Recently I had a discussion with a member of the church concerning the singing of some of the new songs that we have been singing. This person made the point that we cannot “teach and admonish one another” if we don’t know how the song is sung, because we spend more time trying to learn how to sing the song, rather than listening to the words. This person felt that maybe we need to be singing some of the newer songs at our evening service, and save the “older and well known songs” for the morning service.

It is interesting that others feel the same way, as is evident by this blog recently posted on Jonathan Jones Website, Evidence of Things Not Seen, dated May 27th, 2008. Jonathan is the preacher for the Spring Hill church of Christ in Spring Hill, TN., and he makes some very valid points. Please consider what he says, and think about how GOD is pleased or displeased with our singing. Remember, it is not about us, it is all about GOD!

OLD AND NEW SONGS
And Jesus said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old" (Matt 13:52).

There seems to be somewhat of a generation gap in many churches when it comes to singing songs in worship. Older people identify with the traditional songs, singing with fondness (and even nostalgia) "Precious Memories," "The Old Rugged Cross," and the curious "Church in the Wild Wood." Younger people are inspired by the relevant messages of contemporary praise songs, singing with emotion "The Greatest Command," and "There's a Stirring."

The different worship needs of both young and old have even created divisive tendencies in some churches where there is "traditional worship" (with old standard hymns) for older people and "contemporary worship" (singing contemporary praise songs) for the younger generation. Certainly it is sad to separate the church over preference of songs. The church (both young and old) should be "one body" (Eph. 4:4). Surely when it comes to our singing "I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord" (Philippians 4:2). Young people should learn to appreciate the rich songs of our past. The older generation should desire to learn new songs of praise.

In his book on Heaven, Dennis Doughty makes a great point about singing songs both old and new (102). The oldest song recorded in the Bible is the song of Moses (Exodus 15:2, 3). The Apostle John tells us that in Heaven we will sing "the song of Moses the servant of God" (Rev. 15:2-3). But we will also sing together around the throne "a new song" (Rev. 14:2-3)

Heaven will be a place of singing songs both new and old. The church should be a little taste of Heaven on earth. Congregational singing in worship is "chorus practice" for the eternal singing of Heaven. Let us bring out of the hymn and praise books songs both old and new.” Jonathan Jones

Perhaps, when it comes to singing in the church, it is not “either/or” (new songs or old songs) but “both/and.” (I do not agree with Rick Atchley, who has preached, that it is “both/and” when it comes to acapella and instrumental music. One is commanded, the other is not). I have often thought about the fact that many of the “old songs” that we love and enjoy so much at one time were “new songs” that the church had to learn. Perhaps, fifty years from now (if God allows us to live), songs like “Seek Ye First” and “The Greatest Command” will be considered “old songs” by the younger set; and our young people now will be older and want to stay with the “oldies but goodies.”

Things we MUST consider when it comes to our singing are these – is it Scriptural? Does it teach, edify and admonish? Does it glorify God!? These are the ultimate tests!

In Peace and Love, Tommy