Sing to the Lord a New Song

I had the privilege yesterday of attending a Prayer Partners’ Ministry meeting. I have long respected intercessors. Many revivals have started because people have prayed tenaciously and unrelentingly for God to move. I’m not an intercessor, even though I identify most with intercessory worship. I simply can’t pray like a hard-core intercessor. In fact, I […]

Speak to One Another

As I continue my series on Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, I want to explore a common key thought in our two key passages: to speak to or admonish one another. Here are the passages again. Ephesians 5:18-20: Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking […]

A Historical-Prophetic Approach to Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs

Today, I want to continue the series on Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs. As a recap, I introduced two key texts. The first is in Ephesians 5:18-20: Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music from […]

Should We Keep Harping on Hymns?

Today, I am continuing my series on Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs. In particular, I want to explore the use of “hymns” in our worship services and ask the question: are they still a valid musical expression for the church today? The emergence of hymns was very much a product of the Reformation. Luther understood […]

Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs

Have you ever had that scary moment when your pastor comes up to you and says “Can we have a quick chat?” You hesitate but then say, “uh, okay” and then you both translate five steps towards the side of the room where he clears his throat a little, narrows his eyes ever so slightly […]