadak to crush with the foot (Job 40:12)

–ramak to trample; to oppress (Is. 26:6; Ez. 26:11)

-buwc to trample; loath; pollute; tread (Ps. 44:5; 60:12; 108:13; Is. 14:25; 63:3)

-darak to string a bow by treading on it and bending it, archer, guide, lead ((Ps. 91:13; Micah 1:3)

-siym cast in, change, dispose, tread down, overturn (Is. 10:6)

-pateo (Greek) to trample, tread down under foot (Lu 10:19)

• Heb 2:8–9 The Lord has put all things under His feet
• Rom. 6:13 We must yield our whole bodies as weapons that bring righteousness
• Rom. 16:20 God is going to crush (shatter completely) Satan under our feet
• Eph. 6:12 We wrestle against principalities and powers. The word for “wrestle” in Greek is pale, which comes from the Greek wrestling matches, which were fights to the death. Each warrior would attempt to crush the back of the neck of his opponent (2 Cor. 10:4)
• Col. 2:15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. The Greek word for “triumph” is thriambenuo, which means, “to make an acclamatory procession.” This is a procession or march of victory following a battle.

E. LIFTING HANDS

There are 12 different uses for the lifting of hands outlined in scripture:

1. Supplication (A humble prayer of request.)

Ps. 28:2 Hear the voice of my supplications…when I lift my hands… Also Ps. 88:9; Lam. 2:19; Is. 1:15 (Amp.)

2. Repentance (A prayer of contrition or penitence)

Lam. 3:40-41 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.

3. Praise and blessing God

Ps. 63:4 So will I bless Thee while I live; I will lift up my hands in your name. Also Neh. 8:6; Ps. 134:2

4. Worship

Ps. 44:2 If we have stretched out our hands to a strange God… This scripture is talking about the worship of false Gods; however, we also may lift our hands as we worship our King.

5. Thirsting or seeking after God

Ps. 143:6 I spread forth my hands to you; my soul thirsts after you like a thirsty land.

6. Prayer habit

1 Tim. 2:8 I desire therefore that in every place men should pray…lifting up holy hands.

Also 1 Ki. 8:22; 8:38; 8:54; 2 Chron. 6:12; 6:19; Ps. 141:2; Is. 1:15

7. Warfare

Ex. 17:11-12 “When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.”

8. Seeking, and as a sign of, divine power

Ex. 9:15 …I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee…

Also Ex 7:19; 8:5-6; 5:17; 9:22; 9:29; 10:21-22; 14:16; 14:26-27; Num. 20:11

9. Meditation

Ps. 119:48 My hands also will I lift up…and I will meditate on Thy statutes.

10. To bless others

Lu. 24:50 And lifting up His hands He invoked a blessing on them. Also Lev. 9:22

11. Making a solemn declaration or oath (As in a modern day court of law.)

Deut. 32:40 For I will lift up my hand to heaven and swear as I live forever…

Also Gen. 14:22; Is. 62:8; Dan. 12:7

12. A sign of the heart

Heb. 12:12 Lift up the hands that hang down.

Also Neh. 8:6; Job 11:13; Lam. 3:41

F. CLAPPING HANDS

There are 4 Hebrew root words describing the clapping of hands:

Macha –To smite hands together in exaltation. Ps 98:8; Is 55:12.

Nakah– To strike, to give wounds, to kill, to beat, to smite, to cast forth, to punish, to make a slaughter, to murder. 2 Kings 11:12.

Saphaq– To clap, to smite, to strike, to wallow, to punish, to give grief, to deride, to have indignation. Job 27:23; 34:37; Lam 2:15,

Taqa– To clatter, to thrust through, to blow a trumpet, to smite, to strike, to clang on an instrument. Ps 47:1; Nahum 3:19

Seven different uses for the clapping of hands outlined in scripture:

1. Rejoicing

Is. 55:12 “For ye shall go out with joy…and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” (We are those trees.) Also Ps. 98:8

2. Coronation

2 Ki. 11:12 “And they proclaimed him (Joash) king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands, and said ‘God save the king'”

There are times in worship where we proclaim Jesus as King. It is appropriate to express this in the clapping of hands.

3. Triumph

Ps. 47:1 O clap your hands all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. Also Eze. 25:6

      4. Anger

Num. 24:10 And Balak’s anger was kindled against Baalam, and he smote his hands together… Also Eze. 21:14; 21:17

5. Contempt, derision, scorn

Lam. 2:15 All who pass by clap their hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying ‘is this the city that men call the perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth?’ Also Job 27:23; 34:37; Nah. 3:19; Eze. 25:6-7

The clapping of hands during spiritual warfare, can indicate derision and scorn for our enemy.

6. Sorrow

Eze. 6:11; 21:14

7. Making a pledge or oath

Prov. 11:21 (See ‘Bible Manners And Customs’ # 577) There is still a custom in parts on modern day China, that a pledge or oath is sealed by the clapping of hands.

G. SOLEMN PROCESSION/SOUND

Ex. 34:5; Ps. 68:24; 92:3; Jer. 30:21; Eze. 46:9-10; Joel 1:14; 2:15; Rev. 4:5

Solemn means with ceremony, done in due form, mysteriously impressive, sacred, full of importance, weighty, sober, deliberate, slow in movement, or action…(The Concise Oxford Dictionary– University Press 1964). The purpose of processions is to show the full extent of a victory or dominion, wealth, person, essence of someone.

See also: Ps 68:24; Jer 30:21; Rev 4:5

Also in Col. 2:15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. The Greek word for “triumph” is thriambenuo, which means, “to make an acclamatory procession.” This is a procession or march of victory following a battle. It was common to process the “spoils” of victory in the streets to show the power and success of the army.

Various processions in the Bible:

• The animals processed in front of Adam to be named— Gen 2:19-20

• The animals processed before Noah into the ark— Gen 7:8-9

• Mordecai was processed through the streets and city square— Es. 6:8–11

• The Lord processed through the wilderness —Ps 68:7

• The Lord processed before Moses —Ex 33:22; 34:5-7

• The prophets processed— 1Sam 10:5; 10:10

• Nehemiah appointed two choirs to process on the wall –Neh 12:31 (DBY)

• There was a procession into the House of the Lord— Ps 32:4 (See also the Psalms of Ascent)

• The Lord processes in the sanctuary— Ps 68:24 (Ps 68:24–27 The word goings in Hebrew is halikah and means company or a procession in the sanctuary.)

• God’s people process before His throne– Ps 118:27

• Kings process– Is 60:11

• Jesus came into Jerusalem in a triumphant and joyous procession –Matt 21:1-11

• God leads the Church in triumphal procession– 2Cor 2:14 (NIV)

H. RUNNING (Running is not necessarily a form of worship that is used in a “typical” worship service. I have included this form, however, as there are so many references to “running” in the Bible. I have also seen this expression used with great effectiveness in various worship services. On this basis we could go on to study “walking,” etc.)

• Run in Battle/warfare— Run with a troop (NAS) Psalm 18:29

• Run in obedience and rejoicing— I run in the path of your commands because you have set my heart free Psalm 119:32

• Run in the strength of the Lord— When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Proverbs 4:12

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

• Run into His name— The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and they are safe. Proverbs 18:10

• Run after the Bridegroom— Draw me away! We will run after you. Song of Solomon 1:4

• Run for the nations— Surely you shall call a nation you do not know, And nations who do not know you shall run to you, Because of the LORD your God, And the Holy One of Israel; For He has glorified you. Is 55:5 (NKJV)

He will lift up a banner to the nations from afar, And will whistle to them from the end of the earth; Surely they shall come with speed, swiftly. Is. 5:26

• Run with a vision or a message —the LORD replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” Hab 2:2

…the angel who was speaking to me left, and another angel came to meet him and said to him: “Run, tell that young man, ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of men and livestock in it. Zech. 2:3-4

• Run with a goal and with integrity —…in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Cor 9:24

• Run with endurance— Running the race with endurance. Heb 12:1

• Run to worship Him— Mark 5:6, Mark 9:15, Mark 10:17

Forms of Worship Using the Mouth

1. LAUGHING

Job 8:21; Ps. 2:4; 37:13; 59:8 126:2; Eccl. 3:4

In some of these scriptures, it is the Lord who is laughing at His enemies. There are times in the context of worship, where the Lord fills our mouths with laughter. This is both an expression of joy, and a weapon of derision and scorn against the enemy.

2. SHOUTING

Josh. 6:5-20; 1 Sam. 4:5-6; 2 Chron. 13:15; Ezra 3:11-13; Ps. 5:11; 32:11; 35:11; 47:1, 5; 65:13; 132:9, 16; Is. 12:6; 42:11; 44:23; Jer. 31:7; 50:15; 51:14; Zeph.3:14; Zech. 9:9; Acts 12:22; 1 Thess. 4:16

Shouting is often linked with joy and triumph against the enemy in scripture. We even see that the Lord shouts as He manifests Himself amongst His people:

Ps. 47:5 God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. (NIV)

1 Thess. 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout…

3. LOUD NOISE/LOUD VOICE

Gen. 39:14; Deut 27:14; 1 Ki. 8:55; 2 Chron. 15:1420:19; Ezra. 3:12-13; 10:12; Neh. 9:4; 12:42; Ps. 98:4; 33:3; 81:1; 150:5; Matt. 27:46, 50; Mark 15:34, 37; Lu. 17:15; 19:37; Jo. 11:43; Acts 14:10-11; 16:28; Rev. 5:12; 6:10; 7:2, 10; 8:13; 14:7, 9, 15, 18

“loud” (Strongs 1419) gâdôwl – from 1431 great in any sense, high, long, loud, mighty, more, much.

4. SINGING

There are over 120 references in the Bible to singing. This is one of the key forms of worship. Any mood of the hearts of man, or the Spirit of God can be expressed in song.

Three Key Scriptures in the New Testament about Singing:

1 Cor. 14:15-16 …I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks…..

Eph. 5:18b-19 …be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

From these three Scriptures, we find the following principles in groups of three:

1. We must be filled with the Spirit so that we may:

Pray with the spirit

Sing with the spirit

Bless with the spirit

2. We must be in right relationship with one another:

Speaking to one another.

Teaching one another.

Admonishing one another.

3. We must have the Word of God in our hearts:

The Word must dwell in us.

The Word must be rich in us.

The Word must be wise in us.

4. We must sing to the Lord:

With singing in our hearts.

With melody in our hearts.

With grace in our hearts.

5. We must sing:

Psalms

Hymns

Spiritual songs

Each of these three forms of song (psalms, hymns, spiritual songs) express the nature and character of God. The psalm speaks of the past: God’s acts over all the years and His work among men. Hymns speak of the present. They talk about His character and extol His nature and work among us now as believers. The hymns were the new form of song that was adopted by the early Church in order to sing of the life and resurrection of Christ. Spiritual songs speak of the things to come. They are, by definition, prophetic. Spiritual songs call us to the ongoing work and character of God in our lives. They teach us of the revelation of God for today and beyond.

One of the most common forms of singing in Biblical times was responsive, or antiphonal singing: Hebrew–anah means to answer; bear witness; cry; shout; testify; speak; lift up. This was a fundamental form of singing in Israel. It appears that the reason for the use of this form, is to teach (Ps 145:4) and to accentuate the words of a song. The repetition causes the hearers to ‘hear’ the message twice, and if a response is required, then there will be a need for greater concentration, and more intelligent and thoughtful expression of worship.

There are 7 different kinds of responsive singing in scripture. We can use these forms to help our congregation participate in worship:

—Two companies or choirs Neh. 12:31, 40, 42; Ezra 3:11

—One singer to another 1 Sam. 18:7; 21:11; 29:5; Is. 6:3–4 It is possible that the whole Song of Solomon was set to this form

—One singer to a group Ex. 15:21 The Psalm headings of Psalms 44, 47, 99 indicate that these may have been written by the sons of korah who then responded to the chief musician.

—Leader to congregation Ps. 107; 136 where the response is written into the Psalm. Also Psalms 106 and 118 where the response is written at the beginning of the Psalm. Sometimes the singers used traditional folks songs where the melodies were known by the people.

—Singer to dancers Ex. 15:21 The dance probably  interpreted the song, or even replied to the song.

—Singers to instruments Is. 38:20 Instruments accompanied singing in Old Testament times, but they might also have responded to the song. Many Psalms are also written with the word selah at the end of a section. Most likely, this means that the instruments play in response to the song while everyone else meditates on the Lord.

—One generation to another Ps. 145:4 This is a good way to teach children to participate in praise and worship.

5. THE NEW SONG (PROPHETIC SONG)

Ps. 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1; Is. 42:10; Rev. 5:9; 14:3

Themes of songs and prophetic songs in Scripture:

v The Song Of Deliverance

1. Psalm 32:7
2. Exodus 15:1-21—The Song of Moses

Although this song is after the fact, it’s prophetic overtones set the stage for future songs of deliverance.

3. I Sam. 16:14-23 – David ministering to Saul with music.

v The Song Of War II Chron. 20:21-22:

We learn from this song that the song of war can be:

* Militant, marching like an army

* Demonstrative (e.g. halal)

* Anointed with God’s power (tehillah) to the “pulling down of strongholds.”

* Preceded and followed by praise. Ps. 149

* A war song need not be directed at the enemy, but may be a song of praise.

v The New Song

Ps. 33:3; Ps. 98:1; Ps. 144:9; Ps. 149:1; Rev. 5:9; 14:1-8

Isaiah 42:10,11 A song that has never been heard in the heathen world.

“Kedar” – darkness, in Arabic this word means: to be able; mighty.

Psalm 40:3 “Fresh, new thing.”

* Involves revelation – comes out of lifestyle.

* Speaks to those in darkness.

* How can people “see a song?” Our walk provokes the questions.

* It is a song that glorifies God.

v The Song Of Healing

James 5:13 “…Is any merry? Let him sing psalms.”

Proverbs 17:22 “…A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”

* The joyful singing heart has the power of healing.

One word in Greek for “worship” is therapeuo, meaning to cure and to heal.

v The Song Of Praise And Thanksgiving

Ps. 69:30; 95:1-2; 104:33; 108:1-3

The Song of Praise involves:

* Entrance into His presence – Ps. 100:4

* The sacrifice of praise/thanksgiving – Ps. 50:23

* Magnifying God Ps. 105:2

* Jeremiah 30:19

v The Song In The Wilderness/Night

Hosea 2:14-15; Ps. 23; Ps. 42:8; Ps. 77:6; Job 35:10; Is. 30:29

v The Song Of The Bridegroom And The Song Of The Bride

Song of Solomon; Is. 5:1; Jer. 33:11

v The Song Of Moses

Ex. 15:1; Deut. 31:19-32:44

It is interesting to note that Moses wrote one song just before the Children of Israel entered the wilderness, and one song just as they were about to leave the wilderness. The victorious saints will sing the song of Moses in Heaven – Rev. 15:2-4

v The Song Of The Lamb

Rev. 15:2-4

v The Songs Of Zion

Ps. 137:3; Is. 35:10

6. WHISTLING (This is not necessarily a form of worship that is shown in the Bible to be a form of worship for the congregation. I have included it, however, as an example of a “sound” that comes from God.)

God whistles for the nations

Is 5:26— He lifts up a banner for the distant nations, he whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Here they come, swiftly and speedily!

God whistles for worshipers

Zech. 10:8— God whistles for His people (Judah)

Forms of Worship Using an Implement

1. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Ex. 15:20; Ps. 71:22; 144:9; 150:3-6; Rev. 5:8

There is a wide use of musical instruments in the Bible which are divided into three categories of instruments:

String Instruments – Wind Instruments – Percussion Instruments

The instruments are also able to be played prophetically. (1 Chron. 25:1-10)

2. BANNERS

Ex. 17:15 Jehovah Nissi (“The Lord my banner”)

Banners are used in scripture as beacons or articles of warfare and as instruments of worship.

Other scriptures where banners/flags are used in worship or warfare:

Pss. 20:5; 60:4; Song of Sol. 2:4; 5:10; 6:4; 6:10; Is. 5:26; 11:10, 12; 13:2; 31:9; 49:22; 59:19; 62:10; Jer. 4:6; 50:2; 51:12, 27; Zech. 9:16

Contrast Num. 21:8–9 and Jn. 12:32. When Jesus is lifted up, all men are drawn to Him.

Forms of Worship Using Sacraments

sac·ra·ment n.

1. in Christianity, a rite that is considered to have been established by Jesus Christ to bring grace to those participating in or receiving it.
2. sac·ra·ment or Sac·ra·ment- the bread and wine consecrated at Communion
3. something considered to be sacred or have a special significance

(Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.)

1. BAPTISM

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Also: Acts 2:41; 8:12–13, 36–38; 9:18; 10:47–48; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:5; 22:16; Rom. 6:3–4; 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4;5; Col. 2:12; Heb. 6:2)

2. COMMUNION1Co 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? (Also: Matt. 26:20–30; Mk. 14:17–26; Lu. 22:14–30; Jn. 13:21–30; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 11:23–26)
3. FOOTWASHINGJohn 13:1–20 (Also: Matt. 26:6–13; Mk. 14:3–9; Lu. 7:38–44; Jn. 12–1–11)Footwashing is not a common practice in worship. I have seen, and participated in footwashing services that have been very meaningful, and were powerful times of worship.Forms of Worship—General Congregation
   1. Reading the Word—Some churches have three Bible readings (sometimes called “Lessons.”) Lu. 4:16; Acts 13:27; Col. 4:16; 1 Thess. 5:27; 1 Tim. 4:13; Rev. 1:3

   Old Testament

   Epistle

   Gospel

   2.Reciting Creeds

   3.Corporate Prayer/Intercession

   Acts 1:14; 2:42; 6:4; 12:15; 16:13

   4.Testimonies

   Pss. 9:1; 26:7; 145:4–7; Acts 20:24; 1 Cor. 14:26

   5.Tithes/Offerings

   Mal. 3:10

   It is important to recognize that offerings are an important part of worship. The way that we handle finances is an indication of how we willfunction as worshipers. There are over 1000 references in Scripture to offerings.

   6. Gifts of the Spirit

   1Co 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant

   Acts 2:4, 11, 38; 10:46; 19:5–6; 1 Cor. 12–14; Heb. 2:4

   The gifts of the Spirit are given to edify and perfect the Church.

   Three gifts to cause us to think like God:

   Word of wisdom

   Word of Knowledge

   Discerning of spirits

   Three gifts to cause us to speak like God:

   Prophecy

   Different kinds of tongues

   Interpretation of tongues

   Three gifts that cause us to do the acts of God:

   Faith

   Gifts of healings

   The working of miracles

   There is a difference between the private use of the gifts and the public use of the gifts.

   7. PREACHING

   Matt. 24:14; 26:13; Acts 5:42; 6:4; 8:35; 10:42

   There are too many Scriptures to include them all. It is obvious that the gathering of God’s people throughout the ages has included the preaching and teaching of the Word.

   8. PRAYER FOR THE SICK OR THOSE IN NEED

   Acts 5:16; Jas. 5:14–16

   9. MISSION

   Our worship should always lead us to our mission in the world—to minister the grace and glory of the Lord to our families, brothers and sisters, cities, and nations.

   
   

   ---

 

When Should I Worship – Nathele Graham –  12 January 2015

One of the most divisive questions Christians face is which day we should assemble to worship. Saturday? Sunday? Wednesday? As in all things the answer is in Scripture. In the creation account we are given facts of God’s work during the six days of creation, and then we read “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” Genesis 2:1-3. That sounds pretty simple but is it really that simple? Did God really need to rest? No, but He gave us an example to follow and we need to pay attention. At that time in history there were only two humans…Adam and Eve. They were neither Jew nor Gentile, so this example of a day of rest is to all people.

The seventh day is sacred to the Jews and Scripture tells us that it is a sign between them and God. “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” Exodus 31:12-17. The Sabbath is so important to God that He says that the Jews who do not keep it are to be put to death. These words were written on stone tablets by God’s own finger. Notice that it is a day of rest and that it is a sign between God and Israel.

This simple instruction that the Jews were to rest from work on the Sabbath was expanded into a list of rules – a list of 39 actions which define work. Then, those 39 actions were expanded on so that observing the Sabbath by Jewish Law and tradition is quite an undertaking. Nobody was more meticulous about such things than the Pharisees. The works required by the Law were vigorously enforced by them, but when Jesus – God incarnate – walked among men, He seems to have gone out of His way to challenge this Law as interpreted by the Pharisees. For instance, one day He and His disciples were hungry on the Sabbath “And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.” Mark 2:23. According to the oral law this act broke a number of Laws: reaping, threshing, winnowing, and selecting for instance. Why would God, Jesus who gave the Law to Moses, break His own law? Jesus didn’t break any of the other Laws such as stealing or committing adultery, so why pick on this one? He wasn’t breaking the Law but was making a strong point to the Pharisees, and to us. “And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath: therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27-28. People need a day of rest and God approves of it, but turning it into religious works is not what God intended. Works cannot save anyone.

There were many instances when Jesus went against the Pharisees idea of keeping the Sabbath. Many times He healed people on the Sabbath, which was also prohibited. In fact, this is what angered the Pharisees enough to seek to destroy Him. One Sabbath Jesus healed a man who had a withered hand. “And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.” Mark 3:6. If they had only understood who they were seeking to destroy they might have reconsidered their feelings. Jesus demonstrated that the Sabbath is a day of rest given to man by God, not a day to prove how holy you are.

Eventually the Jews did have Jesus arrested and crucified, but instead of destroying Him like they intended, He was victorious. Because of His death, burial, and resurrection we who earnestly place our faith in Him will live eternally – Jews and Gentiles alike. Jesus fulfilled the Law, but He did not destroy it. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matthew 5:17-18. When Jesus did “work” on the Sabbath He was not breaking the Law; He was demonstrating that the Pharisees had missed the point of the Sabbath. It was not just another work of religion, but a day of rest.

After Jesus had ascended into Heaven the Apostles and other believers continued to share the Good News. Many Jews came to accept Christ as their Saviour, but so did many Gentiles. This caused a problem. How could Gentiles be saved without first being under the Law? “But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” Galatians 3:23-25. Paul, a self-described “Pharisee of Pharisees”, recognized that the Law taught God’s “rules” and also the sacrifices required to atone for our inability to keep the Law. Christians are saved by grace through faith in the once for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He paid our sin-debt in full. Works of the Law cannot save anyone, nor can any works of religion.

The question regarding Gentile believers was an important one and the Apostles came together to prayerfully decide what should be required of them. After much discussion Peter said “Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” Acts 15:10-12. Though the specific question being considered was whether Gentiles would have to be circumcised in order to be saved, Peter’s words bring into question the entire Law. After more discussion, James declared his thoughts “Wherefore my sentence is, that we not trouble them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: but that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.” Acts 15:19-20. The Gentiles who turn to God – those who have earnestly accepted Christ as their Saviour – need not first come under the Law. It is faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross that saves and not the Law or works.

Aside from having a day of rest it is important for Christians to have fellowship with other Christians. The writer of Hebrews encourages Christians to assemble together. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25. There is a strong need for Christians to meet together, but does this mean that if you sit in a pew for an hour or so one day a week you meet this need? Not really. Attending worship services, singing hymns of praise, and hearing a stirring sermon are important to Christian growth, but assembling together isn’t limited to one day a week. Everyday get-togethers with fellow Christians are important too. This is one way we encourage each other and stay strong in our faith. Become a part of a home fellowship or host one, invite fellow Christians to your home for dinner and then talk about our Lord rather than the latest baseball scores, spend time with Christian friends and encourage each other to remain steady and true in following Christ. These are all ways to assemble together in addition to formal worship services.

So, the question remains, when to we worship? Do we worship on the Sabbath (sundown Friday through sundown Saturday)? Do we worship on Sunday (the first day of the week recognizing that Jesus arose from the grave on that day)? Paul wrote “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” Colossians 2:16-17. If you are a doctor and are busy healing people from sundown Friday through sundown Saturday, or even on Sunday, are you going against God? If you work in a restaurant and feed people on the Sabbath or on Sunday, should you change jobs? Everyone needs to have a day of rest and if you are Jewish you should pay attention to the Sabbath. Christians look to Jesus, the Creator of all things, for our example of rest. Don’t get tangled up in works by setting rules as to what you do on a certain day of the week, but do take one day to rest. Turn off the alarm clock, spend time with your family, and relax. Are you breaking God’s Law if you work on the Sabbath or on Sunday? Jesus (the Author of the Law given to Moses) did “work” on the Sabbath. Following Christ’s example we can harvest grain, prepare meals, and heal people on any day, but we need a day to rest.

Still the question is when do we worship? The answer is every hour of every day. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4. Assemble together often with fellow believers and encourage each other to walk in the ways of the Lord. Take a day and rest, but praise and worship Him always.

---

 

What is true worship ? Wendy Vaubell – 27 October 2014

 

1 John 4:24

God is a spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
True worship is a lifestyle. It’s not something you engage in on Sunday and thereafter, forget about for the rest of the week.

True worshippers – worship God regardless of feelings, regardless of their circumstances. If God is to be number one in their lives, worshipping God is the first and foremost activity in a born again believer’s life.

Worship is, however, largely characterised by a revelation of God in your life.

You see, it is your perception of God that will determine the altitude, depth and level of your worship.

The scripture in this lesson is (John 4:24) indicates that true worship is not dependant upon place or location, but that it must be conducted in spirit and truth and from your heart

You need to understand that “truth” in this context equals revelation (rhema). You can have all the bible teachings, go to bible school etc but unless you have had a revelation about who God is, your (worship) will be all head knowledge gained from the logos – the written word. It is only by the spirit of God, can we really know God. It is the purpose of the sharing of this message to encourage you to draw closer to God so that you can truly worship Him in spirit and in truth.

1 John 5:14

“and this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

Effective prayer begins with:

Recognizing that you are entering into the very presence of god for the purpose of building relationship with Him.

Relationships that work are built with praise, gratitude, honesty, trust, forgiveness and intimacy. In other words, they are motivated by love.

Therefore, the way that you praise should reflect these same relational elements. Your time with God and prayer – is about relationship!

Resist the temptation to become ritualistic and focus instead on your love for Him.

Praise and thanksgiving open our hearts and cause joy to well up in our spirits.

The word tells us that praise and thanksgiving are kingdom keys that open the doors to His courts, allowing us to enter into His presence:

Psalm 100:4

“enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name.”

 As you enter into praise, meditate on the provision the lord has made for you through the blood of jesus. His blood allows you to walk today in the new covenant.

Hebrews 10:19

“therefore, brothers, having boldness to enter into the holy of holies by the blood of Jesus.”

Hebrews 12:24

“and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.”

Praise God for who He is!

The source of praise is the Holy Spirit activating your spirit to express approval and adoration for God’s greatness.

As you read through the scriptures, keep a list of the qualities that you discover about Him:

His mercy, His faithfulness, His patience, His everlasting love. His character.

develop the habit of praise during your prayer time.

Psalm 51:15

“o Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Thy praise.”

Psalm 119:164

“seven times a day I praise Thee, because of Thy righteous ordinances.”

As you begin to praise and extol the Lord, your spirit rises up within you to increase your understanding of who He is.

your soul is also strengthened in the process of praise because praise causes faith to grow, and as it grows, you suddenly realize that nothing is too difficult for Him.

Jeremiah 32:17

“ah, Lord Jehovah! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and stretched out arm. Nothing is too great for You.”

Thank Him for what He has done and will continue to do.

Thanksgiving awakens your love toward God as you acknowledge that you are His child.

Thank Him that He gives you every good and perfect gift.

James 1:17

“every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness nor shadow of turning.”

Respond with joy to His benefits showered on you as His heir.

Proverbs 3:6

“in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Psalm 116:12, 17

“what shall i render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?
To Thee I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and call upon the name of the Lord.”

An attitude of gratitude washes away negativity and purifies your soul.

Praise application:

1) with these thoughts, begin to praise and thank Him.
2) express your love and adoration for Him.
3) acknowledge His attributes through His different names.

 The following are seven Hebrew expressions of praise from the old testament:

 Halal

Halal is a primary Hebrew root word for praise. Our word “hallelujah” comes from this base word. It means “to be clear, to shine, to boast, show, to rave, celebrate, to be clamorously foolish.”

Psalm 113:1-3 praise (halal) ye the Lord, praise (halal) o ye servants of the Lord, praise (halal) the name of the Lord.

Psalm 150:1 praise (halal) the Lord! Praise (halal) God in His sanctuary; praise (halal) Him in His mighty expanse.

Psalm 149:3 let them praise (halal) His name in the dance: let them sing praises with the timbrel and harp.

Yadah

Yadah is a verb with a root meaning, “the extended hand, to throw out the hand, therefore to worship with extended hand.” the opposite meaning is “to bemoan, the wringing of the hands.”

2 Chr 20:21 give thanks (yadah) to the Lord, for His loving kindness is everlasting.

Ps 63:1 so I will bless Thee as long as I live; I will (yadah) lift up my hands in Thy name.

Ps 107:15 oh that men would praise (yadah) the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.

Towdah

Towdah comes from the same principle root word as yadah, but is used more specifically. Towdah literally means, “an extension of the hand in adoration, or acceptance.” it is used for thanking God for “things not yet received” as well as things already at hand.

Ps 50:14 offer unto God praise (towdah) and pay thy vows unto the most High.

Ps 50:23 whoso offereth praise (towdah) glorifieth Me: and to Him that ordereth His conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.

Shabach

Shabach means, “to shout, to address in a loud tone, to command, to triumph.”

Ps 47:1 o clap your hands, all peoples; shout (shabach) to God with the voice of joy (or triumph).

Ps 145:4 one generation shall praise (shabach) Thy works to another and declare Thy mighty acts.

Isa 12:6 cry aloud and shout (shabach) for joy, o inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the holy One of Israel.

Barak

Barak means “to kneel down, to bless God as an act of adoration.”

Ps 95:6 o come let us worship and bow down; let us kneel (barak) before the Lord our maker.

1 Chr 29:20 then David said to all the assembly, “now bless (barak) the Lord your God.” and all the assembly blessed (barak) the Lord, the God of their fathers, and bowed low and did homage to the Lord and to the king.

Ps 34:1 I will bless (barak) the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Zamar

Zamar means “to pluck the strings of an instrument, to sing, to praise; a musical word which is largely involved with joyful expressions of music with musical instruments.

Ps 21:13 be exalted o Lord, in thine own strength, so will we sing and praise (zamar) Thy power.

1 Chr 16:9 sing to Him, sing praises (zamar) to Him; speak of all His wonders.

Ps 57:8-9 awake my glory; awake harp and lyre, I will awaken the dawn! I will give thanks to thee, o Lord among the peoples; I will sing praises (zamar) to Thee among the nations.

Tehillah

Tehillah is derived from the word halal and means “the singing of halals, to sing or to laud; it involves music, especially singing hymns of the spirit.

Ps 22:3 yet Thou art holy, o Thou who art enthroned upon the praises (tehillah) of Israel.

Ps 33:1 rejoice in the Lord, o ye righteous, for praise (tehillah) is comely for the upright.

Isa 61:3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise (tehillah) instead of the spirit of fainting, so they shall be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with her expensive perfume declaring her total surrender to Him and to expression of her love and adoration of Him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The difference between praise and worship

Praise

• Praise enjoys God
• Praise acclaims Him
• Praise lifts Him up
• Praise lauds Him
• Praise celebrates Him
• Praise addresses God
• Praises dances before God
• Praise extols God for what He’s done
• Praise says “praise the Lord”
• Praise is grateful for “Heirship” to the throne
• Praise lifts us up to heavenly places

Worship

• Worship esteems Him
• Worship beholds Him
• Worship bows before Him
• Worship loves Him
• Worship humbly reveres Him
• Worship wait on God
• Worship removes shoes from holy ground
• Worship extols Him for who He is
• Worship demonstrates that He is Lord
• Worship lays crowns before the throne
• Worship lifts God to His rightful place, His throne

 

---

The heart of praise and worship – Elizabeth Amorim

Do you know that praising God is the best thing to do first before anything else? Have you ever been in a situation that you feel all alone? Or have you encountered a difficult situation in your life and you don’t know what to do, like losing your job or suffering the loss of someone very close to your heart? Consider the good times such as when you receive a raise from your boss or earn high marks at school? What do you usually do during these moments? Praising God makes every circumstance of our lives complete, essential, and eminently worthwhile.  Good times make us happy,  but when bad times come,  we can also praise God because in the midst of our trials and difficulties we find that he is always with us,  he never leaves us alone and he goes before us to protect, heal, encourage and lead us by the power of his Holy Spirit.

Webster defines the word praise as to say good things about and it is synonymous to words such as admire, commend, extol, honor, and worship. A definition of Christian praise is the joyful thanking and adoring of God, the celebration of His goodness and grace.1 This simply implies that the act of praising is rightfully due to God alone.

Praising God – Why?
Why is praising God important? The reasons are countless. First, God deserves to be praised and He is worthy to receive our praise:

“For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods” (Psalm 96:4).
“Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom” (Psalm 145:3).
“I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies” (2 Samuel 22:4).
“You are worthy, our LORD and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11).

Second, praising God is useful and favorable for us. By praising God, we are reminded of the greatness of God! His power and presence in our lives is reinforced in our understanding. “Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant” (Psalm 135:3).

Third, praise discharges strength in faith, which causes God to move on our behalf. “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger” (Psalm 8:2). Praising God also transforms the spiritual environment that we have. 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 clearly illustrates the alteration that happened when the Levites gave praise and thanks to the Lord and the temple was filled with a cloud signifying the glory of God. “The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: ‘He is good; his love endures forever.’ Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.”

Fourth, God inhabits the atmosphere of praise.,  in other words when you begin to praise and worship God,  God comes down !!,   he makes his presence known and he manifests himself to you.

Psalm 22:3 says, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel” (KJV). If we want to see a clear manifestation of God’s blessings and grace, all we need to do is to praise Him with all our heart, our mind, and our soul.
Praising God – Who and When?

Who is to praise God? “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD,” states Psalm 150:6.

“I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips (Psalm 34:1).”
“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands” (Psalm 63:3-4).
“Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD” (Psalm 134:1-2).
We cannot embark on the true joy and benefits of praising God unless we have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. As children of God, He dwells in our bodies through the Holy Spirit. This means that wherever we go, God is to be praised. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states that “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
Praising God – How to Praise and Worship God

How is praising God possible? Singing songs and hymns, clapping our hands, jumping for joy, dancing…the list is endless. We can give glory and praise to our God with the use of our physical bodies, with our hearts and minds, and with our deeds. There are many ways to praise God! No matter how you praise and worship God, it should result in an awe of God’s power, love, and grace for all of us!

Start today to live with a heart of praise and worship unto the Lord.