The prevailing spirit of First Love Fellowship is that of a "family church" - a body that conveys the love of the Father and love for one another; a love that reaches beyond the congregation into the day-to-day lives of people with whom the members associate.

To assist the process of getting better acquainted, we offer the following questions, answers and definitions of things you might see or hear in our services. God bless you as you grow in knowledge of Him, His word and His ways!

Why do we worship God?
Simply, because we love Him. Worship is when men and women connect with God. It is a time when people put aside the struggles or triumphs of life and focus on the person of God Himself. He is awesome, and truly deserves our worship! Because of what Jesus has done for us, we can know God in a very intimate way, as a friend. The Bible tells us that God is looking for people to "worship Him in spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24). 

Why do we clap our hands?
Clapping in time with music can be plain fun. It is also a way of expressing our appreciation to God. If we clap at a concert, or after a speech, applauding the Creator of the Universe should be almost a reflex action. Clapping is a way of breaking the "gloomies" and entering into the joy of the Lord. 
"Clap your hands all you people. Shout to God with joy" (Psalm 47:1). 

Why do we lift our hands?
Raising our hands can be an act of surrender. It can symbolize our adoration for God. Just as a child raises his hands to receive something from a parent, we can raise our hands to receive a fresh touch from our Father in Heaven. 
"I will praise You as long as I live. I will lift up my hands in prayer to Your name" (Psalm 63:4). "So I want men everywhere to pray, lifting up their hands in a holy manner, without anger and arguments" (1 Timothy 2:8). 

Why do we praise God?
Praising God takes no special singing talent. It makes no difference if we can sing operatic soprano or croak like a frog. God, like any father, loves to hear praises from His children. In fact, Jesus said that if we neglect to praise God He would cause stones to praise Him instead (Luke 19:39-40). 
"So through Jesus let us always offer to God our sacrifice of praise, coming from lips that speak His name" (Hebrews 13:15).

Why do we speak and sing in tongues?
Sometimes, it's a case of running out of words, and allowing our hearts to take over. There is freedom in our meetings to worship God to the utmost. Speaking or singing in our own language allows us to communicate with God from our mind. Singing in an "unknown tongue" is a heart-to-heart- time with God. "For if I pray in a tongue my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind: I will sing with my spirit but I will also sing with my mind" (1 Corinthians 14:14-15).

What about the gift of prophecy?
Prophecy is when God speaks words of encouragement and comfort through one or more people. It is a gift given by the Holy Spirit to the Church so that it may be strengthened. We are told that all believers should "eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy" (1 Corinthians 14:1). Prophecy does not replace the Bible as God's infallible Word, but relates truths that can readily be found in the Bible. 
"But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strength, encouragement and comfort" (1 Corinthians 14:3).

Why do we have altar calls?
Altar calls are a custom in churches around the world.. They are the most profound and important event of any meeting. Responding to an altar call for the first time is the most important step anyone will ever take. It is truly life-changing to accept God's wonderful gift of salvation. For this reason altar calls are something we take very seriously. "All those who stand before others and say they believe in Me, I will say before My Father in heaven that they belong to Me" (Matthew 10:32). Opportunities are often given during meetings when people can publicly commit their lives to Jesus Christ or receive other types of personal ministry in many forms.

Why do we lay hands on people?
When we have a specific need and faith arises in our hearts through hearing God’s Word, it’s time to release our faith to receive that answer. The doctrine and practice of the “laying on of hands” is mentioned often in the Bible – as a means for people to release their faith, as well as to transfer anointings or commission people to the service of the Lord. Mark 6:5; Acts 13:3, Hebrews 6:2

Why do we pray for the sick?
God is loving and kind. He has given his church the role of caring for the needs of people. Through the awesome power of God, many sick or distressed people have been healed. We call them miracles …. But should we expect anything less from such a wonderful God? "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up." (James 5:14,15). There are numerous stories of great miracles which have happened as a result of 'corporate' prayer, cancers have vanished, heart conditions have been healed and marriages saved.

"If two of you on earth agree about something and pray for it, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. This is true because if two or three people come together in my name, I am there with them" (Matthew 18:19-20). 

"And these signs will follow those who believe; in My name..........they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." (Mark 16:17-18)

Why do people sometimes fall down?
The presence of God is something beyond our comprehension. It is when God comes to meet with His people in a special way. When the Holy Spirit comes, supernatural things often happen, things that we cannot explain. "Falling under the power" is just one of these strange things. God is awesome, and we expect Him to do awesome things. "Suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul…' "(Acts 9:3-4). 

The Anointing
The presence of the Holy Spirit and His power in operation. A person who is anointed is empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Manifestations
A noticeable effect caused by an encounter with the Holy Spirit. A manifestation can either be immediate or come after a period of time.

To Minister
To serve, help or give something to another through the power of God. Working with God to help others.

The Glory of God
The splendor and majesty of God. At times God reveals a part of His true self to man. This is a dynamic encounter with God!

Revelation
The shining of God’s truth and will into the heart of a person. Knowledge and truth not of this world but straight from the Father in Heaven.

The Day of Pentecost
After Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, He then sent the Holy Spirit. The Day of Pentecost happened almost 2000 years ago, and was the first time believers were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Charismatic
A charismatic Christian is one who believes that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are available today. Gifts of the Spirit include miracles, prophecy, speaking in tongues and others.

The Flesh
The part of man which is inclined to turn away from God. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that man overcomes the demands of the flesh.

Revival
When a man or a woman is touched in a profound way by the person of the Holy Spirit, causing him or her to turn from sin and to love God. Often it is a time when God moves in awesome ways to change many people’s lives, even towns, cities or nations.