Musicians should be heard and not seen!
Okay, so I’m joking – well, at least a little bit! Perhaps it’s easier to explain this rather bold statement by means of an illustration.
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Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual songs
Okay, so I’m joking – well, at least a little bit! Perhaps it’s easier to explain this rather bold statement by means of an illustration.
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The Reformation took place over a period of 130 years. It began in 1517 with the publication of Martin Luther’s ‘Ninety-five Theses’ and continued until around 1638. It represented a complete sea-change in Christianity giving, as it did, access to scripture and theology to the common people – the likes of you and me! The reformers believed that the established church had drifted away from the essential, original scriptural teachings of Christianity, especially with respect to salvation. They sought to re-orientate Christianity back to Christ’s message, scripture, and the practices and teaching of the early church. Over a period of time, five Latin phrases – known as the Five Solæ – came to collectively identify the foundational theological principles of the Reformation and they’re now more commonly known as the 5 Pillars of Reformed Theology.
The only method: Our salvation is solely by the sovereign grace of God and not dependent on any action or condition man provides. Sola Fide (Faith alone) Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) Solus Christus (Christ alone) Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God alone) What does this have to do with our sacrifice of praise? Everything! These fundamental truths should be interwoven into every area of our lives including our song. The great composer Bach declared, ‘The aim and final end of all music should none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.’ Well, that’s certainly something I can identify with; it’s utterly uplifting to be part of a choir of God’s people. Examples of hymns that support this include: There are, of course, countless more but this is really just to underline that our hymnody can greatly support and express our theology.
The only means: Our justification before God is by faith in Christ alone and not by works.
The only foundation: Scripture is the only infallible and sufficient rule for governing issues of life and doctrine.
The only mediator: Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and man; salvation is possible only by His death and resurrection.
The only ambition: All glory and honour are due to God alone.
Sola Gratia : Amazing Grace, Grace Greater than our Sin, Fountain of Never Ceasing Grace.
Sola Fide : Great is Thy Faithfulness, Be Thou my Vision.
Sola Scriptura : The Psalms as they’re drawn directly from Scripture.
Solus Christus : In Christ Alone, The Church’s One foundation.
Soli Deo Gloria : Holy, holy, holy, To God be the Glory.
A short musical meditative pause… Read more
Praise and theology in song… Read more
‘Praise God from whom all blessings flow’ is, perhaps, the most well-known and is frequently referred to as ‘The Doxology’ especially when it’s sung to the tune of Old 100th. Read more
A well-trained choir is a real blessing to any congregation. Read more
To lead Church music is an act of service and so it’s important that we do so with thought and skill. Read more
Sooner or later, all Church musicians will have cause to transpose a particular hymn. There are a number of options available, depending on your level of expertise – and whether or not you have a digital piano! Read more
We’ve all been there, I’m sure. A particular hymn starts so well and then, at some point, the melody soars and the congregation – not so much! Read more