Singing is an unique aspect of congregational worship to God. It is the only act of worship when all members join as one in the exact same fashion. Our singing is important for a variety of reasons. As we just noted, singing unifies. Years ago, manpower was used to maneuver great ships at sea. Often, these men would sing to unify their effort. Soldiers have used songs to unify their marching efforts and encourage their companions. Around the globe, people from all walks of life are united in mind and spirit by singing their nation's anthem. Singing unifies, and the Lord's body must be unified (1 Cor 1:10; Eph 4:4-6).

Second, we teach through our singing: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly with all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Col 3:16). Worship is to be conducted in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). "In spirit" refers to the right attitude of heart and mind. "In truth" means according to God's Word, which is truth (John 17:17). Everything we do in word or deed is to be done by the authority of Christ (Col 3:17). Thus, we are not at liberty to teach error through our singing simply because we have the proper frame of mind or becuase we have sung an unscriptural song in times past. The Psalmist wrote, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14). Notice how both the words and the heart are to be acceptable in God's sight. Because we are to sing in spirit, in truth and with understanding, the elders have requested that the following songs not be led in our worship services for the given reasons. Please compare the words of these songs with the supplied scriptures (Acts 17:11).

# 433 "Jesus is Coming Soon"-- In verse 1 is found the following phrase, "humbling your heart to God saves from the chastening rod" (this is an allusion to being "raptured" before the "tribulation."). However, Hebrews 12:5-11 teaches the opposite, "For whom the Lord loves, He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives" (v. 6). The text continues by saying that those who are without chastisement are "illegitimate and not sons" (v. 8). In verse 2 we find the following "when these signs come to pass nearing the end at last."

This is a misapplication of Matthew 24 and teaches error on the second coming of Christ. There are no signs of the second coming of Jesus (Matt 24:36-51). In the chorus is the phrase "Jesus is coming soon." No one knows when Jesus is coming, not even Christ Himself (Mark 13:32-33).

# 438 "Just a Little Talk with Jesus"-- There is no biblical authority to pray to Jesus (Matt 6:7-15). In addition, salvation is not brought about by praying to Jesus, (or even to God the Father for that matter), but through obedience to the Gospel. This song teaches error regarding how one is saved.

#217 "Tell it to Jesus Alone" and #84 "I Must Tell Jesus" Again, there is no authority to pray to Jesus (Matt 6:8, 1 Pet 5:6-8). We pray to the Father through Jesus, our Mediator (1 Tim 2:5).

#388 "His Grace Reaches Me"-- We are commanded to sing (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16). Humming, "ah"-ing, etc. is not authorized in worship. An acceptable arrangement is at # 613.

#579 "Every Time I Feel the Spirit"-- Teaches direct operation of the Holy Spirit vs. the power of the Spirit residing in the word (Eph 6:17). (We do not sing this song, but it is unscriptural.)

There are other songs in our book that could be considered unscriptural, but these are the worst offenders. Other songs need to be avoided because they do not focus one's attention on spiritual/heavenly things:

#628 "Time has Made a Change in Me"-- This song makes no reference to godliness-- no mention of reverence, praise, or adoration to God. Also, the gospel is God's power to save and the Word is the medium by which we learn God's will to bring change in our lives (Rom 1:16 John 16:5-15). (Other songs with no reference to God nor intent to reverence or praise include: #469 "Precious Memories"; and #658 "There's Church in the Valley.")

Song leaders, discretion in choosing your songs will be greatly appreciated. TC