How Scriptural Singing Shapes our Beliefs
Introduction:
We
often repeat sayings/mantras that keep fundamental goals & passions at the
forefront of our thoughts. Over time, singing in the church affects our minds
in a similar way. Colossians 3:16 - The message of Christ would richly dwell
within them, if they sang the story of Christ over & over. Singing is
powerful – it combines the message of the words with the emotion of
melody and drives it into our soul.
I. A look at Israel’s songbook.
A.
Psalm 1 –
the importance of living righteously.
B.
Psalm 2 –
talks about the folly of rebellion against God.
C.
Psalm 8 (8:1,
3-5) – reminded God’s people that He was the Creator of the universe.
D.
Psalm 14 (14:1)
– folly of one who speaks as if there is no God.
E.
Psalm 15 –
what is the message here?
F.
Psalm 23 –
singers would rejoice in God’s care & comfort.
G.
Psalm 32/51
– devastation of guilt & the sweet release of repentance & God’s
grace.
H.
Psalm 42/43
– joy of worship in God’s temple.
I.
Psalm 90
(90:2-6, 10, 12) – reminder of brevity & harshness of life
J.
Psalm 119
– God’s word is the connection of human beings to their Maker
K.
Psalm 139/150
– calls to praise God in His temple
II. What about today?
A.
Many of the psalms
are in our songbook.
1.
# 375 –
The Lord’s My Shepherd; # 589 – As the Deer
2.
# 53 – Sup
– Unto Thee O Lord
B.
Think of the
hymns we sing that keep the Savior on our minds:
1.
# 156 –
Tell Me the Story of Jesus; # 167 – We Saw Thee Not
2.
# 161 –
Hallelujah What a Savior!
C.
Revelation
5:11-14 - # 34 is based off this passage.
D.
Revelation
14:1-4 - # 48 is based off this passage.
E.
Matthew 18:12 - #
123 is based off this passage. A
parable in song
F.
Songs about
atonement: - # 157 – At the Cross; # 368 – Rock of Ages
III. Some things we must Be Aware of:
A.
Dan Owen warns
that we need to be aware of a certain direction not to head.
1.
How often do we
sing songs about the judgment?
a.
# 283 –
There’s a Great Day Coming.
b.
# 509 – We
Shall Stand Before the Throne
2.
Trends point
that we could be moving away from repentance songs
a.
# 115 – In
the Desert of Sorrow & Sin; # 330 – Just as I Am
3.
What about songs
on commitment?
a.
# 326 –
Trust & Obey; # 584 – I Choose Jesus
b.
# 560 –
More Like the Master; # 103 – Out of Self & Into Thee
B.
It is not just
what we sing about each week, what we do not sing will shape our faith.
C.
We also need to
beware of unscriptural songs. # 386 – Jesus is Coming Soon
IV. Singing is a vital element of worship.
A.
Over time,
people begin to believe what they sing…just as they tend to believe what comes
out of the pulpit over time.
B.
Song leaders
direct the spiritual thinking of the congregation.
1.
The congregation
needs a balanced, complete, biblically sound message.
Conclusion: # 283 – There’s a Great Day Coming. Are you prepared?