Why we sing the Psalms

The Bible gives us an inspired book of praise, the book of Psalms, containing 150 perfect songs about God, His works and His people. This was the hymn book used by the Old Testament church and the Jewish Synagogue, Jesus, the Apostles and the early church exclusively for the first seven centuries after Christ’s resurrection. The Protestant Reformation, especially that part centered in Geneva, France, Holland and Scotland, returned to the exclusive singing of the Psalms translated into metrical form. There can be no doubt that the Bible teaches and God commands biblical Psalms to be included in our worship of Him.

We sing only the Psalms of the Bible in our public worship, without musical accompaniment, because we firmly believe that the Bible commands it. This may seem strange to many Evangelical, Protestant and even Presbyterian worshipers. However, even those who believe and practice otherwise, can be assured we sing only God’s inspired words in our public worship. Thus, you may participate in worship with confidence, knowing we will not ask or expect you to sing anything contrary to God’s revealed truth as found in the Bible.

The words sung from the Psalms may often be jarring to our modern sensibilities. Not all the Psalms are happy; some are about deep sorrow and lamentation. Some cry out to God who seems far away. Some ask God to destroy His enemies. Some plead for forgiveness and speak of man’s unworthiness. Some speak of joy, victory and God’s glory. Some say God’s law is a delight, like sweet honey or precious gold. Others boldly point out to God things which don’t seem right. One finds a full range of human experience and emotion, in words given by God, showing how we may come to Him, boldly, honestly, without trying to sound pious, sentimental and happy, when we are hurting or upset inside.

Our society and our hearts are sinful; and we see things through the distortions of our culture; even the culture of the church is imperfect and tainted by the sinful world in which we live. God tells us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, proving what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2). One way of allowing our minds to be challenged, stretched, and transformed, by the will of God, is to sing His word. The Psalms help us think God’s thoughts after Him, to become more and more like Jesus, singing the very hymns he sang. We pray that through worshiping with us, your faith will be nourished and strengthened as God’s word is heard, prayed, read, sung, and faithfully proclaimed.

Why do we worship this way?

Why We Do Not Use Musical Instruments In Public Worship | Download MP3

Why we are to only sing the 150 Psalms in the Public Worship of God: On Psalms, Hymns, and Songs and The Hymns of Jesus