Songs for Scripture memory

What is one of the biggest benefits of singing our theology?  You tell me...  I would submit that one of the most tangible benefits lies in music's impression on the memory.

How do children learn the alphabet?  They sing their "A,B,C's"!  Children memorize songs with amazing speed.  But so do adults!  How much of the day do you have a song running through your head?  Sometimes it is a song you would love to get out of your head...how do you get rid of it?  With a song you want in your head!

I think one of the most powerful ways to teach good theology lies in the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.  There is a reason Paul instructed the believers in Colosse to teach and admonish one another through congregational singing; it played an important roll in allowing the Word of Christ to dwell in them richly!

That in mind, I just came across a website by Mark Altrogge called Forever Grateful Music.  He has written very simple songs intended specifically as an aid in Scripture memory.  Now that's creative!  And I think he has captured (conceptually) one of the great benefits of putting Scripture and biblical theology to music.

Help me out... What are the greatest benefits of singing Scripture and theology?  How do we capitalize on that?

It Is not Death to Die

If you are not signed up for Worship Quote of the Week, I recommend this free newsletter sent out by Carl Stam, worship lecturer at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He sends out a hymn text or thought about worship every week on Tuesday and I often find them uplifting and challenging.  Check it out!

The text he mentioned today was written by Henri Malan in the nineteenth century, but has recently been given a face lift by Bob Kauflin with Sovereign Grace.

The text is especially poignant to Carl Stam who has been battling cancer for quite some time and is not sure how much longer God has for him on earth.  This text encouraged me around the time of my Grandma's death two years ago and I am reminded of its hope-bringing truth as I think of my Grandpa's home going last fall.  Death is no longer something to fear for the believer.  It is not our final enemy, but that which conveys us to "wake in joy" before the throne of God and spend eternity with Him!

It Is Not Death to Die

It is not death to die,
To leave this weary road,
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who’ve found their home with God.
It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears,
And wake in joy before Your throne,
Delivered from our fears,

   CHORUS
   O Jesus, conquering the grave
   Your precious blood has power to save.
   Those who trust in You
   Will in Your mercy find
   That it is not death to die

It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just,
It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore.

You can listen to a free recording here.