"Come into God’s presence with joyful"

The book of Psalms in the Holy Bible is a rich resource for understanding praise and worship. In Psalms100 we are told to "Come into God’s presence with joyful songs!" Here at Glory Tabernacle GTCC musical praise is central to our congregational life. We gather together to celebrate God’s love through Jesus Christ in joyful song.

We liken our worship experience to a journey. Offering thanksgiving and praise through joyful song leads us into God’s presence where worship then is in order. Psalm 100 continues in verse 4 saying, "Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving and God’s courts with praise." Music alone is not our approach to God but it is through musical praise. Psalms 22 verse 3 says God inhabits (or lives in) the praises of God’s people. If we draw near to God, God will draw near to us. (James 4:8) Through praise and worship we encounter God and experience God’s goodness. We believe in the transforming power of God’s glory and presence. During times of praise and worship here at GTCC, it is the testimony of many that they experience emotional and physical healing, deliverance and salvation. As lives are transformed in the presence of God, victories are won over areas of continual defeat, sorrows and depression are exchanged for gladness and joy.

At GTCC our celebratory worship to God, though called "Charismatic" actually predates the Charismatic movement. It is biblically based and is expressed through singing, shouting and dancing; through the clapping and lifting of hands, and the playing of musical instruments. Also various types of banners and flags are used during praise and dance. Following is a list of scriptures that I hope will help in understanding biblical praise and worship