Why are the "congregations not singing" maybe because the songs are seriously outdated for the people???
It has nothing to do with volume and instruments...
written in 1763, the song "Rock of Ages" was already over a hundred years old when Mrs White said she felt the Holy Spirit motivate her to sing it.
You think the garbage put out today brings people closer to God just because they feel more stimulated by signing what is on the radio? That is the spirit of the world not of God.
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The singing was after the order we would expect it to be in any theatrical performance, but not one word to be distinguished. Certainly the tempest-tossed ship would be wrecked upon the rocks if there were no more light coming from the lighthouse than was seen in the exercises.
I must say I was pained at these things, so out of order with the very work of reformation we were trying to carry forward in the church and with our institutions, that I should have felt better if I had not been present. This was an occasion that should have been gotten up not only for the Sabbath school children, but words should have been spoken that would have deepened the impression of a necessity of seeking for the favor of that Saviour who loved them and gave Himself for them.
If [only] the precious hymns had been sung, “Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee,” and “Jesus lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly, while the billows near me roll, while the tempest still is high.”
Whose souls were inspired with new and fresh zeal for the Master in those songs sung whose virtue was in the different performances of the singer?{2MR 236.1}
Our churches have been places of performance. I was told this in so many different times by the Spirit of God, it sickens my soul to see how performance has replaced true worship. If anyone has ever felt the power of the Holy Spirit while uniting in heart felt song to God without a man pretending to be a praise leader with hands in the air acting like a poser.
The Holy Spirit has told me over and over that the church is becoming a den of thieves, robing God of His devotion.
Anyone who desires to stand before the congregation and perform are going to be cut off very soon if they haven't been already.
Praise God for those who sign and cry for those abominations.
