Sing Hymnal from Crossway
A great new resource for the church
First Official Post
I guess it is time to make an official first post on here. This introduction will serve as somewhat of a window into who I am and what I do.
First and foremost I am a Christian. To state that in an expanded way, I am a sinner, a member of the fallen human race of Adam, who was alienated from God, a rebel against him, and under his wrath as a result. I am a sinner saved by grace. Through the provision made for me in the perfect life, substitutionary death and resurrection of God the Son, I have been redeemed, reconciled to God, forgiven of my trespasses, and I rejoice in the hope that one day this mortal body will be raised again to newness of life and I will dwell with God for eternity. This is all of grace and mercy from Him and it has been graced upon me though I am underserving and ill deserving of the least of His grace and mercy.
I am also a husband and dad. I have an amazing wife who loves the Lord and lives up to her name, Grace. We have three daughters, all adults now, who have been an undeniable and immeasurable blessing to us. I am an elder in a house-church and do most of the preaching. I am an investigator for a local police agency.
I am also a photographer. I have produced media for several companies and organizations in various sectors of society. Over the last several years I have taken that skillset and started to use it to produce media and resources to support businesses and organizations that seek to glorify God in their work.
Below is an example of this type of work.
An example in the Sing Hymnal
Here is some of my photography work and a review I did on the Sing hymnal for Westminster Bookstore who sent a copy of the hymnal to be reviewed.
The Review:
What a gift to the church to have a hymnal like this. Westminster Bookstore sent me a copy of the Sing Hymnal and I I can say without hesitation that this is a tremendous resource for homes and churches of all sizes. God’s people are a singing people. They have been from the beginning and will continue to be a singing people for all eternity. When the church gathers to worship and sings praises to the Lord it is a foretaste of eternal joys yet to be experienced.
Overview:
Regarding the hymnal itself, there are several things that make this stand apart from other hymnals out there. The selection of hymns spans from ancient to modern, all carefully chosen to edify and enrich the church as it worships our triune God. Some of the hymns were new to me and I really enjoyed going over each one, taking in and pondering the theology contained in the lyrics. The music scores are wonderfully written for congregational use, the parts well-developed with beautiful cords and cord progressions. These hymns and the manner in which they are written, while beautiful when sung solo, raise to a whole new level when voices join together and boldly sing the praises of our God.
A Few Specifics:
Two areas of the hymnal that I really have grown to appreciate as I have gone through it, are the children’s section where there are several simple songs and melodies for the younger ones in the congregation and perfect for Sunday schools and bible studies, but I can tell you, we will be singing many of these with the whole congregation. The other section is toward the back where they have included a brief story about the hymn giving context to the circumstances under which the hymn was written or the reason for the hymn. Combining this with the scripture reference index is sure to be of benefit in personal devotions and small group bible studies.
The Options:
The hymnal comes in several different editions including a lay-flat edition which contains cords, and a whole host of online options and search capabilities for finding the perfect hymns for a worship service or for any other occasion. If your church is considering new hymnals, I would highly recommend the Sing Hymnal. If not pick one up for your home, I assure you it will be valuable to you in family worship and in personal devotions.
In Conclusion:
Thanks to Westminster Bookstore for sending this, and to Crossway and the Getty Music for their work in producing and making it available. Head over to WTS Books to get your copy.
Link provided below to purchase this hymnal and other books from Westminster Bookstore. Discount is provided by clicking the link or using the code:1689 during checkout.
