Clickable Time Stamps

08:27 Children’s Moment – Rachel Mohler
13:06 Song Service – Esther Hinkle
23:01 Welcome and Call to Worship – Elder Andrew Dunning
37:36 Special Music – “My Lord and Savior” – Nancy Moe and Esther Hinkle
40:42 Praise Reports – Elder Ivan Bird
42:40 Sermon – “I Will Praise Thee O Lord With All My Heart” – Elder Ivan Bird

Summary

Elder Ivan Bird’s sermon, “I Will Praise Thee O Lord With All My Heart,” is a profound exploration of praise as a deliberate and powerful act of faith rather than a mere emotion or spontaneous reaction. Ivan reflects on the nature of praise, emphasizing that it is a conscious choice to honor and regard God for His divine attributes and works, even in the midst of suffering, disappointment, or unanswered prayers.

Drawing from biblical stories—especially the example of Paul and Silas in Philippi who praised God despite their harsh imprisonment—he illustrates how praise can become a source of spiritual power and transformation. Ivan encourages believers to cultivate a lifestyle of praise rooted in deep faith, asserting that while faith is the fuel, praise is the power that activates miracles. The sermon also includes heartfelt scriptural affirmations and collective praise, uplifting the congregation to remember God’s sovereignty and goodness regardless of life’s circumstances.

Highlights

1. Praise is not just an emotion or physical expression but a deliberate choice to honor God.
2. Biblical examples, especially Paul and Silas, demonstrate praise in adversity as a source of divine power and deliverance.
3. Praise reflects our regard and acknowledgment of God’s attributes, including His wisdom, justice, and mercy.
4. Faith fuels our trust in God; praise empowers that faith to bring about spiritual breakthroughs.
5. Praise remains vital even when God’s ways are mysterious or when prayers seem unanswered.
6. The sermon challenges cultural perceptions of worship that either overemphasize emotion or suppress it in favor of stoicism.
7. Collective praise unites believers and reinforces the truth that God reigns sovereign and worthy of honor.

Key Insights

1. Praise as a Conscious Decision, Not an Emotion: Ivan’s emphasis that praise is a choice rather than an emotional response is transformative. This insight teaches that worshippers can praise God regardless of their feelings or circumstances, making praise a spiritual discipline that transcends mood swings and hardships. It encourages believers to remain steadfast and intentional in their worship, thereby deepening their relationship with God.
2. The Power of Praise in the Midst of Trials: The story of Paul and Silas exemplifies how praise can become a source of supernatural power. Despite being beaten and imprisoned, their praise led to their miraculous release and the salvation of the jailer’s household. This shows that praise is not passive but active, releasing divine intervention and opening doors even in the darkest moments.
3. Faith and Praise as Complementary Forces: The phrase “Faith is the fuel. Praise is the power.” encapsulates a profound spiritual principle. Faith trusts God’s plan and presence, while praise activates and channels that faith into tangible spiritual power. This symbiotic relationship encourages believers to cultivate both faith and praise as essential components of a vibrant spiritual life.
4. Praise Honors God’s Sovereignty Beyond Human Understanding: The sermon acknowledges that believers often struggle with unanswered prayers or suffering. Ivan points to scripture’s reminder that God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding and calls believers to praise God even when “we don’t know why.” This insight fosters humility, trust, and perseverance in faith.
5. Praise as a Lifestyle, Not Just a Moment: Ivan challenges the congregation to develop a consistent lifestyle of praise, not confining it to emotional worship moments or specific church services. This underscores praise as a daily posture of the heart, influencing how believers live and respond to all of life’s circumstances.
6. Cultural and Traditional Influences on Praise: The sermon critically reflects on the RLDS tradition’s tendency toward stoicism and minimal emotional expression in worship. Ivan encourages openness to diverse expressions of praise while cautioning against artificial or performative responses, advocating for genuine, heartfelt worship.
7. Praise Connects Believers to God’s Kingdom and Cosmic Wonder: Through vivid imagery of the natural world and spiritual realities, Ivan invites the congregation to see praise as a response to the awe-inspiring complexity and majesty of God’s creation and redemptive work. This cosmic perspective inspires reverence and joy in worship.