8 minute read
Monday, August 31
AUG 31
Singing the Word as Believers Amidst a Global Pandemic
Jim Thomas
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As Christians, we know the value of praying and studying Scripture daily. Should we also seek to sing daily? Why?
Of course! Our faith grows by hearing the Word of God, by preaching the Gospel to ourselves over and over again. One of the best ways to hear from God’s Word is to sing its timeless truths and bask in its reassuring hope. Whether we sing at the top of our lungs while driving our car, whisper-whistle a hymn in an elevator, or crank up our home stereo system to sing along with the sweet songs of God’s salvation, it is good to sing daily and often. Songs rich with biblical truth remind us of God’s unfailing love for us and His inexhaustible joy available to us.
2
The current pandemic has reminded us that so much of life is fragile, unpredictable, and fraught with pain. Why is it important to sing during a time like this?
Because we need a daily and constant reminder of the power of God, the presence of God and the promises of God. In times like these we need to know that in God’s Word we find a clearer vision of God’s truth, a greater faith in God’s power, and a more confident assurance of His love for us. Singing God’s Word fills and refills our hearts and minds with the promises of our faithful covenant making, covenant keeping God.
3
Due to the coronavirus, many believers may be wrestling with loneliness, anxiety, depression, unemployment, or mourning the loss of a loved one—in addition to all the other normal trials of life in a fallen world. What would you say to someone who feels too burdened by such suffering to sing to the Lord right now?
The Psalms are particularly helpful in times like these. The Psalms are songs of revelation as well as songs of response; The Psalms stir the emotions, inform the mind, direct the will, stimulate the imagination, and ultimately inspire worship. These 150 ancient songs include many psalms of lament that give expression to our sadness and suffering. As the 4th century North African church father Athanasius put it, “Most of scripture speaks to us; the Psalms speak for us.”
Singing in suffering is not only helpful, but also biblical. Moses sang in the wilderness. David sang while running for his life from Saul and Absalom. Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn to close out the Last Supper. The apostle
Paul and Silas sang for joy from their jail cell. Medical researchers have said that singing can act like a natural antidepressant as it releases positive neurochemicals such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin—in other words, God created our bodies to be soothed by singing.
4
When selecting hymns to use for personal devotions, what criteria should we use? How do we discern which songs are worth learning deep down in our hearts?
I would recommend selecting songs that inform, inspire, and encourage. I’d look for songs with theological substance that will increase your confidence in God. Look for songs that offer reassurance of God’s eagerness to lavish you with His grace. Choose songs that express something significant, songs that move your heart and also, songs that are easy to sing. Whether it’s an ancient hymn by Martin Luther, a contemporary hymn or a chorus, I’m so grateful we presently have a wide variety to choose from.
5
What does “singing the Word” look like for you on an average day? Can you describe your devotional routine?
While I don’t have a special singing time set aside, my wife and I sing something together everyday, sometimes multiple times a day. We might be sitting on the courtyard or driving in our car. We might sing the refrain of a seasoned old hymn or a verse of scripture somebody has put in song form. Often it is an impulsive response to something that happened, a longing we’re feeling for God’s presence or, a spontaneous prayer for someone else in need. Worship is what we were all created for; how can we keep from singing?
6
What practical suggestions would you give to someone who wants to build a new habit of singing rich biblical truth throughout the week?
The apostle Paul said it best: “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” (Col 3:16). To have the word of Christ dwelling in me richly is no small, silent, or passive thing; it’s not something we ignore, or become indifferent to; it’s something we are compelled to do. And all of this is motivated by the matchless beauty and kindness of our Redeemer! With that in mind, here are three tips:
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Commit several hymns—both ancient and modern—to memory.
Continue to sing the songs from your church’s Sunday worship service throughout the week.
Stream or download songs from other churches. At The Village Chapel we make the songs we sing available through Spotify and YouTube so people can sing them throughout the week.
Jim Thomas is the Senior Pastor of The Village Chapel in Nashville, TN. Together with his wife, Kim, and about a dozen other folks from Nashville they planted TVC in 2001. Jim has an MATS degree from Covenant Theological Seminary and is the author of 3 books published by Harvest House. Jim is honored to serve as pastor to many musicians, including the Gettys, and is known and loved for his thorough and thought-provoking verse-by-verse Bible teaching.
AUG 31
Monday, August 31
SCHEDULE All times CT, all sessions stay available on-demand after broadcast.
9am
9am
6pm
6pm
6:25pm
7:15pm
7:40pm
7:50pm
8pm
8:50pm
9:15pm Monday Breakout Sessions Released
A selection of breakout sessions will become available to view on-demand at 9am CT. Enjoy watching these seminars on your own time throughout the day; they will remain available to registrants for the rest of the year as well. Visit the Breakout Schedule for more information.
Exclusives Released
At 9am CT, several sessions hosted by trusted partners become available to view on-demand at the Exclusives page. Enjoy these sessions on your own time throughout the conference; they will remain available to registrants for the rest of the year as well.
Plenary Session: The Wonder and Power of the Word of God
As believers, our lives must be rooted upon the firm foundation of God's Word. Tonight's session aims to grow our delight and confidence in the Scripture God has given to us as we are reminded of its beauty, glory, and strength. This plenary session features 5 parts—follow along in the schedule (all times after 6pm are approximate).
Opening Singing
Singing led by Keith and Kristyn Getty from the Grand Ole Opry
Part 1: The Wonder of the Word of God
Prayer led by Jim and Kim Thomas | Message by John Lennox: "The Wonder of the Word of God" | Singing led by CityAlight
Part 2: The Word and Christian Identity
Interview with John Lennox on the Word of God and Christian Identity | Singing led by Keith and Kristyn Getty with Darren Mulligan
Part 3: The Word and Creativity
Interview with Painter and Sculptor Ross Wilson on the Word of God, Creativity, and Witness
Part 4: The Word and Prayer
Prayer led by Ken Mbugua | Singing led by Keith and Kristyn Getty | Classical Performance by Violinist David Kim
Part 5: The Power of the Word of God
Scripture Reading of Isaiah 40 by Blair Linne | Singing led by the worship ministry of Iglesia Bautista Ozama | Message by Alistair Begg: "The Power of the Word of God" | Singing led by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Live Q&A with Keith and Kristyn Getty
Stay tuned after the plenary session for a live Q&A with Keith and Kristyn reflecting on tonight's session and looking forward to the late night Evensong concert.
A special concert and documentary to introduce Keith and Kristyn Getty’s new recording project, Evensong: Hymns and Lullabies for the Close of Day
BREAKOUT SESSIONS Breakout sessions will become available to view on-demand at 9am CT.
SING THE WORD: SCRIPTURE IN OUR HYMNS
A1 CityAlight Behind the Songs with City Alight
A2
A3 Jonathan Rea
Tony Reinke Helping Congregations Sing & Song Selection 101: A Practical A-Z Guide on Weekly Preparation for Building Singing Churches
Worshipping Christ in the “Age of the Spectacle”
A4 Robert Morgan 10 Classic Hymns on the Word of God Your Church Should Know
READ, PRAY, AND PREACH THE WORD: SCRIPTURE IN THE LOCAL CHURCH
B1 Nancy Guthrie Praying the Word for Those Who Are Suffering
B2 Miguel Núñez The God behind the Scriptures
B3 Gilbert and Simon Lennox Teaching the Next Generation to Read and Understand the Word
THE WORD AND CHILDREN: SCRIPTURE IN THE HOME AND CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
C1 Shai and Blair Linne Singing the Word in the Home with the Linne Family
C2 Robert Morgan 10 Classic Hymns Every Child Should Know
THE WORD FOR THE WORLD: SCRIPTURE IN EVANGELISM, MISSIONS, AND APOLOGETICS
D1 Pete Williams Why We Trust the Bible
MUSICIANSHIP AND CREATIVITY: SCRIPTURE IN OUR ARTISTRY
E1 Bill and Gloria Gaither with Keith and Kristyn Getty Creativity, Hymn Writing, and Life Stuff: A Conversation
E2
E3
E4 Joanne Lunn
Kim Wood Sandusky
Ross Wilson Classical Music as Christian Witness: An Interview and Recital The Gift and Development of the Voice Including a Behind-the-Scenes Coaching Session with Kristyn and Kim The Artist's Personal Devotion to the Word
TECHNOLOGY SERVING THE WORD: SCRIPTURE AND YOUR A/V MINISTRY
F1 Tommy Bailey Singing During a Pandemic: Practical Tools, Guidance, and Wisdom for Local Churches
THE WORD AMONG THE POOR: SCRIPTURE AND THE LEAST OF THESE
G1 Sol Fenne
Rejoicing with the Poor by Singing the Word
NOTES
SPEAKER DATE TOPIC
NOTES
SPEAKER DATE TOPIC
SINGING THE SCRIPTURE IN THE SUNDAY SERVICE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
our statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. i remember your name in the night, o lord, and keep your law. this blessing has fallen to me, that i have kept your precepts.
PSALM 119:54-56
