Bishop Benjamin emphasizes the significance of praise and worship as powerful tools in the life of a believer. Drawing from the book of Psalms, he highlights how making a joyful noise unto the Lord can reshape one's spirit and strengthen faith.

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In a passionate and dynamic class, Bishop Benjamin led a spirited discussion on the importance of joyful praise, the power of music and catechism in shaping our spirit, and the call for bold expression in today’s challenging world. Here are the key points from the session:

Starting with Prayer and Purpose

The session began with a heartfelt prayer:

• Thankfulness for the Day: The group thanked God for a new day and the opportunity to learn His word.
• Blessings on GoldCare: Prayers were offered for Doctor Simone Gold, the team, staff, and patients involved in the health share initiative.
• Nationwide Intercession: The leaders also prayed for the nation’s leadership and for hearts to be turned back to God.

Bishop Benjamin reminded everyone that God’s word invites us to take His yoke, learn from Him, and find rest for our souls.

Celebrating the Month of Joy

The class centered on the theme of celebration:

• Joy in the Psalms: Bishop Benjamin noted that the Book of Psalms—the largest book in the Bible—is filled with songs and prophetic messages meant to inspire us even in difficult times.
• Individuality and Unity: God created each of us with unique personalities, yet we are united by our relationship with Him. This truth calls us to celebrate life with gratitude and joy.

For this session, the focus was on Psalm 100, a timeless call to “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” This Psalm reminds us to:

• Serve the Lord with gladness.
• Enter His presence with singing and thanksgiving.
• Recognize that God is our Creator and our shepherd.

Praise as a Spiritual Weapon

Bishop Benjamin emphasized that praise is far more than making noise—it is a powerful, transformative weapon:

• Not Just Sound: Praise is meant to strengthen, embolden, and encourage. When we praise, we are aligning our spirit with God’s truth.
• Spiritual Warfare: Quoting 2 Corinthians 10, he explained that our spiritual weapons are mighty through God and can pull down strongholds.
• Transforming Our Circumstances: He challenged everyone to allow praise to shape not only their inner selves but also their external circumstances—so much so that one might not even need a doctor when the power of praise is fully activated.

The Power of Music and Oral Tradition

Music and spoken word play a crucial role in shaping our spiritual identity:

• Catechism and Memorization: Bishop Benjamin explained that, long before the Bible was written down, its teachings were memorized orally. This process of repeated recitation (catechism) helps imprint God’s truth on our hearts.
• Positive vs. Negative Influences: He warned that while music can lift us up and shape our spirit in a righteous way, the wrong music or repeated negative messages can lead us astray.
• Historical Legacy: Drawing on examples from the Renaissance—when great composers wrote music to praise God—he reminded us that true art and music are powerful vehicles for spiritual transformation.

Bold Expression and the Role of the Church

The class also addressed the need for bold and honest expression in our public lives:

• Speaking Out in Truth: Bishop Benjamin challenged believers to use their voices to expose false narratives and to affirm the truth of God’s word. He even referenced political engagement, noting that while the Johnson Amendment restricts churches from endorsing political candidates, the call to stand for truth remains.
• Building Strong Leaders: He urged the church to produce bold leaders—men and women who can shape culture, set the fire of independence, and remind us that our freedom is given by God, not by any earthly institution.
• Praise as a Rallying Cry: Just as ancient armies sounded trumpets before battle, our joyful praise can serve as a rallying cry that unites and empowers us to overcome adversity.

Concluding with a Call to Action

Bishop Benjamin’s final challenge was clear:

• Let Your Praise Shape You: Embrace a lifestyle of joyful praise and let it mold your spirit into a weapon against the forces of darkness.
• Stand Firm in God’s Image: Remember that you are made in the image of God, called to lead and not merely follow.
• Transform Your World: Whether in your family, community, or workplace, let your praise be the force that transforms and renews every aspect of your life.

As the session drew to a close, participants were encouraged to share their own songs of praise, to memorize scriptures, and to use the power of their spoken word to bring about real, positive change. The message was simple yet profound: when we choose to praise God with all our heart, we not only honor Him—we also unlock the divine power within us to overcome any challenge.