Join Pastor Jeff and Pastor Scott as they answer more questions from the congregation. The topics for this episode range from the significance of raising your hands in a worship service to how to deal with immense grief and guilt. _____________________________ Resources from the Episode Books: Desiring God // John Piper Articles: Four Reasons Why The Chosen Works // Brett McCracken https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/four-reasons-chosen-works/ _____________________________ Show Notes: Pastor Jeff and the host of the podcast sit down to discuss Psalm 63:2-4, with a particular focus on the significance of people raising their hands in a service. Pastor Jeff explains that raising hands is an acknowledgement and a form of joy. He compares it to when people put their hands over their hearts, or when people throw their hands up in a secular concert. He also explains that it is a natural response to something good happening, and that even blind from birth athletes will throw their hands in the air when they win. Finally, he explains that it is also a way to say amen and to agree with what is being sung. He emphasizes that he is arguing for permission to do this, not implying that someone is wrong if they don't. In this conversation, the speakers discuss physical expressions of joy and praise in worship. They note that many people, particularly in the Baptist world, have become wary of physical expressions like raising hands, but the Bible does not view this as odd or rare. The speakers also mention John Piper's book Desiring God, which was released in 1995. They note that this book has been very formative to their lives, and many others. They encourage everyone to read it, as it explores how to make God the ultimate object of our joy and desire. John Piper explains in the introduction of his book Desiring God that the chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. He emphasizes that this is not the same as believing that one should do whatever they want and call it Christian. Piper cites C.S. Lewis in discussing how we are far too easily pleased and should pursue the infinite joy that is offered to us by God. He explains that we should not suppress our desire for happiness, but rather direct it towards God. Lewis also states that we delight in praising what we enjoy, as it expresses and completes the enjoyment. Lastly, Piper references Jonathan Edwards in explaining that God is glorified not only by His glory being seen, but by being rejoiced in. John Piper's book, Desiring God, explains joy as an essential component of worship. He uses real-life examples to illustrate how joy is to be pursued in order to glorify God. The book covers topics such as conversion, worship, love, scripture, prayer, money, marriage, mission, and suffering. This book is a great resource to help understand how joy and worship work together. The speaker then segues into their upcoming sermon on Psalm 63:5, which speaks about the joy one can find in God. Timestamps: 00:00 - Beginning 01:08 - What is the significance of raising your hands during a Worship Service? 03:07 - What if I Don't Raise My Hands in Service? 05:44 - Desiring God // John Piper 15:55 - Should I watch The Chosen? 19:07 - Should my circumstances dictate my praise? 21:42 - How do we deal with immense suffering and guilt?