1 00:00:04,204 --> 00:00:16,018 As we begin this morning talking about the early church and Bible class, we're going to continue that thought of the church and what we do. 2 00:00:17,259 --> 00:00:24,562 And this morning we are going to be considering the topic, the question, why do we sing? 3 00:00:27,202 --> 00:00:39,757 When we think about what we view as priorities in worship, when we think about those things that are our must-have, we think about the Lord's Supper, we think about prayer, we 4 00:00:39,757 --> 00:00:45,609 think about hearing God's Word, but how many times do we forget about singing? 5 00:00:46,350 --> 00:00:49,511 How many times does that kind of get glossed over? 6 00:00:50,311 --> 00:00:51,352 Forgotten. 7 00:00:51,352 --> 00:00:57,074 Yes, we do it, but do we really appreciate what we're doing when we're singing? 8 00:01:04,238 --> 00:01:16,258 you know, average member of the church, especially here at Collierville, they'll sing some 780 songs in one year. 9 00:01:17,238 --> 00:01:18,418 780. 10 00:01:19,298 --> 00:01:25,738 But of those 780, how many times are thoughts elsewhere? 11 00:01:26,758 --> 00:01:29,918 I know I for one am guilty of that. 12 00:01:30,058 --> 00:01:32,998 Of forgetting what the song is really saying. 13 00:01:33,484 --> 00:01:36,236 why we're singing this song in the first place. 14 00:01:36,917 --> 00:01:46,656 Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in thinking about the music of the song and forget the message altogether. 15 00:01:48,856 --> 00:02:07,001 But as we think today about this idea of why we sing, the aim is to remind us of why we sing and bring joy in our singing and a focus on what we're doing when we sing. 16 00:02:08,382 --> 00:02:16,248 Singing is an important part of our worship and it should not be taken lightly, just as any other part of our worship should not be taken lightly. 17 00:02:16,549 --> 00:02:17,844 Jesus says, 18 00:02:17,844 --> 00:02:26,656 In John chapter 4 and verse 24 that the Father is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. 19 00:02:27,497 --> 00:02:34,219 And so just like with any other part of our worship we aim to sing in spirit and in truth. 20 00:02:34,999 --> 00:02:41,021 So as we answer the question of why we sing we first notice that we sing to praise God. 21 00:02:41,921 --> 00:02:44,838 Open with me to 2nd Samuel chapter 22. 22 00:02:45,774 --> 00:02:48,194 2 Samuel chapter 22. 23 00:02:48,315 --> 00:02:53,737 Here David gives a song of praise to God for deliverance. 24 00:02:54,298 --> 00:03:00,620 Praise because God is reliable and strong in delivering him. 25 00:03:01,420 --> 00:03:06,262 He opens by noticing the many enemies that he had to face. 26 00:03:06,923 --> 00:03:10,164 And when we think about David, we think about a warrior. 27 00:03:10,164 --> 00:03:15,656 We think about one who was in many conflicts, who was constantly in battle. 28 00:03:15,950 --> 00:03:29,664 But think about his war with Saul as he was on the run from the king who wanted to kill him and as he tried his best to respect the Lord's anointed even when others told him to 29 00:03:29,664 --> 00:03:36,575 kill Saul he said I will not raise a hand against the Lord's anointed. 30 00:03:37,156 --> 00:03:45,602 We think about David and Goliath, the wars that he fought with the Philistines, the wars he fought with his sons who 31 00:03:45,602 --> 00:03:51,630 well, his son Absalom who betrayed and tried to take over the kingdom. 32 00:03:52,352 --> 00:03:57,278 When we think about David, we think about a man who is at war, a man who is fighting. 33 00:03:58,798 --> 00:04:05,918 but through it all David points his victories, he points his deliverance to God. 34 00:04:06,638 --> 00:04:12,478 And in 2 Samuel 22, let's read together verses 50 and 51. 35 00:04:14,102 --> 00:04:16,393 And notice the summary of the chapter. 36 00:04:16,393 --> 00:04:23,584 The summary of why David offers this song a praise to God. 37 00:04:24,145 --> 00:04:25,865 Verses 50 and 51. 38 00:04:25,865 --> 00:04:35,068 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name. 39 00:04:35,428 --> 00:04:43,566 He is the tower of salvation for his king, and showeth mercy to his anointed unto David and to his seed. 40 00:04:43,566 --> 00:04:44,798 forevermore. 41 00:04:46,894 --> 00:05:00,840 When we think about David, we think about a warrior, yes, but we cannot help but think about a man who is saved by God, a man who is blessed by God, who is delivered by the God 42 00:05:00,840 --> 00:05:04,262 who is so strong and so reliable. 43 00:05:05,182 --> 00:05:09,684 And you might say, okay, that makes sense for David to sing praises to God. 44 00:05:09,904 --> 00:05:14,026 It makes sense for David to do this, but I'm not in battle. 45 00:05:14,126 --> 00:05:18,597 ah God hasn't delivered me from the hands of the Philistines. 46 00:05:21,752 --> 00:05:25,757 but he has delivered you from your foes and he can. 47 00:05:25,757 --> 00:05:31,113 You see we face a foe of a different kind today in many cases. 48 00:05:31,174 --> 00:05:37,161 There are Christians out there, yes, who are facing persecution by the sword, the gun. 49 00:05:40,160 --> 00:05:45,394 But we here in America are blessed that we do not have to face such persecution. 50 00:05:45,394 --> 00:05:56,823 The troubles that we face, the enemies we face, come in the form of distractions, of having too much time for everything but God. 51 00:05:57,604 --> 00:06:01,347 Our enemies come in the form of betrayal. 52 00:06:02,649 --> 00:06:07,312 How many times do people attack each other for no reason? 53 00:06:07,773 --> 00:06:09,684 Stab each other in the back. 54 00:06:12,702 --> 00:06:16,115 Our enemies come in the form of discouragement. 55 00:06:17,634 --> 00:06:25,964 When looking at the state of the world, when looking at different things in our lives, it can be easy to become discouraged. 56 00:06:27,640 --> 00:06:40,691 But as we look at each of these different enemies that we face, and of course, ultimately, the enemy of temptation and sin, we realize that there is a God who is strong enough to 57 00:06:40,691 --> 00:06:41,861 deliver us. 58 00:06:42,382 --> 00:06:46,345 There is a God who is reliable in His deliverance. 59 00:06:46,345 --> 00:06:55,373 There is a God that we can trust that He will, and He can, help us and deliver us. 60 00:06:55,373 --> 00:06:57,414 And so that's why we sing. 61 00:06:58,582 --> 00:07:05,396 That's why we sing praises to God because like David, we serve a God who is strong and reliable. 62 00:07:08,610 --> 00:07:17,856 But we also notice in Judges Chapter 5, Verses 1 through 13, that we serve a God who is immense in power. 63 00:07:19,566 --> 00:07:22,548 Look with me at Judges chapter 5 verses 1 through 13. 64 00:07:22,548 --> 00:07:27,490 We read of the song of Deborah and Barak. 65 00:07:28,131 --> 00:07:34,034 The victory song that they sing as they have just defeated Jabin, the king of Canaan. 66 00:07:34,754 --> 00:07:36,975 Their foe has been defeated. 67 00:07:37,776 --> 00:07:46,380 And rather than forgetting God who gave them the victory, they take the time to sing a song of praise to him. 68 00:07:47,001 --> 00:07:49,462 Let's notice this passage together. 69 00:07:51,084 --> 00:08:00,320 Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Benoim on that day saying, Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel. 70 00:08:00,321 --> 00:08:13,129 When the people willingly offered themselves, Hear, ye kings, give ear, O ye princes, I even I will sing unto the Lord, I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel. 71 00:08:13,250 --> 00:08:20,114 Lord, when thou winnest out of seer, when thou marchest out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled. 72 00:08:20,662 --> 00:08:23,704 And the heavens dropped and the clouds also dropped water. 73 00:08:23,704 --> 00:08:26,865 The mountains melted from before the Lord. 74 00:08:26,966 --> 00:08:31,188 Even that Sinai from before the Lord God of Israel. 75 00:08:31,408 --> 00:08:41,474 And in the days of Shamgar, the son of Anath, and in the days of Jeel, the highways were unoccupied and the travelers walked through byways. 76 00:08:41,474 --> 00:08:43,355 The inhabitants of the villages ceased. 77 00:08:43,355 --> 00:08:48,918 They ceased in Israel until that I, Deborah, rose, that I rose a mother in Israel. 78 00:08:49,164 --> 00:08:50,876 They chose new gods. 79 00:08:50,876 --> 00:08:53,878 Then was there war in the gates? 80 00:08:53,919 --> 00:09:00,606 Was there a shield or spear seen among 40,000 in Israel? 81 00:09:00,987 --> 00:09:05,772 My heart is toward the governors of Israel that offer themselves willingly among the people. 82 00:09:05,772 --> 00:09:08,384 Bless ye the Lord. 83 00:09:10,114 --> 00:09:21,479 Verse 12, awake, awake, Deborah, awake, awake, utter a song, arise, Barak, and lead thy captivity captive, thou son of Abinuim. 84 00:09:21,719 --> 00:09:26,941 Then he made him that remaineth have dominion over the nobles among the people. 85 00:09:26,981 --> 00:09:31,383 The Lord made me have dominion over the mighty. 86 00:09:32,564 --> 00:09:38,516 It was a rather lengthy passage, but the point cannot be missed. 87 00:09:40,898 --> 00:09:43,200 Did Deborah save Israel? 88 00:09:44,103 --> 00:09:46,445 Did the Bayrach save Israel? 89 00:09:46,486 --> 00:09:58,012 When Israel was surrounded by enemies, when there was no safety in Israel, when they did not have an army to defend themselves, who was it that saved them? 90 00:10:00,184 --> 00:10:01,938 Who was it that delivered them? 91 00:10:02,904 --> 00:10:03,986 It was God. 92 00:10:08,130 --> 00:10:18,028 when we face our difficulties, when we face the enemies of life, the enemies of our service of God, who is it that delivers us? 93 00:10:19,618 --> 00:10:26,418 God every time and it's because of His immense power that we praise Him. 94 00:10:28,590 --> 00:10:39,334 Matthew chapter 6 verses 31 through 33, we are reminded not to be worried about what we will eat, what we will drink, what we will put on. 95 00:10:41,068 --> 00:10:42,897 because the body is more than that. 96 00:10:45,718 --> 00:11:00,321 and because if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness all these things will be added unto you God provides for us God delivers us 97 00:11:05,012 --> 00:11:14,387 It is amazing to see who God is and the care that He shows for us even though we as humans are so weak compared to God. 98 00:11:15,368 --> 00:11:24,272 We as humans are so small when you look at the vastness of God and yet He cares for each of us individually. 99 00:11:25,153 --> 00:11:27,754 Truly God is someone to be praised. 100 00:11:28,115 --> 00:11:35,058 Truly God deserves our praise and He deserves our praise because He has given us the ultimate victory. 101 00:11:35,822 --> 00:11:38,302 Welcome to 1 Corinthians 15. 102 00:11:39,918 --> 00:11:55,950 1 Corinthians chapter 15, as Paul is getting the Corinthian brethren to remember the glory that is to come and the eternity waiting for them, he reminds them that there is no fear 103 00:11:55,950 --> 00:11:57,211 of death. 104 00:11:58,092 --> 00:12:01,384 He reminds them that there is hope rather. 105 00:12:03,618 --> 00:12:09,882 Looking at verse 55, death where is thy sting, grave where is thy victory. 106 00:12:09,882 --> 00:12:20,187 The sting of death is sin and the strength of sin is the law, but notice this, thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 107 00:12:21,028 --> 00:12:24,049 It's not in our own strength that we have the victory. 108 00:12:24,390 --> 00:12:32,044 We are not facing death without fear because we are so great, but because our God is so great. 109 00:12:32,866 --> 00:12:45,655 because Christ shows us that we do not have to fear death, but he shows us that we too can, will be resurrected and we can be resurrected to a glory with him. 110 00:12:46,316 --> 00:12:59,626 Verse 58, therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 111 00:13:02,092 --> 00:13:10,465 God delivers us from the greatest threat, from the greatest enemy that we will ever face. 112 00:13:12,878 --> 00:13:14,539 And so we stand fast. 113 00:13:15,480 --> 00:13:17,082 We stand unmovable. 114 00:13:17,082 --> 00:13:21,545 And that, and sisters, is why we praise God. 115 00:13:22,606 --> 00:13:30,452 We praise Him for who He is, for what He has done to us, done for us. 116 00:13:31,053 --> 00:13:35,787 But we also praise God because Jesus sang songs of praise to God. 117 00:13:35,787 --> 00:13:42,612 In Matthew 26 and verse 30, as Jesus is preparing for His final moments on earth, 118 00:13:42,966 --> 00:13:57,839 as he is preparing to be led to the cross, as he is preparing to prostrate himself in the garden of Gethsemane, praying to God that there be any way, let this cup pass from me. 119 00:13:58,879 --> 00:14:03,986 What do we read him and the disciples doing in verse 30? 120 00:14:04,405 --> 00:14:05,746 They sang a song. 121 00:14:08,226 --> 00:14:12,329 They took the time to praise the Lord. 122 00:14:13,150 --> 00:14:24,987 Even in what many of us would consider to be the darkest moment of Jesus's life, he chooses to praise God and to do so in song. 123 00:14:27,948 --> 00:14:32,886 We as Christians are to follow the example of Christ. 124 00:14:34,582 --> 00:14:40,194 And in Hebrews chapter 2 verse 12 we are also reminded that Christ is singing with us. 125 00:14:41,974 --> 00:14:48,146 that we as Christians are singing praise to God, but not alone. 126 00:14:50,200 --> 00:14:55,820 but that the one who is our King is joining right in with us. 127 00:14:57,125 --> 00:14:58,406 Isn't that amazing? 128 00:15:00,320 --> 00:15:06,198 Isn't it amazing to think that when we are singing, we're singing with Christ? 129 00:15:09,752 --> 00:15:13,743 Truly, it is a blessing to sing praise to God. 130 00:15:14,504 --> 00:15:19,166 And you know, it's one thing that we know for sure that we will be doing in heaven. 131 00:15:20,187 --> 00:15:35,343 As we get a glimpse into heaven in Revelation chapter 14, verses 1 through 3, we find the elders, those 24 elders and the whole room as it were, lifting up their voices in song of 132 00:15:35,343 --> 00:15:37,994 praise to God Almighty. 133 00:15:39,830 --> 00:15:46,726 In other words, when we are singing praises to God, we're getting a little slice of heaven on earth. 134 00:15:48,322 --> 00:15:51,050 And I don't know about you, but that's a reason to praise God. 135 00:15:52,590 --> 00:15:54,930 That's a reason to sing. 136 00:15:56,010 --> 00:16:00,230 Number two, we sing to express joy. 137 00:16:00,850 --> 00:16:06,250 In James chapter five, verse 13, we are told that if any is merry, let him sing songs. 138 00:16:06,730 --> 00:16:08,790 Let him sing songs. 139 00:16:11,618 --> 00:16:16,308 Have you ever sung the song, we're marching to Zion as if we're never going to get there? 140 00:16:18,274 --> 00:16:25,906 So many times we sing these songs and we don't really appreciate the joy that is expressed in them. 141 00:16:30,584 --> 00:16:34,679 But yet it is a merry heart that sings to God. 142 00:16:35,982 --> 00:16:37,484 It is a merry heart. 143 00:16:37,484 --> 00:16:41,910 It is with a merry heart that we sing praise to our Lord. 144 00:16:43,564 --> 00:16:47,092 because we have reason to be merry. 145 00:16:49,912 --> 00:16:53,524 You see, the thing about singing is that it's not about the sound. 146 00:16:53,924 --> 00:16:55,655 It's not about how we sound. 147 00:16:55,655 --> 00:17:01,968 Yes, we try to do our best with singing, but it doesn't matter if you can hit a tune in the bucket or not. 148 00:17:01,968 --> 00:17:07,771 What matters is your heart and singing the truth in those songs. 149 00:17:08,872 --> 00:17:19,817 We'll notice the truth aspect of singing later, but right now let's focus on this idea of our heart, of being joyful. 150 00:17:19,914 --> 00:17:21,215 in singing. 151 00:17:21,857 --> 00:17:31,328 It's not a dreary obligation that compels us to sing, rather it's a joy knowing to whom we are singing. 152 00:17:31,709 --> 00:17:36,214 It's a joy knowing that we are praising God with our songs. 153 00:17:39,034 --> 00:17:52,881 the book of Psalms, we find many examples of singing, and we find that we are to sing because of God's love, because of God's care and deliverance for us. 154 00:17:52,881 --> 00:17:55,302 That should bring us joy. 155 00:17:58,156 --> 00:18:06,366 When connecting singing and joy in the Psalms, there are about 27 different times in which those two are connected. 156 00:18:10,966 --> 00:18:13,055 It's important for us to remember. 157 00:18:18,442 --> 00:18:21,366 our heart should be in what we're doing. 158 00:18:22,589 --> 00:18:28,978 Remember we mentioned as we began that the Father is seeking those to worship Him in spirit and in truth. 159 00:18:32,056 --> 00:18:34,388 So how is our heart? 160 00:18:34,669 --> 00:18:38,052 How are our hearts when we are singing? 161 00:18:38,673 --> 00:18:39,934 Are we joyful? 162 00:18:41,614 --> 00:18:44,214 Let's notice a few Psalms together. 163 00:18:44,534 --> 00:18:47,654 Psalm 64, 67, verse 4. 164 00:18:50,552 --> 00:18:53,190 Psalm 67 and verse 4. 165 00:18:57,516 --> 00:19:10,186 Here the psalmist writes, let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for thou shalt judge the people righteously and govern the nations upon the earth. 166 00:19:12,502 --> 00:19:15,106 Let the people praise thee, O God. 167 00:19:15,187 --> 00:19:17,350 Let all the people praise thee. 168 00:19:20,086 --> 00:19:29,375 We have joy knowing that our judge, the one who will pass judgment on us is righteous. 169 00:19:30,296 --> 00:19:37,282 He will not look at one who is a Christian who is faithful to him and say, I don't like your face, so you're gone. 170 00:19:38,584 --> 00:19:40,946 He is righteous in his judgment. 171 00:19:42,860 --> 00:19:45,904 He is righteous and how He treats us. 172 00:19:48,118 --> 00:19:51,369 but also notice the mercy that he gives us. 173 00:19:52,149 --> 00:19:55,570 Because truthfully, all of us deserve a devil's hell. 174 00:19:55,910 --> 00:20:03,232 All of us deserve eternal torment, but Christ came that we might have life. 175 00:20:04,273 --> 00:20:12,675 God shows mercy to us and allowing us a way to escape, a way out of the depths of hell. 176 00:20:16,009 --> 00:20:19,271 Notice Psalm 95 and verse 1. 177 00:20:22,133 --> 00:20:25,821 Psalm 95, verse 1. 178 00:20:30,493 --> 00:20:33,747 O come, let us sing unto the Lord. 179 00:20:33,747 --> 00:20:39,333 Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 180 00:20:39,914 --> 00:20:46,602 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. 181 00:20:46,602 --> 00:20:51,187 For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods. 182 00:20:53,651 --> 00:20:56,334 Truly we have reason to rejoice. 183 00:20:56,816 --> 00:21:06,291 Truly we have reason to find joy and to sing songs of joy and praise to God because He is our salvation. 184 00:21:07,233 --> 00:21:08,963 He delivers us. 185 00:21:13,791 --> 00:21:19,597 If there were ever a reason to rejoice, we have one in Christ. 186 00:21:21,040 --> 00:21:26,646 As Christians, we have a reason to rejoice because we know where we're going. 187 00:21:27,607 --> 00:21:30,160 We have hope of that home over there. 188 00:21:30,160 --> 00:21:34,255 And as we sometimes sing, oh, think of the home over there. 189 00:21:36,885 --> 00:21:41,402 that beautiful place that is waiting for us, we have joy. 190 00:21:42,164 --> 00:21:46,610 And we can't have joy, and we should have that joy in singing. 191 00:21:49,237 --> 00:21:53,192 But we also sing for joy because God has redeemed us. 192 00:21:53,614 --> 00:21:54,696 Isaiah 44. 193 00:21:54,696 --> 00:21:57,040 Let's notice this together. 194 00:21:57,040 --> 00:22:02,007 Isaiah chapter 44, starting in verse 22. 195 00:22:06,281 --> 00:22:08,471 Isaiah 4422. 196 00:22:12,051 --> 00:22:21,214 Isaiah is prophesying to a wicked nation, to the nation of Israel in their sin sickness, their lost state. 197 00:22:21,994 --> 00:22:25,155 And yet notice the hope that he prophesies for them. 198 00:22:25,375 --> 00:22:38,679 Starting in verse 22, I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgressions and as a cloud thy sins return unto me for I have redeemed thee. 199 00:22:39,795 --> 00:22:43,398 Notice the response to God's promise of redemption. 200 00:22:43,960 --> 00:22:47,943 Sing, O ye heavens, for the Lord hath done it. 201 00:22:48,224 --> 00:23:02,399 Shout, ye lower parts of the earth, break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest and every tree therein, for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob and glorified himself in Israel. 202 00:23:05,237 --> 00:23:10,826 we like Israel do not deserve redemption, but yet Christ offers it to us. 203 00:23:12,715 --> 00:23:18,195 We do not deserve redemption from our sins, but yet we can be saved. 204 00:23:19,893 --> 00:23:37,015 Galatians 3 22 tells us that we were all under sin We in other words we were all in bondage to sin But through Christ Through Christ we can have freedom We can be bought back 205 00:23:38,096 --> 00:23:48,223 in 1st Peter chapter 3 and chapter 1 rather and verse 18 We are not redeemed with corruptible things of silver and gold 206 00:23:48,533 --> 00:23:55,065 There is no amount of gold or precious stones that could buy us back. 207 00:23:56,206 --> 00:23:58,166 But rather we are bought. 208 00:23:58,166 --> 00:24:02,507 We are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. 209 00:24:03,588 --> 00:24:12,771 It is only through Christ that we have redemption and it is because of that redemption that we have reason to rejoice and we have reason to sing. 210 00:24:14,753 --> 00:24:19,507 But we also sing songs and this is in connection to what we just discussed. 211 00:24:19,507 --> 00:24:23,510 We sing songs of joy because Christ has come. 212 00:24:24,531 --> 00:24:37,802 We think about the scene in Matthew 21 verse 9 as Jesus is entering into Jerusalem and the people are shouting, Zanna, they're praising God because the Messiah has come. 213 00:24:38,883 --> 00:24:43,157 Of course, we know that those very same people would be calling for his blood later. 214 00:24:44,961 --> 00:24:52,997 But we see the response, and truthfully the right response, to the facts that Christ has come. 215 00:24:53,718 --> 00:24:57,481 The joy that we have in that Christ has come. 216 00:24:57,661 --> 00:24:59,903 The Messiah has come. 217 00:25:00,504 --> 00:25:03,125 The Redeemer has come. 218 00:25:04,347 --> 00:25:10,251 We are not looking to some future time when He would come. 219 00:25:11,172 --> 00:25:18,676 to buy us back, but rather we look forward to the time when he calls us to be with him for all of eternity. 220 00:25:20,098 --> 00:25:22,339 And that last Trump sounds. 221 00:25:24,919 --> 00:25:29,045 Truthfully, there is joy to be found in Christ. 222 00:25:29,927 --> 00:25:32,661 There's joy in that He has come. 223 00:25:34,357 --> 00:25:36,374 And because of that joy, we sing. 224 00:25:38,015 --> 00:25:43,807 Because of that joy, we express joy in song. 225 00:25:47,305 --> 00:25:58,207 And finally, we express joy, we praise God, yes, in song, but we also sing to teach others. 226 00:26:00,177 --> 00:26:03,489 Of the three, this is probably the most forgotten. 227 00:26:04,710 --> 00:26:09,253 Many times people look at songs and say, does this sound good? 228 00:26:09,494 --> 00:26:16,198 Well, I'm concerned about how it makes me feel, but have we considered what it's teaching? 229 00:26:16,979 --> 00:26:22,933 Have we considered the message that we are teaching to each other in songs? 230 00:26:25,961 --> 00:26:27,512 Ephesians 5, 19 and 20. 231 00:26:27,512 --> 00:26:32,291 Ephesians 5, 19 and 20. 232 00:26:32,937 --> 00:26:40,983 When thinking about singing, that being a part of our worship, we often will go to this passage. 233 00:26:42,731 --> 00:26:45,332 But let's truly consider what is being said here. 234 00:26:46,133 --> 00:26:53,096 Speaking to yourselves in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord. 235 00:26:53,497 --> 00:26:55,178 Notice verse 20. 236 00:26:55,178 --> 00:27:03,562 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 237 00:27:04,143 --> 00:27:09,125 As we sing, we are teaching each other to give thanks. 238 00:27:10,066 --> 00:27:11,765 We are teaching each other 239 00:27:11,765 --> 00:27:19,519 to have a mindset of thankfulness to God for who He is, for what He has done. 240 00:27:20,495 --> 00:27:26,623 You know, it's easy to get caught up in this mindset of, let me tell you what terrible thing happened to me this week. 241 00:27:29,323 --> 00:27:33,426 But it's rather hard to be downcast. 242 00:27:34,127 --> 00:27:40,091 It's rather hard to be ungrateful when singing a song such as Thank You Lord. 243 00:27:41,073 --> 00:27:44,555 When singing a song such as Count Your Many Blessings. 244 00:27:46,357 --> 00:27:51,613 When we are singing, we are teaching each other to be thankful to God. 245 00:27:53,751 --> 00:28:05,411 and teaching each other not to have a mindset that is only focused on the negative, but is focused on the joy, on the reasons we have to be thankful. 246 00:28:06,671 --> 00:28:10,391 We also look at Colossians chapter 3. 247 00:28:10,391 --> 00:28:14,691 Colossians chapter 3 verses 16 and 17. 248 00:28:21,665 --> 00:28:34,066 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 249 00:28:34,066 --> 00:28:34,926 Lord. 250 00:28:34,926 --> 00:28:45,355 And whatsoever ye do in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. 251 00:28:47,211 --> 00:28:55,284 When we are singing, are teaching each other to have grace in our hearts, teaching each other. 252 00:28:56,865 --> 00:28:58,196 to look to God. 253 00:28:59,861 --> 00:29:03,080 to do all by His authority. 254 00:29:06,849 --> 00:29:09,901 far too often we let bitterness into our hearts. 255 00:29:11,283 --> 00:29:16,647 Far too often we become skewed in our view of others. 256 00:29:21,419 --> 00:29:28,203 but it's kind of hard to speak ill of a brother when you're singing a song such as Angry Words. 257 00:29:29,064 --> 00:29:33,327 It's hard to have a mindset of bitterness in your heart. 258 00:29:35,329 --> 00:29:37,893 when you're singing about wringing out the message. 259 00:29:39,595 --> 00:29:42,076 and about sharing the gospel to others. 260 00:29:42,396 --> 00:29:51,139 Because ultimately, no matter how on your nerves someone is, someone gets, they're still a soul for whom Christ died. 261 00:29:51,819 --> 00:29:54,480 They are still a soul that needs saving. 262 00:29:55,679 --> 00:29:58,501 And that's something we have to remind ourselves of. 263 00:29:59,422 --> 00:30:03,763 That Christ, that God loves every one of us. 264 00:30:08,533 --> 00:30:15,632 But you know, we also think about the fact that things need to be done in accordance with God's Word. 265 00:30:15,753 --> 00:30:23,443 By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have no right to rewrite the Scriptures. 266 00:30:26,347 --> 00:30:28,668 The Word of God is our standard. 267 00:30:29,509 --> 00:30:31,430 This is our law book. 268 00:30:32,791 --> 00:30:37,613 But it's amazing that God worded it in the form of a love letter. 269 00:30:38,674 --> 00:30:43,717 In the form of a letter expressing His love and His care for us. 270 00:30:44,958 --> 00:30:46,799 And what a joy that is. 271 00:30:49,163 --> 00:30:50,331 But we teach. 272 00:30:52,087 --> 00:30:54,068 and we teach each other through Psalm. 273 00:30:55,669 --> 00:31:00,297 Consider with me the example of Paul and Silas in Acts chapter 16. 274 00:31:02,301 --> 00:31:07,512 As we consider their example, we consider the fact that they are in Philippi at this time. 275 00:31:08,073 --> 00:31:12,394 They have been teaching the word of God, proclaiming it faithfully. 276 00:31:12,394 --> 00:31:14,734 They have been casting out demons. 277 00:31:16,195 --> 00:31:18,015 But the people didn't like that. 278 00:31:18,355 --> 00:31:29,888 Specifically, those who were the masters of this girl who was demon possessed, and they were getting money from that possession, from the things that she was able to do. 279 00:31:29,888 --> 00:31:32,139 And so when the demon was cast out, 280 00:31:33,493 --> 00:31:35,083 They lost their revenue. 281 00:31:36,005 --> 00:31:44,221 And so they convinced the rulers of the city to throw Paul and Silas in prison, but not before they beat them. 282 00:31:45,729 --> 00:31:48,960 Keep in mind, none of this was done in accordance with the law. 283 00:31:49,320 --> 00:31:51,481 This is all done unjustly. 284 00:31:51,561 --> 00:32:05,205 And so as Paul and Silas are in these shackles, as they are in the stocks in the innermost part of the prison, they have been beaten unjustly, thrown in prison unjustly. 285 00:32:05,766 --> 00:32:10,897 They could have looked around and said, you know what, this whole Christianity thing just ain't worth it. 286 00:32:12,245 --> 00:32:16,107 They could have looked around and said, God, why did you put us in this position? 287 00:32:16,107 --> 00:32:18,272 We are preaching your gospel. 288 00:32:18,715 --> 00:32:20,489 We were doing your work. 289 00:32:24,267 --> 00:32:26,263 But look with me at verse 25. 290 00:32:28,959 --> 00:32:38,687 And at midnight, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God. 291 00:32:39,189 --> 00:32:40,990 And the prisoners heard them. 292 00:32:42,552 --> 00:32:44,673 What an example that is. 293 00:32:45,855 --> 00:32:52,840 What an example they set of how to handle the difficulties of life. 294 00:32:54,122 --> 00:32:55,433 They sang. 295 00:32:55,933 --> 00:32:57,835 And you want to know why they sing praises to God. 296 00:32:57,835 --> 00:33:03,151 You want to know why they could still honor the one, 297 00:33:04,897 --> 00:33:06,228 Who is above all? 298 00:33:06,990 --> 00:33:10,353 The reason why is because their joy could not be taken. 299 00:33:10,954 --> 00:33:12,916 Because their joy was in God. 300 00:33:13,097 --> 00:33:14,408 Their joy was in Christ. 301 00:33:14,408 --> 00:33:18,883 Their joy was in the salvation that they had through Christ. 302 00:33:21,001 --> 00:33:23,352 So they praised God. 303 00:33:24,533 --> 00:33:29,555 And we think about what happens as we continue reading in Acts chapter 16. 304 00:33:29,555 --> 00:33:46,622 The Philippian jailer, he and his house are both converted through the teaching of Paul and Silas, but when we consider the earthquake that happens and the detrimental spot that 305 00:33:46,622 --> 00:33:48,743 the jailer found himself in, 306 00:33:50,679 --> 00:33:58,479 we, at least if you're anything like me, you wonder why was it Paul and Silas that the jailer asked? 307 00:33:59,279 --> 00:34:04,599 When he asks, must I do to be saved, why does he ask Paul and Silas? 308 00:34:04,979 --> 00:34:08,319 Is it just because they were the first to speak up? 309 00:34:08,479 --> 00:34:09,459 Possibly. 310 00:34:10,859 --> 00:34:18,819 But notice at the end of verse 25, the prisoners heard the singing and praying of Paul and Silas, and it's quite possible 311 00:34:19,435 --> 00:34:21,202 But the jailer heard it as well. 312 00:34:23,157 --> 00:34:30,313 We never know the impact that even something so small as singing a song can make. 313 00:34:31,555 --> 00:34:36,819 We never know the influence that we exert, that we exhibit rather. 314 00:34:38,561 --> 00:34:47,304 when we take the time to pray to our Lord and to sing to Him even when things are difficult, even when times are tough. 315 00:34:53,111 --> 00:34:54,646 When we think about singing. 316 00:34:56,511 --> 00:35:03,037 Sometimes it is forgotten, but we need to be reminded why we sing. 317 00:35:04,258 --> 00:35:12,205 We do not sing to please ourselves, to think about how good we sound or how bad we sound. 318 00:35:13,267 --> 00:35:17,951 We do not think about ourselves in singing, rather we are thinking about praising God. 319 00:35:19,669 --> 00:35:24,901 When we sing, we are not doing it out of just obligation and a sense of, I have to. 320 00:35:26,259 --> 00:35:30,063 No, we're singing because we have joy in Christ. 321 00:35:30,804 --> 00:35:32,884 We sing in joy. 322 00:35:33,305 --> 00:35:35,285 That's the emotion behind it. 323 00:35:36,046 --> 00:35:49,451 And we do not sing just to fill up a time in worship, but rather we sing to teach each other about the gospel, about the message that God has left for us. 324 00:35:51,199 --> 00:35:53,600 Singing is a gift of God. 325 00:35:54,661 --> 00:35:59,825 It is a blessing to be able to sing every Sunday and Wednesday. 326 00:36:00,025 --> 00:36:03,607 It's a blessing to have a singing service as we're going to have this afternoon. 327 00:36:04,748 --> 00:36:09,171 But you know the true blessing is in knowing that we are saved. 328 00:36:09,872 --> 00:36:20,595 And so if you are here today and you realize you're not saved, you realize that you have not obeyed the gospel, we stand willing to 329 00:36:20,595 --> 00:36:23,096 and ready to aid you in fixing that. 330 00:36:23,817 --> 00:36:30,761 All one must do is hear the word, Romans 10 and 17, believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, John 8, 24. 331 00:36:30,761 --> 00:36:34,703 Confess His name, Romans 10, verses 9 and 10. 332 00:36:34,703 --> 00:36:37,085 Repent, Acts 17, 30. 333 00:36:37,085 --> 00:36:48,851 Putting away that old life of sin and then being baptized into Christ, burying that old man of sin and being raised again a new creature, a Christian. 334 00:36:49,277 --> 00:36:53,638 One who can sing with joy and praise to God. 335 00:36:53,640 --> 00:36:55,485 Acts 22, 16. 336 00:36:57,867 --> 00:37:01,709 But maybe it's the case that you are a Christian. 337 00:37:02,270 --> 00:37:09,394 You have done those things to become a Christian, but you find yourself lacking in your service of God. 338 00:37:10,075 --> 00:37:13,997 You find that you have been more focused on this world. 339 00:37:14,378 --> 00:37:16,559 You've let sin creep back in. 340 00:37:20,704 --> 00:37:21,905 It's not too late. 341 00:37:23,367 --> 00:37:29,452 As long as there is breath in our lungs, it is not too late to make your life right with God. 342 00:37:30,775 --> 00:37:36,043 If we can help aid you in any way, please come now as we stand and as we sing.