It seems like the first question many visitors ask when first attending an Apostolic Pentecostal service is “why do you get so excited in your praise and worship?” For many of us, this can be a hard question to answer because we are just so used to doing it. This medley of “If I Shout” and “Let’s Testify” performed by the First Apostolic Church of Maryville Choir gives the best explanation possible for our praise.
On the surface, it may seem strange to hear someone shout a vocal praise to God. Or for a group of people to get so excited that they begin to jump up and down. Even more shocking when a grown man begins to run full speed around the sanctuary.
But what you have to understand is that there is a reason for their praise. Just as the song says “so if I shout, know I’m shouting from a heart that’s been washed clean”. “If I run, know I’m running from a past that’s been redeemed”.
The act on the cross has forever changed human existence. After Adam and Eve first sinned in the garden we were all sentenced to death. But Jesus took the punishment for our sin. He suffered so that we would not have to. Now we have the opportunity to speed eternity in heaven.
Our past has been erased. Our names have been changed. No matter what happened in your past, when you were buried with Jesus in Baptism, the sins of your old life were left in the water. Allowing you to come out with a new person in Christ without spot or blemish. Now that is a reason to testify! Hallelujah, Amen, Praise God!
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