“Praise and Worship: Why Praise?”
Wednesday Evening Service 07/17/24-Associate Pastor Tyler Bessa
“God be merciful to us and bless us. What an encouragement to me when I’m singing such a thing, when I’m speaking such a thing, when I’m pondering and thinking about such a thing. The promises of God encourage me.” Tyler Bessa
Pastor Tyler explores the significance and advantages of praising God, emphasizing that praise should be a lifestyle rather than just a church activity. He highlights how praise encourages both the worshipper and others, serving as a testimony to all. It reminds believers of God’s love and helps combat fear, though the speaker clarifies that feeling fear isn’t sinful, but being ruled by it is problematic. Thanksgiving is presented as a crucial component of praise, with the importance of being grateful in all circumstances stressed. The sermon emphasizes how praise brings peace, comfort, and helps refocus on God amidst life’s challenges. Referencing Philippians 4:6-8, the pastor underscores the biblical command to pray with thanksgiving and meditate on virtuous things. The transformative power of praise is discussed, noting how it embeds God’s goodness in believers and conforms them to Christ’s image. Pastor Tyler expresses concern about beautiful worship music sometimes coming from questionable sources, encouraging believers to be more active in creating God-honoring content. The sermon concludes with a discussion on Jesus’ statement about stones crying out if people don’t praise Him, offering both metaphorical and potential literal interpretations. Throughout, it is emphasized that praising God is not merely a suggestion but a command that benefits both the worshipper and those around them.