The Singing Protocol

- The word “singing” conveys the idea of shouting for joy

o This is the way God expects us to come before him

o Ps. 95:2- “Let us make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.”

- God’s presence commands lively singing

- God has three things to refresh the soul: nature, friendship, and music

o Music is a powerful tool to draw our minds to Christ and truth

o David playing for King Saul

- Col. 3:16- “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

o The church expresses its devotion to God in two ways: Instruction and Celebration

o Prepare our hearts for the teaching and help us better understand truth

o Singing with thankfulness because of God’s overwhelming grace

o We are instructed to sing “to the Lord” not just about Him

- Music is to rise from grace-filled hearts to the Lord himself

o Singing at church is not a “filler”

o Singing is not meant to be a platform for human talent

o Singing is not mean to be spectated

o It is God’s chosen means for us to enter his presence and worship Him

- The Worship leader sets the tone for the congregation

- Music is not just for corporate worship

o It should be a tool in our personal devotion (spouses telling me to be quite)

§ Prepares our hearts for time in God’s Word and prayer

o Praise is faith set to music (What do you think this means?)

Application

- Do you have songs that refresh you and help you draw close to God in your quite time?

- Listen to music often

- Make sure you are singing worshipfully TO the Lord, not just saying words about him- it must come from the heart

- Use songs in times of adversity and difficulty to draw you mind to God