Sing to the Lord
and Speak to One Another

Praise

(Ephesians 5:19)

Praise is the natural response of those saved by the grace of Christ. God not only puts spiritual songs in their mouths but also commands them to sing. The song He gives to the new creation is a new song—one that did not exist in the world before.

1. The Church and Praise
When singing this new song, what matters is not being moved alone, regardless of who is around, but singing together with the saints in the church. Of course, praise is offered to God, but it is also a work God has entrusted to His people—calling them to remind one another of His grace and will, to confirm their hearts in obedience to the truth, and to encourage and exhort one another, as He pours out His power of blessing upon them.

2. Praise and the Gospel
During the Middle Ages, only trained specialists were allowed to sing in the church. However, with the Reformation, all believers were able to lift their voices in praise to God. As these songs spread widely, the gospel finally took root in the hearts of the saints. Wherever the gospel was proclaimed, the joy of salvation was expressed through various forms of music. As believers encouraged and exhorted one another through these songs, the Christian faith grew stronger and was passed down through generations, until it finally reached us.

3. The Lord and Praise
We do not know how long we will have the opportunity to sing together. While we still have the chance, let us sing together. Let us not restrict this precious opportunity by clinging to the musical style we prefer, but instead, sing together in the power of the blessings God pours out upon us. The songs of the world will all fade away in time, but the praises we offer to bless one another will continue forever in heaven. When we sing, the Lord sings with us. Therefore, let us sing together, speaking to one another with gratitude and joy. Let the praise the Lord sings within us never cease.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim