(This is No. 178 in the Praise & Worship Series.)
Introduction: Last week we demonstrated with the dance praise and worship. Today will not be quite as demonstrative, but with just as much enthusiasm.
I. Playing of musical instruments in Church.
II. Being silent before the Lord.
A. Musical instruments were frequently used in Scripture to express praise and worship.
B. The playing of an Instrument.
1. Instruments play a vital part In our worship today.
a. Some like them, some don't. It is a matter of custom in church.
2. To praise the Lord Is a command, even on musical Instruments. Psalm 150:3-5
1. To play in the spirit.
C. Some examples of playing of instruments in the Bible.
a. A melody out of the inner most being.
b. Psalm 33:1-3, using one's ability to God's glory.
c. This is interpreting the mood of the Spirit.
1. David's skillful playing on the harp.
a. 1 Samuel 16:33, drove out evil spirits from Saul.
2. 4,000 musicians praised God.
a. The dedication of Solomon's Temple. I Chronicles 23:5
3. In Heaven Revelation 14:2-3
A. A complete contrast to the sounds of joy and music.
III. Weeping
1. Different expressions from dancing, shouting, etc. Ecclesiastes 3:7
a. Don't be afraid of silence.
b. Sometimes the Holy Spirit will bring a Holy Hush in a congregation.
c. When this happens it becomes profound and eloquent.
d. There is a great sense of awe and reverence.
e. A time to silently sit before the Lord, contemplating, adoring and worshipping Him. Psalms 46:10
A. Weeping can be a legitimate response of praise to God.
IV. Laughter
1. This is not of sorrow or heartache, but of gratitude and thanks-giving.
B. This is not a weakness, but a tenderness toward God.
2. As we meditate on His greatness and goodness, it is only appropriate to weep tears of gratitude.
1. Weeping can often bring a deep release or liberation.
C. Weeping is not to be abused. [some do for show)
2. Weeping sometimes reveals a deep need for inner healing.
D. Example of weeping. Nehemiah 8:10.
1. He stopped their weeping, now put on joy.
A. There is such a thing as "Holy Laughter"
V. Marching
1. Not a response to something funny or humorous.
2. It is an expression of heightened joy to the Lord.
a. The only way to express It Is through laughter. Luke 6:21
3. The Children of Israel experienced this upon their return from captivity. Psalm 126:2
4. Job 8:20-21
A. God says at times "Get up and march".
IV. Rejoicing = Now we can shout.
B. Several examples in the Bible.
1. Joshua 6:2-5
C. When God has prompted a "march~ for a cause, these have amazing results.
a. Many walls will fall when we obey.
2. Jehosaphat = 2 Chronicles 20:20-22
1. Walls of bondage, pride and bitterness will come tumbling down.
D. The Bride of Christ is pictured as an army marching forward together. Song of Solomon 6:4, 10
A. The attitude we are to come into the House of God with.
B. Nehemiah came Into the kings presence with a sad face. Nehemiah 2:1-5
1. The king knew something was drastically wrong.
C. NOTE: No one dared to come into the king's presence with a sad face and manner.
2. Nehemiah quickly explained the reason for the sadness.
3. It had nothing to do with the king.
1. How many Christians come before the King of kings with a mournful disposition, sad of face, etc.?
D. The proper way to enter is with REJOICING!
2. To do so is an insult to God.
3. This is to say "We are not satisfied with our lot under your rule".
1. This says we are happy and pleased.
E. There is a place where He can meet with us. Deuteronomy 12:11-12
2. We are thankful for the honor He has bestowed on us.
Conclusion: Expressions of praise are worth while only if they are true expressions from the heart.
1. A place to come in rejoicing. Psalm 100:4
2. Enter rejoicing, expressing thanksgiving and praise.
a. Sad that so many have Instilled the idea that reverence is solemnity, quietness and soberness.
3. Christians should be the most joyful people in the community.
b. Some say joy expressed aloud Is the height of Irreverence. SO UNTRUE!
a. Their praise, clapping, raising hands, dancing, etc.
b. In our praise we should reflect the true nature of God.
4. Instead, many people are repelled by the coldness and dreariness.
a. Services so cold, solemn and heavy, so stiff and conformed.
5. Rejoicing in the Lord will cause us to be much more relaxed
in God's presence.
b. All church is a ritual and a religious service one performs.
a. Less formality and more reality.
6. Remember the Greek word "AGALLIA", translated 'rejoice' meaning to "jump for joy"; "to rejoice exceedingly"; "to be exceedingly glad"; "with exceeding joy".
b. Our aim is to brighten up the atmosphere around us.
c. If we are the light of the world, then let's let our light shine.
a. An expression of joy, free, uninhibited, spontaneous and expressive.
b. So free is might cause us jump, twirl, skip, leap for joy with child like delight.
