Tag: psalms

Living in the righteousness of Christ and reaching the next generation

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CHERYL QUIGG

The Psalms often speak about the difference between the righteous and the wicked. Psalm 1 says that the person who follows God’s ways is blessed, while those who reject His guidance face destruction. Psalm 112 describes what a righteous person looks like, saying he or she is someone who fears the Lord, delights in His commands, and lives with generosity, mercy, and justice. Yet Scripture also reminds us that no one is naturally righteous. Romans 3:10 says, “There is none righteous, not even one.”

This creates a problem. If no one is righteous, how can anyone live as Psalm 112 describes? The answer is found in Jesus Christ. He lived the perfect life that we could not, and He took upon Himself the punishment we deserved. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, our sins can be forgiven, and His righteousness is given to those who trust in Him. When we put our faith in Christ, we receive new life through the Holy Spirit, who helps us to live in obedience to God. Romans 5 explains that just as Adam’s sin brought death to all, Christ’s obedience brings righteousness and life to all who believe.

To live as God’s people is not simply about behaving well or attending church; it is about being transformed by Christ’s Spirit. The church exists to worship God, serve others, and bring His message to the world. Psalm 78 reminds us of the importance of teaching God’s truth to future generations. The psalmist calls the people to remember God’s mighty works and to tell their children, so they do not repeat the mistakes of the past. Faith is not passed down by accident; it must be taught intentionally.

The call to reach the next generation is not only for parents or youth leaders but for the entire church. Every believer has a part to play in guiding young people toward faith in Jesus. The next generation is not “the church of tomorrow”; they are part of the church today. Their voices, service, and faith matter now.

The Israelites often failed because they forgot what God had done for them. They grumbled, doubted, and rebelled. Their forgetfulness led to faithlessness. Psalm 78 shows how they tested God and offered only surface-level repentance. They would confess when punished but quickly returned to sin. Their biggest failure, however, was neglecting to teach their children about the Lord. When one generation remains silent about God’s truth, the next grows up without faith.

As Christians, we must not repeat this pattern. The teaching of Scripture should be central in our homes and churches. Worship and study should be grounded in God’s Word, not in personal preference. Families should remember and share stories of God’s faithfulness, both from Scripture and from their own lives. This strengthens faith and helps children understand that God is active and real.

For a church to reach the next generation effectively, it must be united. The New Testament teaches that unity is not sameness but harmony among diverse people with different gifts. When believers are divided. This ma by by opinion, tradition, or personal comfort and it weakens our witness. Paul urged the church in Ephesians 4 to make every effort to maintain unity through peace, reminding believers that there is one Lord, one faith, and one God. Unity helps the church focus on its true mission: making disciples and proclaiming Christ.

Sometimes churches lose sight of this mission by focusing on preferences instead of principles. Scripture must guide our every decision, not habit or comfort. When the church unites under God’s Word and His purpose, it can reach generations with lasting impact.

Reaching the next generation requires the whole church. Some may teach, some may mentor, others may pray or give, but everyone has a role. Even small acts like praying for a child, baking cookies for youth gatherings, or supporting a ministry, can help share Christ’s love. The goal is not simply to make good people but to lead them to salvation in Jesus.

The message of Psalm 78 is still relevant: remember what God has done, teach it faithfully, and pass it on. Faith does not continue automatically; it grows through intentional effort. The church must take this command seriously. If we fail to share the gospel, we risk raising a generation that does not know the Lord.

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you [c]always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19–20

A Song Only the Redeemed Can Sing

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Heaven will be filled with music unlike anything we have ever heard. Revelation 14:3 tells us that the 144,000 will sing a new song before God’s throne, a song that no one else can learn. This special hymn will belong only to those who have been saved, a melody shaped by their redemption.

This song will not be a repeat of earthly hymns but something completely new, a testimony of salvation. Its words will declare the victory of the redeemed, telling the story of how God rescued them. Voices will rise in perfect harmony, filling eternity with endless praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

This song will be so beautiful that even the angels will long to join in, but only those who have experienced salvation will be able to sing it. It will be a song of triumph, echoing beyond time itself. What a joy it will be to lift our voices in worship, celebrating forever the love and mercy of God!

As Psalm 96:1 reminds us, “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” In heaven, that new song will never end.

The Essence of Praise in Church: Insights from Psalm 100

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

In the landscape of Christianity, the number of truly great churches appears to be dwindling. These churches are not defined by their financial resources, grand buildings, or large congregations, but rather by their commitment to serving the Lord and bringing Him glory. Psalm 100 offers a compelling framework for what it means to be a great church, highlighting the essential role of praise in the life of a vibrant community of believers.

The psalmist calls us to worship with unrestrained joy, urging us to make a “joyful noise” that includes singing, shouting, preaching, and praying. This exuberant worship flows from glad hearts that are fully engaged in expressing their love and adoration for our Creator. As verse 2 states, “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.” This invitation is not just for individuals but for the entire congregation to unite in joyful praise.

Our motivation for praise is deeply rooted in the character of God Himself. He is Elohim, the strong one; Jehovah, the self-existent one; and Adonai, our Master. As our Creator and Shepherd, He cares for us with unwavering love and attention. His goodness, mercy, and truth form the foundation of our worship, inspiring gratitude that naturally overflows into praise.

While we are encouraged to praise God everywhere and at all times, the church serves as a unique space for communal worship. The psalmist invites us to “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.”

This collective expression of adoration brings together believers from diverse backgrounds and generations. As we reflect on our individual expressions of worship, it is important to recognize that our emotional responses may differ. Some may express their praise through tears, while others may do so with smiles or laughter, and still others may shout for joy. Regardless of how we choose to express it, our praise should be a sincere outpouring of reverence for the One who is truly worthy of all honour and glory. In this way, we can all contribute to a vibrant culture of worship within our churches and communities across Canada.

Greater Vision’s “God Wants to Hear You Sing” Celebrates 25-Year Milestone

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AMY TURNER

A Southern Gospel song that has encouraged countless listeners through difficult times is marking its 25th anniversary this week. “God Wants to Hear You Sing,” written by Rodney Griffin and performed by Greater Vision, has remained a staple of Christian music since its release in 1999.

In reflecting on the song’s lasting impact, songwriter Rodney Griffin shared his thoughts on why the message continues to resonate with audiences. “It’s hard to believe we’ve been singing that song for that long,” Griffin remarked. “It’s just one of those that stuck.”

The inspiration for the song came from the Biblical account of Paul and Silas singing praises at midnight while imprisoned in Philippi in Acts 16:25. This verse shows us the powerful example of Paul and Silas choosing to worship God even in the midst of their suffering, and how their faith and praise led to a miraculous earthquake and the prisoners’ chains being loosed. This teaches us the importance of praising God in all circumstances and the impact it can have on our lives and the lives of those around us.

Griffin drew parallels between Paul and Silas’ experience and modern-day challenges, noting how the act of praise can bring breakthrough in difficult circumstances.

“It just gives hurting people a source of encouragement,” Griffin explained, referencing the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to “Rejoice in the Lord always.” He pointed out how Paul and Silas demonstrated this principle through their midnight praise session, which preceded their miraculous deliverance.
The song’s theme centers on the power of praise during adversity, encouraging believers to lift their voices even in life’s darkest moments. Its message resonates with fundamental Christian teachings about maintaining faith and worship during trials.

Released in 1999 through Songs of Greater Vision, the composition has become one of Southern Gospel’s most enduring songs about praise through adversity. Its legacy continues to impact new generations of listeners, offering hope and encouragement to those facing challenging circumstances.

As the song reaches this significant milestone, its message remains as relevant today as when it first released.