Hymns: The Power of Worship Together | Music Now and Then | Building up The Body: Everyone Has Something to Give

Hymns were originally written to teach Scripture and strengthen believers.

Writers like Charles Wesley and Fanny Crosby used rich theology and poetic depth. They have left us with popular songs like Wesley’s “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” and Crosby’s “Blessed Assurance” and “To God Be the Glory.”

They gave the church shared songs of faith that were both memorable and meaningful.

Over time, worship music shifted into gospel, CCM, and other modern styles. The melodies and rhythms changed, but the purpose remained the same—lifting up Christ and drawing hearts closer to God in ways that connect with each generation.

Whether it’s Amazing Grace or a new worship anthem, the impact is still powerful. The style evolves, but the message endures: worship unites the Body, teaches truth, and leads us into God’s presence together. 

The scripture we are exploring as we discuss the topic Building up the Body, is 1 Corinthians 14:26. From the NLT, it says, "Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you."

In the early church, believers didn’t come with songbooks or sound systems. Instead, they carried songs of faith in their hearts. 

And we can only imagine as some of you remember your grandmothers or grandfathers signing those great hymns of the past, from memory.

Hymns were spontaneous—sometimes drawn from the Psalms.

Psalm 96:1 (NLT)“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth.” 

Or from Christ-centered confessions like Philippians 2:6–11 (NLT), thought to be an early hymn exalting Jesus: “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Music unified the church then, and it still does today. 

While Corinthian believers gathered in homes and sang a cappella, we gather in sanctuaries, community halls, and even on YouTube, with worship bands, choirs, and playlists that cross cultures. 

Yet the purpose remains: to lift our eyes to God and strengthen one another.

The Apostle Paul also reminds us in Colossians 3:16 (ESV): “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” 

Worship is not just vertical (to God) but horizontal (to each other). Songs teach, remind, and encourage.

Think about it: how often has a hymn or worship song carried you through grief, fear, or doubt? 

Just as hymns in Corinth edified small house gatherings, today they strengthen us in hospital rooms, on morning commutes, or while streaming online. 

Even when someone sings silently in their heart, God hears—and the body is built up.

Ephesians 5:19 (The Message) “Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.”