PREVIEW

Singing the Songs of Jesus: Revisiting the Psalms (Book/ Paperback)

Product Overview

The Psalms were composed for singing. In Old and New Testament times, and throughout Church history, congregations sung Psalms. Despite renewed interest in Psalmody, few books explain how the Psalms function as hymns for Christ-centred worship. Singing the Songs of Jesus fills that gap without shying away from difficulties, like the doubts and curses of the Psalms. This study shows why the Psalms are suited for Christian praise and how to use them for powerful and relevant worship.

Endorsements

"In this short book of 160 pages, we have a good summary of the theology (purpose) of the Psalms. The author provides clear principles for interpreting the Psalms in a Christ-centred way and shows us how we can develop a precious intimacy with the King through ongoing usage of the Psalms. Using them in public worship is a God-given way of exalting King Jesus as we see him fulfil his role as Leader of the praise of God's people." Malcolm MacLean ~ Minister, Greyfriars Free Church of Scotland, Inverness, Scotland


"This book powerfully reminds us that the church has for too long ignored a vibrant source of devotion-the song book of Jesus...we can't afford to neglect this divinely inspired song book that God has given us." Donald W. Sweeting ~ President Professor of Church History, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando

"This book should admirably fulfil the author's purpose by forcing those who have rejected or neglected the psalms in their praise to think again. Its central theory (that the psalms consist of praise conversations between God, his Messiah and his people) should help to illuminate the status of the psalter as the New Covenant song book it was meant to be and sheds much needed light on such dark areas as the imprecatory (cursing) psalms. If you have never sung the psalms and would like good biblical rather than historical reasons for doing so, and, crucially, if you want the key to understanding what you sing, you should really read this book ." Kenneth Stewart ~ Minister of Dowanvale Free Church of Scotland, Glasgow

"It has been wisely said that the Psalter is a spiritual cardiograph. The Psalms accurately reflect our spiritual health. The more I am 'at home' in singing the Psalms, the spiritually fitter I am. Uniquely in the Bible, the Psalms both speak to us - Luther derived much of his theology from the Psalter, - and also speak for us. They are the God-given words with which we can address both our Heavenly Father and each other. Michael LeFebvre's book is both scholarly and readable, and provides a wonderful incentive to 'Sing the Psalms, again'." Jonathan Fletcher ~ Vicar of Emmanuel Church, Wimbledon, London

"Speaking to God in words that He has chosen, with the breadth and depth of topics He has revealed, instead of singing about Him, would enrich our worship. Yes, it will prove a learning experience for our congregations, but the dimensional richness the Psalms afford would be well worth the effort." John D. Hannah ~ Distinguished Professor of Historical Theology, Research Professor of Theological Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas

"In this volume Michael LeFebvre enriches the church with wisdom regarding the vital role that singing the Psalms has in the worship of the church and the life of the believer. Michael avoids the hard edged heated opinions which often cloud this subject and instead casts refreshing pastoral light on a much neglected topic. All readers of this volume will be edified, educated and blessed!" Anthony T. Selvaggio ~ preacher, author and Visiting professor of Biblical Studies at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

About the Author(s)

Michael LeFebvre is pastor of Christ Church Reformed Presbyterian Church in the western suburbs of Indianapolis. He previously studied Old Testament Law at PhD Level at Aberdeen University. He is married to Heather and they have four children.