Clever Free Methodist

It says in Hebrews 11:1 , “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” We use faith many times and in many ways throughout our daily routine. In practical ways, we live by faith all the time. We have faith that our doctors are competent. That’s why we let them prescribe medicines and operate on us. When we eat at a restaurant, we trust that the cooks and kitchen staff are fully trained and take all precautionary measure to be healthy, sanitary and clean when handling and preparing the food and beverages. Faith is like that! Faith has a lot to do with confidence and trust. Faith is what allows us to take the evidence that is right before our eyes – evidence of God’s presence, his goodness, and his love – and trust that our Heavenly Father is working things out for our good regardless if what we are experiencing is good, bad, stressful, or joyful. It is a trust that says “I know God won’t abandon me.” Faith is a radical, all-encomp...

During a random conversation on Church service styles, one person referred to the music at their Church as “Praise and Worship.” In response to that, another individual (from a different Church) responded by saying “isn’t saying ‘praise and worship’ redundant since they basically mean the same thing?” Some agreed, but the others said “no” because they understood that praise and worship are not identical. I will agree….they are not the same, but they are directed to the same person (God). When it comes to “praise” and “worship” it must be understood from two totally different acts of expression to God the Father. Let’s take a look: PRAISE : This word appears 248 times throughout 216 verses in the Bible. The word implies boasting and to show commendation. I also like the implication of “to shine” and “to celebrate.” In some uses (Psalms) it also indicates physical attributes such as raising the hands, bowing, and dancing. In the book of Revelation it speaks of honor and enth...