Martin Luther A Faith to Live By

Singing the Gospel The Hymns of Martin Luther

Singing the Gospel Music in the Reformation Music and Hymns in Luther’s Thought Martin Luther and his family G. A. Spangenberg (1866) next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise

Singing the Gospel Music in the Reformation Luther’s use of hymns § worshipping God § learning the faith § knowing the Word § declaring the gospel

Singing the Gospel Spreading the Message Martin Luther and his family G. A. Spangenberg (1866)

Singing the Gospel The Printing Press Providential Tool For Reform Gutenberg Printing Press Gutenberg Bible

Singing the Gospel The Printing Press Luther’s First Hymnal Achtliederbuch Eight Song Book An intimate alliance of word and tone

Singing the Gospel Hymns in Corporate Worship § Reforming patterns of worship § kept the true, changed the false § shaped around the Word of God § sermon takes a central place § Introduction of hymn singing § changed liturgy slowly § added congregational singing gradually § mixture of Latin and vernacular § hymn content strongly objective

Singing the Gospel Hymns in daily life § ‘memorisation’- overcome illiteracy § ‘education’ - forming mind and heart § ‘domestic’ - songs for family life § ‘feast days’ – public declaration of gospel [Luther’s] songs were carried to people in far-away places in the souls and minds of pious Christians. It was not easy to block their progress. Cornelius Becker

Singing the Gospel Hymns in society § ‘protest song’- challenging falsehood § ‘propaganda’ - spreading the reform § ‘propagation’ - making the gospel known Following the example of the prophets and fathers of the church, I intend to make German Psalms for the people, spiritual songs, so that the Word of God, even by means of song, may live among the people

Singing the Gospel Implanting the Word Martin Luther and his family G. A. Spangenberg (1866)

Singing the Gospel Songs for God’s People St. Paul. . . exhorted the Colossians to sing spiritual songs and Psalms heartily to the Lord, so that God’s Word and Christian doctrine might be instilled and implanted in many ways

A Mighty Fortress, Sheet Music, Signed by Luther

Singing the Gospel Songs for God’s People § ‘congregational’- develops participation § ‘educational’ - teaches doctrine in song § ‘liturgical’ – reshapes worship services The education of the Christian community to a comprehensive understanding of their faith was a necessary part of the Reformation Andrew Pettegree

Singing the Gospel Luther’s proclamation of the Gospel is Martin Luther as caroler in the home of the Cotta family the singing of the Wittenberg Nightingale that one can now hear everywhere Hans Sachs

Singing the Gospel Musically Expressed Theology Martin Luther and his family G. A. Spangenberg (1866)

Singing the Gospel Musically expressed theology § alliance of Word and tone § more objective than subjective § largely tied to biblical text Martin Luther’s hymns preached the gospel. Their rhetorical device was downward, from God to us. From its evangelical focus the function of the Lutheran hymn is to preach the word of God, thus be the word of God

Singing the Gospel Musically expressed theology § A New Song Shall Be Begun § Dear Christians, let us rejoice § From Deep trouble I pray § Our God he is a castle strong (A safe stronghold) § Lord, keep us steadfast in your word

Singing the Gospel Musically expressed theology A New Song Shall Be Begun Let them lie on for evermore – No refuge so is reared; For us, we thank our God therefore, His word has reappeared. Even at the door is summer nigh, The winter now is ended, The tender flowers come out and spy; His hand when once extended Withdraws not till he’s finished.

Singing the Gospel Musically expressed theology Dear Christian, let us rejoice Forlorn and lost in death I lay, A captive to the devil, My sin lay heavy, night and day, For I was born in evil. I fell but deeper for my strife, There was no good in all my life, For sin had all possessed me.

Singing the Gospel Musically expressed theology Dear Christian, let us rejoice Then God was sorry on his throne to see such torment rend me; His tender mercy he thought on, His good help he would send me. He turned his father-heart, Ah! That was no easy part For of his best it cost him.

Singing the Gospel Musically expressed theology From depths of woe, I cry to Thee Though great our sins and sore our woes, His grace much more aboundeth; His helping love no limit knows, Our utmost need it soundeth. Our shepherd good and true is He, Who will at last His Israel free From all their sin and sorrow.

Singing the Gospel Musically expressed theology Lord, keep us steadfast in your word Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word; Curb those who by deceit and sword Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son And bring to naught all He has done.

Singing the Gospel Musically expressed theology Lord, keep us steadfast in your word Lord Jesus Christ, Your pow'r make known, For You are Lord of lords alone; Defend Your holy Church that we May sing your praise eternally.

Singing the Gospel Musically expressed theology Lord, keep us steadfast in your word O Comforter of priceless worth, Send peace and unity on earth; Support us in our final strife And lead us out of death to life.

Martin Luther A Faith to Live By