General Reference

Biblical and Early Church Models of the Creed (Affirmation of Faith)

by

The historic creeds of the church have their origins in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. Although the Bible contains no formal creedal statements, it contains affirmations of faith that have something of the character of the later Christian confessions. These rudimentary biblical statements were primarily acts of worship, as opposed to tests of doctrinal orthodoxy. The historic creeds have their place in traditional Christian worship, often following the sermon as a response to the proclamation of the Word of God.

The full content of this post is for members only.
Login Join Free

Biblical Models of the Invocation

by

Although the presence of the Lord is always with the people of God, worshipers may especially focus on the divine presence through a prayer of invocation. The invocation is based on scriptural models for “calling upon the Lord” and celebrating the dwelling of God with the covenant people.

The full content of this post is for members only.
Login Join Free

Biblical Models of the Processional

by

Traditional Christian worship often begins with a processional in which the officiants and other representative worshipers, such as the choir, enter the sanctuary. Processions may also occur outside the church on festive occasions. The procession is based on biblical models and is a way of proclaiming the victory and dominion of the Lord and of his Christ.

The full content of this post is for members only.
Login Join Free

Worship As Spiritual Warfare in the Old and New Testament

by

Only recently, in its expanded awareness of entrenched spiritual evil, has the Christian church begun to recover the scriptural understanding of warfare in the realm of the spirit. The Bible clearly reveals the spiritual nature of the struggle against sin and the opposition of demonic powers to the gospel of Christ. As the celebration of the Lord’s dominion and victory, worship is a major weapon in the arsenal of spiritual warfare.

The full content of this post is for members only.
Login Join Free

Deliverance from Demons in the Early Church

by

While not regularly practiced in all segments of the charismatic and Pentecostal community, deliverance ministry is prominently featured within some circles. Most leaders within the movement acknowledge its validity as a legitimate continuation of the ministry of Jesus and the apostles.

The full content of this post is for members only.
Login Join Free

Anointing with Oil in Israelite and Early Christian Worship

by

As used in the church today, the term anointing refers to a special grace given to a believer by the Lord through the Holy Spirit. The practice of anointing a person with olive oil symbolizes this spiritual endowment. It also pictures the power of Jesus to heal, which was conferred on him by the Spirit at his baptism.

The full content of this post is for members only.
Login Join Free