This week in chapel, Pastor Brenda DeVries, preached from Ephesians 5:15-21, which emphasizes that we are to speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. As a community of believers who follow the way of Jesus, we are called to put into practice what it means to love and care for one another. Those who are God’s redeemed people are God’s temple, a place in which God desires to fill with His presence.
In reference to the Scripture, Pastor DeVries asks the question, “Is it that we get filled with the Holy Spirit and then we sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, or do we get filled with the Holy Spirit WHEN we sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to each other?” To say, “I love worship” and only be referring to singing is incomplete theology. Singing is one form or one expression of giving God worship, but true worship to Yahweh encompasses so much more than singing. When we worship God, we demonstrate His worth, and this worship can occur when we work, create, play and develop relationships with others. Listen to the full sermon below.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Brenda DeVries, M.Div, is a GRTS alum and the lead pastor at The Journey, a new church plant in Grandville, Mich. She has served in various roles and churches as director of worship ministries, youth director and guest pastor. She has taught a Ministry Residency class at the seminary and is currently a mentor for a few M.Div students.
She and her husband Jim have been married for almost 30 years, and along with their three children and two sons-in-law, are actively involved with the church plant. Brenda enjoys riding motorcycle, knitting and crocheting and writing music.
