Singing hymns to God is as important as any other act of worship. Yet, it is
often taken for granted. Apparently, many congregations and song leaders are
not aware that we are to sing about God and we are to sing to God. Let us
take note of the following passages of sacred scripture.
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God."
(Acts 16:25) "I will sing the praises of your name." (Rom. 15:9) "Singing and
making melody with your heart to the Lord." (Eph. 5:19) "Singing to God
with gratitude in your hearts." (Col. 3:16) "In the assembly I will sing your
praises." (Heb 2:12) "Let us offer to God a sacrifice of praise; the fruit of
lips that openly praise his name." (Heb. 13:15)
The New Testament unquestionably teaches us that the focal point of
our singing should be God. Sing to God, sing his praises, and exalt his name.
We "speak to one another" when we sing, but we must be certain that our
songs are songs about God, to God, and for God.
I have heard some songs in assemblies that are not to, about, or for God.
They have beautiful melodies, are easy to learn, and are quite "catchy", but
they are not "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" that are to, about, or for
God. They are generically bland, spiritually misguided, and are about people
instead of our loving creator! Let us be as careful to select appropriate songs
for worship as we are about the teaching, giving as prospered, prayers, and the
Lord's Supper.
RD
Copyright 2011
often taken for granted. Apparently, many congregations and song leaders are
not aware that we are to sing about God and we are to sing to God. Let us
take note of the following passages of sacred scripture.
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God."
(Acts 16:25) "I will sing the praises of your name." (Rom. 15:9) "Singing and
making melody with your heart to the Lord." (Eph. 5:19) "Singing to God
with gratitude in your hearts." (Col. 3:16) "In the assembly I will sing your
praises." (Heb 2:12) "Let us offer to God a sacrifice of praise; the fruit of
lips that openly praise his name." (Heb. 13:15)
The New Testament unquestionably teaches us that the focal point of
our singing should be God. Sing to God, sing his praises, and exalt his name.
We "speak to one another" when we sing, but we must be certain that our
songs are songs about God, to God, and for God.
I have heard some songs in assemblies that are not to, about, or for God.
They have beautiful melodies, are easy to learn, and are quite "catchy", but
they are not "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" that are to, about, or for
God. They are generically bland, spiritually misguided, and are about people
instead of our loving creator! Let us be as careful to select appropriate songs
for worship as we are about the teaching, giving as prospered, prayers, and the
Lord's Supper.
RD
Copyright 2011
Great blog my friend. This made me mentally go through all my favorite songs to check and make sure they are appropriate. Also, it makes me want to pay more attention to my song selection. I appreciate you stirring up my memory- 2 Peter 1:12-13.
ReplyDeleteamen Keep preaching and teaching the truth and may God get all glory
ReplyDeleteThank you Moses! Your encouraging words mean
ReplyDeletefar more than you know. Yes, may it always
be our purpose to give all the glory to God
as we promote truth and condemn error.
Dan, I thank our heavenly Father for your
ReplyDeleterecent comment. I appreciate and love you
in Christ. May our hearts always be stirred
to recall the precious words of the apostles,
especially in regard to worshiping the great
God in song.