What’s in a Word?
In the first part of this study, we will share an overview of some basics of Christianity as one begins a new walk with Jesus Christ. The next two sections will offer a Disciple of Jesus meaning and some characteristics of what a Servant of Jesus looks like. The last two sections will cover principles of praise and worship. We could go much deeper on each individual topic in this study. This is just an overview to whet your appetite to dig deep into the Scriptures to grow strong in Jesus Christ.
Walking in the Spirit requires that we ask the Holy Spirit for help:
- 2 Corinthians 3:6, 17: “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
- Romans 8:1-17: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.c For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
Disciple of Jesus Meaning
Basics of Christianity: Salvation
Man chose to disobey God. This caused us to be spiritually dead according to Genesis 3:20-24: “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.”
We have a spirit, soul, and body according to 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
In the Old Testament, a sacrificial system was set up to atone for sin. But it wasn’t sufficient enough. It was a shadow of things to come according to Hebrews 10:1-4: “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”
Without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission of sin according to Hebrews 9:22: “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”
Jesus purchased our salvation through His shed blood as it says in Colossians 1:20: “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”
God loves all mankind as we see in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
You must be born again, according to John 3:3: “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
We are saved by grace, not works as it says in Ephesians 2:8: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Editor’s note: See also 2:9: “Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Definition of Salvation
Greek = Sozo = heal, preserve, save, make whole, deliver.
The Real You
The real you is your spirit man.
Source: Cindy Jones
Water Baptism
Matthew 28:19: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
See also:
- Acts 2:38-41: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
- Mark 1:5: “And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.”
- Acts 8:36-39: “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”
Water baptism is an act of obedience, representing what Jesus Christ has done in and through us. It is an outward sign of an inward work. As we saw in Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands us to be baptized. Water baptism is how we identify with Christ. The Biblical pattern is immersion.
- Death: By baptism, we stand as dead.
- Burial: By immersion, we bury the dead.
- Resurrection: By rising out of the water, we rise to walk in the newness of life.
Definition of Baptism
Baptizo (bap-tid’-zo): to immerse, submerge; to make overwhelmed (i.e. fully wet). Repentance and faith always precede baptism, see Mark 16:16, Acts 8:12, and Acts 19:45:
- Mark 16:16: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
- Acts 8:12: “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
- Acts 19:45: “
The water doesn’t save you. Baptism is a public confession of your desire to follow Jesus Christ. There are no examples in the Bible of infant baptism.
Communion
We celebrate communion; see 1 Corinthians 11:23-32: “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.”
Three Principles of Communion
- It’s remembering what Christ has done for us; 1 Corinthians 11:24: “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.”
- Prophetic reminder of His Return; 1 Corinthians 11:26: “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
- It’s a time to examine your heart; 1 Corinthians 11:28: “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.”
The Word of God
It is alive and active, according to Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
The more we sit under the teach of the word, our faith grows as it says in Romans 10:17: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
The Bible answers every question in life. Read also 2 Peter 1:21 and 2 Timothy 3:16 to see how we got the Bible:
- 2 Peter 1:21: “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
- 2 Timothy 3:16: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
All books of the bible point to Jesus Christ. The Bible is completely accurate historically and scientifically. It is helpful to memorize and study the Word of God. See 2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Personal Devotions
Should be an everyday occurrence; not just for Sunday and Wednesday.
Tithing
Malachi 3:10: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
Tithe is to be to home church 10 percent (storehouse).
The Altar
Altars are tools to come to God, a place to visit, and to come with an attitude of love and respect. We today have lost our fear of the altar, this is not fear as being afraid, but fear as in respect and awe.
People hunger for spirituality, and witnessing people publicly humbling themselves before God can be a powerful spiritual moment. It’s the kind of experience they are looking for. As long as they don’t feel pressured to participate, they are often moved.
People can come to the altar during worship or at the end of the service. The reason for people to come forward is for prayer, commitment, or to receive ministry. It’s not limited to people who want to be born-again. It’s an opportunity for people to experience a conscious response, to say, “While my heart is still touched, I am going to do something in this service.”
The modern altar call has its beginnings in the efforts of American evangelist Charles Finney in the early 19th Century. Many churches, especially those that practice Evangelical Christianity, believe that one must make a public proclamation of faith based on scriptural passages found in the Bible in which Jesus states in Matthew 10:33: “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”
Disciple of Jesus Meaning: Part 1
Overview of Three Principles
Life requires preparation, what will it take to get you there?
For you to go to the higher level, you need to ask, what are the conditions? See Luke 14:28-32: “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.”
To reach the goal set there are three Ps you are going to need:
- Preparation: This comes through the preparation within you.
- Process: Following a strategic process before you.
- People: Surrounding yourself with great people.
Let’s look at them each a little closer.
Disciple of Jesus Meaning: Preparation, Process & People
Preparation
It is better to prepare than repair. Preparation today gives confidence for tomorrow. Preparation today gives success tomorrow.
Process
God wants you to grow up, according to Ephesians 4:15: “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Sadly, millions of Christians grow older but never grow up. Spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment. You must want to grow, decide to grow, make an effort to grow, and persist in growing.
Discipleship is the process of becoming like Christ, which always begins with a decision. Nothing shapes your life more than the commitments you choose to make. Your commitments can develop you or they can destroy you, but either way, they will define you. Every choice has eternal consequences so you’d better choose wisely (See 2 Peter 3:11).
- 2 Peter 3:11: “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?”
Christ-likeness comes from making Christ-like commitments. You must commit to living your life for the five purposes God made.
Once you decide to get serious about becoming like Christ, you must begin to act in new ways. You’ll need to let go of some old routines, develop some new habits, and intentionally change the way you think (see Philippians 2:12).
- Peter 2:12: “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
This verse, written to believers, is not about how to be saved, but how to grow. It does not say “work for” your salvation. Today, many assume that spiritual maturity is measured by how much Biblical knowledge and doctrine you know. The Christian life is far more than creeds and convictions; it includes conduct and character. Our deeds must be consistent with our creeds and our beliefs must be backed up with Christ-like behavior. Christianity is not a philosophy, but a relationship and a life.
People
What you surround yourself with is what you become.
Disciple of Jesus Meaning: 7 Challenges
1. Read and Study the Word of Jesus
How can people claim to love the Lord and be so busy doing churchianity things, yet never read and study and do what Jesus says?
2. Learn to know the voice of the Holy Spirit
If Jesus said that His sheep know His voice and listen to His voice; and if He said that the Holy Spirit speaks to those who believe in Him, then should we not make it a major priority to get to know the voice of the Holy Spirit?
See John 10:27: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”
3. Practice Repentance and Renew the Mind
However, the real battleground is the battleground of the mind. We are brainwashed by our society’s values. Most notable tolerance; tolerance that is, of anything except absolutes.
See Luke 13:1: “There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.”
4. Loyalty to God, Church & Family
See Matthew 22:37-38: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.”
5. Learn to Know the Voice of the Holy Spirit
Those who attempt to characterize the work of the Holy Spirit as a “takeover” or “possession” by the Spirit are wrong. The Scriptures never indicate in any way that the Holy Spirit overpowers our will. The context of experiencing the work of the Holy Spirit is always “receive” or “surrender.” We must submit and choose the work of the Holy Spirit before we can experience His indwelling empowerment.
Walking in the Spirit is progressive sanctification. If we are walking in the Spirit, we do not become disobedient. We become disobedient because we choose to not walk in the Spirit, but to walk after the flesh (for whatever period of time) which happens more often than walking in the Spirit does.
But it does not have to be that way. We can learn to walk in the Spirit more and more consistently. It has to do with hungering and thirsting after righteousness, don’t you think?
See Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
6. Do the Works of Jesus Christ
See John 9:4: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
7. Make Worship a Lifestyle
Be a worshiper all the time, rather than an occasional groupie.
Disciple of Jesus Meaning: Some Questions to Ask
- How do I believe I should use my time at work, home, and on weekends and holidays?
- Am I honest? If I were my own employer, would I trust me?
- Am I truthful? Can people rely upon my word?
- Am I a servant, or am I self-centered?
- Do I worship God in all I do, or are there other things that I am giving more attention and importance than Him?
- If I were arrested for being His disciple, would there be enough evidence (From my lifestyle) to convict me of my professed faith in Him? And, in truth, would I plead guilty to the charges, because I really have made Him Lord of my life?
Disciple of Jesus Meaning: More Thoughts About Disciples
A disciple has surrendered himself to His Lordship! See Romans 8:28-32, Romans 12, Galatians 2:20-23, Philippians 3:1-10, and 1 Peter 4:2.
- Romans 8:28-32: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
- Romans 12
- Galatians 2:20-21: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”
- Philippians 3:1-10: “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”
- 1 Peter 4:2: “That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.”
A disciple is honest with God and others! See 1 John 1:9:
- 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
A disciple is willing to submit to Authority! See 1 Peter 2:13-15:
- 1 Peter 2:13-15: “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:”
A disciple is discerning! See Proverbs 20:25, Ephesians 6:10-20, 1 Peter 5:8-9, and James 4:7:
- Proverbs 20:25: “It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.”
- Ephesians 6:10-20: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,”
- 1 Peter 5:8-9: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
- James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
A disciple loves people and the lost! See Micah 6:8, Philippians 2:7, Hebrews 10:24-25, and 2 Peter 3:9:
- Micah 6:8: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
- Philippians 2:7: “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”
- Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 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.”
- 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
A disciple is a person who forgives. See Matthew 5:46, John 17:20-23, and Ephesians 4:1-2; 4:32:
- Matthew 5:46: “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
- John 17:20-23: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”
- Ephesians 4:1-2: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”
- Ephesians 4:32: “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
A disciple is faithful. See Matthew 25:29 and Luke 16:10-12:
- Matthew 25:29: “For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.”
- Luke 16:10-12: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?”
Discipleship is a lifestyle.
Disciple of Jesus Meaning: Principles of Praise & Worship
What is Praise?
Praise is taking God’s thoughts and superimposing them over the thoughts of the enemy according to 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
It also means giving glory and honor to God; to exalt, which means to elevate in power, and dignity, as to exalt one to a throne, majesty with joy in praise of victory. See also extol, which means to raise in words or magnify.
Why Praise and Worship?
Because God commands it; see 1 Chronicles 16:28-29: “Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.”
And the Bible says for God alone is worthy; see Revelation 4:11: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
It is the responsibility of the believer; see 1 Peter 2:9-10 and Psalm 105:1-2:
- 1 Peter 2:9-10: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
- Psalm 105:1-2: “O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.”
Praise is to be a Way of Life
Psalms 34:1: “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
At church; see Psalms 122:1: “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.” It is not based on our feelings. See the sacrifice of praise in Hebrews 13:15: “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” A sacrifice is surrendering something for someone else.
The Body in Praise & Worship
The Voice
When speaking (confessions/declarations) say “continually, The LORD be magnified.” See Psalms 40:16: “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.”
When shouting, see Psalms 47:1: “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.” Especially in warfare; exuberance (like sporting events). Can also be spontaneous; a release of joy in response to the presence of the Lord.
The Hands
See again Psalms 47:1: “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.” It’s the most easily accepted form of worship, yet least mentioned in Scripture, and symbolic of smiting the enemy.
Lifting the hands is an expression of what we’re doing with our hearts in surrender. See Lamentations 3:41: “Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.” See Psalms 150 for playing instruments; Psalms 150:3, 5: “Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.”
Posture
When standing; see Psalms 134:1 and Psalms 135:1-2:
- Psalms 134:1: “Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.”
- Psalms 135:1-2: “Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD. Ye that stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God,”
See again Psalms 150 for playing instruments; Psalms 150:3, 5: “Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.”
Dancing
Interestingly, dancing is the most mentioned form of worship in the Bible, yet the least accepted.
Psalms 48:1: “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.”
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