A note from our pastor:

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Ephesians 5:19

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

The unique nature of the style of writing employed by the Apostle in our study verse this week can cause the reader to be distracted. The Apostle is providing further instruction for how disciples and the community of believers should conduct themselves. As we consider this verse, let us focus on the core of the message.

Many writers, ministers, and bible readers have spent countless hours attempting to dissect the difference between psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Some have drawn distinction between these words saying the psalms were from the book of psalms and hymns were new testament written songs of worship. All of this may be true, and even interesting, but it is not the message of the Apostle.

The first part of the core message comes in the first three words — speaking to yourselves. These three words instruct the community of believers to be speaking to or instructing one another through singing. The Apostle is admonishing the disciples to make hymns, which teach the truth of Jesus Christ and bring hope to his people, part of the worship service. The preaching of the gospel cannot be replaced, but the reinforcement received through sound messages in song is vital to the health of the community of believers.

The second part of the core message of this verse is — singing and making melody in your heart. When the disciple as part of the larger group sings the hymns of worship it should not be a purely mental activity. Rather, the singing of worship must begin in the heart. It must be founded on a love for God and flow out from the deepest portions of ourselves. Many could write well-written and catchy tunes with fun lyrics, but true worship is contained in hymns which resonate with the soul.

Finally, the singing of psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs should be directed to the Lord first and foremost. These songs are not intended to impress those around you, but should show praise, honor, and glory unto God. The message of the hymns is for the benefit of the other disciples, but the singing of them is not for their entertainment. However, when the entire community of believers is singing from the heart and to the Lord, there is not a more beautiful performance in this world.

May we seek to engage in the worship of song whenever the opportunity arises.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah