1. Praise & Worship: A Biblical Perspective GOD’S ORIGINAL PLAN FOR MANKIND Principles: Pt. One God created man to share His image and authority. God is more interested in relationship than in rules and traditions. Everything God created is governed by principles. Fulfillment of purpose requires obeying God’s principles. Principles contain these inherent characteristics: Principles are permanent Principles never change Principles work anywhere Principles protect the product (YOU) Principles can never be broken Principles, when violated, produce destruction Principles contain inherent judgment God’s Word contains the principles that govern men and women. Disobeying God’s commandments brings natural and spiritual consequences.

2. Principles: Pt. Two All God’s work throughout history has been to get His presence back into man’s environment. Altars, sacrifices, and offerings invite God’s presence to come, or they commemorate where He has been. God’s friends are worshippers. The whole purpose of the Tabernacle and the Temple was to provide a place for God to dwell in the midst of His people. God’s presence is the only essential ingredient in worship. The design and worship of the Tabernacle looked forward to JESUS and the return of the Holy Spirit. God wants His people to follow His instructions when they come to meet with Him. God wants to live with you and me today.

3. Principles: Pt. Three To praise means to commend, to approve, to give a favorable judgment. Praising God by commendation means that we entrust ourselves to HIS care and recommend that others do the same. Praising God by approval means that we have a “favorable opinion” of God, which we tell Him and others. Praising by giving glory means that we honor Him and express our admiration for Him. It also means that we give Him ourselves because WE are His glory. Praise turns the focus of our life from us to God. Before we can consistently praise God, we must get close enough to Him to see His true nature and character. Praise is a conscious choice-an act of our own will. A “sacrifice of praise” is more than the praise we give God out of obedience, despite how we feel. It is… (I will want you to complete this statement!)