Tag Archives: Jesus Christ

Spirit and Truth, Worship

King of Kings+, Spirit and Truth

About a 14 minute read.

Worshiping in spirit and truth, as Jesus instructed in John 4:24, calls us to engage not only our hearts but also our minds in adoration of God. This means that our worship must be rooted in a deep understanding of God’s Word. When we sing songs like “King of Kings” by Hillsong, knowing the scriptures that underpin the lyrics enriches our worship experience. For instance, recognizing how Isaiah 9:2 speaks of hope and light, or how Philippians 2:6-8 highlights Christ’s humility, allows us to connect more profoundly with the truths we sing. By engaging our minds with these biblical foundations, we ensure that our worship is not merely an emotional expression but a thoughtful and reverent offering, aligning our spirits with the truth of God’s Word.

King of Kings – Hillsong Worship

Words and Music by Jason Ingram, Brooke Ligertwood & Scott Ligertwood
© 2019 Hillsong Music Publishing

Verse 1

  • In the darkness we were waiting / Without hope without light:
    Isaiah 9:2 (AMP) “The people who walk in [spiritual] darkness will see a great Light; Those who live in the dark land, The Light will shine on them.”
  • Till from heaven You came running / There was mercy in Your eyes:
    Titus 3:4–5 (AMP) “But when the goodness and kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit.”
  • To fulfill the law and prophets / To a virgin came the Word:
    Matthew 5:17 (AMP) “Do not think that I came to do away with or undo the Law of Moses or the [writings of the] Prophets; I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”
    Luke 1:26–38 (AMP) (Announcement of Jesus’ birth to Mary).
  • From a throne of endless glory / To a cradle in the dirt:
    Philippians 2:6–8 (AMP) “who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it]; but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man]. After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a divinely appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

Chorus

  • Praise the Father / Praise the Son / Praise the Spirit three in one:
    Matthew 28:19 (AMP) “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
  • God of glory / Majesty:
    Psalm 29:1–2 (AMP) “Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty and majesty of His holiness [as the creator and source of holiness].”
  • Praise forever to the King of Kings:
    Revelation 19:16 (AMP) “And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name inscribed, ‘KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.’”

Verse 2

  • To reveal the kingdom coming / And to reconcile the lost:
    Colossians 1:20 (AMP) “and through [the intervention of] the Son to reconcile all things to Himself [making peace with believers through the blood of His cross]; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.”
  • To redeem the whole creation / You did not despise the cross:
    Hebrews 12:2 (AMP) “looking away from all that will distract us and focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].”
  • For even in Your suffering / You saw to the other side:
    Hebrews 12:2 (AMP) “looking away from all that will distract us and focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].”
  • Knowing this was our salvation / Jesus for our sake You died:
    1 Peter 3:18 (AMP) “For indeed Christ died for sins once for all, the Just and Righteous for the unjust and unrighteous [the Innocent for the guilty], so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit.”

Verse 3

  • And the morning that You rose / All of heaven held its breath:
    Luke 24:1–6 (AMP) (The Resurrection of Jesus).
  • Till that stone was moved for good / For the Lamb had conquered death:
    Matthew 28:2–6 (AMP) (Resurrection of Jesus).
  • And the dead rose from their tombs / And the angels stood in awe:
    Matthew 27:52–53 (AMP) “The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints (God’s people) who had fallen asleep in death were raised [to life]; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city (Jerusalem) and appeared to many people.”
    Luke 24:4–5 (AMP) “While they were perplexed and wondering about this, suddenly, two men in dazzling clothing stood near them; and as the women were terrified and were bowing their faces to the ground, the men said to them, ‘Why are you looking for the living One among the dead?’”
  • For the souls of all who’d come / To the Father are restored:
    1 Peter 3:18 (AMP) “For indeed Christ died for sins once for all, the Just and Righteous for the unjust and unrighteous [the Innocent for the guilty], so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit.”

Verse 4

  • And the Church of Christ was born / Then the Spirit lit the flame:
    Acts 2:1–4 (AMP) (The Day of Pentecost).
  • Now this gospel truth of old / Shall not kneel shall not faint:
    Matthew 16:18 (AMP) “And I say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades (death) will not overpower it [by preventing the resurrection of the Christ].”
  • By His blood and in His Name / In His freedom I am free:
    Galatians 5:1 (AMP) “It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed].”
  • For the love of Jesus Christ / Who has resurrected me:
    Ephesians 2:4–5 (AMP) “But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and wonderful love with which He loved us, even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace—His undeserved favor and mercy—you have been saved from God’s judgment).”

Verse 5: Unity

(Sometimes I add additional verses to songs, because I think they are really good and I don’t want them to stop. This is one of those circumstances. These are not part of the published song.)

  • To unite the hearts of nations / Every tribe and every tongue:
    Revelation 7:9 (AMP) “After these things I looked, and this is what I saw: a vast multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes and peoples and languages of the earth, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Christ), dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.”
  • In His love we find our purpose / In His grace, we are made one:
    Ephesians 4:4–6 (AMP) “There is one body [of believers] and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when called [to salvation]—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all who is [sovereign] over all and [working] through all and [living] in all.”
  • For the Spirit binds us closely / With a bond that cannot break:
    Ephesians 4:3 (AMP) “Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful].”
  • Through His Church, we shine His glory / For the world to see His grace:
    Matthew 5:14–16 (AMP) “You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Verse 6: End Time Revival

  • In the last days, we’re awakened / By a mighty, rushing wind:
    Acts 2:17 (AMP) “‘And it shall be in the last days,’ says God, ‘That I will pour out My Spirit upon all mankind; And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see [divinely prompted] visions, And your old men shall dream [divinely prompted] dreams.’”
    Acts 2:2 (AMP) “Suddenly a sound came from heaven like a rushing violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.”
  • As His Spirit moves among us / Hearts are turned, lives begin:
    Joel 2:28–29 (AMP) “‘It shall come about after this That I shall pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and your daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.’”
    Ezekiel 36:26 (AMP) “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”
  • For the fields are ripe for harvest / And the workers now arise:
    Matthew 9:37–38 (AMP) “Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is [indeed] plentiful, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’”
    John 4:35 (AMP) “Do you not say, ‘It is still four months until the harvest comes?’ Look, I say to you, raise your eyes and look at the fields and see, they are white for harvest.”
  • In this end-time holy revival / We will see our Savior’s prize:
    James 5:7–8 (AMP) “So wait patiently, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits expectantly for the precious harvest from the land, being patient about it until it receives the early and late rains. You too, be patient; strengthen your hearts [keep them energized and firmly committed to God], because the coming of the Lord is near.”
    Revelation 7:9–10 (AMP) “After these things I looked, and this is what I saw: a vast multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes and peoples and languages of the earth, standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Christ), dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands; and in a loud voice they cried out, saying, ‘Salvation [belongs] to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb [our salvation is the Trinity’s to give, and to God the Trinity we owe our deliverance].’”

Verse 7: The Return of Jesus

  • Soon He’ll come in clouds of glory / With a trumpet loud and clear:
    1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 (AMP) “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel and with the blast of the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain [on the earth] will simultaneously be caught up (raptured) together with them [the resurrected ones] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord!”
    Revelation 1:7 (AMP) “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him [realizing their sin and guilt, and anticipating the coming wrath]. So it is to be. Amen.”
  • Every knee will bow before Him / Every heart will lose its fear:
    Philippians 2:10–11 (AMP) “so that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess and openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (sovereign God), to the glory of God the Father.”
    Revelation 21:4 (AMP) “and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be death; there will no longer be sorrow and anguish, or crying, or pain; for the former order of things has passed away.”
  • For the King of all creation / Will return to claim His own:
    Matthew 24:30–31 (AMP) “And at that time the sign of the Son of Man [coming] in the clouds will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth [and especially Israel] will mourn [regretting their rebellion and rejection of the Messiah], and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory [in brilliance and splendor]. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet and they will gather together His elect (God’s chosen ones) from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”
    Revelation 22:12 (AMP) “‘Behold, I (Jesus) am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one [according to] the merit of his deeds (earthly works, faithfulness).’”
  • And in this, our final victory / We’ll be welcomed to His throne:
    1 Corinthians 15:54–57 (AMP) “And when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then the Scripture will be fulfilled that says, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory (vanquished forever). O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin [by which it brings death] is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
    Revelation 3:21 (AMP) “He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant to him [the privilege] to sit beside Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down beside My Father on His throne.”

See Also

High and Lifted Up, Worship

Exalted Christ: Recognizing His Divine Authority and Eternal Reign

Beloved, let us lift our hearts and minds to the exalted Christ, the One who reigns supreme and calls all creation to worship Him. The Scriptures declare His divine authority, sovereignty, and ultimate victory, drawing us to recognize and honor His glory. In this reflection, we explore the profound attributes and the universal call to worship the exalted Christ.

Prophetic Foretelling

The prophets spoke of the coming Messiah, high and lifted up. Isaiah proclaimed, “Behold, My Servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted” (Isaiah 52:13). Daniel saw in visions of the night, “And to Him was given dominion, glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom one that shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:14). These sacred words call us to bow before the One who holds all power and authority. Isaiah also declared, “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). This prophecy invites us to worship the Prince of Peace, who reigns eternally.

Teachings and Declarations of Jesus

When the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, He spoke of His future exaltation and the glory to come. To His faithful disciples, He promised, “When the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28). As the days drew near for His departure, He assured them, “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). After He had spoken to them, “He was taken up into heaven and He sat at the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19). The angel announced His birth, “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call Him Jesus” (Luke 1:31), and at His circumcision, “He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He was conceived” (Luke 2:21). These declarations affirm His exaltation and call believers to anticipate and prepare for His glorious return, worshiping Him as the reigning King.

Apostolic Testimony

The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, bore witness to Christ’s exaltation. Peter, standing with the eleven, declared, “Exalted to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear” (Acts 2:33). Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasized, “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). Furthermore, Peter proclaimed, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). These testimonies call us to fall in adoration before Him who intercedes on our behalf and whose name alone brings salvation.

Pauline Epistles

Paul speaks of the exaltation of Christ and the universal call to worship. To the Ephesians, he wrote, “He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:20). In Philippians, he exclaims, “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11). These words stir our souls to worship Him whose name is above all names. Paul also writes, “May the name of our Lord Jesus be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:12).

The Epistle to the Hebrews

Hebrews eloquently describes Christ’s exaltation and calls believers to worship. “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Hebrews 1:3). Later, it encourages believers to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). These passages invite us to worship Christ for His sacrificial love and His exalted position.

Letters of Peter and the Revelation

Peter testifies to Christ’s exaltation, declaring, “Who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities, and powers in submission to Him” (1 Peter 3:22). In the Revelation given to John, we hear the triumphant voice: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21). In a vision, John saw “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: ‘To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’” (Revelation 5:13). These declarations emphasize that Christ’s exaltation calls for universal worship, recognizing His ultimate authority and eternal reign. John also saw Christ with many crowns on His head, bearing the name “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19:12, 19:16).

Universal Call to Worship

From the dawn of creation, the call to worship Christ has echoed through the ages. “May His name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun. Then all nations will be blessed through Him, and they will call Him blessed” (Psalm 72:17). The Song of Solomon praises, “Your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the young women love you!” (Song of Solomon 1:3). In every tongue and tribe, let the name of Jesus be magnified, as Peter declared, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). The apostles testified, “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has completely healed him, as you can all see” (Acts 3:16). Even the enemies of the gospel recognized the power of His name: “But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name” (Acts 4:17). And in Ephesus, “The name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor” (Acts 19:17).

Paul urged the Corinthians, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Corinthians 1:10). He wrote to the Ephesians that Christ’s name is “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:21). James also acknowledged, “Is it not they who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?” (James 2:7).

Conclusion: Worshiping Christ

Beloved, let us lift our hearts and voices in worship to the exalted Christ. His divine authority and eternal reign call all of creation to bow before Him. From prophetic declarations to apostolic testimonies, Scripture affirms Christ’s supreme position and the universal call to acknowledge His sovereignty. His exaltation assures us of His ultimate victory and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Therefore, let us join the heavenly hosts and all creation in worshiping the exalted Christ, for His name is above every name, and His kingdom will never end. To Him be glory and honor, now and forevermore. Amen.

See Also

Forgiveness, Grace, Healing, Jesus, Visions

Redeemer

As I knelt in prayer, my spirit was caught up into the heavenly realms, and a vision unfolded before my eyes, vivid and awe-inspiring. The air was filled with the fragrance of myrrh and frankincense, and the warmth of divine light enveloped me. I found myself standing on the edge of a great precipice, overlooking a vast expanse that seemed to stretch into eternity.

In the midst of this ethereal scene stood two figures. One was clothed in regal splendor, His garments shimmering with the light of a thousand suns. The other was robed in simple, humble attire, yet his face bore the marks of sorrow and yearning. As I gazed upon them, I recognized the majestic figure as our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, and the other as a representation of humanity, frail and burdened.

The Lord’s voice resounded like a mighty waterfall, cascading with power and tenderness. “Behold,” He declared, “I have borne the burden of your sin, and through My sacrifice, the chasm between God and man has been bridged. The price has been paid, and the way to eternal life is open to all who believe” (John 19:30).

As He spoke, the ground beneath them trembled, and a brilliant light pierced the heavens, illuminating the path that lay before them. The aroma of fresh rain and blooming flowers filled the air, and I could almost taste the sweetness of His grace. The humble man, representing each of us, fell to his knees, tears flowing like rivers down his cheeks. The sound of his weeping was like a lament, echoing the sorrow of a world in need of redemption.

“My Lord and my God,” he cried, his voice trembling with emotion (John 20:28). “How can I ever repay such love?”

With infinite gentleness, Jesus lifted him up, and with a touch as tender as a mother’s embrace, He wiped away his tears (Revelation 21:4). “You cannot repay, but you can receive,” He said, His words like honey to the soul. “Take up your cross and follow Me, for in My strength, you will find the grace to walk this path. Fear not, for I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

In that moment, the air seemed to shimmer with the sound of angelic choirs, their harmonies a symphony of hope and joy (Revelation 5:11-12). I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit, like a refreshing breeze, filling me with peace and assurance. The vision imparted a profound understanding: the journey of faith is one of surrender and trust. The price paid by our Lord is sufficient for all our needs, and His love is the guiding light that leads us through every trial and triumph (John 8:12).

The vision began to fade, yet the message remained etched upon my heart. We are called to walk in the light of His sacrifice, bearing witness to the hope and redemption found in Christ alone (1 Peter 2:9). As the Apostle John wrote, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Let us hold fast to this truth, and live in the assurance of His unfailing love, our senses attuned to His presence in every moment.

See Also

Devotion to God, Father, Jesus

Living the Word

Beloved, as I have walked with our Lord and have borne witness to His divine teachings, let us reflect deeply upon the enduring Word of God and the teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Lord spoke through Moses, as recorded in Deuteronomy 18:18, promising that He would raise up a Prophet like unto Moses, putting His words into His mouth. Christ, the fulfillment of this prophecy, taught with authority that astonished all, as echoed throughout the Gospels and by those who heard Him speak.

Our Lord’s words, like a sharp sword, as Isaiah 49:2 describes, cut to the heart of matters, revealing truths hidden from the foundation of the world. He spoke of building one’s life on the solid rock of His teachings, as in Matthew 7:24, where He likened those who heed His words to a wise man who built his house upon the rock. His words shall not pass away, as He assured us in Matthew 24:35, for they are the spirit and life, as He declared in John 6:63.

Jesus, in His wisdom, addressed the hearts of men, calling them to look beyond the surface as in Luke 11:39, where He admonished the Pharisees for their outward cleanliness but inner corruption. His teachings often confounded the wise and learned, leaving them marveled and unable to trap Him in His words, as seen in Luke 20:26.

He spoke of love, of unity, and of the indwelling of His words in our hearts, as encouraged in Colossians 3:16, urging us to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly. In His high priestly prayer, as recorded in John 17, He asked not only for those present with Him but for all who would believe, emphasizing the transformative power of His word.

The Word was not only spoken but demonstrated through His actions and miracles, proving His divine authority and fulfilling the words spoken by the prophets, as affirmed in Acts 3:22 and echoed in Hebrews 1:2, where God has in these last days spoken unto us by His Son.

Therefore, my dear children, let us hold fast to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, for His words are life to those who find them. Let us dig deeply into the scriptures, for in them we find Christ, and through His words, we learn to live in the truth He has given us. Embrace His teachings, meditate on them day and night, and let them guide your paths, for they are the very breath of life.

See Also