Weekly Pastoral Message prepared by Rev. Murray Adamthwaite
for Sunday 16th March 1997

From the Pastor: Singing in Worship I: Praise in Song

Christianity is a singing "religion" (if we are to use that word), in contrast to most other religions of the world. That has been the case all through the history of the Church, while our counterparts in Old Testament times sang psalms and other compositions to the accompaniment of instruments. What is it that makes, or should make heart and voice to sing? It should be clear at the outset that it is not primarily the music and all that that comprehends. Too many are carried away, even "worked up", by a rhythm or beat, or some catchy melody, and equate that with spirituality. Of course, music has its place (Psalm 92:1-3), but remember that music can create an atmosphere for heathen worship as much as for godly worship (cf. Daniel 3:5). On the contrary, it is joy in the truths of God's revelation, and the facts of redemption which should "turn on" the Christian and make him sing. This what we find in Old Testament praise (Psalm 136), under the Gospel (cf. the verse in 1 Timothy 3:16), and with the saints in glory, (Revelation 5:9-10). What will move you to sing this morning: the tune, or the truths?