1. Do I HAVE to Sing? Most sermons focus on why we do not use instruments. This sermon will look at what we MUST do.

2. Introduction Most of the sermons on this topic are about what denominations do that is wrong I was asked to focus on what is commanded – not what is forbidden Let’s take a look at: –The Need to sing –The Nature of our singing –Some notions to aid our singing

3. The NEED to Sing First – a brief history of music –Genesis 4:21 – Jubal played musical instruments –Genesis 31:27 – Laban asks about music –Judges 7:18 – Gideon played to trumpet to win the battle –Psalms – are songs of praise to God –Song of Solomon and Lamentations are songs

4. The NEED to Sing Jesus sang – Matthew 26:30 The early church sang – Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16 There will be singing in heaven – Revelation 5:9

5. Why sing? To be uplifted To be uplifted – James 5:13 - Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. To comfort To comfort – –Mark 14:26 - And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. –Acts 16:25 - But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

6. Why sing? To glorify God To glorify God –Romans 15:9b - “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.” –Revelation 15:3a - They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, To encourage the church To encourage the church – Hebrews 2:12 - saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.

7. The NATURE of singing Attitude Attitude –1 Corinthians 14:15 – Understanding –Ephesians 5:19 – Speak to one another –Colossians 3:16 – Teach / Admonish Action Action –All NT passages mention singing –No other kinds of music are authorized –No mechanical additions

8. The NATURE of singing No vocals that do not communicate No vocals that do not communicate –No whistling –No humming –No handclapping –No imitation of musical instruments Why? Why? –They do not teach, admonish, or speak to others. –We cannot do them with understanding.

9. Some NOTATIONS to aid our singing Outwardly Outwardly –Sit close together –Sit up straight –Sing out loud Inwardly Inwardly –Pay attention to the words of the song –Visualize the imagery of the song –See how the chorus relates to the main point of the song

10. Conclusion We NEED to sing – We NEED to sing – –Commanded, Uplift, Glorify God, Encourage, Comfort each other We should understand the NATURE of our singing We should understand the NATURE of our singing –Understanding, spirit, teaching, admonishing We should seek to sing our best We should seek to sing our best

11. Conclusion Think about this: Think about this: Think about what God has done for you Think about what God has done for you Think about the sacrifice Jesus made for you Think about the sacrifice Jesus made for you Think about eternal life, salvation Think about eternal life, salvation WHY WOULD ANYONE NOT FEEL LIKE SINGING? WHY WOULD ANYONE NOT FEEL LIKE SINGING?