The Gathering - Part Fifteen

We are told in Colossians 3:16-17 to  . . . 

"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

We stated last time that one very important reason that we gather each week is to give attention to God's Word. Paul tells us in this Colossians passage to let the Word richly dwell in us and to teach and admonish one another with singing. When we gather we are not only called to speak the Word to one another, but to sing it. So what songs should we be singing? Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs! There is much speculation on what Paul meant by these three categories. Are we to be singing from the book of Psalms or is this just a category of songs? Which hymns? What is a spiritual song? We don't have space to take this discussion up in detail here. But let me make one point. The songs we sing ought to be sung not only to God, but to one another in a way that teaches and encourages. They must therefore either contain the Word or help illuminate the Word. The lyrics that we sing are very significant. We take that responsibility at our FBC worship gatherings very seriously. In one sense, our songs are our "sung theology." If there were never any time spent teaching God's Word through a sermon and all we had was singing, what would we know about God? What would we know about our salvation? Hopefully, our songs are a good compliment to the time we do have studying His Word. And let me encourage you that when we do gather and sing to allow your mind, emotions and will be engaged in the process. Allow the words to dwell in you richly and allow God to sing through you to those nearby.

"Father, we thank You for music. Thank you for those you have given the ability to craft songs that teach us about You in ways that are creative and memorable. May we gather together with the purpose to glorify You and to encourage one another! Amen."

Songs for Our Gathering this Week:

Angels From The Realms of Glory 
     by James Montgomery 

The First Noel

     Traditional English Carol

My Soul Magnifies the Lord

     by Chris Tomlin | Daniel Carson

Glorious Day
     by Michael Bleecker | Mark Hall

Christ is Come
     by Mike Weaver

Who Would Have Dreamed
     by Bob Kauflin | Jason Hansen