Singing with the Understanding Count Your Blessings Where the Soul Never Dies Where the Roses Never Fade Home of the Soul When all of God’s Singers Get Home Is It For Me? Our God He Is Alive

Attention to Details Approved worship is outlined by God – Leviticus 10 Aaron’s sons used “profane fire” to offer incense. God sent fire from Heaven to destroy them. This is just one example that shows that God takes his commandments seriously and details matter.

Why is singing part of our worship? Two key scriptures – Colossians 3 and Ephesians 5 Colossians 3:12-16 V.16 - Word of Christ to dwell in us richly – having a good, deep knowledge of Christ’s teachings and will for us. Types Psalms – praise to God or exhortation through story or commandments Hymns – praise to God, Christ, or the Holy Spirit Spiritual Songs – songs that remind us of commandments, our salvation, edification

Why is singing part of our worship? Ephesians 5: 15, 17, 19 V Live carefully, with wisdom/understanding V Understand the will of the Lord V Walk in wisdom by speaking to one another in Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord In the heart Melody

Understanding I Corinthians 14:15, 20 A time of spiritual gifts Emphasis on handling these properly Useless unless used where there was understanding Prophecy and Tongues – Prayer and Singing V. 20 – Reminder to not be immature in understanding Psalm 47:7 – Sing praises with understanding Words or phrases from older songs Music

Where and When? Psalm 100 – Come before the presence of God with singing When everyone is gathered together to worship God Speaking to one another Teaching and admonishing one another Acts 16:25, 26 – Paul and Silas Midnight, in prison, in stocks Praying and singing The prisoners were listening to them

Where and When? James 5:13 When cheerful Matthew 26:30 Just before leaving the upper room In times of distress, singing can be an encouragement

Beware of “idling” Repetition can lead to “coasting” or “idling”. Matthew 12:36 – “…for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.”

Specific Examples Examples Exalted, 15 (Supplement) Tells the story of Jesus from start to finish Sing and Be Happy, 683 (encouragement) Sing and be happy / Press on to the goal Trust him who leads you / He will keep your soul Let all be faithful / Look to him and pray Lift your voice and praise Him in song Sing and be happy today

Specific Examples Lamb of God, 100 (Supplement) Remembrance Hallelujah Praise Jehovah, 2 Hallelujah / Alleluia = Praise “Yah” abbreviation of Yahweh Psalm 148 Ye are the Light of the World, 453 Instruction Christian do not hide your light / keep it trimmed and burning bright Matthew 5

Specific Examples Remember Who You Are, 20 (Supplement) Warning Vs. 1 and 2 Prepare to Meet Thy God, 297 Vs 1 and 3 Only a Step, 319