Category: Singing
Subject: Singing
Fall 2022 Meeting with Kyle Campbell
Our Fall Meeting, 2022 with Kyle Campbell, November 5, 2002. A series of fundamental lessons answering fundamental questions.
The theme: “Can you show”
Lesson 1: Can You Show That There is a God? (Saturday)
Lesson 2: Can You Show that the Bible is the Word of God? (Sunday 9AM)
Lesson 3: Can You Show that Jesus Rose from the Dead? (Sunday 10AM)
Lesson 4: Can You Show What the Bible Says? (Sunday 11AM)
Lesson 5: Can You Show That the Bible Can be Understood? (Monday)
Lesson 6: Can You Show How We are Saved? (Tuesday)
Lesson 7: Can You Show What Worship Is? (Wednesday 10AM)
Lesson 8: Can You Show What the Church Does? (Wednesday PM)
Lesson 9: Can You Show That Chrisitans are Moral People (Thursday)
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Defilement
Under Mosaic law, there were certain actions and circumstances that rendered a person defiled before God. The Hebrew word translated defiled in the Old Testament texts discussing this state (tâmê) is defined by Strong: to be foul, especially in a ceremonial or moral sense (contaminated).
The reference to ceremonial “foulness” is especially important in light of the Old Testament references to such defilements. While they sometimes refer to moral actions that intrinsically are sinful (such as idolatry, sexual immorality, etc.), often it had reference to things that are not inherently sinful in God’s eyes. Things like childbirth, the touching of a dead body, or a woman’s menstruation.
The Patternists: The Purpose of Musical Worship
One mark of Christian worship is its simplicity. Though much pomp and circumstance has cropped up in the centuries following Christ’s establishment of His church, the first century Christians were humble and in the worship they offered up to God.
When they gathered together on the Lord’s day, they prayed, sang, gave as they were prospered by God, heard the word of God taught, and remembered the Lord’s death through the simple feast Jesus instituted. There were calls for them to wait on one another, to be unified, to edify one another, and to give glory to God. Worship was never about them. Never about their own talents. Never about how the church could serve them. It was always and only about what they could do for God and for each other.
Continue reading “The Patternists: The Purpose of Musical Worship”
Singing with Grace in your Hearts
“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” (Colossians 3:16).
The word grace, found in this text, comes from the greek word (charis), defined by Thayer, “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech.”
We know that singing has the potential to lighten our hearts. It is one way that we express our joy and thankfulness to God. However, it should be noted that this verse is in the form of an admonition or instruction. We are commanded to sing with grace in our hearts. This requires a number of things:
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A proper type of song. Not all songs bring “grace” to mind. The intent of the song is to sing with grace, and the style or melody can impact the success of that intent.
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A proper sentiment in the song. Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs teach God’s will. They should be scriptural in their sentiment to bring edification. We can’t sing with grace in our hearts if the words we sing do not accord with God’s will.
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A proper heart when singing. As Paul wrote in Ephesians 5, “making melody in your heart to the Lord” (19). We must not be going through the motions when we sing. It is only when we worship God “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24) that our worship is acceptable to God.
By singing with the intent to bring something pure and lovely to our brethren, we admonish and teach each other, and are mutually edified by our efforts. It brings such joy to sing to God!
Click below to…
Sermon: Conversion of the Jailor
A discussion of the conversion of the Philippian jailor in Acts 16, with a special emphasis on the part played by Paul and Silas.
Sermon: Promises to the Lord
In the 101st Psalm, the singer makes five promises to the Lord that we would do well to emulate ourselves.
* Sing praises
* Behave wisely
* Set nothing wicked before my eyes
* Not endure slander and pride
* Bless the faithful
From the Preacher’s Pen: Busy, But Blessed!
This past week we had a wonderful opportunity to hear God’s word preached each evening. Those who took advantage of these opportunities were encouraged and edified. They also became tired!
The writer of the book of Ecclesiastes wrote, “The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh” (12:11-12).
We were admonished and edified, both by the preaching, and by the songs and prayers that were offered up to God. Concerning the purpose of singing, Paul wrote, “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” (Colossians 3:16).
So, we are thankful for opportunities like these, to grow and to encourage each other.
Sermon: Drawing Near to Christ Through Song
Sermon by Josh Cox
As a part of our worship to God, we sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. As with all worship, we must sing in “spirit and in truth” (cf. John 4:24).
Sermon: How Would Your Life Differ?
How would your life differ, if you:
* Could no longer read your Bible?
* Could no longer sing in worship?
* Could no longer pray?
* Could no longer assemble for worship?
* Could no longer tell others about Christ?
Hopefully, our lives would be much different. If not, changes are in order!
8 Questions about Music
I just watched a lengthy video featuring a number of Calvinists who were taking issue with what music in worship has become in American churches. They were concerned with too great an emphasis upon the musical style (with the most important thing being how it “makes me feel”); a willingness to put up with a church teaching error, as long as “the music is good”; and an unfortunate imbalance as music is overemphasized as a part of Christian worship.
The video was interesting, as I think it addressed problems we see in the Lord’s church as well. I personally have encountered Christians who prefer songs based upon musical style rather than the sentiment expressed; who are more interested in whether a congregation has “good singing” than whether it stands for truth; and who would travel 250 miles for an “annual” singing, but can’t be bothered to attend a neighboring congregation’s gospel meeting!
In the conclusion of the video, the narrator asked 8 questions that I think make valid points about what music should be:
Invitation: God’s Command to Sing
Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell
God shows His great wisdom and care for us in His command for us to worship Him in song.
Invitation: Why Do We Sing?
Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox
In an invitation talk given on our 5th Sunday singing night, Jeremiah Cox asks and answers the question, Why Do We Sing? (Psalm 63).
From the Preacher’s Pen: Why do we sing?
(Note: At the time this was written, the Saturday quarterly singing had not happened. We recognize that life is a vapor!, and that we have no promise of tomorrow. After all, the Lord could come at any time. Nevertheless, I desired to emphasize the significance of the event, and have it published the day following. This accounts for the language of the first paragraph).
Last night we had a wonderful opportunity to come together, and spend 90 minutes praising God in song. Singing is such a blessing and opportunity. All who were there were blessed in their worship. Why do we sing? The Psalms tell us why!
We sing because God is righteous: “I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High” (17:1).
We sing because God is generous. “I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt bountifully with me” (13:6).
We sing because God is powerful. “Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power” (21:13).
We sing because God is merciful. “Sing praise to the LORD, You saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning” (30:4-5).
“Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding” (47:6-7).
Sermon: The Generic & Specific Nature of Biblical Authority
The sermon uses the question of authorized Musical worship in the Lord’s church to illustrate the principles of Specific and Generic Authority, and Expediency.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon: Gospel Meeting (Mo Hafley) November 6-11, 2010
This post contains short summaries and links to both audio and Powerpoint presentations of all the sermons Mo Hafley preached for the West Side congregation in the Fall 2010 meeting, November 6-11.
Lesson 1: Looking Unto Jesus
In this sermon, Mo Hafley of Paden City, WV uses the text of Hebrews 12:1-7, to establish the nature of the Christian’s race on earth, and the motivation behind it as we look to Jesus, our Savior.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 2: How We Worship
This sermon by Mo Hafley is a discussion on proper worship to God, with an emphasis on focus and proper spirituality when we sing, pray, commune around the Lord’s table, give of our means, and listen to the preaching of the Word of God.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 3: A Few Days with Paul
This sermon by Mo Hafley is a discussion of Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica and Berea, as recorded by Luke in Acts 17:1-13. Paul and the first century disciples showed great courage in the preaching of the gospel of Christ.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 4: Parents and Children
This sermon by Mo Hafley is a wonderful treatment of God’s word on the topic of Parenting. In it, Mo shows what God expects of Christian parents, and even has some words of admonition for children.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 5: Preaching Properly
In this sermon, Mo Hafley discusses the proper tone we are to take in preaching. Emphasis is placed upon militance in preaching, as too often in our day and time people heap up for themselves teachers having itching ears. Soft preaching is not God’s way.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 6: Holy Living in an Unholy World
This sermon by Mo Hafley documents the moral evil that is present in our world, and especially our nation. Biblical advice is given to Christians, explaining how we are to navigate in such troublesome waters.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Lesson 7: Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego
This lesson is an expository treatment of Daniel 3, showing the courage of these great servants of God. Regardless of consequence, Christians must emulate them.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Lesson 8: Evidences
This lesson by Mo Hafley is a concise detailing of various internal and external evidences, given to prove God’s existence, and the validity of the Bible as God’s revelation.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Lesson 9: Homesick for Heaven
This lesson was an appropriate ending to our gospel meeting with Mo Hafley. He used homesickness (an emotion we have all felt) to explain the type of desire and expectation we as Christians should have regarding our heavenly home.
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
