Most of us learn about God in one (or more) of the following four ways. Not necessarily in this order.
First, through others. We either see his love embodied in and demonstrated through someone else, or we hear what he has done in other's lives.
Second, we read the Bible ourselves. This is an important way we should encounter God. Not to read the Bible is parallel to a member on a football team never reading the playbook but relying solely on others telling him what it says and what he should do.
Third, we listen to sermons. Sermons expound on the God’s word. Knowledgeable pastors will provide historical context and understanding of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words, and they can also reveal modern day parallels and applications. Having access to strong biblical teaching is one reason we should all attend church.
Fourth, we participate in Bible studies. Being a part of a small group which is using a strong biblical study guide gives us the opportunity to focus on a certain section of the Bible, ask questions, and further develop our faith and understanding.
But there is a fifth way that is also very powerful, and that is through song. Just like comic strip writers and political cartoonists are able to pack big meaning into a small space, so a song writer can convey deep spiritual truths in a short song.
Case in point. The Gospel message is not complicated, but I have never heard what Christ did for us put so simply yet so profoundly as the chorus of “Glorious Day” by Casting Crowns.
Here are those five points.
Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day.
That’s really all we need to remember.
Now enjoy the entire song.
First, through others. We either see his love embodied in and demonstrated through someone else, or we hear what he has done in other's lives.
Second, we read the Bible ourselves. This is an important way we should encounter God. Not to read the Bible is parallel to a member on a football team never reading the playbook but relying solely on others telling him what it says and what he should do.
Third, we listen to sermons. Sermons expound on the God’s word. Knowledgeable pastors will provide historical context and understanding of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words, and they can also reveal modern day parallels and applications. Having access to strong biblical teaching is one reason we should all attend church.
Fourth, we participate in Bible studies. Being a part of a small group which is using a strong biblical study guide gives us the opportunity to focus on a certain section of the Bible, ask questions, and further develop our faith and understanding.
But there is a fifth way that is also very powerful, and that is through song. Just like comic strip writers and political cartoonists are able to pack big meaning into a small space, so a song writer can convey deep spiritual truths in a short song.
Case in point. The Gospel message is not complicated, but I have never heard what Christ did for us put so simply yet so profoundly as the chorus of “Glorious Day” by Casting Crowns.
Here are those five points.
Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day.
That’s really all we need to remember.
Now enjoy the entire song.
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