The Nation Newspaper

Tag: hymns

  • Why we need hymns back in churches – Umoru

    Why we need hymns back in churches – Umoru

    A Senior Pastor in the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Andrew Umoru has called for the restoration of gospel hymns in churches as they prime the soul, heart, and mind even before the message.

    Umoru said this at the Sounds Hymnal Strings Concert held recently at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Chapel Annex. It was supported by the Chapel of Christ Our Light, UNILAG.

    It also featured a drama presentation by Free Gift International Drama.

    Umoru sought the return to the hymns because “hymns are very solemn, it goes also beyond praising God,  worshiping Him more deeply. Every doctrine of the Bible is packaged into the hymns.”

    He lamented that “Satan has taken over the songs from us and is now the choirmaster in many places of worship.  So, they package songs that move people away from holiness, sound doctrine, and focus on God.

    Read Also: INEC and 25 years of directing Nigerian democracy

    “God is not interested in commercial singing. What he wants is for us to use the hymns to prepare the souls of men for heaven and for things that are sound and profitable and to impact our world and our society.”

    He posited that hymns well presented with prayer and anointing, would lead to the conversion of souls and God will be glorified.

    The Convener of the programme, Mrs. Lydia Enyidiya Eke, said that the essence of this concert was to release the power of hymns. Tell the stories behind hymns and how lives have been impacted through hymns. “We have seen too many noises within the Christendom and we don’t know much about hymns anymore.

    “We find that in moments of crisis, moments of loss when somebody dies, or when terrible things happen, noise does not make it. But hymns will find a place. The coolness and quietness of songs that are spiritual and are breathed by the Spirit, anointed, will touch lives,” she said.

  • ‘Seraph hymns inspirational, invoke God’s presence’

    ‘Seraph hymns inspirational, invoke God’s presence’

    The Founder and Senior Pastor of Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Bible Ministries, Pastor Gideon Oyedepo, has underscored the importance of Seraph hymns, saying the hymns have the power to strengthen, inspire, and lift Christians to higher spiritual ground, as it invokes God’s presence.

    This was as a Special Apostle (Evang.) Babajide Daniel pointed out that the most beautiful aspect of the Seraph Hymns is the fact that it points to Jesus Christ not only as our Saviour, but also as the Leader of the church movement.

    According to him, we can say assuredly that Seraphs hymns are the only church hymns that make it clear that the church, Cherubim & Seraphim (C&S) was ordained of God for the salvation of mankind, while the hymns also help us live the gospel by inspiring righteous actions.

    He disclosed this in a lecture, titled: ‘Seraphim Hymns in Contemporary Christian Worship,’” he delivered at the 5th Dickson Adekunle Awode Memorial Lecture, held at the main Cathedral, Divine Blessing Cathedral, C&S Movement Church Worldwide, Alagbado, Lagos.

    The second lecture with the theme: ‘Praying your way through challenges with hymns,’ was also delivered by Rt. Reverend Ayomide Adeniyi, Bishop of the Methodist Diocese of Yewa in Ogun State.

    Read Also: Methodist Church member seeks restoration of hymns’ use in churches

    The annual lecture was instituted in memory of the late Patriarch of the Awode Family, Special Apostle Adekunle Dickson Awode, the Chairman of Victory District, C&S Movement Church, Ikorodu, Lagos by his children, led the Chairman/CEO of Chemstar Group, manufacturer of Finecoat and Shield Paints.

    Oyedepo, explained that the mode of worship in Cherubim and Seraphim has undergone a lot of changes through the coming of the Pentecostal Churches, however, noted that all C&S hymns are relevant to all Christian life as they impact lives and even the life of the new generation.

     “Hymns, psalms, and profound melodies are given by the Holy Spirit,” the cleric stated, adding that the advantages of addressing ourselves in hymns, psalms, and otherworldly melodies empower Christians to have genuine fellowship with God and love Him in Spirit and truth.

    Meanwhile, a Senior Special Apostle in C&S Movement Church, Dr. Remi Awode said the annual memorial lecture in honour of their father, was instituted to interrogate, deliberate, and explore topical issues as they concern Christianity and Christendom.