The Power of Singing

Introduction:

Who is a person you profoundly appreciate and deeply respect? It can be anyone from any period of life. Focus on them. Can you see them? Hear their voice? What are some of their personal qualities that you admire? How could you illustrate what an exceptional person this man/woman is? Imagine yourself talking to me about this person. Would I hear compliments? Would I hear of your respect and admiration in your words & voice?

I. Do you ever talk about God the way you talk about this person?

A.     What good experiences in life exist because you made peace with God?

B.     We need to become more conscious of what God does for us in everyday life.

C.     Consider Noah

1.     When he climbed of the ark, with his family, and stepped onto dry land, Noah knew what God had done for him.

2.     Noah lived in extremely wicked times – Genesis 6:5-6

3.     Genesis 8:20 – what was the first thing Noah did when exiting the ark? 

4.     Sacrifices given to God that do not express sincere gratitude insult God.

                                              a.     If the sacrifice does not come from the heart…. from sincere appreciation…. and done w/the intent of honoring God…it is an insult.

II. Today, Christians offer a different kind of sacrifice to God.

A.     Hebrews 13 – writer discusses the Christian’s altar & sacrifice.

1.     God sacrificed Jesus on our altar.

2.     Because God sacrificed Jesus…we can offer sacrifices to God.   13:15-16

B.     Publicly, Christians today offer praise to God through the singing of songs.

C.     Ephesians 5:17-20 - Context of this instruction does not focus on worship…but on life.

D.     Colossians 3:14-17 - The perfect cord that unifies Christians is love.

III. As we have emphasized worship, we must not miss the power of our singing.

A.     Before Christ’s death, it took many correct things for God’s people to worship collectively.

1.     It took the right place, a tabernacle/temple; a priesthood; an altar; and animals to be sacrificed. All this necessary for Israel to assemble & worship.

2.     For Christians to assemble/worship – it takes hearts/minds/and voices.

                                              a.     1 Peter 2:9 – we are the priests

                                              b.     1 Corinthians 3:16 – we are the temple.

                                              c.     Romans 12:1-2 – we are the sacrifice.

B.     Consider carefully…

1.     We need to understand that it is not the melody of the voice that thrills God – it is the melody of the heart.

2.     We sing to praise.  We sing to say thank-you to God.

C.     When we sing together we promote unity.

1.     It unites those who disagree; makes friends of those at odds, brings together who are out of charity with one another.

2.     Singing of praise is the very bond of unity – when the whole people come together in one chorus.

D.     There is power in our singing in how it edifies others

1.     The songs we sing do not only shape the character of those who sing, but they also benefit others.

Conclusion:

A.     Do you need to begin a relationship with God?

B.     I N V I T A T I O N