The lifting up of hands can mean many things. It can be a physical response of heartfelt agreement with a thought, in a song sung, or a word spoken. It also expresses our total surrender to God in true worship of Him. Whatever it may mean to the individual, the lifting of our hands is a valid expression of worship, so stated in both the Old and New Testament.
The clapping of hands is according to Scripture, another valid way of expressing worship to our Great God and King. Another point that should be made, is that the clapping of hands is a universal expression of joy. We believe that you will shortly discover that you are among a people that find true joy in worshiping God. If there is any valid reason at all for joy, it is to be found in the privilege of coming into the presence of God, and worshiping Him with our whole hearts.
It is very possible, that in this service, you may hear different manifestations of this gift. In seeking God, we must desire all, and the very best gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is very possible that you may hear someone begin to speak in tongues. You will note, that generally, the entire congregation will give their attention to the speaker. The congregation will wait, often in total silence for a time, until someone begins to speak. The English words that follow the speaking in tongues, is the interpretation of what the first speaker has spoken. It is also possible, that the attention of the congregation will be given to someone, who immediately and spontaneously delivers a message in English, without being preceded by someone speaking in tongues. This is the gift of prophesy in operation explained in 1 Cor. 14.
Singing or speaking in other tongues, is the ability given by God to an individual, to sing or speak in a language not known or understood by that individual. The language could be one of the common languages, or it could be an obscure or totally unknown language. It is very likely that in this service, you will hear the people spontaneously begin to sing praises to God, both in English and in other tongues.
The New Testament speaks of three different ways of singing praises to God: There are 150 PSALMS recorded in the Old Testament. The PSALMS were the only songbook part of the Bible, that the church used for many centuries. There are many HYMNS with which we are all familiar, many of which are in the church songbooks.
There are SPIRITUAL SONGS, which is the individual's expression in song of worship to God, without the aid of words and melody written by someone else. If any of these expressions of worship seem confusing, just pause for a moment, and see if there is not a glorious harmony of heart and voices, lifted in the true worship of God.
The patriarch David, full of the joy of the Lord, danced before the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God's presence in his day. How much more may we, who have the reality (and not the symbol), be privileged to worship God in this manner. It is very possible, that in this service you may observe dancing. This is not to be confused in any way with ballroom dancing. Rather, it is the spontaneous response of an individual seeking to worship God with his whole being. Any and all of these expressions are proper and in order, in a worship service that is directed by the Holy Spirit. Each time we meet together, we expect the Holy Spirit to direct the service.
The result of this, is that no two services may be alike. Then again, they may be very much alike.
Falling under the power is often seen, as people are being ministered to at the altars, for healing, help or deliverance.
We fall at the feet of the Lord for worship.
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