Reset

14 w

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRAISE AND WORSHIP – PART 1

Praise is honour, commendation, while worship is an expression of reverence and adoration of YHVH.

PRAISE

TO WHOM PRAISE IS OFFERED

The Scriptures affirm that only Elohiym, the YHVH of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is worthy of praise. Frequently, the Old Testament stresses that the praise due Him is not to be offered to other gods or to idols of any kind. There is a place for the commendation of men and women for their qualities of life and their right actions {Proverbs 31:28-31; 1 Peter 2:14}. Ultimately however, they should seek the praise and commendation of YHVH {Romans 2:29}, not the praise of other people {Matthew 6:1-6; John 12:43}, that others may be led to glorify YHVH for whatever good is found in them {5:16}. Frequently the Bible speaks of praising “the Name” of YHVH, meaning that He is to be praised for all that He is and has revealed Himself to be. The often-repeated word “Hallelujah” is simply the Hebrew equivalent of “Praise Adonai.”

BY WHOM PRAISE IS OFFERED

YHVH is praised perfectly by His angels in heaven {Psalms 103:20; 148:2}. They carolled their praise when Yeshua was born {Luke 2:13-14}, and the book of Revelation {see Revelation 7:11-12} speaks about their continual praise in heaven. All creation praises YHVH in the sense that it shows His greatness as Creator {Psalm 19:1-6}. Psalm 148 lists sun, moon and stars, fire and hail, snow, rain, wind and weather, mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars, wild animals, cattle, snakes and birds -- all these -- as praising YHVH together. Heaven and earth are spoken of as involved in the praise of YHVH {89:5}. In the Old Testament we read of the special role of priests and Levites {Psalm 135:19-20} and of the temple singers {2 Chronicles 20:21} and of those who, like Miriam {Exodus 15:20} and David {2 Samuel 6:14}, led others in YHVH’s praise. But it was the duty of all YHVH’s people to praise Him; their praise was intended moreover, to lead the nations to know and to praise Him {Psalm 67:2-3}. The New Testament has this same emphasis {Romans 15:7-12}, and it stresses that YHVH’s gifts are given to His people to be used to His praise and glory {Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14}. The redeemed people of YHVH are appointed to show forth the praises of Him who has called them out of darkness into His marvellous Light {1 Peter 2:9}. The last book of the New Testament presents the praise of YHVH in heaven, where the four living creatures [representing all creation] and the twenty-four elders [representing the people of YHVH under the old and new covenants] unite in worship, adoring the mighty YHVH Who created them and the Lamb of YHVH Who redeemed them {Revelation 4-5}.

WHEN YHVH IS TO BE PRAISED

In the Old Testament there were times of special praise: On Shabbat, New Moons, and Festivals. In Psalm 119:164 the psalmist says he will praise Adonai seven times a day. “Everywhere-from east to west – praise the Name of Adonai” is the exhortation of 113:3. Psalm 145:1 says, “I will praise You, my YHVH and King, and bless Your Name forever and ever.” A dedication to a life of praise is expressed in Psalm 146:2: “I will praise Adonai as long as I live. I will sing praises to my YHVH even with my dying breath.” In the New Testament likewise, there are special times of praise, but the whole of the believer’s life is intended to be devoted, in word and action, to the praise of YHVH.

WHERE PRAISE IS TO BE OFFERED

In the Old Testament the temple [and thus “Zion” or “Jerusalem,” where the temple was located] had a special place in the purpose of YHVH: His people should praise Him there. Psalm 102:21 pictures people declaring “in Zion the Name of Adonai, and in Jerusalem His praise.” People are to praise YHVH publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation {107:32}, but they may also do so alone. For the whole of life is to be praise. Thus, praise can come from unexpected places. Godly men and women can sing for joy as they lie on their beds {149:5}. Paul and Silas can sing praises to YHVH in a Philippian prison {Acts 16:25}.

HOW YHVH IS TO BE PRAISED

As there is no limit to time or place, so there is no limit to the ways in which YHVH may be praised. He may be praised with singing {Psalm 47:7}, with dancing {149:3}, or with instruments of music {144:9}. The Psalter provides us with many songs of praise, and others are scattered throughout the Old Testament. The New Testament speaks of “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” {Colossians 3:16}, and examples of believer songs of praise are probably to be seen in Ephesians 5:14; Philippians 2:6-11; 1 Timothy 1:17; and 2 Timothy 2:11-13.

WHY YHVH IS TO BE PRAISED

Creation provides motivation for the praise of YHVH {Psalm 8:3}, as does His preserving love and care {21:4} and the fact that he is a YHVH who answers prayer {116:1}. His redeeming work leads His people to worship Him {Exodus 15:1-2}. Some of the psalms {see Psalm 107} list many reasons why He should be praised. With the coming of Adonai Yeshua Moshiach, there is a fresh outburst of praise because the Moshiach, the Savior, has come to His people {Luke 2:11}. All that He did by His life, death, and resurrection calls for praise. But ultimately praise will be made perfect when YHVH reigns victorious over all. Thus, John speaks in the book of Revelation {Revelation 19:6}: “Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a huge crowd, or the roar of mighty ocean waves, or the crash of loud thunder: ‘Hallelujah! For Adonai our YHVH, the Almighty, reigns.’”

PRAISE IS GIVING THANKS TO YHVH FOR WHO HE IS.

“I will thank You, ADONAI, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvellous things You have done.” {Psalm 9:1} Praise is saying thank you -- for each aspect of His Divine Nature. Our inward attitude becomes outward expression. When we praise YHVH, we help ourself by expanding our awareness of who He is. In each psalm you read, look for an attribute or characteristic of YHVH for which you can thank Him.

PRAISE IS FOCUSING OUR HEART ON YHVH.

“Praise Adonai! Praise Adonai, I tell myself. I will praise Adonai as long as I live. I will sing praises to my YHVH even with my dying breath.” {Psalm 146:1-2} The last five psalms {146-150} are filled with praise. Each begins and ends with “Praise Adonai!” They show us where, why, and how to praise YHVH. What does praise do?

1 -- Praise takes our minds off our problems and shortcomings and focuses them on YHVH.
2 -- Praise leads us from individual meditation to corporate worship.
3 -- Praise causes us to consider and appreciate YHVH’s Character.
4 -- Praise lifts our perspective from the earthly to the heavenly.

PRAISE IS THANKING YHVH FOR HIS MANY GRACIOUS GIFTS.

“Praise Adonai, I tell myself, and never forget the good things He does for me.” {Psalm 103:2} David’s praise focused on YHVH’s glorious deeds. It is easy to complain about life, but David’s list gives us plenty for which to praise YHVH -- He forgives our sins, heals our diseases, redeems us from death, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires, and gives righteousness and justice. We receive all of these without deserving any of them. No matter how difficult your life’s journey, you can always count your blessings -- past, present, and future. When you feel as though you have nothing for which to praise YHVH, read David’s list.

PRAISE IS THANKING YHVH FOR OUR SALVATION.

“YHVH saved you by His special favour when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from YHVH. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” {Ephesians 2:8-9} When someone gives you a gift, do you say, “that’s very nice -- now how much do I owe you?” No, the appropriate response to a gift is “thank you.” Yet how often believers, even after they have been given the gift of salvation, feel obligated to try to work their way to YHVH. Because our salvation and even our faith are gifts, we should respond with gratitude, praise, and joy.

PRAISE IS A SPIRITUAL OFFERING.

“With Yeshua’ help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to YHVH by proclaiming the glory of His Name.” (Hebrews 13:15) These Jewish believers, because of their witness that Yeshua was the Moshiach, no longer worshiped with other Jews. So, praise and acts of service became their sacrifices-ones they could offer anywhere, anytime. This must have reminded them of the prophet Hosea’s words, “Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer You the sacrifice of praise” {Hosea 14:2}. A “sacrifice of praise” today would include thanking Moshiach for His sacrifice on the cross and telling others about it. Acts of kindness and sharing are particularly pleasing to YHVH, even when they go unnoticed by others.

Comment

Worldwide Church of God rejected truth

14 w

Back in the late 1990s, the Worldwide Church of God, headed by the late Herbert W. Armstrong, used to teach the truths about the 7th day Sabbath, Holy Days, dietary laws, etc. But then abandoned all of that and adopted Sunday worship, Christmas and Easter, abandoned the dietary laws, etc. They changed their name to Grace Communion International. Any thoughts on why this happened?

Comment

I don't know for sure why this happened, but I can think of some ideas. Perhaps Yah allows these things to happen to see if people are really following Him or following an organization. This does show that we all need to think for ourselves.

Another reason I can think of is the culture of the church. I'm a regular visitor of one of the offshoots who wanted to preserve the original doctrines. Although they follow the Torah truths, the culture is the same as a traditional church with no Hebraic culture at all. It is a very Anglicized environment with songs that sound like traditional church hymns and all English terminology with no Hebraic terms used at all. I even remember one member being annoyed that the word "Torah" was used and preferred the word "law" used instead.

· Reply · 1756047501

7 Replies

The CoG’s went back to mainstream when Armstrong died. Technically the whole thing shattered and they became a number of different organizations. Most stayed on a form of biblical obedience.

The CoG’s had a ton of problems, though… They were trying to be the church while adding in some original practices in a Christian way. And they were under the assumption that England was the lost tribes and therefore America.

Armstrong also made a number of false prophecies and his time.

The CoG’s helped get the ball rolling for Messianic to start waking up from the church and walking out of mainstream tradition, but it itself was just another Christian tradition

· Reply · 1756288615

I spent 7 years in an independent COG and have many friends today who came from WCG. WCG was a great stepping stone to the truth. It took CG7 and SDA basics and added the holy days and some other good stuff. But, you're right, it remained denominational Christianity. Herbert Armstrong (HWA) was an evangelist for CG7 in the 1930s. He broke off when he added the holy days and subsequently WCG was born. From my friends, it was great. They would attend FOT with 10K people in unity. But the church turned culty and they started worshiping HWA, hanging on his every word. This was in the 70s. I'm pretty confident people treated him higher than he considered himself, but he also considered himself to be an Elijah.

His son Garner Ted Armstrong (GTA) was a sinful man who even got exposed on an episode of Geraldo for trying to molest a masseus. HWA had to kick his son our of the church, and his son made his own splinter group. This is pretty much where it ended. WCG had no heir and the splits started.

The break in the 1990s was because HWA died and the three guys who were left in charge sold all the assets to make themselves wealthy. There were only 150K members left when WCG switched to Sunday and only 60K of those went with the switch.

Many of the Sacred Name churches and Messianic churches are direct offshoots of WCG. These are folks who didn't stop learning with the WCG doctrines and continued to follow the truth where it led. Our history is tied to this group and is why there are believers who have been keeping Torah all over the world for a couple generations. We just have to be careful not to repeat their errors and continue to go where the truth leads.

· Reply · 1756567191

14 w

Shoftim is Hebrew for "judges". This week's Torah portion begins by instructing the people to appoint qualified, godly people as civil judges and leaders.

Here are some Apostolic passages to study alongside #torah Parsha #shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9), with corresponding videos and commentary: https://www.americantorah.com/....2021/03/23/parsha-sh

Parsha Shoftim - Apostolic Readings, Commentary, and Videos - American Torah

www.americantorah.com

Parsha Shoftim - Apostolic Readings, Commentary, and Videos - American Torah

Readings Additional Reading Videos Related to Parsha Shoftim Everything that Yeshua (aka Jesus) & the Apostles taughtwas based solidly in the Old Testament scriptures. Come with me as I draw out the connections that are so often missedin today�

Comment

14 w

"Give glory to Yahweh your God, before he bring darkness, and before your feet stumble in the dark mountains, and while you look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death and make it a black gloom."

Je 13

Comment

14 w

With people getting excited about banning lab-grown meat, we should remember that it is completely outside the rightful jurisdiction of government to ban any substance - it is an immoral act to ban lab-grown meat, more immoral than feeding someone lab-grown meat without regard to the health risks.

Comment

14 w

“Lord” may not be a pagan title like “God” but it’s still ridiculous to keep as a principle designation for our Creator and Savior.

Why choose a medieval title? Why a British one? Why one that is distinct to a specific political and economic system?

“Lord” was a feudalistic title which became an English nobleman’s honorific and can now apply to a member of the parlament of Great Britain.

YHWH isn’t British. YHWH isn’t a feudal ruler. YHWH isn’t medieval. YHWH isnt and english noble nor a parlimentarian.

So why are we encouraged to be applying such a title as one of His principle designations?

If we are intent upon adopting and adapting names and titles for the Almighty and His Messiah why not something more close to home? Boss, perhaps? Manager? Director? Administrator?

There’s always Ruler, Sovereign, or King of course.

“Lord” is simply old fashioned, foreign, and oddly irrelevant. We might as well call the Most High the CEO, the President, or the Pope. Just because a title designates authority in a given area and sovereignty over a specific sort of leadership doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for repurposing as the staple for all true religion, everywhere and everywhen.

Make It Make Sense…

question everything

get biblical

templecrier.com

Comment

Yes indeed. Any wicked practice taught and promoted by false teachers who practice syncretism/ mixing will face judgment.

· Reply · 1756074610

British in hebrew is Brit*ish = man of covenant.

Saxsons also has a history of the name evolving from Issacs sons
( just stating some info)

Why would one feel neccessary to attack the english language or allow it to be so offensive?? There is so much more we can do. Why try and focus on a name "YHWH " when HE has deliberetly allowed it to become obscure But has preserved perfectly without any argument within many languages HIS name "Yah"

The reason why "Lord" is excepted to me, is because it is referring to someone with authority or power. Yah is the one in highest authority and power, therefore he is our Lord. The people in parliament are called lord because they have authority over a area in government. In the middle ages, even the wife would call her husband My Lord or Lord ______ , we are the bride of Yeshua so again, he is our Lord. It is polite.

Now im not saying Lord should take place of the name of GOD. But the Bible Does not say to not call him lord. Actually on the contrary it says to call him father, and by his name. And i may add, in Mathew Yeshua said, if David calls YAH, Lord, then how is he his son? Even the greatest king of all Israel calls G-d Lord. One of the words for lord in hebrew is adoni and you will find this in many places in the bible referring to Yah. So it is not an issue it call Yah, Lord. Its actually is respectful and honoring if you speak english.

· Reply · 1756579769

14 w

Thought for Today: Sunday August 24

The way we live often speak louder than words. People may tell us they do not believe the Bible – but they cannot deny it’s power as they see it changes our lives, guide our decisions, and influence how we live. Ask YHVH to rule in your heart, and remake you within into the person He wants you to be. Then ask Him to help you be sensitive to those around you who may be successful on the outside, but inwardly are empty and confused, so that by your life and by your words they may discover the joy and peace that comes from knowing the Moshiach.