THE ENDLESS SONG-THE BIBLE AND THE HYMNAL: SOURCES OF OUR SONG

THE ENDLESS SONG

MUSIC AND WORSHIP IN THE CHURCH

BY:  KENNETH W. OSBECK

CHAPTER 3

THE BIBLE AND THE HYMNAL:  (Pages 30-38)

SOURCES OF OUR SONG

Praise the Lord.  I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly…to Him belongs eternal praise.                                                            - Psalm 111:1, 10

God communicates eternal truth to His people through the Scriptures.  Through the hymnal we respond to Him with expressions of worship, praise, and testimony.

Throughout Protestant history (except for the Bible) the church hymnal has been the believer’s most important book for worship.

Understanding the Hymnal’s Structure (Pages 32-36)

1.      The Hymn Categories

2.      The Name of the Hymn

3.      The Name of the Tune – Metrical Index

4.      The Author of the Words (Text)

5.      The Composer of the Music

6.      The Owner of the Hymn

Devotional Materials

Appreciating the Hymnal’s Contents

Summary

Evangelical churches and individual Christians should become familiar with and use both of their basic books for worshiping God-the Bible and the hymnal.  The Bible is Gods self-disclosure to man.  It spells out God’s plan of redemption.  It is our final authority for all matters of faith, morals, and practice.  Through the inspire Word, God the Holy Spirit illuminates and guides the believer in his Christian walk.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

                                                                                                                               -2 Timothy 3:16, 17

Congregational praise through song is an important part of worship and witness.  The church hymnal, a collection of man’s noblest responses to God, is vital not only for our worship, services, but also for our individual spiritual growth and devotional use.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

                                                                                                                                               -1 Peter 2:9

Hymns bring solace to the sad, assurance to the perplexed, faith to the doubter, and comfort to the oppressed.  Study them to be pure in heart; sing them to be joyful in spirit.  Store them in the mind to possess a treasury of worship.

Living a life without prayer and praise is like building a house without nails. – Unknown