Mark 1:27-32 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching – and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. 29 After Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went to Simon’s and Andrew’s home. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. 32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.  
 
JESUS’ healings had stirred the people of Bethsaida, Capernaum, and Korazin along Galilee’s northern shore. They see evidence the Messiah has come! Perhaps the learned Jews thought of God’s miracles in Egypt or Elijah’s and Elisha’s life-giving power. What joy you would experience if God came to your home, church and neighborhood to release all from sickness.
   Yes, how powerful Jesus’ work was for so many to be healed! But did any go to Peter’s and Simon’s home to hear the good news of eternal healing? Did they go to commit their lives to the Living God? Or were they only expecting what he would give to them for their own benefit?
Physical healing was not Jesus’ primary purpose. Some accounts describe Jesus healing the lepers, the blind and the crippled, and then he commands them, “See that you do not tell anyone.” (Matthew 8:4) Jesus said this because he knew large crowds would press into him for his healing words and touch. But as wonderful as this was, it kept Jesus from the primary reason for his incarnation. His response to the crowds at Simon’s and Andrew’s home was, “Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages – so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” (Mark 1:38)
   Jesus came to preach the good news to heal our sin-torn souls, so we can celebrate forever with him in heaven. As much as we desire the healing miracles to transform our own or someone’s life, there is only one truth that transforms us forever:  Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
   The magnificent physical healings could not compare to Jesus’ preaching transforming and healing words: John 14:10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.”
   How about you? Do you only go to Jesus when you want something from him? Certainly he wants you to come for restoration, renewal and strength. He also wants you and all to come to him for your salvation. Yes, go to Jesus and seek his transforming power. And go to Jesus to offer a heart to serve him for others’ good.  
 
 

Mark 1:23-25 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God!” 25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.   
 
ONE truth you must know is that evil spirits are active in the world. They do “possess” – live in and control the actions– of some people. And they attempt to influence us all to turn away from our Lord’s grace. There are many testimonies from people who have experienced demon possession. They tell how these demons spoke to them and turned them to evil actions, including self harm and murder. With joy and thanksgiving these now redeemed souls celebrate the Holy Spirit dwells within them.  
    The gospels record several encounters between Jesus and demons. The spiritual realm is fully aware Jesus of Nazareth is the Holy One of God!. With that confession and the question, “What do you want with us?” the demon(s) acknowledged Jesus’ power. They know they could not resist his commands because he is their authority in heaven and on earth. When temptation confronts you, a powerful, effective response is to speak to the sin, “In the name of Jesus, be gone!”  
    Jesus commands the demon, “Be quiet.” for two reasons. First he rejects evil’s voice. The Holy One has no time to consider the demon’s words. He knows all they say is lies. Their words have no value or meaning to him. “Be quiet!” are good words for temptation’s attacks on our mind.  
Jesus also silenced the demons to protect his identity. It was a common thought among the Jews that if a demon knew you or spoke to you, you were of the demons. Several times the Pharisees and others charged that Jesus was under Satan’s authority: Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons.” Their obstinate persistence to accuse the Son of God to be of Satan gave their wretched souls permission to defy and crucify the Son of God.  
    Still, the demon does not leave peacefully. It causes the man to convulse. Jesus’ encounters with demons teaches us these spirits cause illness and bodily harm. And they certainly convulse the soul, heart and mind. You are made in God’s image. It is Satan’s purpose to destroy you. He will do so subtly with “minor” temptations. His purpose is for you to completely reject God and all the goodness he wills for your life. 
    The battle rages each day. Your soul’s enemy is looking for any opportunity to corrupt your mind, so you will reject God. That’s why each day you must call on Jesus’ power to protect you. Jesus has fought the battle on earth. Listen closely and only to his voice. He is fighting it in the heavenly realms now, so you have the weapons to tell temptation, “Be quiet!”  

Mark 1:21-22 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.  
 
WHAT happens when you are in the presence of someone who really knows what she’s talking about? She exudes authority in her knowledge. Her way of speaking assures you she has a mastery of her facts.  
   When Scriptures says Jesus taught as one who had authority, it is apparent people were absolutely confident of his knowledge. They knew he had a mastery of his topic. And, in fact, one of the terms used to address him was “Master”. Luke used “Master” several times to record the disciples’ respect for Jesus.  
   And there’s something much more to Jesus’ authority than his words. Jesus demonstrated his authority in the way he taught the Law of Moses. He turned it from a legalistic code that restricted the Jews’ lives into what it was meant to be – God’s code of freedom to lead Israel into a worshipful relationship with him. The law’s two great commands to love God and love one another (Mark 12:30-31) could only come from God, who is love (1 John 4:8). God did not create a nation to enslave them. He developed a nation to love him and receive his love. Jesus’ authority of the Scriptures – the Old Testament – displayed the reality of God’s love to his people.  
   One way Jesus conveyed his authority to teach was with the key phrase, “I tell you the truth.” The four gospels record he spoke this 70 times as he conveyed his fundamental kingdom teachings. A prophet, scribe or pharisee would be restricted to say, “The LORD says.” as he taught the Law or delivered God’s message to Israel. When Jesus said, “I tell you.” he is claiming he is Son of God, speaking the Father’s words. He and the Father are one. Jesus did and said all the Father told him. “Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.” (John 14:10-12)  
   Jesus displayed his authority in all he did and said. He spoke with authority over demons (Mark 1:27), authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10), authority over the temple (Mark 11:28-32), authority over nature (Mark 4:9). He is the author of life and had authority over death (John 11:43); and over his own death: John 10:17 “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life – only to take it up again.”  
   The lesson is simple and profound. Do you confess the author of your salvation is your authority?  

Mark 1:16-19 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”  18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
 
HAVE you ever wondered what caused these fishermen and Jesus’ other eight close disciples to leave what they were doing to follow Jesus? After all, they left their jobs, their way of life, their parents and their friends. Peter left his wife at home while he traveled with Jesus.
   But with Jesus’ direct command, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  these average men became unique in all the world’s history. God’s Word decreed God’s will for Andrew, Peter, James and John. The moment they stepped out of the boat and into Jesus’ footsteps, they came under the LORD God’s sovereign authority.
   A rabbi choosing his disciples was not usual in Israel. Young men who wanted to be a rabbi’s disciple would go to a rabbi and say, “Would you consider me as your disciple?” Often the rabbi rejected them because they had not passed certain exams given to Jewish boys as they matured. Or the rabbi had some prejudice against them. Perhaps the four had failed their exams and were resigned to the working life. Certainly their lives in the fishing business would keep them from any rabbi’s consideration for training.
   But Jesus had come to do the Father’s will. And he will make them fishers of men. The gospels reveal Jesus’ process to transform their hearts and minds to the Savior’s message. Peter seems the most difficult to change because we hear more of his mistakes. But the others certainly had much to learn as well. Peter had a strong will to even speak against Jesus’ warnings of his death and resurrection. Other times he is the disciples’ voice to boldly confess Jesus’ deity and commitment to their Master. James and John pridefully asked Jesus to elevate them to special seats in the Kingdom of God. Still, Jesus chose Peter, James and John to be his inner circle. They experienced Jesus in ways the others did not.
   These are real people God called to be real disciples to bear the kingdom message to the world.. The more closely they followed in Jesus’ spiritual footsteps, the more effective they became to make fishers of men.
   The gospels reveal the disciples learned that following Jesus requires an ongoing, deepening devotion to God’s commands. Many years later John would write: We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. (1 John 2:3) God gives us his commands because he loves us. We follow God’s commands because we love him. Changed in Christ, we can help others know his commands and be changed, too.

Mark 1:14-16 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”
 
DO you see anything odd here? How does it strike you that “John was put in prison…and Jesus went proclaiming the good news of God.” God had created John the Baptist to be God’s voice to point God’s people to Jesus. John baptized Jesus as Jesus began his mission. Jesus even said of John: Matthew 11:11 “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist…14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.” This is high praise from the Truth! God’s true prophet had fulfilled his work to advance God’s work.
   But as John pointed to the Messiah, Jesus warned, “The kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.” (Matthew 14:12b) Wicked men such as Herod, religious authorities and many others were criticizing, questioning and persecuting those who faithfully preached God’s Word. The prophets had experienced the same persecution, even unto death for many.
   As we noted earlier, it was time, then, for John’s mission to end. John 3:30 (John said), “He must become greater; I must become less.”  But did John need to go to prison? Did he have to die under Herod’s perverse hand? Why did God not intervene to allow John a good life, even to one day preach the full gospel?
   This is where we come to the test of our faith in God’s providence. This is a question that can disturb us all if we try to understand God’s goodness in our sin-broken world. Some of you have seen great sins against friends, family, comrades and yourself. You may have been tempted to reject God because such hard things happened. Death for any reason is a hard thing. Some will curse God when a friend or loved one dies, “It’s not fair!”
   But what happened with Jesus, God incarnate? His own faithful gospel preaching led him to a brutal death. Is it fair God’s perfect Son would die to remove sin’s curse, so billions of sinners’ souls would be redeemed into eternal life? And now, Christians are persecuted each day. Hundreds of innocent Christian families are killed each year. It seems grossly unfair from our mortal point of view.
   God has not revealed his answer to, “Why, God, do your people suffer because they are your people?” “Why do people suffer, and you do not heal as we pray?” But he has told us his reason to redeem our souls from hell into eternal life. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” So then, we must wait in faith to understand the fullness of God’s love for us. It is much more than a temporary relationship. God’s love is eternal.
   Amid the earthly woes, we must always remember his will includes heaven’s eternal glory.
   As a Good News giver, you are never alone. As a Good News giver, you never die because the Good News is: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies” (John 11:25) Seeing your life as limited to your earthly existence, you may say, “It’s not fair, Lord!” Seeing your life as eternal in the hands of Jesus you will say, “Praise the LORD, oh my soul, and all that is within me, praise his holy name.” (Psalm 103:1)

Mark 1:12-13 At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13 and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
 
PERHAPS you had begun a new job or graduated from long years of study. You were excited and feeling well-prepared for the work. Maybe you planned for years to begin a business or a particular ministry. Then the time arrived. You were sure you could respond to any challenge you would encounter. But something happened. You faced difficulties far beyond what you had foreseen. You didn’t realize things would be so difficult! Did you wonder if you had made the correct decisions?
   Do you think this was the way Jesus as fully man, fully God, responded to his desert trial? Jesus had grown into manhood about his Father’s business (Luke 2:49). At last, the Father and the Spirit anointed the Son to do the work of God in the world. But his first task is not to preach and to save. Instead, he is to confront and to defy the devil. In a very hot, desolate area, God’s Son encountered life-threatening physical deprivation. Other gospels record he was in the desert 40 days with no food or water. No mere mortal could survive.
   And we also noted the Father had just said he was well pleased with his Son. Do you think a loving Father would direct Jesus to suffer this most severe test? The Father knew the devil was desperate to turn Jesus from his Father and his mission. He knew Jesus’ success meant his doom. Had the Father jeopardized his promised salvation plan?
   This test teaches us several things about God. One lesson is the power of God’s Word to lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (Matthew 6:13). Jesus, the Word who became flesh (John 1:14) resisted evil with the truth of God’s Word. In response to the devil’s three temptations, Jesus said, “It is written.” (See Matthew 4 and Luke 4.) Then he quoted a Scripture to silence Satan. Defining God’s law against sin, Jesus triumphed. The spoken Word is truly the unassailable sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) to cut away temptation. The Father was well pleased with the Son because he had decreed Jesus had come to save. Jesus’ test teaches us how to respond to trials. Our relationship with God remains intact when we respond to all circumstances with, “It is written.”
   It is also important to note that even though Jesus was with the wild animals, the angels attended him. God did not leave his Son alone. When God sends us into a test, his power is always with us when we hold true to  his Word.
   Where are your struggles and temptations? Do you feel the Holy Spirit has sent you to a test, even to destruction? Does Satan tempt you to worship and accept his lies? Then go to God’s Word to find his truth and gather your strength. You are not in the “desert” alone. Pray to the Spirit to anoint you with wisdom, and he will refresh you. You will be prepared to resist temptation and to know God’s steadfast help in the unexpected hard times.
 
Revelation 17:14 “They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is LORD of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

Mark 1:9-11 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
 
FIRST, we note Mark tells us essential details of Jesus’ origin. Coming from Nazareth in Galilee confirms he is the one Joseph and Mary took to Nazareth on their return from Egypt. (Matthew 2:23) Then the Father confirms Jesus’ identity. “You are my Son.”
   When Jesus comes out of the water, he sees heaven torn open. God the Father has drawn back heaven’s curtain to reveal God the Son to the world. Here is Genesis 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Here is Isaiah 64:1 Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down! How the mountains would quake in your presence! Here is Revelation 1:7 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.
   Here comes the light into the darkness. Here comes God’s majestic authority into his creation. Here is God’s holiness to remove sin’s arrogant rule over mankind’s heart. Here comes God’s power to overcome even the great enemy Death. The heavens tear open, and the Spirit of God anoints the Son of God to do the will of God in the power of God.
   And so he does. Jesus resists temptation, heals the sick, preaches the Good News, submits to the cross, rises from the grave, and ascends to heaven. Heaven has opened. Jesus has come to seek, to serve and to save you. One day he will return. “Men of Galilee,” the angels said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
   Throughout the gospels, wherever Jesus goes, people want to know, “Where did this man get such things?” (Mark 6:2) “Who is he?” (John 9:36) “Who is he that even the winds obey him?” (Matthew 8:27) “What is in this man’s words that even demons obey him?” (Luke 4:36 TLB)
   “Who is he?” indeed. The Father plainly spoke Jesus’ identity that day of his baptism. And the Father repeated his plain message in Jesus’ transfiguration before James, John and Peter (Mark 9). The Son has also confirmed who he is, “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30) What else must we know?
   One day we will all plainly see: On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Jesus is King of Kings and LORD of Lords. Ane he shall reign forever. Amen. (Revelation 19:16)

Mark 1:4-7 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.”
 
ISAIAH was a direct messenger who said another direct messenger would come to point to the Savior. Isaiah 40:3 A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.” Luke tells us John, known as the Baptist or Baptizer, was born of the priest Zechariah and Elizabeth under God’s anointing six months before Jesus was born. He lived and dressed as the prophet Elijah had done about 750 BC. Elijah’s message to the idolatrous Israel was to proclaim God’s judgment on the unbelievers and salvation for those who believed the Sovereign LORD. John came in that same spirit of testimony.
   John also completed a message from Malachi 4:5 “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
   John lived in the desert regions of the Jordan River, east of Jerusalem. It is a very hot, desolate area. That people came to him to be baptized is a great testimony of God’s work over his ministry.
   The Spirit moved many hearts to receive John’s baptism of repentance and forgiveness of sins. This baptism served as reminder to the Jews of God moving them through the Red Sea and the Jordan River on their way to the Promised Land. Going through the water was God’s symbol of leaving the old life for a new life under his authority and blessing. The Father’s purpose through John was to prepare Israel for the full repentance and forgiveness in Jesus’ blood. Mark 1:8 “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” John would work until the one more powerful than he would appear.
   Isaiah, Elijah, Malachi and John submitted to God’s purpose to proclaim the Messiah. In a like manner, you as a Christian are specially anointed with particular gifts and knowledge to tell and live Jesus’ gospel. In Romans 16, Paul records a number of women and men who devoted their lives to Jesus. Their hard work and consistent care for the church and each other demonstrated an active love for the Savior. For example, Paul writes: Priscilla and Aquilla risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them…6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. (Romans 16:4 & 6)
   The Bible has many accounts of people who knew their role in God’s kingdom. What’s yours? You know the gospel because of the work of many from ancient days and generations just before you. Who will know the gospel in the future because of your work today?  

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Mark 1:1-3 The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way 3 a voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”
 
WHAT do you do when you want to deliver a clear message to someone? For example, “It’s time to eat!” “It’s cold out. Wear your hat.” “Speak up.” “Be quiet.”
   You speak directly to those who must hear, don’t you? To deliver a critical message to someone who needs to know, you speak as clearly and directly as possible.
   Mark, the gospel writer, has something very important to tell you. He was a young man who had traveled with Paul, Barnabas and Silas. He is sometimes called John and John Mark: Acts 12:25 When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark. Later, Mark was the center of a sharp disagreement between Barnabas and Paul. Paul did not want to include Mark in their next mission journey because he had left them on a previous evangelism effort in Pamphylia. So Barnabas and Paul separated. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus. (Acts 15:38-40). Even these men, specially anointed to begin Jesus’ church, allowed disagreement to interrupt their ministries. We need to be careful how we speak to one another. Our direct messages must be true and full of grace.
   Mark also spent time with Peter. And many consider Peter is the source of this direct message of Jesus Christ.
   The first essential truth of this passage is that it is the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. “Jesus” means “Savior”. “Christ is “Messiah” or “Anointed One to fulfill the prophets’ words”. “Son of God” reveals Jesus is the divine Yahweh.
   This is the great challenge to all Jews and then to all the world. Who can believe a man who grew up and worked in Nazareth is God in the flesh? Who can believe he has the authority and power to save – and to save from what? God uses Mark and other good news writers to announce the salvation is form the penalty of our sins. The salvation is into eternal life. This is a very new, life-changing announcement. How would any believe?
   Mark began to give the evidence of his message with Isaiah’s prophecy. Isaiah’s direct message to the Jews about 700 BC was to prepare the Jews for another messenger who would immediately precede the Savior. One would come out of the desert, symbolic of God’s salvation from Israel’s desert journey, to tell the Jews that God’s covenant of a Savior to redeem the world was about to appear. “Prepare the way for the Lord.” is the prophet’s message that the Anointed One would be more than a man. He would be God in the flesh.
   Mark has good news for us. “Jesus is the Savior. He is the divine anointed one, more than a man. He is the divine son of Elohim – the One of power.” Everything Mark wrote from this point will prove this “need to know” bold truth.
   When you speak directly to someone about the truth, you want them to respond, don’t you? God has used Mark to speak directly to you. Do you hear? Will you respond?

Psalms 150:1-6 Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
 
WE have viewed the psalms through God’s promises written at various points and under many circumstances in Israel’s history. From Moses, the Lawgiver, to David, the poet, king and prophet, to Asaph, the Sons of Korah and unknown songwriters through and after the exile, we have a remarkable picture of God’s interaction with his people. This concluding psalm reinforces God is a Promise Maker, and he is a Promise Keeper.
   God can speak his will to the earth and all who are in it because he is the LORD, and he is God. Throughout these lessons on God’s promises, we  have used LORD often to emphasize the Jews’ name for God. “LORD” is Yahweh. This name is the interpretation of God’s identify to Moses in the burning bush: Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” In essence God said, “I am who was and is and will always be.” He says this at the end of the Bibe, too: Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” We can Yahweh will keep his promises because he is creator from eternity past into eternity future. He has paid the price to redeem our sins. He has been faithful  to do as he promised – both in blessing and in judgment. He has made a covenant to bless the world, and he is keeping it as we continue toward the Day of the LORD.
   Then the psalm says, praise God. This name is Elohim, meaning “One of Power”. Praise the Eternal One, who is Power to promise and keep his promises. 
   Where do we praise him? We praise him in his sanctuary. God instructed Israel how to build his sanctuary in the desert and then in Jerusalem. The early church began to worship God in synagogues, homes and public rooms. Around the world today God’s people worship him in simple structures and in extravagant cathedrals. Wherever we worship God, we must do so with praise, focused on him, not on ourselves or our needs. Worship is foremost the opportunity to exalt God, ourselves. He is in his mighty heavens awaiting our worship.
   Worship God for his acts of power and his surpassing greatness. And let him hear your joy! Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, with the harp and lyre, with tambourine and dancing, with the strings and flute, with the clash of cymbals and with resounding cymbals. There were cymbals that gave a clear sound and cymbals that produced a loud sound. Use them both to praise God.
   Many churches have what is called a Praise and Worship Team. God wants this to be everyone in the church. Some are gifted to play instruments, some to sing. But know in Christ, all are gifted to praise God. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD is the only appropriate response of all Christians to praise the LORD, who has given us breath. Acts 17:25b he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. 
   Everything else is the sum of God’s great power to reveal to us all we need to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. (Westminster Shorter Catechism) Praise the LORD.