The Joy of Singing

A Closer Walk With God

The Joy Of Singing

Another important element of our walk with God is the act of singing praises... We spend nearly a third of our assemblies engaged in this activity. It also has a place in our private devotions to God -- And rightly so, for it has the potential of reaping great spiritual benefits to those who engage in it properly. It is clear that those who walked with God in Old Testament times delighted in singing - note Psa

146:1-2 "Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Christians were taught to respond to the goodness of God in a similar way - Ja 5:13 "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise." But there are indications in many churches which cause me to wonder if some have lost the joy of singing... Many Christians sing with virtually no emotion. Some go one step further, and do not sing at all! I have personally known Christians, who complained because time available for classes was taken up by the singing of a few hymns. They will not attend a worship service if they know it will be devoted primarily to singing. In contrast, it was common in the past for people to travel some distance to attend a service devoted to praising God in song. Why do such conditions exist? I suspect it may be a failure to appreciate: the true purpose of singing or how we can get more out of singing.

In an effort to ensure that we will experience the joy of singing, let's first examine the purpose of singing. One purpose is to praise the Lord - Ac 16:25 "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,". This is the most popular concept of the purpose of singing. Indeed, this is certainly the idea inherent in the word "hymn", which comes from the Greek word "humnos", meaning "a song in praise of". Praising God should be "a natural" for Christians! If David in the OT reacted this way to the blessings God gave him (Psa 28:6-7 "Blessed be the LORD! for he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.") how much more should we! In fact, singing is one of the "spiritual sacrifices" that we are to offer to God - He 13:15 "Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." As "spiritual priests" we offer up "spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God" - 1 Pe 2:5 "you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." If we are not careful, we might be guilty of offering "defiled" service to God as was the case in Malachi's day! - Mal 1:7-8 "By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, 'How have we polluted you?' By saying that the LORD's table may be despised. When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the LORD of hosts.", 12-13 "But you profane it when you say that the Lord's table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. But you say, 'What a weariness this is,' and you snort at it, says the LORD of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the LORD."

Another purpose of singing is to admonish and teach one another - Co 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."; Ep 5:19 "addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart," Our singing is not just directed toward God... Certainly, many songs are, but many songs are directed to each other. That's because many songs are designed to teach one another. Teaching and admonishing us to live properly, enjoying the blessings of the Christian life. It might even be said that "congregational singing" is often "congregational teaching"! Thus singing is a way that we can encourage our brethren and ourselves as well!

When done properly, singing can be a wonderful blessing; but how can we get the most out of singing? We will pose some answers to this question and offer some suggestions when we continue this lesson.

Studying the Bible - Cont.

A Closer Walk With God

Studying The Bible -Cont.

Having looked at some reasons given for not studying the Bible we will look at some ways we can study the Bible when we continue this lesson. How shall one study the Word of God? There are several approaches or methods of Bible study. There is the "planned lesson" method. "A Closer Walk With God" is an example of this method. Someone prepares lessons on a subject, then it is studied in a class or at home. This is a good way to study, but one's study should not be limited to this method.

There is the "subject" method. This involves selecting some subject (such as for example, "baptism"), then collecting and studying each passage in the Bible on the subject. This method has its advantages, but it can be easy to take things out of context and draw the wrong conclusion.

The "book" method consists of an intensive study of a single book of the Bible. Since the Bible was written a book at a time, this is probably the best way to study the Bible. Daily Bible Reading programs can easily utilize this approach to the Scriptures, by following a program to read through the entire Bible each year. For example, taking a chapter each week to read and study daily, you can cover the New Testament in depth over a five year period. -- Doing both of these will give a person an overall understanding of the Bible and an in-depth understanding of the New Testament.

To get more out of the studying you do, here are some suggestions for Bible study. Set a regular time to study or read. Regularity is a key to success, so set aside some regular time for study. For "night owls", the best time may be late at night, after the children are in bed. For "morning larks", early morning before the children arise might be better. Family study is a good practice, but each person needs also to have a regular time in which he or she can come face to face with God's message alone.

Pray as you study. Begin your study with prayer - Psa 119:18 "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.". As you study, ask God for the wisdom and strength to understand and obey His Word - Psa 119:5 "Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!", 6 "Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.". End your study with prayer - Psa 119:10-11 "With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

Utilize various Bible study helps. Using various translations can help make understanding the Bible easier. The more reliable translations are:

1) King James Version (a classic, but somewhat archaic).

2) New King James Version (my personal choice).

3) American Standard Version (most literal, but hard to read).

4) New American Standard Version (a wordy update to the ASV).

Some translations that are easy to read can be used as references (for example, New International Version). One should not put much stock in versions translated By one man (such as, The Living Bible) or by individuals from one denominational background (such as, The New World Translation). Dictionaries. Not knowing the meaning of words is the most common cause for not understanding the

Bible. An ordinary English dictionary can be used, but there are special Bible dictionaries that are more useful and accurate. A good one is "Vine's Expository Dictionary".

Concordance. This useful work contains words in alphabetical order along with a list of verses in the

Bible where they are found. It can be a great time saver in finding verses based on a given subject. If possible, use a concordance based upon the translation you use.

Encyclopedias. This type of reference gives detailed articles on the people, places, and things mentioned in the Bible. Two good sets are: Zondervan's Pictorial Encyclopedia Of The Bible and The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.

Commentaries. These are books written by scholars commenting on various books of the Bible. One must be careful, as these scholars are not inspired and are subject to mistakes. But their insights and the fruit of their own study can be helpful. It might be good to ask mature Christians what commentaries they can recommend. -- These and other reference helps are often found in church libraries and may be available for your use; in time, you should gradually develop your own library of Bible study aids.

Such aids can be a great help, but make sure that the conclusions you draw are based upon your own careful study of God's Word! What is most important is that we are engaged in some sort of consistent, systematic study of the Bible so that we are ever being blessed by the Word of God!

The following questions are to stimulate your thinking.

How long do you study the Bible daily?

Do you study the class lessons at home (when available) that you have in church?

If you are not doing so now, are you willing to spend 15-30 minutes daily in Bible study?

What's your biggest problem in studying?

Studying the Bible

A Closer Walk With God

Studying The Bible

An important element involved in our walk with God is Bible study. Some new Christians find difficulty getting started in this area, but this is an important duty, one which the Bible emphasizes - Ac 2:42 "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."; 1 Pe 2:2 "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation--."

Why is Bible study important? The word of God possesses the power of "sanctification". "Sanctification" means "to set apart"; as used in the Bible, to set apart for God's purpose. The Word of God is the means by which does this is done. As praised by David in his psalm - Psa 19:7-11 "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward." As mentioned in the prayer of Jesus - Jn 17:17 "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." -- If we are to be useful to God, then we need to study His Word!

The word of God possesses the power of "preservation". A lack of knowledge has always destroyed the people of God - Hos 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children." But the "young" can keep their ways pure by the Word of God - Psa 119:9 "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word." And the "elders" were exhorted to keep the church by the Word - Ac 20:28-32 "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish everyone with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified." -- A first step towards backsliding is neglecting God's Word!

The word of God possesses the power of "salvation" and "condemnation". Received properly, it can save our souls! - Ja 1:21 "Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." It will be the standard by which we will be judged - Jn 12:48 "The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day." Will the Word save us, or will it condemn us? Careful study and application of the Bible makes the difference!

Why is Bible study so often neglected? Some just "take the preacher's word". For this reason, they do not study for themselves. Most preachers are good men, but they can still be wrong - Ac 18:24-26 "Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately." It is our responsibility to "test the spirits" and to be able to identify "false apostles" - 1 Jn 4:1-2 "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,".; 2 Co 11:13-15 "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds."

Some say "they can't get anything out of the Bible". This may be because they read it so little, or because they do not know how to go about studying it. Often it is because they do not use a modern English translation. Most have simply made little effort to understand it. Yet Paul assumed that people could understand it if they read it - Ep 3:3-4 "how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,".

Some say "they don't have the time". People who do study are busy too, but they leave off things that are less important. As Jesus commanded, we must put the things of the kingdom of God first - Mt 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." There is really no excuse for neglecting the Word of God. In view of its importance, we would be foolish to do so.

Having looked at some reasons given for not studying the Bible we will look at some ways we can study the Bible when we continue this lesson.

The Practice of Prayer - Cont.

A Closer Walk With God

The Practice Of Prayer - Cont.

In our previous lesson, we discussed some the Practice Of Prayer, as to when we should pray, with whom should we pray, and how should we pray. We continue our lesson looking first at for what should we pray? In the scriptures, God indicates that He wishes us to pray for our own personal physical daily needs - Mt 6:11 "Give us this day our daily bread", and for personal growth in Christ likeness and devotion to God - Co 1:9-12 "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."

The scriptures indicate that we are to pray for our family. For spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc. For their nurture and growth in the teaching of the Lord - Ep 6:4 "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Pray for our community. For peace to prevail. For example note, Jer 29:7 "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."

Pray for the Church, both local and universal. Pray for love and unity to prevail - Jn 13:35 "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."'; 17:20-21 '"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Pray for the spiritual growth of each member - Ph 1:9-11 "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God". Pray for the gospel to have free course - 2 Th 3:1 "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,".

Pray for your nation. For national repentance and consciousness of who God is - Psa 33:12 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!"; Pro 14:34 "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." For leaders to rule wisely - 1 Ti 2:1-2 "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." Pray for nonbelievers; for their salvation - Ro 10:1 "Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." Pray for the effort of those involved in teaching them - Ep 6:18-20 "praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."

Pray for the sick; for their restoration to health - Ja 5:14-15 "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." For spiritual strength and peace of mind - Ja 5:16 "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Pray for the poor and oppressed; such as the homeless, fatherless, unborn children - Pro 29:7 "A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge." Pray for those in other nations oppressed by their own rulers or outside influences.

It might help to have a "prayer strategy".

On Monday - Family; pray for both immediate and extended family members; for both their physical and spiritual well-being.

On Tuesday - Church; pray for members in the local congregation; for Christians and congregations throughout the world.

On Wednesday - Community. For community leaders. For your neighbors.

On Thursday - Your Nation. For elected officials. For efforts to bring peace and righteousness.

On Friday - The World; for world peace; for nations that are "closed" to the gospel.

On Saturday - The Afflicted. For the poor, homeless, jobless; for those in prison. For those who are sick; for widows, single mothers, fatherless children.

These are simply suggestions, to help us see that there is much we can be praying for; other suggestions could include: a "daily prayer strategy" (morning-family; noon-church; evening-community). When praying for a nation and the world, pray about the events described in the newspaper. Keeping a "list" or "journal" of those for whom you are praying. The important thing is to PRAY, and to do so "always", "in everything", "earnestly", "being vigilant" and "without ceasing". I hope these last two lessons will encourage us to be more diligent in utilizing this wonderful privilege of prayer!

The following are some questions for stimulating your thinking:

Do you spend time each day in prayer to God?

Do you find prayer an easy or difficult activity?

Do you pray with other people at times other than before meals, in Bible classes, or in the assembly?

Do your prayers include the needs of others, or just your own concerns?