Why do you do that?

To some, our style of worship may seem different and even unusual.  Upon attending Bread of Heaven Church for the first time, many questions are raised by people concerning our various methods of praise and worship.  Here are some of the most commonly asked questions with answers backed up by the Scriptures.  Hopefully, this page will answer many of the questions of, "Why do they do that?".

 

Why do we raise our hands? 

Psalms 134:2 says, "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord".  Paul tells us in 1Timothy 2:8, "I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting". 

 

Why do we sing and pray in tongues?

1 Corinthians 14:14-15 says, "For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.  What is it then?  I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also:  I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also."  Romans 8:26 says, "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities:  for we know not what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." 

Why do we clap our hands?

This is part of, "Making a joyful noise unto the Lord," which is recorded in the 100th Psalm.  Psalms 47:1 says to, "Clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph."

Why do we tithe?

Proverbs 5:29 says to, "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase."  Malachi 3:11 tells us to, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse."  Of course our attitude is important when giving.  2 Corinthians 9:7 says that, "God loveth a cheerful giver."

Why do we lay hands on people when we pray for them?

In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul instructs Timothy to, "Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands."  This means that there are gifts which may be given to people by the laying on of hands.  We also believe there is healing imparted in this manner.  Mark 16:18 says, "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."

 

Why do we wave flags and banners?

Psalms 20:5 says, "We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners:"  Isaiah 13:2 says, "Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain,"...  Banners and flags were used in celebrations and also for an indicated rallying point.

 

Why do we dance before the Lord?

Psalms 35:27 tells us, "Let them praise His name in the dance."  We find in 2 Samuel 6:14 that, "David danced before the Lord with all his might."

 

Why do people "fall down" when they are in prayer or are being prayed for?

At times, the presence of the Lord is so overwhelming, people cannot stand on their feet.  John 18:6 says, "As soon then as He had said unto them, I am He, they went backward, and fell to the ground."  Acts 9:3-4 records, "Suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:  and he fell to the earth."  2 Chronicles 5:14 says that the presence of the Lord was so awesome, "So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud:  for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God."