Author Archives: Rev. Brian Hamer

“[Luther] gathered the principal and most necessary points of doctrine and comfort in beautiful German Psalms and hymns, so that the simple too might make continual use of them–as has manifestly (praise God) come to pass, and no one can truthfully deny.” These words, written about a century after Luther, summarize what it means to be the singing church. As we are currently learning in Adult Bible Study and exploring in our day school this year, Luther’s legacy was not just talking about God, but also singing the Gospel. Singing engraves the text our hearts, gives musical expression to the text, and preaches the good news that Christ is present in our singing. This morning, I’d like to briefly explore two aspects of our sung confession of faith. First, the song of justification. Second, the song of Jesus’ real presence in the Lord’s Supper. We need to sing both of these songs, for they deliver the good news of Christ to our ears and to our very mouths. Continue reading →