Order of Worship:


Hymn: "Be Silent", page 133, from the Chinese Hymnal

Call to Worship: Reading from the Psalms

Hymn: "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee", page 18

Responsive Reading: Psalms 150

Scripture Reading: Old Testament: Jeremiah 31: 31-34

New Testament: Rev. 14: 1-5

Hymn: "Praise the Lord's Grace", page 55

Congregational Reading: Apostle's Creed, page 395

Special Music: Solos by Members of the Singing Men of Texas

"Steal Away to Heaven " and "Amazing Grace "

Special Music by St. Paul's Church Choir

Message: Rev. Jiang (See Summary Below)

Hymn: Psalm 150, page 384

Lord's Prayer

Doxology

Benediction


Outline Summary of Message:

Theme: "Sing to the Lord a New Song"

Scripture: Psalm 150

This morning we heard two members of "The Singing Men of Texas" sing two songs. The St. Paul 's church choir also sang. Both groups sang beautifully. They sang a new song unto the Lord.

The Christian faith is a singing religion. Christianity is a singing faith. Music is a wonderful, powerful way to share (tell) the Good News. I want us to look at three points this morning related to singing a new song unto the Lord .

1) "Sing to the Lord a new song FOR THE COUNTRY (nation)".

We are experiencing many changes in our country. We see changes throughout the country-in the cities, the towns, the mountains, and the plains. We see changes in transportation-the trains, planes, subway, and the highway system. We see changes in literature, media and sports. Our young people have taken many awards at the various sports events around the world this year, especially in Mexico City.

We see changes in business, commerce, economy, and of course, we entered the World Trade Union this year. We also see changes in religious life. We had a very important meeting in Beijing last September. The meeting was attended by high level government officials and church leaders from all over the nation. We 'sing to the Lord a new song ' for our country.

2) "Sing to the Lord a new song FOR GOD'S WORD".

The Bible, God's Word, is precious. It is filled with God's promises from the beginning of the Old Testament to the end of the New Testament. We read songs of praise throughout the pages of the Bible.

We look at the leader Moses. He led the children of Israel out of Egypt. They faced the Red Sea and God did a miracle. He divided the Red Sea and they walked across on dry land. It was on the other side that Moses and the Israelites sang a "new song unto the Lord". "I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously...The Lord will reign forever and ever".

We look at the leader David. David was a poet and a musician. He was a gifted musician who used various musical instruments and various Psalms to 'sing a new song unto the Lord'. The Psalms are filled with "songs of praise unto the Lord".

Music is heard above and below. It is earthly and heavenly. We see in Luke 2 the angels joined with a heavenly choir to announce the birth of the Savior who came to earth.

Music was heard during the last week of Jesus' life. It happened during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem the people spread their coats on the road for him to ride on, and as they approached the city the people burst out in praise " Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven". They sang a new song unto the Lord.

We look at Paul's life. We read about his life in the book of Acts. He had a life filled with struggles and conflict. However, we know he learned to sing even in prison with his hands and feet tied. Paul learned in difficulties to sing a new song unto the Lord.

An older sister in the church lived with her son and his family. She stayed at home all day while her children worked. She was often sick and lonely. One day as she sat alone at home she began to sing "God Will Take Care of You". Even though her body ached she was able to fall asleep because she was at peace with herself . She didn't wake up until time to cook the evening meal for the children.

3) "Sing to the Lord a new song FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS".

The choir practices every week. They work hard. They dress well. They do it to glorify the Father and through their music brothers and sisters are brought to the Lord.

A choir member worked at a factory. She lost her fingers during an accident at the factory. Even though, she has no fingers she continues to sing in the choir. She can still sing a new song unto the Lord.

A young couple often fought. Their little girl begged her parents not to fight with each other. However, they continued to fight, shout and yell at each other. One evening after begging them to stop she went to her room, took out her violin and began to play "Silent Night." Soon her parents stopped shouting at each other. They went to her room and both rushed to hug her. She said, "I couldn't get you to stop so I came to my room to play "Silent Night." We have no peace but I can find peace as I play "Silent Night." Our family needs peace." Music helps our families to have peace and calmness in their lives.

We are to sing new songs of praise unto the Lord. We are to 'sing to the Lord a new song FOR OUR COUNTRY, FOR GOD'S WORD AND FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS.' In Hebrews 13:15 we are told to "offer a praise of sacrifice to the Lord". In Psalm 150 we read "Praise the Lord!..Let everything that breathes praise the Lord." We are to sing to the Lord a new song daily.


Faye Pearson - Nanjing, China
E-mail: pearson@jlonline.com


Gwen Crotts - Nanjing, China
E-mail: gwen@public1.ptt.js.cn