A Rejoicing Faith

This past Sunday, I was particularly stirred during our evening congregational worship. As we began to sing out To God Be the Glory I heard distinct voices from the front pew section. My ears picked up on multiple children muttering the first verse of the song but rose with great volume upon the arrival of the chorus.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice;

Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.

As I continued to lead the song, I could not help but rejoice at the praise coming from the children of Faith Baptist. No doubt, some understood the truth that the song represented. It was during the mid-1800s when Fanny Crosby penned the words about a Savior who “yielded His life redemption to win.” A redemption that “when the vilest offender believes,” in that “moment from Jesus a pardon he receives.”

A Faith Worth Rejoicing Some may ask: Is music really necessary for the church today? The answer is simple. We have a faith that is worth rejoicing in! For centuries, Christians have expressed worship through music and praise to God. Consider Paul. Most Christians would typically view Paul as an intellectual man. Perhaps the thought of him singing might not fit our picture of a scholar, yet it was Paul and Silas that sung at midnight in stocks after being beaten.

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. - Jas 5:13.
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. - 1 Co 14:15.

Doctrine Worth Proclaiming As you search the New Testament you find prescribed patterns of biblical preaching, prayer, and singing. Historically, the hymnody of a church alongside with preaching has been the driving force of doctrinal teaching. Why? Our theology is intricately tied with our musical worship. This is why we seek substantial, rich, and deep doctrinal content to be included in our worship services.

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. - Col 3:16.
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; - Eph 5:19.

Practical Tips Regarding Music - Strive to listen to Christ-honoring, doctrinally rich music at home and on your way to work. - Teach and sing hymns and songs with your family. - Men, lead your wives/family by singing out (loudly and confidently) during corporate worship times! - Ladies, teach your children to sing (kids naturally have a knack for singing) - Students/Children, corporate worship is a time for reverencing God, meditate on the words of the song as you sing.

Church, I look forward to gathering each week with you to sing praise to God as we are reminded of the great doctrinal truths found in Scripture! Let’s sing out this Sunday!

- Bro. Jordan