Psalm 147 stands among the great "Hallelujah Psalms"—songs that both begin and endwith the same ringing command: “Praise the LORD.” These psalms teach us something profound: praise is not an accessory to faith; it is its natural language. When God is clearly seen, praise is the only response that makes sense.
Christianity today faces many challenges, but the most foundational need remains unchanged: a greater hunger for God.
Scripture leaves no room for ambiguity: after this life, every man will meet with fire. The only question is which fire?
Years ago, I read The Disciple-Making Pastor by Bill Hull, and one insight has stayed with me ever since. Hull noted that most people view the church in one of three ways: a fortress, a field, or a force. How we answer this question shapes everything—from our expectations of church life to our understanding of mission and obedience.
“Barring a move of God and radical discipleship of the next generation, the Western church has reached a state of irreversible decline.” I heard that statement recently. Do you believe it’s true?
History shows that nations and institutions are rarely lost all at once. More often, they fall through a predictable, step-by-step process. This same pattern can be seen in both Islam and modern liberalism. For our purposes, I will outline the historical strategy used to advance Islam and bring entire societies under Islamic rule. I am not referring to cultural Muslims, but to radicalized Islam—an ideology driven by the pursuit of domination.
By Harold Vaughan “God’s greatest gifts to man come through [...]
Praise plays a dominant role throughout the entire Bible. In the book of Psalms alone, the word “praise” appears 214 times. The familiar refrain “Praise ye the Lord” is repeated 35 times in Scripture. This repetitive emphasis tells us something important—praise is not a side note in the life of faith; it is central.
Praise is not peripheral in God’s economy—it’s central. The Lamb who was slain is the King of glory, and His praise should fill our mouths day and night. Let’s make worship our priority, letting it flow from our hearts in every moment.
Praise is one of the most powerful forces in the Christian life, and yet it is often underestimated. The Scriptures teach us that prayer is to be wrapped, surrounded and steeped in thanksgiving and praise. So, what benefits does praise bring?
