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Articles
Singing
We conclude our series of studies on worshipping in spirit and in truth (Jn.4:23-24). We have looked thus far, at four of the acts of worship, that Jesus has proscribed in the New Testament; apostolic teaching; fellowship or giving; breaking of bread or the Lord’s supper; and prayers. Today, we will study about the fifth and final act of worship, taught in the New Testament, singing praise to God.
Singing is commanded and taught in a number of passages. Ephesians 5:19, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;" Colossians 3:16, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Hebrews 2:12, "Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee." God gives unto us the kinds of songs we are to sing; "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs." Secular songs have no place in worship services, (though they may be appropriate in other settings). There should be grace and melody in our hearts as we sing. The lips should not give forth empty words, but our hearts should be filled with thankfulness, love, and devotion to God, as we sing God’s praise. God’s goodness and favor provokes the saints to sing unto the Lord, Psalms 13:6, "I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me." We need to sing with understanding, 1 Corinthians 14:15, "What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." Yes, let heaven and earth sing his praise. Finally, let me make note that instrumental music in worship today, is without divine authorization, and therefore is a work of iniquity, Mt.7:21-23!
