WE ARE A SPIRITUAL PRIESTHOOD

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood . . ." (I Peter 2:9).
"Ye also, as lively (living) stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priest- hood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" (I Peter 2:5).
One of the main duties of the Old Testament priest was to offer up the proper sacrifices unto the Lord. We are spiritual priests. We do not offer up animals and fruits unto the Lord. We offer worship out of a pure heart unto the Lord.
"For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts" (Malachi 1:11).

EXAMPLES OF THE POWER OF PRAISE

1. Dedication of Solomon's Temple:
"It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;
So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God" (II Chronicles 5:13-14).
The glory of God did not fill the temple until the musicians and singers began to praise God in one mind and one accord--even though the temple was already finished, and all of the pieces of furniture were in their proper place. This teaches us that we can have everything in proper place in our lives, but we must worship God if we want to experience His glorious presence.

2. Judah's Victory Over Their Enemies:
"And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten" (II Chronicles 20:22).
Several nations of Israel's enemies joined together to fight against Judah. Judah was greatly outnumbered. Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, proclaiming a fast throughout all Judah. The spirit of the LORD came upon one of the Levites, who prophesied that the Lord would give them the victory. They would not even have to fight for it!
Singers were appointed to worship and praise the LORD, and as they did so, God fought for Judah and defeated their enemies. This teaches us that in the time of temptations, trials, etc., we can have the victory by praising and worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Paul and Silas Experiences Victory in Prison:
"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bands were loosed" (Acts 16:25-26).
Paul and Silas had been cast into prison for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead of moaning and groaning, they got their minds off themselves, and begin to sing praises unto their God. God sent a spiritual (and physical) earthquake. Because of this move of the Holy Spirit, Paul baptized the jailor and his household. (Acts 16:27-33)

WORSHIP TEAM REQUIREMENTS

• Musical Gifting
• Church Membership
• Meaningful pastoral connection to the church through regular participation in G groups and the community life of the church
• An ongoing commitment to Biblical giving (time, money, etc.)
• Ongoing approval of involvement by spouse and/or family and pastors (leadership)
• A commitment to integrity in personal walk in recognition of the public ministry function of a worship team member. This includes examples in conduct, appearance, and relationships within the worship team, the church, outside of the church and in overall walk.
• A commitment to consistency, faithfulness, and excellence in attendance in worship team practices and activities and in personal preparation.
• A commitment to growth as a worshiper in both public and private worship. This includes “leading by example” when serving in a public setting (on stage).
• A commitment to growth. This includes both in skill as a musician and vocalist and in the knowledge and application of truth in personal life.
• A commitment to unity and integrity in relationships with other worship team members.
• A commitment to demonstrate servant-hood, flexibility and humility in dealing with inevitable technical, relational and schedule challenges associated with this ministry.
• A commitment to serve the larger purposes of the worship ministry of the church by following the directives of the pastoral staff and designated worship team leadership.
• Musical excellence is a significant factor in the effectiveness of the worship team. Because the worship team members are dependant on one another for effectiveness as a team, minimal standards of musical skill are necessary. Requirements:
o Ability to play a variety of styles of music
o An ear for learning parts off a tape
o Ability to play “by ear” and develop a part in a short period of time
o A basic understanding of music theory
o Ability to transpose
o Keep an ordered song book (chord sheet and music)

By Fariborz Ansari

BIBLICAL QUALIFICATIONS OF APPOINTED WORSHIPERS

I. God's "Due Order" of Appointing Worshipers to Minister Continually in the House of the Lord is a Heavenly Eternal Truth Which Spans Both the Old and the New Testaments.

A. Ezekiel 28:13-19: God created and anointed Lucifer to minister praise in an appointed place in appointed garments with appointed movements. (See also Isaiah 14: 1 1-1 2)
B. lchronicles 28:ll- 19: David appointed singers, players and dancers based on the pattern he had seen in heaven, which was confirmed by the prophets Nathan and Gad. (2 Chronicles 29:2
C. Revelation 14:2-3; 4:9- 1 1 ; 15:2-4: Heaven is a place where appointed worshipers minister unto God with singing and movement.

II. In I Chronicles 15, David Applied the Lesson That He Learned the Hard Way in I Chronicles 13--God Has Stiff Prerequisites for His Appointed Worshipers:

A. Loyalty: "None ought to carry the ark but the Levites" (1 Chronicles 15:2)
1. "Levi" means "joined." a. In Exodus 32:26 the Levites demonstrated their loyalty to the Lord by joining themselves to Moses.
2. Appointed worshipers should be joined in spirit to the leadership of the local church.

B. Love of God's House: In Number 3:15, 23,29,35, we see that the Levites lived closer to the tabernacle than any of the other tribes. (1 Chronicles 6:31-32)
1. Appointed worshipers will demonstrate a special love for God's house through their punctuality at, proximity to and frequency in the church facility.

C. A Servant's Heart: The Levites were willing and able servants of God and God's people. (Numbers 8:15- 19; 1 Chronicles 16:37; Numbers 3:7)
1. Appointed worshipers don't only move and minister in the "limelight," but are willing and diligent workers behind the scenes.

D. A Teachable Spirit: The Levites were to serve under the high priest; young Levites were to learn their craft by being apprentices to the older retired Levites. (Numbers 8:19,23-26)
1. In 1 Chronicles 25:6-8, we see that the Levites and musicians continued this apprenticeship system.

E. A Sanctified Life-style: Before they could begin their public ministry, the Levites had to go through a specific voluntary cleansing ceremony which included: (Numbers 857)
1. Sprinkling (studying God's Word daily). (Ephesians 5:2527)
2. Shaving their flesh (applying God's Word daily to their behavior). (Hebrews 4: 12)
3. Washing their garments (keeping their attitude untainted by renewing their minds daily). Revelation 3: 1 8)
4. According to I Chronicles l5:l2-l6, David used only those musicians who took the initiative to go through this sanctification process.

Ill. After Applying These Special Spiritual Qualifications, David Then Began to Apply Musical Qualifications to the Prospective Appointees.

A Musical Flexibility: Notice that Asaph's music ministry included singing, percussion, orchestrating, brass, strings, composing, prophesying and teaching. (1 Chronicles 15: 15; 16:7, 37-42: 25:l; Psalms 73-83)

B. Musical Virtuosity: Excellence in musical technique was a hallmark of the Tabernacle of David.
1. Chenaniah "instructed about the song because he was skillful." (1Chronicles 1 5:22)
2. The musicians in David's Tabernacle were "instructed in the songs of the Lord" and were "cunning." (1 Chronicles 257)
3. We are exhorted to play unto the lord "skillfully" with "cunning." (Psalm 33:3; Psalm 1375)
4. We are to study to show ourselves approved unto God. (2 Timothy 2:15)

C. Musical Literacy: The levites did more than just play music, they recorded - it by writing it down. that is why we have the book of Psalms today. (1 Chronicles 16:4)
1. In David's day, the levites were the only Hebrews who could read or write; today appointed worshipers should develop their music reading skills.

IV. After David Sanctified and Qualified the Levites, He Installed Them Into Ongoing Public Ministry by the Laying on of Hands.

A. The sanctified Levites did not enter into public ministry until both leadership and congregation laid hands upon them. (Numbers 8:9-I 1 )

B. Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun were publicly installed by David, the elders and the people after they had successfully dispatched the assignment of bringing up the ark.. (1 Chronicles l6:4; 5, 37-43)
1. Successful fulfillment of an assignment came before appointment. (1Timothy 3: 10)

By Rev. Barry Griffing

The Role of Skill in Anointed Worship

1. Skill brings beauty and excellence to our worship.
2. Skill in any art brings breadth and clarity of expression.
3. Skill reflects the cost and value of true worship.
4. Skill brings liberty in worship.
5. Skill brings authority to worship.
6. While skill is called for in our worship, the Bible places certain limitations on what it can produce. (Rev. 14:3 speaks of the song that only those which are redeemed from the earth could learn. Subsequent verses describe a standard of personal righteousness that must be maintained in order to sing this new song).
7. The pursuit of skill engenders Christian character (Skill involves our mind in worship, as called for in Matthew 22:37. The unskilled worship leader is not totally involved with his mind).

By Rev. Steve Griffing

Eight reasons why most local churches don not develop a scripturally solid music ministry

(sometimes we develop a positive “Big Picture” from the “negative”!)


1. Failure to make corporate praise preeminent over everything else in church life.
2. Failure to obey Psalm 150 and utilize all the performing arts as acts of praise and prophecy.
3. Failure to design a sanctuary suitable for the sacred use of the performing arts.
4. Failure to set an adequate budget for music and the performing arts.
5. Failure to insist upon spiritual prerequisites as seen in the ministry of the Levits.
6. Failure to insist upon musical qualifications from those who meet the spiritual requirements.
7. Failure to ordain as deacons those worshipers who meet both the spiritual and natural qualifications for ministry (In the Old Testament the “priests”, as the Sons of Aaron, were the equivalent to the “elders” of the church in the New Testament and the “Levites”, the helpers of the sons of Aaron, were the equivalent of the deacons of the New Testament church.)
8. Failure to establish an ongoing performing arts training program within the local church.

David paid a high price for a place to worship the Lord (II Samuel 24:18-25) – Are we willing to pay that price today?

By Rev. Barry Griffing

So Are You A Chirsitian Musician?

• Worship isn’t something we simply feel. It’s something we DO with our bodies in all of life.
• Our call is based on the Gospel
• No such thing as a musician who happens to be a Christian. No one is a musician first, and a Christian second. God doesn’t allow us that option.
• As a musician, our greatest need is to study of the Gospel, because the cross must motivate, define, and give direction to the way we use our music. Ask yourself…Do you love the Gospel more than music?
• As a musician, we must operate in the gifts of Holy Spirit.
• We should not be people who can’t worship God without our instrument, or our voice.
• Walking in obedience to God and church – Being accountable to the worship leaders, elders and Pastors
• A call to be different from the world - People are always worshipping something or someone. The question is WHO will we worship at each moment?
• It’s not wrong to enjoy music! However, we enjoy it because it dimly reflects His character, nature, and purposes on the earth.
• Self-glorification - There are many musicians seeking the "life on stage" for self-promotion, pride, the sinful benefits that life style affords (women, money, fame, etc.) – this is wrong!
• Christian musicians understand the limitations of subjective feelings rather than idolizing them (state of trance – khalseh or what Sufi practitioners call wajd and fana)
• Our music doesn’t create reality – it only attempts to reflect it.
• Ongoing commitment to Biblical giving.
• Serving is our primary motivation, not simply the desire to play music or sing to God.
• playing music outside the church only for the glory of God.

Freedom Album by Fariborz - An International Worship From Middle East

Worshipers from Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Armenia and Assyria have come together and produced a high-impact international tribute to Christianity in their own ethnic languages. This is probably the first time these Farsi-speaking nations deeply influenced by Islam, have produced a joint album celebrating Jesus Christ, sharing His message in this album called "Freedom" or Azadi.

FarsiPraise highly recommends this album to our readers and viewers. You may click on the link above to listen to clips and buy the album.

Worship Training For Iranians on Satellite TV - Mohabat Network

FarsiPraise has started to co-produce worship training programs to be aired into Iran. It is believed that the majority of the Iranian Christians in Iran are part of the fast-grwoing underground church groups. These home churches have lacked a systematic leadership training in the area of worship and praise. In a co-production between Mohabat Network and FarsiPraise Ministries, a series of teachings, music videos and practical tools are now made available and broadcasted over and into Iran.

To find out more about Mohabat Network, please visit www.mohabat.tv.

The Character of God

Ex. 33:19; 2 Cor. 3:18; Rev. 5:8–14

Talking to us about Himself:

* His names

* His attributes

The God Almighty Gen 1:1; 17:1; 35:11

The Jehovah (Yahweh) Ex 6:3

The Provider Gen. 22:13-14

The Warrior Ex. 15:3

The Healer/Restorer Ex. 15:22–26

The Banner Ex. 17:8–16

The Rock/Fortress/Deliverer 2 Sam. 22:2

The King Ps. 10:16; Rev. 19:16

The Shepherd Ps. 23; Jn. 10:11

The Light/Salvation Ps. 27:1

The Defender Ps. 94:22

The Wisdom of God Prov. 8

The Strong Tower Prov. 18:10

The Bridegroom Song of Sol.

The Rose of Sharon Song of Sol. 2:1

The Counselor Is. 9:6

The Mighty God Is. 9:6

The Everlasting Father Is. 9:6

The Judge/Lawgiver Is. 33:22; 1 Sam 2:10

The Prince of Peace Is. 9:6

The Refuge Is. 25:4

The Water Is. 44:3; Jn. 7:37-39

The Redeemer Is. 59:20

The Faithful God Lam. 3:22-23

The God who is there Ez. 48:35

The Desire of Nations Hag. 2:7

The Refiner Mal. 3:3

The Dayspring Lu. 1:78

The Word Jn. 1:1

The Lamb of God Jn. 1:29, 36

The Dove Jn 1:32

The Bread Jn. 6:35

The Light of the World Jn 8:12

The Door Jn. 10:7-9

The Resurrection Jn. 11:25

The Way Jn. 14:6

The Comforter Jn. 14:26; 2 Cor. 1:3

The Vine Jn 15:1

The Wind Acts 2:1-2

The Cornerstone Eph. 2:20

The Fire Heb. 12:29

The Truth 3 Jn. 1:4, 8

The Alpha and Omega Rev. 1:8

The Lord of Lords Rev. 19:16

The Lion of the tribe of Judah Rev. 5:5

The Morning Star Rev. 22:16

Compiled by Vivien Hibbert

THE CALL OF THE CHRISTIAN MUSICIAN

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Musician + Encounter with God = Transformed Musician (effective instrument of God)

1. Personal Standards to Godly Standards
2. Worldliness to Holiness
3. Joy of Performance to Immersion in Praise & Worship
4. Pride to Humility
5. Self Glorification to Glorifying God
6. Wants to be served to Servant
7. Stimulates feelings that are not Godly to Reveal God’s heart
8. Worship of Music to Worship of God through music
9. Music: Reflections of one’s character to Reflection of God’s character
10. Hide (take refuge) in music to his/her purpose in God
11. Easily gets tired to Can worship with his/her instrument for hours
12. Music speaks to their soul to Holy Spirit speaks to their soul
13. Puts music before many things to Puts Christ before music
14. Love for Music to Passion for God (doesn’t need his/her music to worship)
15. Solo or band to Obeys God & His Church; Serves in God’s Church
16. Blends in with “musicians” to Has chosen to be different from the world
17. May have basic skills to Strives to continually gain skill (even write songs)
18. Mediocre Christian to Born-again passionate Christian
19. Seldom reads the Bible to Has an appetite for the Word of God
20. Needs the instrument to worship to Can experience God even w/o the instrument
21. Routine Worship skills to Prophetic Worship (RIVER)
22. Traditional approach (vocal presence) to Zamar (Strong’s Lexicon 2167-to make music-to give praise)
23. Music as act of worship to His/her life is an act of worship
24. Subjective to Objective
25. Limited knowledge of Theology to Good, solid Theology

FarsiPraise on YouTube

THIS IS A LIST OF ALL THE SONGS AND ARTISTS

Music Video

Hillsong - One Way

Music Video

By Hootan

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. COMMUNION

1Co 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. FOOTWASHING

John 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.

Music Training - 1-4-5 Chords Exercise

1-4-5 Chords Exercise...Lots of songs have this pattern. Exercise used to play in every key

Music Video

By Hootan

Forms of Worship Using an Implement - Banners

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.

Music Training - Smooth Chords

Smooth Chords

Music Video

By Hootan

Forms of Worship Using an Implement - Musical Instruments

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)

Music Training - Worship Chords Extension

Worship chords extension...A few chords to use when transitioning to a Worship atmosphere during service. Learn & practice the pattern in all keys

Forms of Worship Using the Mouth - WHISTLING

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)

Music Video

By Hootan

Forms of Worship Using the Mouth - Prophetic Songs

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

Music Video

Chris Tomlin - Made To Worship

Forms of Worship Using the Mouth - Singing - Part 3

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 Pss. 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.

Music Video

By Hootan

Forms of Worship Using the Mouth - Singing - Part 2

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.

Music Video

Hillsong Music

Forms of Worship Using the Mouth - Singing - Part 1

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

Music Video

by Hootan

Music Video

By Hootan

Forms of Worship Using the Mouth - LOUD NOISE/LOUD VOICE

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.

Fake Worshiper

This video is not posted to make fun of any particular religion. One can find people like this in churches as well. How sincere is YOUR worship?

تظاهر فقط مختص به مساجد نمیباشد... در کلیساها هم ما باید مواظب خودمان باشیم تا تظاهر نکنیم

Forms of Worship Using the Mouth - Shouting

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...

Music Video

By Hootan

Music Video

By Hootan

Forms of Worship Using the Mouth - Laughing

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.

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Music Video

Forms of Worship Using the Body - Running

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

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Forms of Worship Using the Body - SOLEMN PROCESSION/SOUND

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)

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Forms of Worship Using the Body - Clapping Hands

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.

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Forms of Worship Using the Body - Lifting Hands

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

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Forms of Worship Using the Body - Dancing

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—

Ø Josh. 3:13 The feet of the priests made a way for God’s people to cross the river Jordan

Ø 2 Sam. 22:37–44; Pss. 18:47; 47:3 The Lord places our enemies under our feet. Even nations will be under our feet

Ø Pss. 18:34, 40; 144:1 He teaches our hands to war

Ø 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 (Pss. 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)

Ø Heb 2:8–9 The Lord has put all things under His feet

Ø Rom. 6:13 We must yield our whole bodies as weapons that bring righteousness

Ø Rom. 16:20 God is going to crush (shatter completely) Satan under our feet

Ø 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)

Ø 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.

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Forms of Worship Using the Body - Bowing Down

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.

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Forms of Worship Using the Body - Kneeling

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.

Forms of Worship Using the Body - Standing

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.

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Worship & Nations

We might think that these days represent the first time the Lord has summoned the nations to participate in prophetic worship together. Not so. Approximately three thousand years ago, King David established his tabernacle of worship on Mount Zion. These were the songs of Zion that are spoken of in Ps. 137:3; also:

...I looked, and beheld, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and unto the Lamb!" (Rev. 7:9–10)



There are eight crucial areas of unity in this worship expression:

Provision………They are all wearing white robes of righteousness

Praise…………..They are all singing the same words

Purpose………..They are all worshipping the Lamb

Pageantry……..They are all waving palm branches

Proclamation…They are all crying with loud voices

Perspective……They are all beholding the Lamb

Place……………..They are all before the throne

Posture………….They are all standing

And He will lift up an ensign (signal) to the nations from far, and will hiss (whistle) unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly (He whistles to those at the ends of the earth. Here they come, swiftly and speedily! NIV) (Is. 5:26).


By Vivien Hibbert

From Korea

Video By Joseph Film - Creation - Andre Hovsepian

Gilbert Hovsepian - Hallelujah 3 CD

What is worship? Check out this video

Gilbert's Hallelujah 3 Album

Presenting Gilbert's third Hallelujah CD in two languages (Farsi & Armenian). Distributed by FarsiPraise. Buy your copy today...please indicate which language you want. Order your emails to info@farsipraise.com

About FarsiPraise Video - Recording, Production, Training

FarsiPraise can help you arrange, produce, record, mix, master, duplicate and distribute your musci, songs and albums (CD) at a very low cost with great quality. They also train worship leaders and worshipers around the globe. Here is a short video about them.

Worship leader's Blunders & Common mistakes

• Not spiritually prepared to lead worship - without spending that time building a relationship with God, the worship leader will find that all his efforts will not amount too much.
• Failure to worship yourself with the people
• Failure to give reason for the various actions of worship - from time to time we need to remind the people why we clap; why we shout; why we raise our hands. If we don't, we are in danger of having these things become no more than a tradition or mimic, rather than a dynamic expression of worship to God.
• Standing too long
• Worshipping too long - It is usually better to stop earlier and leave your congregation wanting more, than to drag out the service and have them regret coming back
• Teaching too many new choruses all at once
• Talking too much in-between each song - One of the biggest annoyances for the congregation is that the worship leader always tries to say something. Let your songs flow one into another without always having the addition of your opinions and comments.
• Improper key selection - If a worship leader chooses to lead a chorus in a key that is too low or too high for the average singer, the congregation will tend to stop singing because of frustration and inadequacy to reach their notes.
• Not supplying the lyrics for the people
• Not enough repetition of a chorus - Statistics show us that the majority of people need a chorus repeated through at least three times before they can really put their heart into the song and worship.
• Everything is too loud!!! - Usually the biggest complaint in churches with worship (especially buildings with smaller auditoriums) is the volume level. Unfortunately, it seems that many worship leaders don't seem to care about the Ear's of the people. Music is a big attraction for any church. However, if the volume is too loud, it will discourage your own congregation from wanting to attend anymore.

Good News - خبر خوش

با کمال مسرت به همه آهنگسازان مسیحی اعلام می کنیم که بزودی خبر خوشحال کننده ای به آنها اعلام خواهد شد. این خبر تا آغاز سال نو خورشیدی به اطلاع آنها خواهد رسید.
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7 Kinds of "Responsive" Singing

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 Pss. 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.

CLAPPING HANDS IN WORSHIP - 4 Hebrew Roots

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

Besara by Ojeny - بسرا اقرار کن با صدای اوژنی

This song is by OJENY from the album "Nameh Ou Mahib Ast" which is produced by Alpha & Omega Ministries in Iran. The video production was done by FarsiPraise studio.

Worship Leading Tip #10 - Leading alone with guitar and no other musicians

Scripture quotations: If you are going to read scripture during your worship, turn to the passages and put them in front of you before you start the worship, for smooth transitions. How are you going to flip the pages and play your guitar at the same time?

Lyric sheets: If you need to refer to lyric sheets during your worship, lay them out side by side in front of you so you don't have to attempt to flip them and play your guitar at the same time.

Extended discourses: If during the worship you want to talk about something for a longer period of time, hand the guitar over to someone else to keep on playing "atmosphere music", rather than trying to keep playing and talking at the same time.


Farsi/IranianChristian Worship Training Tips by www.farsipraise.com
تعليمات رهبري خدمت پرستش فارسي ايراني مسيحي كليسايي توسط موسسه فارسي پريز

Paul on Lifestyle Worship

Paul develops this thought further in Romans 12:1. As an appropriate response (“Therefore”) to all the wonderful “mercies of God” he has been explicating in chapters 1–11 of his epistle, he enjoins believers to present as their “bodies,” that is their entire lives, to God living sacrificial gifts of thanksgiving. There is to be no sacred/secular compartmentalization in the lives of Christians. Paul reminds us elsewhere that we have been “bought with a price,” and again the fitting response is to “glorify God in your bodies” (1 Cor 6:20). As “temples of the Holy Spirit,” both individually (1 Cor 6:19) and corporately as the church (1 Cor 3:16), the place of worship is always present with us, and the time for worship is always NOW: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31).

by Ron Man

Jesus on Lifestyle Worship

In John 4 Jesus makes a significant statement about the nature of worship under His Lordship. Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that “an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father” (v.21), but rather “an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (v.23). Jesus’ redirection of the preposition in from speaking of external location to internal focus is a grammatical shift of enormous spiritual significance: He is saying that He is changing the rules: no longer is it a matter of where or when you worship, but how you worship. No longer is there a geographical center for the people of God. Worship is now to be everywhere and at every time. As has been said, this is not a devaluing of times and places for corporate worship, but rather a hallowing of every time and every place as suitable for worshiping God.

by Ron Man

Seeing God

The more we see of God, the more we are moved to respond in love, praise, adoration and worship. He is inscrutable; He is beyond our tracing out, He is more than we could possibly “fashion” or understand. May He enable us to understand what we are capable of understanding so that we can turn it into praise!

by Preston Philpott

Agnus Dei in Farsi

Agnus Dei in Farsi - by FarsiPraise
Uploaded by farsipraise

Iranian / Afghani Christian Worship Song by Sedayezindagi

This video was created by FarsiPraise Ministries, Inc. The worship singer is "Sedayezindagi" and you can find out more about them on our site under artist names (www.farsipraise.com).

Meet The Worship Leaders - Michael W. Smith

Michael Whitaker Smith was born October 7, 1957 in Kenova, West Virginia. He wrote his first song at age five. At the age of ten, he made a decision to give his life to Christ. He dreamed of playing professional baseball. Michael attended college at Marshall University in West Virginia but after one semester dropped out to move to Nashville and pursue a career in music.

Michael made his very first record in 1983 and it was called "Michael W. Smith Project." Michael wrote all the music and wife Debbie wrote the lyrics. The now famous song "Friends" debuted on this album. Michael continued to tour with Amy Grant, now as her opening act.

Throughout his career, Michael has had the opportunity to sing for Presidents and national leaders, and counts among his friends the Reverend Billy Graham and his son, Franklin Graham. He is active in Billy Graham Crusades as well as The Samaritan's Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham.

But for all of Michael's accolades, for his involvement in his teen outreach Rocketown, leadership in his local church body, the business of being an artist, an author and a record label executive, Michael sums up his life as this, "to be remembered as a God-fearing man who loved his wife and kids well."

To visit MWS site click on the title.

www.farsipraise.com

Worship Leading Tip #9 - Leading with two worship leaders

CONFIDENCE: Leading with two worship leaders requires skill. Generally, there should still be ONE main worship leader. The 2nd worship leader must be enthusiastic, and sure of himself/herself. The 2nd worship leader must NOT keep looking at the 1st worship leader as if to ask, "what is going on?"

SONGS WITH TWO PARTS: Two worship leaders are needed when the congregation is to be split to sing a song in 2 parts. The parts of the congregation can then follow the cue of the 2nd worship leaders.

COMPLEMENTING: A male and female pair of worship leaders complement each other well vocally, provided they can co-ordinate well with each other.


Farsi/IranianChristian Worship Training Tips by www.farsipraise.comتعليمات رهبري خدمت پرستش فارسي ايراني مسيحي كليسايي توسط موسسه فارسي پريز

Worship God Beyond Church Building

www.farsipraise.com

Worship Leading Tip #8 - Encouraging the people to sing

• Familiar songs: To encourage the people to sing, you can choose familiar songs, songs which the members of your group like, for your first fast song and first slow song.

• Song ratio: Try not to have too many new songs or unfamiliar songs - those that tend to be forgotten and taken to be new songs. Not more than 25% of the songs in your worship.

• Avoid breaks: Since people tend to keep singing once they start singing, avoid having too many disruptive breaks - especially if they are due to musical ineptitude or worship leader's sermons. Let the music flow smoothly and nicely from song to song.

• Audience eye contact: It is important to establish rapport with the audience. If you have a small group, try to establish eye contact with your people and gain their response and support before starting on the worship. This helps prevent you from drifting off into your own world and leaving the rest behind.

• Enthusiasm: The worship leader and musician must seem enthusiastic about the worship. If the meeting chairman is right smack on the stage too, he, too, should be enthusiastic. The spirit of worship is contagious.

• Subtle hints: If your people don't seem to be singing, eg when they face a new song, you can subtly ask them to sing by saying "let's join in" or "let's sing together" at the beginning of each verse or chorus.

• Avoid scolding: Some worship leaders, if faced with unresponsive groups, stop the praise suddenly and ask them why they sing "celebrate" while they aren't smiling at all. I feel however, it requires discernment not to draw the people's attention to the fact that no one is enthusiastic. Rather, the leader should remind his congregation of God's promises and why we must praise, and GAIN THEIR RESPONSE during such a time. For example, "Praise can be a powerful weapon to fight the enemy, Amen?" The leader should not be seen as scolding the congregation.

Farsi/IranianChristian Worship Training Tips by www.farsipraise.com
تعليمات رهبري خدمت پرستش فارسي ايراني مسيحي كليسايي توسط موسسه فارسي پريز

Worship Leading Tip #7 - Start Early

To prepare a worship, one has to start early. Generally the more complex the worship the earlier you have to start. Only if you are leading worship and playing the guitar/keyboard yourself, you can prepare as late as the a few nights before. Even then, problems may crop up which may upset your preparation. So start as early as one/two weeks.
برنامه پرستشي و ليست سرودها را از حداقل يك هفته قبل آماده كنيد

Farsi/IranianChristian Worship Training Tips by www.farsipraise.com
تعليمات رهبري خدمت پرستش فارسي ايراني مسيحي كليسايي توسط موسسه فارسي پري

شادی واقعی چه معنایی دارد؟

شادی واقعی در پرستش مسیحی وقتی است که معنای این وعده عیسی مسیح برای ما جا افتاده باشد.

عیسی‌ فرمود

شاد باشید ای‌ تمام‌ آنان‌ كه‌ می‌دانید كه‌ در نظر خدا مسكینید،

زیرا ملكوت‌ آسمان‌ از آن‌ شماست‌.

شاد باشید ای‌ تمام‌ آنان‌ كه‌ ماتم‌ دارید،

زیرا خدا شما را تسلی‌ خواهد داد.

شاد باشید ای‌ تمام‌ كسانی‌ كه‌ تن‌ به‌ خشونت‌ نمی‌دهید،

زیرا خدا زمین‌ را به‌ مالكیت‌ شما خواهد داد.

شاد باشید ای‌ تمام‌ آنان‌ كه‌ در آرزوی‌ تحقق‌ خواست‌ خدایید،

زیرا آرزویتان‌ برآورده‌ خواهد شد.

شاد باشید ای‌ تمام‌ آنان‌ كه‌ بر مردم‌ ترحم‌ می‌كنید،

زیرا خدا شما را مورد رحمت‌ خود قرار خواهد داد.

شاد باشید ای‌ تمام‌ آنان‌ كه‌ دلی‌ پاک و صاف‌ دارید،

زیرا خدا را خواهید دید
شاد باشید ای‌ تمام‌ آنان‌ كه‌ برای‌ برقرار صلح‌ كوشایید، زیرا خدا شما را همچون‌ فرزندان‌ خود در آغوش‌ خواهد كشید.شاد باشید ای‌ تمام‌ آنان‌ كه‌ در راه‌ اجرای‌ خواست‌ خدا مورد آزار و اذیتید، زیرا ملكوت‌ آسمان‌ از آن‌ شما

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Acoustic Guitar...What to look for

So if you are thinking of buying an acoustic guitar, the following information may help you:

Body Style:
Acoustic guitars come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from small travel size, to jumbo, to dreadnought. The body style in an acoustic guitar determines sound projection and tonal emphasis. Things to consider are tonal quality vs. playing comfort. Some acoustic guitar bodies come in a single cutaway design like the shape of the Gibson Les Paul. This gives access to the higher frets.

Electronics:
Some acoustic guitars come with pickups and preamps built in for playing larger venues where your acoustic sound needs to fill the room. Some instruments have preamps mounted in a hole cut in the side of the instrument, while others mount inside the soundhole. There are systems that combine preamp, microphone, piezo pickups , EQ, and tuners.

Neck:
The concept for necks on acoustic guitars is the same as it is for electrics; the size of your hand is key. Generally the thickness and width of the neck is based on the size of the body of the instrument as well as how many frets the neck has. Usually, acoustic necks are listed as 12-fret or 14-fret. This refers to the number of frets clear of the body, not how many overall.

Intonation:
Intonation determines whether or not the notes play in tune as you move up the neck. If the distance between the frets (usually above the 12th fret) is off, the guitar will be incapable of playing in tune and therefore useless as a recording or performance instrument.

Tonewood:
The choice of wood determines the sound of an acoustic guitar. Different types of wood produce different tones, but most guitar makers believe that the top is the most important for determining tonal quality. Spruce is the standard material for tops with Sitka spruce being the most common. The cost of an acoustic guitar increases dramatically based on the rarity of the tonewoods, such as rosewood, but due to decreasing supplies of certain tonewoods, guitar makers are successfully finding alternative materials to make great sounding instruments.

Tuning Machines:
The type of tuning machine your guitar has is very important. This is what allows you to fine tune and hold pitch. Enclosed machine heads resist rust and airborne corrosives, and therefore don't require as much maintenance or replacement as open tuning machines.

Bridge and Fingerboard:
The materials used for bridge and fingerboard do have an effect on sound, but this is minimal compared to the body of the guitar. Put simply, the effects of bridge and fingerboard materials cannot make or break a guitar's sound.

Finish:
Different types of finish can affect the way the wood vibrates, but there is nothing you can do about this. These decisions are make by the guitar maker and they usually choose wisely.

Article from www.sweetwater.com

Major Religions of the World

Ranked by Number of Adherents

1. Christianity: 2.1 billion (and decreasing)
2. Islam: 1.3 billion (and increasing)
3. Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion
4. Hinduism: 900 million
5. Chinese traditional religion: 394 million
6. Buddhism: 376 million
7. primal-indigenous: 300 million
8. African Traditional & Diasporic: 100 million
9. Sikhism: 23 million
10. Juche: 19 million
11. Spiritism: 15 million
12. Judaism: 14 million
13. Baha'i: 7 million
14. Jainism: 4.2 million
15. Shinto: 4 million
16. Cao Dai: 4 million
17. Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million
18. Tenrikyo: 2 million
19. Neo-Paganism: 1 million
20. Unitarian-Universalism: 800 thousand
21. Rastafarianism: 600 thousand
22. Scientology: 500 thousand

QUESTION:
Do they all worship the SAME God?

Share your ideas with us and we will post it...email us at info@farsipraise.com
Stats by adherents

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Iranian Christian Worship

Some new Iranian Christians are not sure how to worship God in regards to their new faith. At most of our churches there are those who truely love Jesus but don't know how to praise Him. They are not sure if they should clap (as they don't want to disrespect Jesus) or sing (as they are too concerned about their vocal abilities) or cry (as it could be a sign of weakness). So what should be done?

It would be great to hear from others about this but here are some ideas that come to mind:
1. More teachings on the person of Christ - Son of God AND Son of Man
2. Identification of who we are in Christ
3. Dissection of the meaning of worship and praise
4. Focus on the importance of worship and praise
5. Comparison between Islamic vs. Christian worship
6. Worship seminars held at churches
7. Experiencing corporate spontaneous worship and praise
8. Experiencing personal Spirit-led worship
9. Establishing a strong worship community at our churhces

There are no particular formulas for learning how to worship. Christian worship is a natural response to the presence of God in our lives and it is very subjective. But despite its subjectivity, it is always accompanied by personal transformation. Without this our praise remains a ritualistic act motivated by obligation.

by Fariborz Anasri
www.farsipraise.com

Meet The Worship Leaders - Tommy walker

Tommy Walker is one of the leading worship leaders who has written over 100 songs which are being sung in churches around the world (such as He Knows My Name, Only A God Like You, That's Why We Praise Him, Lord I Believe In You, Mourning Into Dancing and Break Through).

"Tommy has led worship at Christian Assembly in Los Angeles, California with his pastor, Mark Pickerill, since 1990. He has traveled with Promise Keepers, Greg Laurie Harvest Crusades and Franklin Graham. He has also been privileged to serve with such church leaders as Jack Hayford, Bill Hybels and Rick Warren. He has recorded worship projects for Maranatha! Music, Integrity Music, and Get Down Ministries." Visit his site by clicking on the title above or go to http://www.tommywalker.net/main.php

www.farsipraise.com

Worship Leading Tip #6 - Walk With God - Pray For Your Leaders

Maintain your personal walk with the Lord. Be in prayer for the church, the church leadership, and the band. In a way, you are a shepherd to the band. Be an encourager to the band, your pastor, and the body.
با خداوند در هر مرحله قدم بردارید
برای شبان و رهبران خود در دعا باشيد

Farsi/IranianChristian Worship Training Tips by www.farsipraise.com
تعليمات رهبري خدمت پرستش فارسي ايراني مسيحي كليسايي توسط موسسه فارسي پريز

Worship Leading Tip #5 - Leaders not performers

The best musicial performers are not necessarily the best worship leaders. Yet, musical skill should not be taken lightly.
هدف رهبر جلسه پرستش اجرا برنامه نبايد باشد بلكه هدف
اصلي تمركز به خود خداوند است

Farsi/IranianChristian Worship Training Tips by www.farsipraise.com
تعليمات رهبري خدمت پرستش فارسي ايراني مسيحي كليسايي توسط موسسه فارسي پري

The biggest hindrance to growth is PRIDE

“Pride sits in all our hearts by nature. We are born proud. Pride makes us rest satisfied with ourselves, think we are good enough as we are. It closes our ears against all advice, refuses the gospel of Christ and turns everyone to his own way… Be proud not of your own abilities, your own strength, your own knowledge, your own appearance, your own cleverness. Be not proud of yourself, and your talents of any kind.” J.C. Ryle

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The Musical Instruments of Old Testament

Percussion: bagpipe, bells, cymbals, sistrum, & tambourine.
String: harp, harplike instrument, lyre, & zither.
Wind: double pipe, horn, cornet, pipe, reed, ram's horn, trumpet, & vertical flute.

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Music Recording - What is GarageBand?

GarageBand is a software application that allows users to create a piece of music, developed by Apple Computer for their Macintosh computers

What GarageBand is:

1. It's a Sequencer that applies full MIDI editing for software instruments
2. You can construct songs with Apple Loops, Software Instruments, or Audio tracks
3. An Audio recorder with as many tracks as you want
4. An effects generator with plenty of onboard plugins and the ability to use 3rd party Audio Unit plugins
5. An Audio renderer that pipes your song files right into iTunes (where you can burn them to CD)
6. A soft synth engine with several tone generating models which is also capable of using 3rd party softsynths and samplers just like the big boys.
7. Its easy to use and it sounds excellent.

Click on the title above for the full article.
Our goal is not to promote any product or company.
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Worship Singers - Protecting and caring for your voice

1. Make sure to drink lots of decaffeinated liquid daily. Hydration is very important and caffeine has a drying effect.
2. Identify possible negative, vocal behaviors such as excessive throat clearing, coughing, loud talking, whispering, yelling, singing beyond your range, and hard vocal attack, (forced voicing).
3. Use good posture, a relaxed jaw, and a wet and open throat.
4. Use diaphragmatic breathing when singing and when speaking to support the voice and decrease vocal strain.
5. Relaxation exercises can be of benefit. Even yawning before singing helps to relax the muscles associated with voice use.
6. If you do a lot of talking throughout the day, then set aside some time for quiet activities.
7. Avoid dairy products as they are mucous producing.
8. Limit the use of decongestants because they are drying.
9. Warm-up the voice a little before trying to reach those low and high range extensions.
10. Give yourself some vocal rest. (some time out from talking or singing)

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Worship Leading Tip #4 - Don't talk too much in-between each song

One of the biggest hindrances to worship is when the worship leader talks too much between the songs. Let your songs flow one into another without always having the addition of your opinions and comments. If you do talk while leading worship, make sure you have something to to say that is relevant to worship.


از صحبت كردن زياد در زمان رهبري پرستش
خودداري كنيد. گفتارهاي رهبر پرستش در هنگام پرستش بايد
مربوط به متن پرستش باشد

Farsi/IranianChristian Worship Training Tips by www.farsipraise.com
تعليمات رهبري خدمت پرستش فارسي ايراني مسيحي كليسايي توسط موسسه فارسي پري

10 Principles for Effective Worship

1. Thou shalt not show up in dirty linen (unconfessed sin).
2. Thou shalt not give to other things and other people the worship only God deserves.
3. Thou shalt not worship with something against your brother.
4. Thou shalt not offer less than the best you have to God.
5. Thou shalt not kill the work of God by disobedience.
6 .Thou shalt not treat holy things in an unholy manner
7. Thou shalt not take any glory unto yourself.
8. Thou shalt ALLOW the Holy Spirit to be the conductor of worship
9. Thou shalt not sin by failing to pray for your church and it’s services.
10. Thou shalt obey God’s voice when He speaks to you in worship.

Click on the Title for full article.

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Youth and Farsi Christian Songs

So what do you think about Iranian worship music? Does it have the same effect on you as the English worship songs? It seems that many of our Iranian youth could relate more to non Farsi worship songs. When you ask them why they don't listen to Iranian Chritian worship songs, they simply say:

- "We can't relate to it"
- "It doesn't have the same effect"
- "The words are difficult to understand - language barrier"
- "The music is not as rich - music style related"
- "They are mostly evangelical in nature"
- etc.

What is the SOLUTION?
- Some are translating American Christian songs into Farsi
- Some are writing a new genre of Farsi Christian songs (pop, hip hop, rap, etc.)
- Some are resisting to change their styles
- Some are re-doing the old songs in new styles

What do you think?
We love to hear from you on this. Drop us an email at info@farsipraise.com and we will publish your ideas.

by www.farsipraise.com

روح و راستي

به نظر شما معني پرستش در روح و راستي چيست؟

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Video - What is Worship?

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