Which Songs Should We Sing?

Introduction:

Hymns provide lasting power. Certain hymns may remind us of the old building; your parents in their prime, friends of our youth. We need to ask: What is our motivation for the hymns we sing? What is proper motivation? Serious problems can arise if some members demand particular hymn choices to the exclusion of each other. Ephesians 4:1-3, 15-16 – must be patient w/one another & work to understand the needs of other brethren.

I. Deciding what to sing is a process.

A.     Not accomplished over night.

B.     When learning new hymns, we need to ask: Which ones?

1.     Ones the congregation can sing.

2.     Need to consider the words.

C.     What about the music?

1.     Does the style of music enhance the message?

D.    New music…in and of itself…does not lead a congregation down a more spiritual path.

II. This involves a balance.

A.     Jack Boyd calls for the “Rule of 50.”   50% old & 50% new.

B.     Flexibility is necessary.

C.     Point? Today’s congregations need both new and old hymns and we need to be committed to learning new songs.

III. What about songs of praise?

A.     It is a good thing that we are singing more praise songs that exalt God & Christ.

1.     Praise is right & biblical in every sense.

B.     Think about some of the praise songs available to our congregation:

1.     # 12 SUP – Awesome God; # 26 SUP – I Stand in Awe.

2.     # 2 SUP – Majesty; # 505 HFW – Glorify Thy Name

3.     These songs help us rejoice in the Lord & praise God – as we should.

C.     Think about songs about the cross & God’s grace:

1.     # 3 SUP – Worthy is the Lamb that was Slain

2.     # 10 SUP– Listen to Our Hearts

D.    Think about songs that focus our hearts on worship:

1.     # 40 SUP – Here I am to Worship

2.     # 5 SUP – Surely the Presence

E.     All these songs are scriptural & should be sung.

IV. Music alone is not sacred.

A.     What contains the worship material? Music? Or Words?

B.     “Old” songs are not more special in the eyes of God.

1.     Older songs are not inspired…and the apostles did not sing these songs.

2.     The addition of praise songs is NOT opening the door to liberalism.

C.     Eph 4:1-3, 15-16 – let’s follow the admonition here.

Conclusion:

A.     Singing is a vital element of worship and should be a natural expression of a Christian’s life. Ephesians 5:15-21