Hymns And Gospel Songs
Humor
Windows for Sermons
Stories And Humor For Inspired Preaching
Object:
There is a striking difference between the stately hymns of the church used in the past hundreds of years, and some of the "gospel songs" born during the heyday of the Sunday School movement of the nineteenth century. Gospel choruses have come even more recently. Think of the contrast between the hymn, "A Might Fortress is Our God," and the gospel song, "Standing On The Promises."
A hymn celebrates the greatness of God with objective respect. A gospel song speaks of the subjective experiences of a believer, sometimes in lively testimony. Both have their place.
It was in 1874 that Philip Paul Bliss coined the phrase "gospel songs," having published a collection of such songs to be used in evangelistic campaigns, Sunday Schools, and youth ministries. He composed a number of such songs, including "Let The Lower Lights Be Burning" and "Wonderful Words Of Life."
Today we can use a variety of expressions of praise and song to the glory of God. (See Colossians 3:16.)
A hymn celebrates the greatness of God with objective respect. A gospel song speaks of the subjective experiences of a believer, sometimes in lively testimony. Both have their place.
It was in 1874 that Philip Paul Bliss coined the phrase "gospel songs," having published a collection of such songs to be used in evangelistic campaigns, Sunday Schools, and youth ministries. He composed a number of such songs, including "Let The Lower Lights Be Burning" and "Wonderful Words Of Life."
Today we can use a variety of expressions of praise and song to the glory of God. (See Colossians 3:16.)
