The Song of Saints—part 2

The Song of Saints—part 2

            Christians should take account of the second command in Psalm 149:1, “Sing unto the LORD a new song”  I will not go deeply into Old and New Testament  meaning of chadash (2319) and kainos (2537)  but may it suffice to assert that “new song” as used in the Bible connotes more than something new in relationship to time.  It means a song of a new or renovated character.  It is a song of a higher character than the song of the old man and his or her old life.

            The new song mentioned in Psalm 194:1 is a song that praises God rather than man.  It is a song about the new life that YHVH gives to those who love and serve Him.  In Psalm149:1 it is the song of saints (chaciyd 2623). I is the song of the upright, godly, good and holy me and women.  In Revelation 5: 8&9 it is the song of saints (hagios 40).  In other words, this new song is the musical offering of the pure or morally blameless.  With these understandings of new song, we can understand why the AV translators used the word saints in both the Old and New Testaments.  from the time of the ancient Levite musicians, God has used men who were righteous as we learn in Malachi 3:3, “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.”

Song for the Day--Glorify Thy Name by  Donna Adkins

Prayer for the Day

Father, I love You, I worship and adore You.  I am thanking You for Your grace that has made me one of Your dear children.  I am praying that You will help me to music into You and unto your saints.  Please help me to so live that I may be able to offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.  Please help me to guard my heart so that I may sincerely offer you musical offerings that You will accept.  This I am asking in Your powerful name.  Amen

The Song of Saints—part 1

The Song of Saints—part 1

Ps 149:1, “Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.”

              At the risk of trying to rehash a much used phrase from the Bible, I am going to add my two cents to the phrase “Praise ye the LORD” from the next to last psalm in the Book of Praises or Sepher Tehilliam.  I think that this subject bears repeating since we are directly instructed to sing unto YAH (3050) the Lord most vehement.  Once in a while Christian musicians need to take account of who they music unto in and out of church.

             We know from Ephesians 5:19 that we are to sing to one another and unto the Lord at the same time. Verse one quoted above also teaches us that His praise is to be proclaimed “in the congregation of saints.”  As I have often said to my classes the ultimate goal of all sacred musicing is a response to God through our lavishing praise upon His wonderful name since He and He alone is the object of our musical worship.  Therefore, we must be sure that we are bringing a musical offering to God rather than merely hocking our musical wares to an audience.

They Musiced Distinctly---part 3

They Musiced Distinctly---part 3

            Although the meaning and understanding of religious texts are often lost in the musical trappings that surround our religious musicing, causing worshipers and seekers to understand the good news of the Gospel should be the prima fascia case for our sacred musicing.  As we should remember as Christian musicians, the musical arts are not the doorway to the God’s kingdom.  However, we are instructed very clearly in Ps 100:2 to “come before his presence with singing.” As Dr. Watts put it, "Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God; But children of the heavenly king must speak his praise abroad."  One of the most effective ways of “speaking His praise” has been, over many centuries sacred musicing.

Song for the Day—We’re Marching to Zion by Isaac Watts

Prayer for the Day

LORD, I want to thank You for your Word.  I also want to thank You for creating music so that we are able to speak Your praise abroad by musicing the food news of the Gospel. 

Also. Like the ancient Levite musicians, please allow me to cause the people to understand as the Holy Spirit anoints my musicing unto You.  This I am asking in Your wonderful and worthy name.  Amen.

Thought for the Day

It is the message of our sacred musicing not that is most important but the music part of our musicing is also very important because style reflects on the hearer’s pinion of the message of our lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

They Musiced Distinctly---part 2

They Musiced Distinctly---part 2

            So, when one applies current scholarship that all OT Scripture was musically notated with the te’amim above and below the text to our Western understanding of this passage in the eighth chapter of Nehemiah, one can deduce that it probably was the intoning of the Scripture that “caused the people to understand the law”. 

            The AV clearly states that “they read in the book in the law of God distinctly”.  This distinctness no doubt was made possible by the Levite musicians singing this portion of the OT Law.  Once again the Bible has left us principles of musicing that are still valuable to Christians in this century.  One of the principles that we should gather from this Bible lesson is that singing Scripture texts and song texts that are biblical will add specificity and spiritual understanding to our church music.

They Musiced Distinctly---part 1

They Musiced Distinctly---part 1

Nehemiah 8:8, “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.  Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.  So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”

            Have you ever thought about how the Levites actually “caused them to understand the reading”?  We have a tendency to read this Scripture passage “through Western eyes” with “Western understanding”.  Protestant Bible scholars have generally not understood, or have at least glossed over the fact, that during ancient times all Scripture was sung i.e. intoned by the Levite musicians. 

Gideon Blew a Trumpet

Gideon Blew a Trumpet

            Gideon blew a trumpet and Abiezer followed him.  Gideon’s blowing of the shofar taqa caused Abiezer to follow Gideon because the blowing caused Abiezer understand the message being proclaimed.  This verse supports the thesis that there is meaning in the music part of the music.  The word taqa has no doubt much more meaning than we understand in the translation.  The Encyclopedia Judaica gives some explanation of the meanings of the various types of blowing of the Shofar.

            However, the most striking meaning of this passage of Scripture is “the Spirit of the LORD came upon (labash 3847) Gideon”.  Labash means that the self-existent eternal God who is sent the Holy Spirit who wrapped himself or clothed Gideon with His power and blessing.  I am strengthened and encouraged when I read that the Holy Spirit wrapped an Old Testament trumpet layer with His power. That power made Gideon’s trumpet playing efficacious

            I am convinced that the Holy Spirit will enshroud a Christian musician’s musicing with His power.  I am reminded that Acts 1:8 states, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Praise God we have His promise that as He “came upon Gideon” as he pronounced God’s message with his trumpeting, the Holy Ghost will “come upon you” as you music His message of good news in this century.

Song for the Day Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart by George Croly

Thought for the Day

A life in the Holy Spirit will do more than anything else to make a Christian’s music ministry efficacious.

Prayer for the Day

Holy Spirit my door is open wide to your leadership in all my sacred musicing.  I am asking You to “come upon me” as I music unto you and for you.  Please help my music witness to be efficacious.  I want You to know Lord that I do not want to music in my own power but rather I want you to give me that daily dunamis of the Spirit that will enshroud my music ministry.  This I am asking in Your powerful name.  Amen.

Singing with Glee

Singing with Glee

            Genesis 1:31, “And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”  Revelation 22:13, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”  In the beginning God was the creator of everything.  We know this because St. John 1:3 explains that, “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” 

            Psalm 100:3 tells us very clearly that we are a part of that creation when it states, “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”  In gratitude Christin musicians “Serve the LORD with gladness: [and] come before his presence with singing.”  (Psalm 100:2)   It is possible for a musician to music unto God and fail to do so with gladness.  Therefore, we as Christian musicians must be very careful about our attitudes when we music unto Him.  Gladness is an attitude of the mind that becomes an attitude of the Christian’s heart.

             Simchah (8057) which is translated gladness here in the AV means mirth, pleasure, rejoicing, or with exceeding gladness.  I believe that it is proper to call a choir of singing Christians a glee club.  Rather than sing with solemnness and a long sad face, Christians should sing with blithesomeness and glee.  Strictly speaking the term glee means singing short songs i.e.--glees.  Christian’s, who realize that God is alpha and omega, have the right and responsibility to sing with great delight i.e.--glee. 

Quote for the Day

Jeremiah 31:7, “For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.” 

Prayer for the Day

Since Your Word declares that we should “Sing with gladness”, I am asking You Lord to help me to always music unto You with great joy. Help me to have an inner heart life that exudes joy and gladness.  I am reminded that we are commanded to shout your praises with great acclamation.  Help me to have so much joy on the inside that it will have to come out with a great shout of joy and gladness, This I am praying in Your worthy name.  Amen.                                              

Song for the Day-- Joyful, Joyful. We Adore Thee by Horatius Bonar

Overcoming Musicians are Filled with Praises

Overcoming Musicians are Filled with Praises

Revelation 19:1, “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:”  I want to go to heaven and be a part of that great number of those who love God  and say, “Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God”  I know that the enemy of my soul is trying and will continue to try to snare me into sin.  He know where I am weak and where I can be tempted to sin against God. 

            As a Christian musician I must constantly be aware that I am no match for Satan.  Only our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has power enough to overcome Satan.  However, I know that I must put my will in the safe care of the one who has declared  in Romans 8:26,  “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered”  So when I do not know what kind of temptation will soon be facing me, I can rest assured that Christ is my advocate and as Romans 8:27 teaches Jesus cares for my wellbeing, “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God”.

Song for the Day A Glorious Church by Ralph E. Hudson

Thought for the Day  If God is going to make us overcomers, we must let Him help us.  God will not make us overcomers against our will.

Doxology for the Day  Jude 1:24 “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”

Contented Christian Musicians

Contented Christian Musicians

            1Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”  Every Christian musician must remember that godliness is essential to being a Christian.  However, being godly does not insure that a Christian musician will be content.  Paul is here instructing Timothy that Christians who are not content are impoverished.  The apostle purports that “great gain” is accomplished by being godly and by being contented.

            Hebrews 13:5 also instructs Christian to, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”  This Scripture very plainly teaches Christians to not be covetous and to be content.  Aphilarguros (866) connotes not being greedy.  So, are there Christian musicians who are greedy?  Evidently there are Christians who struggle with greed.  So the writer of the Hebrew letter instructs Christians to “be content with such things as ye have”.  He further reminds Christian musicians that God has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”  Take time today and read Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5, 1Chronicles 28:20; Psalm 37:25; and Matthew 6:25, 34.  

Song for the Day He Keeps Me Singing by Luther B. Bridgers 
Thought for Today

Today’s devotional Scriptures teach that contentment is an act of a Christian’s will. 

Prayer for the Day

Our heavenly Father You are truly my Father.  Thank You that You have promised that You will never leave me or forsake me.  So, help me to be content with what You have given me.  Help me to purpose to be happy and content and to not be greedy.  Help me to be a godly man who understands what “great gain” really is.  These things I am asking in Your name.  Amen.

WHY WAS DAVID SUCCESSFUL?—part 3

WHY WAS DAVID SUCCESSFUL?—part 3

            What was the difference between Saul and David?  One writer put it this way.  "Saul was a man's man, David was God's."  The major difference seemed to be their very different attitudes toward God.  Saul disobeyed God by taking Agag the Amalekite king alive and by saving the best of the animals.  When the prophet Samuel faced him with the problem Saul lied when he said (I Sam. 15:13b) "I have performed the commandment of the LORD."  When the prophet Nathan faced David with his sin of adultery, David replied (II Sam. 12:13) ". . .I have sinned against the LORD."  As we can see, both men faced times of failure in their lives, but it seems that it was the difference in their attitudes that made the difference.

WHY WAS DAVID SUCCESSFUL?—part 2

WHY WAS DAVID SUCCESSFUL?—part 2

            A look at the early life of the man who accomplished all these things reveals that he had a very humble beginning.  He was the youngest of the eight sons of Jesse the Bethlehemite.  In I Samuel chapter sixteen, Jesse had seven of his sons to pass before Samuel for blessing to become King, but Samuel the prophet knew immediately that God had refused them all.  Verse eleven of that chapter says, "And Samuel said unto Jesse, are here all thy children?  And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold he keepeth the sheep."  So, Jesse sent for his youngest red-haired son.  Verse twelve states, "And he sent, and brought him in.  Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful  countenance and goodly to look to.  And the LORD said, Arise, anoint  him:  for this is he."

            Although David had a beautiful outward appearance and was a pleasant person, he was probably not nearly as tall as Saul (I Sam. 10:23) who was ". . .higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward."  As a matter of fact (I Sam. 16:7), Eliab was probably more like Saul in stature than David and had a good countenance like David.  However, God chose David the musician because of his heart (vs. 7).  Samuel, speaking of David, told King Saul (I Sam. 13:14) "But now thy kingdom shall not continue:  the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart. . ." 

WHY WAS DAVID SUCCESSFUL?—part 1

WHY WAS DAVID SUCCESSFUL?—part 1

            Sometimes when we observe a successful professional church musician we wonder what the secret to this person's success really was.  How did the musician get started?  Was success the result of some special "break" in life or was it based on the church musician's great talent?  What about David the "sweet psalmist of Israel?"  Did you ever wonder what the secret to his success really was?  David's successes were phenomenal.  He became King of Judah (II Sam. 2:4), King of Israel (II Sam. 5:3), developed and organized the system of music for the first Temple (I Chron. 25:1-31), performed the first recorded music therapy of the Bible on King Saul (I Sam. 16:14-23), wrote about half of the "Book of Psalms", killed a lion and a bear (I Sam. 17:34-36) and killed the Philistine giant with a stone from a sling (I Sam. 17:38-49).

Defending Philosophy Biblically—part 3

Defending Philosophy Biblically—part 3

There are many other sources of knowledge that also help the Christian musician develop a congruent music philosophy. I am often reminded of Jesus’ parable of the steward in Luke16:8 which states, “And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light”.  Although this parable had absolutely nothing to say about music, there is a principle in Jesus’ parable that applies to us all.  Stewardship requires getting the job done with the help of others.

I do not believe that Jesus was commending the unjust steward for his unjustness.  Jesus said in Luke 16:9, “And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.”  It is difficult to know all that Jesus was teaching in this statement, but it appears that He was saying that we can gather wisdom from people who are not Christians. However, Christians are warned in Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you [i.e. lead you astray] through philosophy (philosophia 5385) and vain deceit (kenos apate 2756 539 i.e. empty delusion), after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” 

Defending Philosophy Biblically—part 2

Defending Philosophy Biblically—part 2

So let us consider philosophy’s mention in the Bible.   Philosophia is used only once in the New Testament in Colossians 2:8 and is translated philosophy in the AV; philosophos is also only used once in acts 17:18 and is translated philosophers in the AV; sophos is used 23 times and is translated wise, wiser, wise men, and wise man in the AV. The word wise (sophos), as it is used in the Bible, means having knowledge, and good judgment, and wisdom when it is referring to men and “all wise” when it refers to God.  The English word wisdom is used about 55 times in the AV New Testament.  The word wisdom is found in 266 verses in the AV Old and New Testaments combined.  The exact number of references is not important, but it is important that the Bible speaks so often of wisdom. 

It seems logical to deduce that there is much support in the Bible for a Christian musician basing his or her systematic beliefs about the nature and value of the whole of music on wisdom found both in and out of the Bible.  Much of the wisdom concerning music and musicing may be found in the Bible.  However, I do not claim to believe in *sola scriptura as the only source of wisdom concerning music philosophy.  I do however believe in sola scriptura in the sense that Scripture alone is the authoritative rule of faith and practice and that what the Bible does teach us about music is authoritative.

Defending Philosophy Biblically—part 1

Defending Philosophy Biblically—part 1

Philosophy is generally understood to be the pursuit of wisdom which is realized through logical reasoning. It is employed to critically analyze one’s fundamental *presuppositions and beliefs about some area of life.  Philosophy investigates the nature, value, principles, knowledge, and causes of that discipline.  After logically and critically analyzing one’s systematic beliefs, hopefully a unified field of wisely developed knowledge is established that becomes a system of values and beliefs by which one operates within that discipline.  To the Christian this pursuit is always deeply grounded in Bible principles.

It seems only logical to not only find out what the word philosophy means but also if it is ever mentioned in the Bible, before one attempts to write a book about music philosophy. The English word philosophy is only used once in the AV in St. Paul’s first epistle to the Colossians where he warns in chapter two, verse eight, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy (philosophia 5385) and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”  The word philosophia is derived from philosophos (5386) which is a word that comes from the two Greek words philos (5384) and sophos (4680) which mean one who is fond of wise things i.e. loves wisdom. 

Musicing God's Word

           Musicing God's Word

Romans 10:17 teaches, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  In his comments on verse seventeen Adam Clarke wrote, “Preaching the Gospel is the ordinary means of salvation; faith in Christ is the result of hearing the word, the doctrine of God preached. Preaching, God sends; if heard attentively, faith will be produced; and if they believe the report, the arm of the Lord will be revealed in their salvation.”  Albert Barnes gave further explanation of this verse when he wrote, “When it is said that faith cometh by hearing, it is not meant that all who hear actually believe, for that is not true; but that faith does not exist unless there is a message, or report, to be heard or believed. It cannot come otherwise than by such a message; in other words, unless there is something made known to be believed. And this shows us at once the importance of the message, and the fact that men are converted by the instrumentality of truth, and of truth only.”

            There is no doubt it, the Bible teaches Christians in Hebrews 4:12 the importance of utilizing Scripture, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  Therefore, Christian musicians must be sure to saturate their musicing with the Word of God.  Col 3:16, admonishes Christian musicians to “ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”  What is on the inside comes out!  The Greek word plousious (4146) which was translated richly in the AV means copiously, abundantly, i.e. to be crammed full of God’s Word. So, the Christian who saturates his or her mind with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ will naturally music Gods Word.

Scripture, Song, and Prayer for the Day

Scripture for the Day

John 4:35, “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” 

Song for the Day “When in Our Music God is Glorified” by Fred Pratt Green 

Prayer for the Day

Dear precious Lord of the Harvest, I want to thank You that You have made it possible for me to be a part of Your great spiritual harvest.  Thank you that in Your great and thorough wisdom You chose to include the ministry of music in that eternal harvest. Please help me to encourage those Christian musicians who are ministering out there where the rubber hits the pavement to complete the harvest as they remain faithful in well doing.  This I am asking You today.  Amen.

Your Spiritual Harvest

Your Spiritual Harvest

            I grew up in Kansas where I have observed the wonder and beauty of many wheat fields. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a well prepared wheat field that has just been planted.  To a person that is not a farmer, it probably just looks like so much dirt.  However, I know what is about to happen.  In a few weeks that field will be a beautiful carpet of green.  All through the cold winter that field remains green.  In the spring it becomes a verdant mass of green as it grows.  Later in the early summer it begins to turn to a wonderful golden color as it gently waves in the summer Kansas breezes.   Seemingly overnight each wheat stock bows its head with the weight of its precious content.

            Now it is harvest time!  I used to love to watch the golden wheat gush into the hopper of the combine as it moved slowly up and down the wheat field.  When the hopper was heaped up with wheat, dad would pull the truck up beside the combine and begin to auger the wheat into the truck as my brother and I would let the wheat pour over our bare feet.

`           I know that God is watching your spiritual musical harvest and, if He has feet, He is letting the results of that harvest pour over them as he looks upon spiritual harvest that you have been responsible for pour into His great harvest storehouse.  Zephaniah 3:17 reminds us as his servants, “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”

Keeping the Musician’s Conscience Clear

Keeping the Musician’s Conscience Clear

Nothing Between

By Charles A. Tindley, 1905 

Nothing between my soul and my Savior,

Naught of this world’s delusive dream;

I have renounced all this world’s delusive dream;

Jesus is mine, there’s nothing between.

Refrain:

Nothing between my soul and my Savior,

So that His blessed face may be seen;

Nothing preventing the least of His favor;

Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.

Nothing between, like worldly pleasure;

Habits of life, though harmless they seem,

Must not my heart from Him ever sever;

He is my all, there’s nothing between.

Nothing between, like pride or station;

Self or friends shall not intervene;

Though it may cost me much tribulation,

I am resolved, there’s nothing between.

Nothing between, e’en many hard trials,

Though the whole world against me convene;

Watching with prayer and much self-denial,

I’ll triumph at last, there’s nothing between.

            I know that talking or singing about the Christian musician’s conscious being free from any action or offence toward God will not make me popular.  However, this topic needs to be discussed.  The older I get the more I am aware that I am not going to live forever!  As a matter of fact I have lived long enough to experience my friends and professional acquaintances leave this present world suddenly.  What would make me believe that I will have time to make things right with God if I live with the consciousness that I continuously live with condemnation because I continuously do things that I know are an offence to my Savior.

            Although I am aware that no one is perfect, but I also know that James 4:17 teaches, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”  Also, Romans 6:1 asks the important question, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”  It seems to me that the bible is clear that a Christian musician cannot live or continue in sin. 

            This song mentions several things that can bring a breach between a Christian’s soul and the Savior.  They include: this world’s delusive dream, worldly pleasure, habits of life, pride or station,  and self or friends.  Although the things mentioned in the list  above are capable of bringing condemnation upon the soul of the Christian the librettist reminds the Cristian that, “Though the whole world against me convene; Watching with prayer and much self-denial, I’ll triumph at last, there’s nothing between.”  The answer is, according to the writer, prayer and self-denial. 

Song, Quote and Prayer for the Day

Song for the Day—I’d Rather Have Jesus by Rhea F. Miller

Quote for the Day

 1Timothy 6:5-6 “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.  But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Prayer for the Day

My precious Lord I want to thank You for caring for me.  You have made me rich in righteousness.  Somehow in Your love and mercy you have provided me with a robe of righteousness.  You have given me love and the wisdom to seek Your face.  Thank you for teaching me to fear sin and unrighteousness.  As your word says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)  Lord I love You and want Your approval upon my life.  I count Your wisdom to be great gain.  Thank You for loving me so much.  This I pray in Your wise and wonderful name.  Amen.

Concentrate on Being Righteous

Concentrate on Being Righteous

            Proverbs28:5 -6, “Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.  Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.”  It is a strange thought to some Christian musicians that wicked men and women do not understand God’s judgment.  Because God does not exact judgment at the end of each day some musicians are duped by Satan into believing that sinners have it better in this life than Christians. 

            God’s Word attests to the fact that it is better to be righteous and poor than to be rich and perverse.  The reader should remember that I did not make this comparison but rather it was the inspired Word of God.  Rich people do not have to be perverse, but riches can buy many opportunities to experience perversion.  The Christian musician that does not possess much of this world’s goods should be advised of two things.  First, the righteous should concentrate on being righteous and second, should not fret over those who are perverse and also possibly rich.  The Christians responsibility is to walk carefully before God and his or her fellow man.  God will bring judgment on the wicked whether or not they understand that He will.

What is Theology?—part 4—Dr. Fry .

What is Theology?—part 4—Dr. Fry

Dr. David Fry holds a PhD in Systematic Theology and is the lead pastor of the Bible Holiness Church in Frankfort Indiana.  Portions of one of his writings have been used here with his permission.

            Theological reading, then, is our purpose to read in order to shape our thinking about God in doctrine and practice.  Some popular books, for instance, Rick Warren’s 1995 book Purpose-Driven Church, hardly qualify as a theology book. A pastor who consumes a steady diet of books like this is probably theologically malnourished. I’m sure one could find something theological in Warren’s book; you just have work really hard to find it. Reflection on doctrine or practice is not Warren’s purpose for writing. This is not to denigrate Warren’s book. I have found it helpful on many points. But it is not a theology book in my understanding. But neither does a theology book have to be as dense as John Zizioulas’s Being as Communion (1997).

            So what is a theology book? A theology book is any book whose express purpose is to shape our thinking about God in doctrine and/or in practice. The best theology books include both doctrine and practice. I am not sure that our greatest concern is that pastors are not reading theology books. Perhaps a greater concern is that pastors are not reading theology books theologically or at least theologically well. People read theology books like David Platt’s Radical (2010) without thinking much about its implicit teaching about God.

            I believe Radical is a good example of a theology book written for a popular audience while containing significant theological content (some of which should be very problematic for Wesleyans). Many books written for Christians and pastors emphasize the practice without getting much into the doctrine, yet while making huge doctrinal assumptions.  We read theologically well when our thinking conforms to God’s Word and is guided by the Holy Spirit. 

            In summary, pastors, we ought to read theology and we ought to read theologically. Obviously, theology books should be read theologically, but so also should our other reading material. And, pastors should read theology books whose express purpose is to shape our thinking about God in doctrine and in practice. For this reason, we should choose our books carefully. 

Thought for the Day—G. Wolf

            There is much more about reading theology, reading theologically, and reading theologically well in Dr. Fry’s article, but we will stop here before we get in so deep at we drown in his admonishments to do all of the above.  I am concerned that Church musicians and Christian music educators are trying to relate to seeker and saints without the tools to make prescriptive decisions about whether or not the texts of the songs they lead in worship are accurate or not. 

            It is a huge mistake for an educator or a worship leader to continue on his or her musical journey while ignoring theology in the music being presented to congregations or their music organizations in Christian schools, Bible colleges and Universities. Jesus very clearly stated in Matthew 18:6 “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”  Theology matters!  Church music matters!  Music that is taught in a Christian school or university matters!  So, once again I am contending that all Christian musicians must know what they believe theologically. 

           

What is Theology?—part 3—Dr. Fry

What is Theology?—part 3—Dr. Fry

Dr. David Fry holds a PhD in Systematic Theology and is the lead pastor of the Bible Holiness Church in Frankfort Indiana.  Portions of  one of his writings have been used here with his permission.

            What counts as theological reading and what counts as reading theology?  A theology book is a book whose express purpose is to shape our thinking about God in doctrine and/or in practice. The richest theology books include both doctrine and practice. The most difficult ones deal only with the doctrine; and the shallowest only with practice. Our job as pastor-theologians is to connect the dots between doctrine and practice (theology is both).

            Pastors ought to read theologically as well as read theology. What’s the difference? Theological reading is more about how we read than what we read. For instance, I am currently reading (more like struggling through) a novel by Rick Riordan written for teenagers. Riordan’s novels put ancient mythology into a modern setting. I don’t particularly enjoy the book, but I’m reading it theologically because several teenagers in my church have read it under the guise of pure amusement. I’ve only read one chapter so far and I can affirm that there is plenty of material to provoke theological thinking. Riordan is not claiming to have written a theology book. But, I would argue, if one does not read his writing theologically then one may be unwittingly shaped theologically. On the other hand, if I wanted to read a theology book I would choose something expressly written for that purpose. This is the difference between reading a theology book and reading theologically—we must do both.

            So what counts as reading theology? There is no neat line that can be drawn. Does Riordan’s mythological novel count as theology? Broadly speaking, yes, if we define a theology book as anything book whose content involves God (or the gods, in Riordan’s case). But as pastors that’s rarely our concern. More narrowly, I define (for the time being) a theology book as a book whose express purpose is to shape our thinking about God in doctrine and/or in practice. 

Thought for the Day—G. Wolf 

            Musicians who are reading these posts are probably convinced, at this point, that I have lost my mind. Dr. Fry wrote the original article for pastors and not musicians.  However, I suggest that you do not hold your breath until someone writes this quality of article for Christian musicians.   He was writing about reading theologically as well as reading theology. So, if you will follow my thinking I will attempt to apply some of his thoughts to practicing Christian musicians. 

            Perhaps one should first try to convince musicians that 1) reading is important, 2) that reading theology is important before trying to convince busy ministering musicians to read theologically.  I was struck by the fact that a busy pastor was reading a book theologically because he feared teenagers in his church who had read it had been influenced by Riordan’s novel.  Think about it, how often do you and I read something that the young musicians in our Christian school or our church are reading?  Not only are we ignorant of the things that they are reading about music, we are also willingly ignorant of how these musical writings are shaping their thinking.  How are these writings shaping their musical paradigms?  I confess that I do not often read theologically.

What is Theology?—part 2--Dr. Fry

What is Theology?—part 2—Dr. Fry

Dr. David Fry holds a PhD in Systematic Theology and is the lead pastor of the Bible Holiness Church in Frankfort Indiana.  Portions of his writings have been used here with his permission.

             We are called to equip the saints for ministry. We are not merely to equip them with “practical” know-how, but also the “doctrinal” know-how, that is, why we minister in some ways and not in others. For example, why should or shouldn’t our parishioners engage in inter-faith humanitarian efforts? Or, how is it possible for a dying man to be saved without being baptized?  These are five reasons (among others) why pastors should read occasionally pull a theology book off the shelf and read it.  “I’m too busy to read theology.” 

            There are certain kinds of theology books that pastors are too busy to read. It’s okay to leave those for others and attend occasions where we can receive the condensed version. From time to time I am asked by a fellow pastor to recommend a theology book. Since I am a pastor myself, I am well-acquainted with the time constraints of pastoring. So I have a couple of criteria that I use for making recommendations. I know that most pastors don’t have the time or mental energy to read a 700-page theological dissertation so I recommend books that are less than 250 pages and contain chapters with short sub-divisions that can be read in 10-15 minutes. With these two criteria in mind, I will later share some good theological books that fit the bill.

Thought for the Day—G. Wolf 

            When I read Dr. Fry’s statements in part 2, I thought about the fact that I have never been told by anyone that ministers of music are called to “equip the saints for ministry.”  We seem to have a notion that if the saints worship with music that it will automatically prepare them for life and ministry.  I am afraid that we often have more interest in the emotion of music in worship than we are about the theology of our music being a major goal, or any goal, of music in worship.

            Wow, where do I start on ministers of music reading!  We have a difficult time getting them to read about music let alone reading about theology.  The reason is that ministers of music just do not believe that theological study is the slightest bit necessary. 

What is Theology?—part 1—Dr. Fry

What is Theology?—part 1—Dr. Fry

Dr. David Fry holds a PhD in Systematic Theology and is the lead pastor of the Bible Holiness Church in Frankfort Indiana.  Portions of  one of his writings have been used here with his permission. 

            Theology, etymologically, simply means the study of God. But Christian theology is so much more. In a nutshell, theology is something we do, being “less theoretical than it is theatrical.” Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Faith Speaking Understanding: Performing the Drama of Doctrine (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2014), 20.  While some people’s theology is more pie-in- the-sky, Christian theology is all about down-to-earth living. There are two aspects to Christian theology: doctrine and practice. Doctrine has to do with what we say about God; practice has to do with how that translates into living for God.  Both are essential elements of Christian theology. Doctrine and practice go hand-in- hand in Christian theology. So much so that we might say that one does not truly know his doctrine until he knows how to live it. Kevin Vanhoozer writes, “Church without doctrine to direct it is blind; yet doctrine without the church to embody it is empty.” Ibid. 147. Hypocrisy occurs when there is a disconnect between our doctrine and our practice. This disconnection is something less than God’s will for His followers.

            Thought for the day—G. Wolf

            Ministers of music many time are so caught up in music sequences that follow a theme that the last thing on their minds is a disconnect between doctrine and practice.  As a matter of fact theology is often low on their order of importance list and practice is not even on the list of things to think about when they are planning music for Sunday morning worship. 

What is philosophy?

What is philosophy? 

If one is going to read  about philosophy it seems logical to start with some understanding of what it is.  Philosophy is generally believed to be the pursuit of wisdom which involves an understanding of the nature and value of some aspect of life or all of life for that matter.  It is a search for a general understanding of a field of knowledge that will reveal what the “main thing” is.  It will include an analysis of the basic principles for one’s underlying beliefs that serve as the grounds for why one does what he or she does.   It will reveal how to keep the main thing the main thing.  It is a search for wisdom that will guide one’s processes of thought and conduct.

Philosophy is more than a quest for wisdom that guides our thought patterns.  It also guides what we do.  Historically a strong philosophy was a love for wisdom.  Our word philosophy is derived from two Greek words philos, which meant a predilection or love for something and sophia, which meant wisdom.  Thus philosophy traditionally may be described as preconceived love for a wisdom that would bring a systematized calm or composure.  Classical philosophers believed that philosophy could and would bring about a unified filed of wisdom based on knowledge that would give an “inner peace”. 

“The Devil should not have all the best tunes”

“The Devil should not have all the best tunes”

            This much used, and may I assert, overused quote, was not a fact at the time it was made and is still not an accurate reflection of the whole of all of the melodies ever written.  Those who still perpetuate the erroneous notion that Satan has had or now has control of “all” of the “best tunes” are simply unaware of the whole of music tunes that have ever been written.   

            Perhaps this erroneous notion is still perpetuated because so many Christian musicians are unaware of what an “excellent melody” actually is.  For his reason, it is essential that every Christian who makes musical decisions for his or her Christian organization must have a thorough understanding of music theory so that one can have the tools necessary to make such decisions.  Also, when one studies the history of secular and sacred music history it becomes apparent that for centuries, at least in Western Music, a great majority of the most excellent melodies that have been composed over many centuries are written in music styles that are God honoring.

            I would readily admit that this does not encompass the whole of Western Music or World Music.  Satan has most certainly had many of these melodies written under his influence.  However, although Satan has had a powerful influence over music in the 20^th and now in the 21^st century He has not dominated the whole of music historically, and he has not dominated the whole of music in the twentieth century or even this new century!  Praise God, there are still composers “…who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.”

The Promise of the “Spirit of Truth” part 3

The Promise of the “Spirit of Truth” part 3   

             Another fact worth mentioning is that in St. John 16:7 Christ explained “…It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter (parakletos 3875)  will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”  In order to complete the Father’s perfect plan for man’s redemption and spiritual care and guidance, Christ needed to return to His Father’s side where He could perform His office as our divine advocate (parakletos 3875) with the Father.  Notice that in 1 John 2:1 Jesus said “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate (parakletos) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous”.  However, in St. John 16 Jesus promised in to send another parakletos-the blessed Holy Spirit- to be our Comforter while we are on this Christian journey in this life.

            I have taken these three days to encourage Christian musicians that God has made more than ample provision for our spiritual welfare and guidance.  The Holy Spirit is with us and in us as our guardian and guide.   Romans 8:26-27 explains that, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession (huperentugchano 5241) for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And he [God] that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

             Every Christian musician needs to remember that God the Father cares about our infirmities i.e. our moral and or physical weaknesses.  Also, God the Holy Spirit is pleading our cause in the glory world with unspeakable grief and groaning at this very moment. Hebrews 4:15 declares “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling (sumpatheo 4834) of our infirmities (astheneia 769); but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”  Although Crist never sinned, he cares about us and has compassion and symphathy for us in our morally frail condition. 

Prayer or the Day 

I am so thankful Lord that You have made provision for my spiritual welfare.  Sometimes I forget that You know when I am going to need Your help—even before I need it.  Thank you for impressing me to pray for safety or your help before the trouble comes.  Thank you for caring about both the big and little needs in my life.  Thank You for loving me so much!  This I am praying this morning.  Amen. 

Song for the Day “My Savior’s Love” by Charles H. Gabriel   

Thought for the Day

Christian musicians must remember that that although Jesus is our advocate with the Father, Christ will not intercede for us when we willfully transgress God’s law.