1, March 14, 2012 – Singing with the Spirit

What makes one of the songs we sing on Sunday morning characterized as a Biblical song as opposed to one that would be considered un-Biblical (or as some have defined, a problem song)? Is there some criteria or some sort of a ‘scale’ that we can use to determine our song choice? Whether we like it or not, we need to be more diligent in sincerely thinking about what we’re singing and why we’re singing it. Without debate a Biblical song/hymn would be one that can be found and supported through God’s word. Let’s consider two songs that come almost entirely from scripture:

“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing, I will sing.
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.
And with my mouth will I make know Thy faithfulness, Thy faithfulness.
And with my mouth will I make know Thy faithfulness to all generations.”

Psalms 89:1 reads: “I will sing of the lovingness of the Lord forever, To all generations I will make know Your faithfulness with my mouth.” (NAS)

This song was written by James Filmore at the turn of the century, but it didn’t find it’s popularity in church music until the 1960’s. In 1983, the chorus became a regular addition in some of our hymnals. Scripture based hymns can be found in surplus in many of the traditional and contemporary hymns. One of our long time favorites is, again, almost a direct quote, from the book of Psalms.

Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah
“Hallelujah, praise Jehovah! From the heavens praise His name; Praise Jehovah in the highest; all His angels praise proclaim. All His host together praise Him, sun and moon and stars on high; Praise Him, O ye heavens of heavens, and ye floods above the sky.”

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens, Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him all His angels; Praise Him, all His host! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light! Praise Him, heights heavens, and the waters that are above the heavens!” Psalm 148:1-4

This is only the first verse of a popular hymn written in 1893 by William J. Kirkpatrick. But as you investigate the Biblical accuracy of the hymn, you’ll find the 2nd and 3rd verses hold true to the words of Psalm 148: 5-12 with vs. 13 reserved for the chorus. “Let them praise the name of Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven.” My hope and prayer is that you will continue to search out songs that are Biblical and sound when it comes to singing songs to God our Father. A song that is accurately supported through God’s word will draw us closer to Him as we give to Him our praise!

Singing is an important part of our worship. However, do you know that some of our songs are clearly at odds with God’s word? Unfortunately there are a few songs that we’ll sing on any given Sunday (or Wednesday) that come from a worldly view of who God is and what God expects. When the world influences our singing, it should come as no surprise that we will have songs that contain errors. Though some of our newer songs (contemporary songs) are uplifting and inspirational, we should be careful what we’re singing. I would encourage each of us to test each song (traditional or contemporary) and determine it’s Biblical accuracy… otherwise we run the risk of ‘singing without thinking’.

Consider these three questions as you look at hymns:

Do I think about the words of the song or am I ‘caught up in the music?’
If is a song is counter to God’s word, how will I know for sure?
Will I eliminate an ‘un-Biblical song’ from my selection, or accept it as poetic license?

Song leaders…we have an obligation to properly prepare and diligently examine the songs we lead in the Lord’s church. A preacher worth his salt will spend countless hours preparing for Sunday’s sermons; how much time will you give to preparing for Sunday’s song service? Perhaps thirty minutes before worship is not only insufficient time-wise… it’s careless preparation too! The ‘Singing with the Spirit’ Seminar talks in more detail about this scenario. If you’re interested in learning more about song leaders and their song selection, let me know. Together we’ll take a look at… What Shall We Sing

Day: March 14, 2012

Biblical Songs

Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah
“Hallelujah, praise Jehovah! From the heavens praise His name; Praise Jehovah in the highest; all His angels praise proclaim. All His host together praise Him, sun and moon and stars on high; Praise Him, O ye heavens of heavens, and ye floods above the sky.”

What Are We Singing?

Consider these three questions as you look at hymns:

Do I think about the words of the song or am I ‘caught up in the music?’

If is a song is counter to God’s word, how will I know for sure?

Will I eliminate an ‘un-Biblical song’ from my selection, or accept it as poetic license?

Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah “Hallelujah, praise Jehovah! From the heavens praise His name; Praise Jehovah in the highest; all His angels praise proclaim. All His host together praise Him, sun and moon and stars on high; Praise Him, O ye heavens of heavens, and ye floods above the sky.”

Consider these three questions as you look at hymns:

Do I think about the words of the song or am I ‘caught up in the music?’

If is a song is counter to God’s word, how will I know for sure?

Will I eliminate an ‘un-Biblical song’ from my selection, or accept it as poetic license?

Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah
“Hallelujah, praise Jehovah! From the heavens praise His name; Praise Jehovah in the highest; all His angels praise proclaim. All His host together praise Him, sun and moon and stars on high; Praise Him, O ye heavens of heavens, and ye floods above the sky.”