“Biblical worship is the response of God’s redeemed people to His self-revelation that exalts God’s glory in Christ, in our minds, affections and wills in the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Bob Kauflin

Since the dawn of creation – when “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” – and throughout history, singing has characterised God’s people in worship. Mandated and exemplified in the Bible, singing is integral to corporate worship and is itself an act of worship. Christian songs are a fundamental means by which believers respond to divine grace, communicate their praise, affirm their faith and proclaim spiritual truth as a church body.

Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

It is essential that these songs flow from the Word of God and reflect Antioch Bible Church’s doctrinal beliefs. To that end, this songbook has been compiled to nourish and equip believers for worship that is pleasing in the Lord’s sight.

Man’s chief end is to glorify God, both in this life and the life to come, and the corporate singing of praises is one God-given means of accomplishing that end.

Please make use of this book in your family worship, small group meetings and personal devotions. Private copies can be purchased from the church office.

All God’s people are worshippers – what a privilege!

Rules for singing by John Wesley written in 1761

1. Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up and you will find a blessing.

2. Sing lustily, and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of it being heard, then when you sang the songs of Satan.

3. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, as to be heard above, or distinct from, the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound.

4. Sing in time. Whatever time is sung, be sure to keep with it. Do not run before, not stay behind it; but attend closely to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can. And take care you sing not too slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from among us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first.

5. Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this, attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when He cometh in the clouds of heaven.

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