“I was glad when they said unto me…” – Part 10

Music has traditionally been considered one of the foremost means of praise. At Circle Church, as we grew in our understanding of what God is like, we came to believe there is a noticeable lack in hymnology regarding certain of God’s attributes.

Much has been written about His being all-powerful, wise, and holy, but what about the fact that God is personal or unique (the only one of a kind) or absolute? On occasion, having spent great periods of time trying to discover songs that are proper for certain attributes, we finally had to resign the effort.

We were not above changing words, however. Often a hymn listed under the category “Worship” in hymnals does not really address itself to God but is more a testimony of what He has done. A typical readjustment might take place in the hymn

God is love, His mercy brightens
All the path in which we rove.
Bliss He wakes and woe He lightens.
God is wisdom. God is love.

In the change, the words become

You are love. Your mercy brightens
All the path in which we rove.
Bliss You wake and woe You lighten.
You are wisdom. You are love.

This may be considered nitpicking by some. But, the changes make the psychological differentiation between simply relating a friend’s good qualities to another person and actually telling that friend you appreciate his good qualities.

For example, you might say, ”John has the most loving spirit.” In contrast, you might say, “John, I appreciate so much your gentle spirit of love. It sustains me and buoys me, and there are days when I don’t know if I could go on without your thoughtfulness.”

Does this example help you understand the subtle difference in worship that is so often lacking? Consequently, at Circle Church we forced ourselves to address the words of praise directly to God rather than allowing ourselves to be satisfied with simply chatting to one another about Him.

If we had sung a song of testimony during that portion of the service we called The Approach to God in Worship, I believe a dozen people would have buttonholed me immediately after the service and want an explanation. I would have been glad for this. It would show they understood worship and appreciated it for what it is.

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Pastor, when “sermon prep day” rolls around each week, do you face the task of preparing another sermon with a frown on your face? If so, you’re not alone. Many pastors literally dread preparing their Sunday sermon. There just doesn’t seem to be an easy solution. The good news: David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions. We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.

For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.

You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.

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