We were made to worship. In this message, we explore what it means to worship God through praise—lifting our voices, our hands, and our hearts in response to who He is and what He has done. From the Old Testament sacrifices to the “sacrifice of praise” we offer today, worship isn’t about ritual—it’s about surrender, gratitude, and spiritual warfare.

Discover why corporate worship matters, why singing is powerful, why lifting our hands is biblical, and why worship is both a witness to others and a weapon in the spiritual battle we face. When we praise, God shows up, strengthens us, and confuses the enemy.

Worship isn’t just music—it’s our response to the God who saves, delivers, and dwells with His people.

What does it really mean to live from a place of rest? In this message, we explore Jesus’ claim to be “Lord of the Sabbath” and how He redefines what the Sabbath is truly about. Rest was never meant to be a rigid rule—it’s a gift from God, meant to refresh our souls and refocus our hearts on Him.

But Jesus doesn’t stop there. He reminds us that true rest leads to compassion. Healing on the Sabbath, valuing people above rituals, and doing good even when it costs us—this is the heart of God on display.

If you’ve been worn down by striving, stuck in empty routines, or wondering how to balance rest and purpose, this message will inspire you to slow down, lean into God’s grace, and live with a heart of compassion.

It’s possible to know Scripture and still miss God’s heart. In this message, Pastor Christian walks through Jesus’ clash with the Pharisees over the Sabbath and shows why mercy outruns mere ritual. From David eating the bread of the Presence to priests “working” on the Sabbath, Jesus reveals that the point was never box-checking—it’s covenant love (ḥesed) that fuels true obedience.

Scripture: Matthew 12:1–8; 1 Samuel 21; Hosea 6:6; Exodus 20:8–11; Exodus 34:21
Big ideas:

• You can know and still not understand.
• “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Relationship fuels obedience; compliance without love grows cold.
• Sabbath is a gift for renewal, not a grind of rules.

Try this week: Trade a checklist for compassion. Practice Sabbath rest with a soft heart toward people. Ask: Where have I kept the ritual and lost the reason?

(From Radiant Church • Next Gen Pastor Christian)