APRIL 26

James 5:13B

A SINGING CHURCH

Did you know why hymns were written? When the gospel was being spread and the church revived, songs of praise were composed. Which is your favorite hymn from your church hymnal?
Answer: _______________________________________________
And why? ______________________________________________

Hymns well loved are ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘Be  Thou My Vision’, ‘Because He Lives’ and ‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness’, to name a few. Children love ‘Jesus Loves Me’ and ‘I’ll Be A Sunbeam’.

Any good hymn has a theme, and it gives glory to God meaningfully. Consider the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’, the songwriter John Newton was once a slave trader who later realised his own wickedness and cruelty in treating people. He became a Christian and wrote this wonderful hymn, still loved by Christians today.
A healthy and vibrant church is measured by its music and song ministry.During church services, do members sing joyfully from their hearts? What about you? During the Junior Worship services, do you sing praises to God? Or do you keep quiet, talk with your friends or let your mind stray?

Sing praises to God to express your love and gratitude to Him for taking care of you and your family. He showers many blessings on you every day. So, when you come to church every Sunday, ask God to help you to sing praises sincerely and think of the lyrics when you sing. It is no good singing without understanding what you sing.During church worship service, don’t be an observer; be a participant.

Singing the right songs is important. e song lyrics must be according to the teachings of the Bible. e apostle Paul says this in his epistle – "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).

Thought: Are you a singing, or sinning Christian?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, (if you have not sung joyfully to the Lord, ask for forgiveness and repent) please help me to sing to You and about You sincerely and gratefully. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.