Sing in Your Heart

I. Introduction
   A. We spend much time discussing why we don't use instrumental music
   B. Do we spend as much time thinking about songs?
   C. Singing is a commandment given to us (Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16).
   How seriously do we take it?

II. The Biblical Example
   A. Ephesians 5:19
      1. Look at v.18-21
         a. Do not be drunk with wine, but the Spirit
         b. always giving thanks to the Lord 
         c. Why do we sing then?  To give thanks!
         d. Are we thankful?
   B. Colossians 3:16
      1. Again, we see the concept of thankfulness
      2. verse 15-beginning of 16: be thankful that Christ is in you!
      3. verse 17: do all in the name of the Lord!
      4. is it any wonder why singing is discussed here?
   C. James 5:13
      1. Is anyone cheerful? 
      2. Is your singing cheerful?  
      3. Should it be? 
   D. The Example of Paul
      1. Acts 16:25
         a. in Philippi, he was imprisoned for the Gospel
         b. prisons are dark, damp, terrible places
         c. vv. 22-23: Paul and Silas had been beaten
         d. many died in prisons in this situation
         e. yet what do they do?  Sing praises to God!
         f. surely you are not doing as poorly as Paul is
   E. Is your heart in it?
      1. we must sing from the heart
      2. do you mean what you sing?
      3. God will be no more pleased with people singing with an instrument but 
      mean it over those who do not sing with either instrument nor desire
      4. Do you ever find yourself singing or humming hyms?  
      5. Is singing limited to worship only?
         a. we are to sing praises whenever we're cheerful
         b. Eph. 5:19 and Col 3:16 extend much further than the church building!

III. What are we Singing?
   A. Do you take time to understand what we're singing?
   B. Hymn 162- Night, With Ebon Pinion
      1. Do you know what "ebon pinion" is?
      2. Ebon=short for ebony, dark
      3. pinion=feather, or wing
      4. hence, "ebon pinion=" black feather, or black wing
      5. "Night, with a black feather, brooded over the vale/all around was 
      silent, save the night wind's wail"
      6. Does the darkness of the praying of Jesus at Gethsemane make sense?
   C. Hymn 54- Praise Him! Praise Him!
      1. How do you sing this hymn?  
      2. Gladly or mumbling?
      3. How should you sing this song?
   D. Hymn 02- Hallelujah! Praise Jehovah!
      1. sing this almost weekly
      2. emphatic?  or without emotion?

IV. The Invitation Song
   A. Look at it
   B. Think about the words
   C. are you a candidate for this invitation?  
   D. Baptism/Repentance/Encouragement