Tools for the Christian Life - Praise

 

Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring Biblical concepts in the Christian life. There are many aspects to the Christian life. However, a simple biblically-based 5-step approach to grow our relationship with God is what I call the ‘5 tools to maturity,’ taken from Acts 2:42 and 47, as follows:

·       Prayer

·       Praise

·       Fellowship

·       Receiving biblical teaching

·       Reaching others with biblical truth

 

These 5 tools describe the activities in the very first church in Jerusalem and provide a model for the actions Christians should perform routinely. Importantly, these five activities are confirmed in later verses in the epistles. 

 

Last week started our discussion of these 5 tools by examining the content and attitude in prayer. Today we will consider several common questions about praise.  

 

How do we praise?

 

Definition of ‘praise’ – Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ‘praise’ as:

• To express a favorable judgment or commend
• To glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfections

 

Content of praise – For a Christian what are the elements of biblical praise? The Bible gives some hints:

• Acknowledgement of God’s perfect character (Ephesians 1:6)
• Acknowledgement of God’s righteous actions (Psalm 139:14; Psalm 148)
• Thankfulness (Hebrews 13:15)

 

Reason for praise – Why do we praise God? The reasons are vital to our Christian life and are listed below:

• The Bible commands us to praise – It is our duty to praise God. However, God does not give us commands without reason, so several potential explanations follow below (Psalm 150; Romans 15:11; Hebrews 13:15).
• God deserves praise – Our Father in Heaven is the almighty God who has provided for our salvation through His precious Son, Jesus Christ, as a free gift through faith that we could have eternal life. This salvation is a sure hope and anchor for our souls. Surely, He deserves glory, thanks, and praise (1 Peter 4:11; Hebrews 6:19).
• It is good for us to praise – God made us! Therefore, He knows what is good for us. It is good for us to praise because:

• God’s ordained order – Praise reminds us of the order of the universe. We are not the most important thing in creation. God’s goals and priorities are higher and better than ours.
• Humility – Realizing that God’s plans are more important than ours might limit our complaining and remind us that we are here to serve our great God.
• Attitude – Praise teaches us thankfulness in realizing God’s gifts to us in creation, in Christ and His benefits in this life as our Father. These should promote an attitude of thankfulness and reduce our expectations (Philippians 4:8).

 

We do indeed have a great God and Savior who are worthy of all praise, honor and glory! Praise not only in church but also in your everyday life. It will transform your Christian walk.  Join us next time as we discuss fellowship.

 

Thanks for joining me, please return next week.

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email - info@teleiosresearch.com

Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

Tools for the Christian Life: Prayer - Part 2

 

Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring biblical concepts in the Christian life. There are many aspects to the Christian life. However, a pivotal aspect is advancing in our relationship with God; a simple biblically-based 5-step approach is what I call the ‘5 tools to maturity,’ taken from Acts 2:42 and 47, as follows:

·       Prayer

·       Praise

·       Fellowship

·       Receiving biblical teaching

·       Reaching others with biblical truth

 

These 5 tools describe the activities in the very first church in Jerusalem and provide a model for the actions Christians should perform routinely. Importantly, these five activities are confirmed in later verses in the epistles. 

 

Last time started our discussion of these 5 tools by examining the content and attitude in prayer. Today we will consider several common questions about prayer.  

 

As born-again believers, how do we know what to pray?

 

o   Biblical – Our prayer requests should be consistent with what glorifies Jesus Christ (John 14:13-14; 15:7). The Apostle Paul offers 3 model prayers in the epistles in which he emphasizes what God wishes us and others to attain in our Christian walk, no matter what the situation (Ephesians 1:15-23; Ephesians 3:14-17; Colossians 1:9-15).

For example, if someone asked you to pray for their sick relative, not only could you pray for their health as God cares for all our needs, but pray also according to the model prayers by Paul as these list the issues in which God wishes us to mature no matter what the situation.

o   Paul’s model prayers include the following themes: 

·       Confidence of our salvation (hope).

·       Knowledge, understanding and wisdom of God’s word, especially the epistles.

·       Knowledge of God’s power.

·       Knowledge of God’s love.

·       Demonstration of service, all done in power, patience, joy and persistence.

 

What about confession of our sins? 

 

This is a controversial point. The epistles do not instruct us, as Christians saved by faith, to confess daily our sins to God. We are forgiven as we confessed our sins, once for all time, at salvation (1 Jn 1:6-10)! 

In contrast, the common injunction to believers in the epistles simply to obey (i.e., turning from our daily sins to adhere to the Bible, Romans 6:12-20; 2 Thessalonians 3:14; 1 John 3:22). It is the Holy Spirit who helps us obey and defeat our sins (Romans 8:13). Therefore, knowing we are forgiven, our prayers can be more forward-looking, service-oriented and filled with praise and thankfulness.

 

Why pray? 

 

Medical research indicates that active prayer increases wellbeing, and the more frequent the prayer the better the wellbeing. Prayer is good for us and the epistles tell us to do it! Several potential benefits of prayer are:

o   God cares:

§  It provides a release for our emotions to God, perhaps relieving tension and frustration.

§  It engenders a sense that somebody cares and is listening. We also know that the Holy Spirit and Christ Himself pray on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:26,34).

o   Good reminders:

§  It causes us to recognize and learn scripture as we pray.

§  It allows us time to consider and how we might help, problems (ours or other’s problems.

§  It reminds us to be thankful for others and for His blessings to us.

§  It helps us to praise and remember that we have a great God whose purposes are greater than ours. Thus, it helps keep our own problems in perspective.

o   God answers: In addition, as Christians we have the benefit of God’s promise to answer prayer so there may be a further benefit through His gracious provisions (John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:13).

 

Prayer is a key tool to maturity as a Christian, invoking God’s help but reminding us of scripture, praise and thankfulness, all which may our assist our wellbeing. 

 

Prayer is one of the great benefits of our Christian life. Thanks be to God for such a provision.

Join us next time as we discuss the vital topic of praise.

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email - info@teleiosresearch.com

Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

Tools for the Christian Life: Prayer - Part 1

 

Welcome back to my blog. We are in a series exploring biblical concepts in the Christian life. There are many aspects to the Christian life. However, a simple biblically-based 5-step approach to grow our relationship with God is what I call the ‘5 tools to maturity,’ taken from Acts 2:42 and 47, as follows:

 

·       Prayer

·       Praise

·       Fellowship

·       Receiving biblical teaching

·       Teaching others with biblical truth

 

These 5 tools describe the activities documented in the very first church in Jerusalem and provide a model for the actions Christians should perform routinely. Importantly, these five activities are confirmed in later verses in the epistles.

 

Today and over the next several blogs we will discuss each of these tools in turn as they are so fundamental to our walk with God. Let us begin with prayer!

 

Prayer

 

We do indeed have a great God to whom we are privileged to pray. How do we pray? Here are the basic biblical concepts:

 

Attitude 

 

The 7 C’s

• Christlike – We are to pray in such a way that is consistent with the goals of Christ as established in the Bible (John 14:13-14).
• Consistent with the Spirit – Our prayer should be consistent with God’s revealed Word (i.e., scripture, John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:14) which the Holy Spirit uses to provide us power (Ephesians 6:17; Jude 1:20).
• Confident – As a forgiven Christian God views us as sinless which allows us the privilege of direct, unimpeded access to Him so we can pray. We can come before God with courage (Hebrews 4:14-16;  10:20-22)!
• Continual – Our prayers are to be persistent, frequent (Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) and in all places (1 Timothy 2:8).
• Changeable – Allow prayer itself, and scripture, to correct our attitudes and requests (1 Timothy 4:5).
• Consecrated – Our prayers should be unhindered by sin (1 Peter 3:7).
• Careful – We should be sober and watchful in our prayers (1 Peter 4:7)

 

Content of prayer 

 

Scripture also describes several general themes in our prayers:

• Thankfulness – We should express gratitude for what God has done in our own and other people’s lives (Philemon 1:4).
• Praise – We should acknowledge God’s holy character and actions.

Note: The first two aspects of our prayers add to our proper attitude mentioned above but are also important content.  

• Our requests – We may petition God with anything that worries or concerns us. We should remember that we are praying to the great God of the universe (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 4:12).

o   Specific requests – They should be consistent with God’s desires and example prayers recorded in scripture (John 14:13-14; Ephesians 1:15-19; Ephesians 3:15-18; Colossians 1:9-14).

o   Pray for others – Examples of prayer for other people are frequent in scripture (James 5:16).

o   Request prayer from others – Paul often requested prayers from others (Colossians 4:3; Ephesians 6:19), which may have had the following advantages:

Ø  Help induce God to answer the prayers.

Ø  Allows others to share in God’s answers to your prayers by asking them to pray for you so they also might be encouraged when you report to them the answered prayer.

Ø  We do not know exactly how God uses prayer requests from other people. In his epistles, Paul often asks for prayer (Colossians 4:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:25) although scripture generally does not mention that believers should ask other people to pray for them. Further, there is no set number scripture provides of people praying for you which God desires to answer Prayer. We do know, however, that God answers prayer according to His will (John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:14).

 

Therefore, prayer is a key tool to maturity as a Christian, invoking God’s help but yet reminding us of scripture, praise and to be thankful, all which may our assist our wellbeing. Prayer is one of the great benefits of our Christian life. Thanks be to God for such a provision.

 

Join us next time as we discussed the basis of our prayers and several special common questions about our petitions to God. 

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email - info@teleiosresearch.com

Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.