T.T. 44 - Using Christian songs to teach Biblical truths.
Teaching tip 44 - Using Christian songs to teach Biblical truths.Many favourite hymns and popular choruses are rich in Biblical truths. When leading children in singing, it is always good practice to pick out one or two of these truths and explain them to the children - that way the song will be more relevant to them and they should then really know what they are singing about.
This month I am taking a well known hymn and looking at some of the Christian truths it expresses. Next month, I will look at a popular children's chorus.
When I was a young Christian, I remember being struck by the sublime Biblical truths in the well-known hymn "There is a green hill far away" by Cecil Alexander. In particular the third verse illustrates beautifully and succinctly the three reasons why Jesus died.
"He died that we might be forgiven
He died to make us good
That we might go at last to heaven
Saved by His precious blood."
"He died that we might be forgiven." - We have all sinned against God by breaking His Laws and Commandments. Therefore we all need to be forgiven. But on the cross Jesus died in our place. He took the punishment we deserve on Himself so that now we can be forgiven.
"He died to make us good." - Wonderful as it is to be forgiven, that is still not enough. If Jesus died only that we might be forgiven then, because of the selfish nature we are all born with, we would still carry on doing wrong. But God has a much better plan for us than that. He wants to change us on the inside "to make us good." Because Jesus died and rose again, He is able to come into our lives if we ask Him and give us a new God-centred nature. The Bible calls this being "Born again."
"That we might go at last to heaven." - God wants us all to eventually live with Him in heaven. And if you have been forgiven and "born again" then a place has already been reserved for you in heaven.
"Saved by His precious blood." The last line of this verse reminds us of what it cost Jesus to purchase our salvation - The shedding of His own precious blood.
posted by Maurice Sweetsur @ 10:24 PM
