In what ways can our church encourage nations to praise God? Psalm 67:3—God’s Desire for Global Praise “Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You!” This verse isn’t wishful thinking; it is divine intention. Our church is invited—and commanded—to become a conduit through which God gathers worship from every nation. Cultivating Inclusive Worship Gatherings • Integrate songs, Scripture readings, and testimonies that spotlight God’s heart for the nations (Psalm 96:3; Psalm 117:1). • Welcome believers from diverse backgrounds to read Scripture in their first language, echoing Pentecost’s multilingual praise (Acts 2:6–11). • Celebrate global Christian holidays—such as Resurrection Sunday traditions from around the world—to remind the congregation that Christ’s kingdom spans cultures. Praying Nations into Praise • Schedule regular prayer segments that call specific countries by name, aligning with 1 Timothy 2:1–4. • Use Psalm 67 as a congregational prayer template: read a verse aloud, then intercede for unreached peoples to experience God’s saving power. • Encourage members to adopt a missionary or unreached people group for weekly prayer, fulfilling Isaiah 62:6–7’s watchman role. Teaching the Mission Thread of Scripture • Preach through books like Genesis (the promise to bless all families, 12:3), Isaiah (light to the nations, 49:6), and Acts (gospel to the ends of the earth, 1:8). • Offer classes on biblical theology of mission, underscoring Revelation 7:9–10 as history’s climactic vision. • Provide testimonies from cross-cultural workers to illustrate obedience in action (Acts 13:47). Sending and Supporting Goers • Establish a missions fund that prioritizes church-planted missionaries and national partners. • Offer short-term trips that serve long-term strategies—training, evangelism, medical, or vocational outreach. • Create care teams for each sent worker, ensuring ongoing encouragement (Philippians 4:15–18). Practicing Everyday Witness at Home • Equip members to share the gospel with international students, refugees, and coworkers living nearby (Acts 17:26–27). • Host cultural exchange dinners where neighbors experience Christian hospitality and hear personal testimonies (1 Peter 4:9–10). • Provide English-language tutoring combined with Bible reading, turning practical help into spiritual opportunity. Magnifying Christ Through Compassionate Action • Partner with relief organizations to respond to global crises; deeds of mercy corroborate the message of grace (Matthew 5:16). • Train teams in sustainable development projects that open doors for gospel proclamation (James 2:15–17). • Celebrate answered prayer and transformation stories, giving God visible credit among the nations (Psalm 105:1). Leveraging Technology for Global Praise • Livestream services with multilingual subtitles, widening access to Scripture-centered worship. • Create short gospel videos and testimonies for social media, allowing members to share with friends abroad. • Support Bible translation apps that bring God’s Word to smartphones in unreached regions (Romans 10:17). Rejoicing in Foretastes of Revelation 7 • Mark every baptism as evidence that more nations are joining the chorus of praise. • Tell stories of churches planted and Scriptures translated; celebrate these as fulfillments of Psalm 67:3. • Keep the congregation’s eyes fixed on Christ’s promised return when “all the peoples” will praise Him together—fueling perseverance, generosity, and joy today. |
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