HOW IMPORTANT IS SINGING?
Singing has always been an important part of the New Testament church. Did Jesus Christ ever sing? Yes, at the LORD’S last supper with his Disciples, Mark 14:26 …they had sung an hymn.
The apostle Paul with Silas at the time of great trial, having been cast into prison for preaching, they sang; Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
The Apostle Paul taught that the church should sing (Eph 5:19). He wrote also to the Colossians; Col 3:16 …teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
James let us know that singing makes us happy; James 5:13 …Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
Do you realize that largest book in the Bible is a song book, The Psalms.
THE GREAT REFORMERS USED SINGING AND MUSIC
Martin Luther brought the church and the world out of the darkness that was produced by the Roman Catholic church by returning the people to the Bible and congregational singing. The great reformer John Wesley preached sanctification, while his brother, Charles wrote songs which inspired the people in the message that came in that day.
Spiritual singing is important, and does not take the place of preaching, however, it has a wonderful place if it is according to scripture. Therefore, it should not be of the world, or duplicating the world, but as Paul said, it is to teach and admonish, by psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
THE MUSIC OF THE WORLD IN THE CHURCH
It has been said, the music of the world in ten years becomes the music of the church. I would say, with social media, and the example set by many churches, the music of the world almost instantly becomes a part of the church’s ministry. God help us, to keep the world out of our music and singing.
Music and singing originated in heaven, how quickly “serpent seed “perverted it on earth in Genesis 4.
Is it no wonder, that preaching or writing about this subject draws so much criticism. Is it because so much of what is called great music and singing in our churches has become little more than what the world has to offer at a rock concert. That is the nature of the unconverted religious world today.
Stay with the WORD if you must stand alone!
Pastor Bill Ivy – Living Word Tabernacle – Campbell Missouri USA – www.livingwordtabernacle.com