Music
Our hymns, although imperfect, are a way to express our worship and praise to God.
John Follette emphasizes the importance of hymns in worship, acknowledging personal preferences and frustrations with certain songs. He categorizes hymns into three types: experience hymns focusing on self, prayer hymns for specific requests, and worship hymns directed to God. Despite our limitations, when the Holy Spirit moves, our songs become a beautiful offering to God, though still falling short of the heavenly worship. Follette encourages humility in worship, asking God to accept our imperfect praise.
Text
I don't always enjoy hymns and music used in some places. Some songs annoy me. They have a rhythm, and a tempo that is not in rhythm, and in gear with what I feel in my spirit, and it annoys me.
We have so few hymns going back to God. Most of them are salvation hymns.
There are three kinds of hymns:
1. Experience hymns center on self.
2. Prayer hymns are for something or someone.
3. Worship hymns are directed to Him.
He knows our limitations, but when the Spirit keeps moving, He makes one lovely song -- our songs, our singing seem very shallow as against the melodies, and the glory, and worship in heaven. Of course, it's very broken, and seems very shallow, but it's the best that we have. "Dear Lord, look on our hearts, and read them; receive from us what little we have."
Sermon Outline
- Three Kinds of Hymns
- 'Experience Hymns: Centered on Self'
- 'Prayer Hymns: Directed to Someone'
- 'Worship Hymns: Directed to God'
Key Quotes
“He knows our limitations, but when the Spirit keeps moving, He makes one lovely song -- our songs, our singing seem very shallow as against the melodies, and the glory, and worship in heaven.” — John Follette
Application Points
- We can learn to appreciate and find value in our hymns, even if they don't align with our personal preferences.
- Our hymns can be a way to express our gratitude and praise to God, even if they seem shallow compared to others.
- We can strive to make our hymns more meaningful by focusing on their purpose and the spirit behind them.