How Should We Then Worship? Part 3 (part 4 on Jan 2)

How Should We Then Worship? Part 3 (part 4 on Jan 2)

            Yesterday we introduced the Bible principle of musicing unto God as a part of worship.  Why is this response to God as a part of worship so valuable and efficacious?  It is most valuable because, rather than it being an artistic event, it is a heart-felt response of all those o truly love and serve the self-existent, independent, eternal God who is—i.e. the LORD (YAHV).  God has made it possible for all Christians, not just trained performers) to offer unto the Trinity a heart-felt response that is more expressive than mere words. 

            All those who love and serve our precious LORD should note that the Bible principles of musicing taught in Psalm 92:1-3 include singing praises (zamar, 2167) and upon an instrument of ten strings (asor, 6218), upon the psaltery (nebel, 5035), as well as upon the harp (kinore, 3658).  The use of singing with musical instruments, and musicing with musical instruments alone i.e. without singing is taught clearly throughout the divinely God breathed Holy Writ.

How Should We Then Worship? Part 2

How Should We Then Worship? Part 2

            Yesterday we introduced Psalm 92:1-3.  It instructs us in part of what we should do on the Sabbath day.  It very clearly states that,” It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High,,,’’ The Hebrew word towb (2896) translated good thing here in the AV has many shades of meaning including: -“beautiful, best, better, bountiful, fine, glad, joyful according to Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary.  If praise, which definitely includes musical praise, is all or part of the long list of modifier listed above, every sincere Christian should be anxious to become a part of such a worthwhile response to God.

            It is a Bible principle of musicing that it is a good thing to music unto the LORD.  Musicing unto God as a response to His wonderful name is a Bible principle of musicing that is taught so many times in the inspired Holy Writ that one could write volumes about this valuable response to God.

How Should We Then Worship? Part 1 (a 4 part series)

How Should We Then Worship? Part 1 (a 4 part series)

Psalm 92:1-3, “A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound.”

            First of all, it is a Bible mandate that those who love the LORD must give praise to God.  Praise as a part of public and private worship is a Bible teaching that appears over and over again in the inspired Holy Writ.  Praise to God is not frosting on the top of the worship cake.  It is a part of the cake!  It is not all of the cake but it is an essential ingredient of public and private worship.

The LORD Knows His Righteous Musical Servants

The LORD Knows His Righteous Musical Servants

Psalm 1:6, “For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

            Musicians who are truly righteous are not nervous about the fact that the LORD is omniscient.  If our heavenly knows everything (and He does) then He knows the thoughts and intents of His faithful righteous musician’s hearts.  If a musician is hiding stuff then he or she wishes that the LORD is only partially knowledgeable. 

            Others consider a musician by his or her reputation but God considers musicians by the musician’s actual character.  A musical servant’s reputation does matter but his or her character is really what matters. So, guard your reputation by not doing and saying stupid stuff!  Plan right now to guard your heart and guard your tongue next year.  Rather than make a new year’s resolution, begin to pray during these last days of this year that the LORD will help you to guard your heart and tongue next year.

Prayer for the Day

LORD, You are marvelous and wonderful.  You are abundantly able to help me guard my heart and my mouth.  LORD, please protect me.  Look deep down into my heart and see the thoughts and intents of my heart.  I am thanking You in advance for Your watch and care of everything that I face in the coming year.  This I am asking in Your strong name.  Amen.

Amen, and Amen

                                                 

Re 1:5-6, “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood; And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”  Take some time to think about what “Amen” means.  The word amen used in this verse in the NT is a Hebrew loan word that means ‘of verity’ or ‘so be it’.   When I think about Jesus Christ is a faithful witness that loved me so much that He loved me in spite of my sin, I say halleluiah amen!  Think of it, the prince of the kings of the earth loved me enough to die for my sin.  When I ponder on the wonder of His love I am amazed that He suffered and died for a small sinful boy who grew up on an eighty-acre farm in eastern Kansas.  

Wow! I’m about to get blessed and make some noise.  I’m not sure that I am capable of sitting here much longer without praising my Lord and Savior loudly.  I’m about ready to make a joyful noise to express my happiness.  Those around me will not understand what is going on in my inner most soul right now.  They may take me away and restrain me with a straight jacket, but that’s ok because my wonderful Lord will understand.  If I tell them that I am thinking about my Savior who is the first begotten of the dead and my soon coming king, they will consider me to be just another religious fanatic but that’s ok because my Lord and Savior will know that I am perfectly sane.

My Savior knows how many sins His precious blood washed away in an instant.  He knows how he transformed me into a king and priest unto His glory.  Christian musician look up with joy.  Take heart because he has done the same for you.  Let your mouth be filled with many Amens and Hallejuiahs unto the victorious Lamb of God.  Remember that you are on the winning side because you serve a God who will have dominion and glory forever, Amen.

Thought for the Day

Thank God that His Son has washed us of our sins.  He has made us clean so that we can serve him as Kings and Priests unto God.

Song for the Day  “O Make Me Clean” by George W. Bennard

Prayer for the Day

I want to thank You Lord for loving me so much that You washed me of my sins in Your efficacious blood.  Thank you for suffering, dying, and rising again victorious over sin.  Please help me to give you praise, honor and glory for your sacrifice for the sins of the world, which included my awful load of sin.  Please help me by Your grace to be a king and priest unto your name.  This I am praying. Amen. 

Wise Men Came to Worship Christ

Wise Men Came to Worship Christ 

Matthew 2:1-2 states, “Now when Jesus was born on Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

       We do not know when the kings came to Jerusalem, or when they appeared at Joseph and Mary’s home.  It is generally believed that it was about a year after Christ’s birth.  There is much conjecture about just who these Eastern Magi were.  Many believe that they were astrologers and or philosophers.  There is some possibility that they were Jews of mixed descent who lived in distant lands and were knowledgeable of the Messianic prophesies in the Jewish Scrolls.  If so, then they would have believed that the time of Christ’s coming was at hand.

       Since they followed Christ’s star, there possible were astrologers among them –and thus the statement “We have followed his star”.  However, the thing that really mattered was that they traveled all those miles to worship Christ.  They believed that he was the “king” so they diligently sought after Him.  They believed that they would indeed find the Christ child.  Even more importantly it sees that they believed that He was the Messiah and that He was worthy of their worship.

       Hebrews 11:6 states, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”  Wise men and women still seek Him.  In their seeking it is still necessary for them to believe, like the wise men who sought after Christ; and they must believe, not only that he is, but that he will reward those who seek him with salvation." 

      Matthew 2:1-2 states, “Now when Jesus was born on Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” We do not know when the kings came to Jerusalem, or when they appeared at Joseph and Mary’s home.  It is generally believed that it was about a year after Christ’s birth.  There is much conjecture about just who these Eastern Magi were.  Many believe that they were astrologers and or philosophers.  There is some possibility that they were Jews of mixed descent who lived in distant lands and were knowledgeable of the Messianic prophesies in the Jewish Scrolls.  If so, then they would have believed that the time of Christ’s coming was at hand. 

       Since they followed Christ’s star, there possible were astrologers among them –and thus the statement “We have followed his star”.  However, the thing that really mattered was that they traveled all those miles to worship Christ.  They believed that he was the “king” so they diligently sought after Him.  They believed that they would indeed find the Christ child.  Even more importantly it sees that they believed that He was the Messiah and that He was worthy of their worship.       

       Hebrews 11:6 states, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”  Wise men and women still seek Him.  In their seeking it is still necessary for them to believe, like the wise men who sought after Christ; and they must believe, not only that he is, but that he will reward those who seek him with salvation.

No Room for Jesus

No Room for Jesus

St. Luke2:7 states, And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

       Can you imagine that there was actually no room for the Son of God in the inn in Bethlehem?  Many times we as musicians have a hard time understanding why bad things happen to good people.  Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus were certainly good people.  Why did God the Father let Jesus, His only begotten son, be born in a cattle shelter which was perhaps a cave?  From our very finite understanding it would seem that there could have been at least a tiny room that no one was using.  However God the Father let His only son be born in obscurity and humility.  On this blessed day of days, we should remember that, regardless of our circumstances, most of us were not born in a place of humility like Jesus.

       Jesus didn’t let his surroundings and his humble birth ever affect His ministry.  Likewise, His earthly parents did not let the humility of the circumstances of Christ’s birth affect their vision of who Jesus was and their role in the accomplishment of the will of God.  Thank God for Mary and Joseph who did not let their situation deter them from obeying God that wonderful night long ago in Bethlehem.     .

The Long Journey to Bethlehem

The Long Journey to Bethlehem

            Luke 2:4-5 states, “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David :) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.”       The long trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem by Joseph and Mary was a journey of faith.  Caesar Augustus had decreed that all the people should be registered or “taxed”.  Joseph’s journey with Mary was not merely an act of obedience to Caesar Augustus, but also to God.  As we discussed yesterday, the angel had assured Joseph that he should not be afraid to accept Mary as his espoused wife.

       Now Mary and Joseph are on their journey toward Bethlehem the day before the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Joseph is not ashamed of Mary because he trusts he trusts God.  He is willing to sign the tax register and publically accept Mary as his espoused wife—going on record for all eternity that he trusts and believes God.

       On this the day before Christmas are you among the Christian musicians that trust God?  Are you willing to trust God with your life, your career, your future, and your music ministry?  Trust comes with implicit faith in god that He will guide you and protect you for the rest of your life.  Joseph’s implicit faith that the angel of God had told him the truth enabled him to take the long journey of faith to Bethlehem that day.  It will be by faith alone that you will enter the New Year knowing in your heart that God is saying to you “be not afraid”.

Joseph Was Truly Blessed

Joseph Was Truly Blessed

St Matthew 1:20 states, “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”

       Joseph was in terrible mental anguish.  If he put Mary away publically, the Jews would probably stone her to death.  So, he was contemplating putting her away privately.  He certainly needed to hear from God.  So, God sent his angel to assure Joseph that God was going to take care of Mary and himself. 

       Did you ever think of what would have happened if Joseph had failed God at this crucial time in the history of mankind?  What would have happened to Mary?   What would have happened to the baby Jesus who was not yet born of the Virgin Mary?  It is easy for us to postulate that God would not have let anything happen to the Baby Jesus, but it took the obedience of both Mary and Joseph for God to complete His perfect will.  If Joseph had not had a choice, I do not believe that his choice would have been recorded in the Holy Writ.

       Compared to Joseph’s choice, many of our choices in life seem somewhat insignificant.  At this time of Christmas, it behooves all Christian musicians to remember that our choices, no matter how small they seem, do matter.  If God could trust Joseph to make the right choice, surely He will help us to make right choices during this Christmas season.  Joseph was truly blessed because God could trust him to make the right decision.

       I know from experience that it is about this time in December that musicians go into depression.  We wish that our Christmas presentations would have been performed more accurately.  We can think of a thousand and one things that we could have done more efficiently.  However the Presentations are over and we are left with the “Christmas program blues”.  Look up! I believe God’s angel is saying to you “do not be afraid.  God has accepted your musical offering.”  It isn’t the grandness of our musical offerings that matter but it is the fact that we have given Him the best offering that we were capable of giving and that we offered it as an offering “in righteousness”.

Mary Was Truly Blessed

Mary Was Truly Blessed 

St Luke 1:28 states, “And the angel came unto her, and said, hail, thou art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”

       Yesterday we talked about God preparing the way for Jesus’ coming by a man who was not afraid to proclaim the message of Christ.  Today we are going to consider the Virgin Mary who was not afraid to obey the angel of God who came to give her the assurance that the Lord was going to be with her and had chosen her to help prepare the way of Christ to bring salvation to sinful men and women in this sin cursed world.  What would have happened if she had been afraid to obey God?  God had planned that she should be blessed above all women.  However, she had to be obedient to the will of God in order to help fulfill the promise of god to all people.  The fulfillment of the gift of God through Christ Jesus was contingent on her obedience to God’s mysterious and wonderful plan.

       Chief musician you have been chosen to once again tell the wonderful story of Christ’s coming to earth to save sinful men and women.  Only eternity will reveal how important your obedience is to God’s strategic plan for bringing hope and salvation to post-modern and post post-modern men  and women who hear you and those who music with you during  this season.

God Uses Holy Men and Women at Christmas

God Uses Holy Men and Women at Christmas  

Malachi 3:1 states, “Behold I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.”

       Have you ever thought about the fact that God used a man to help prepare the way for His Son’s coming to dwell with us?  Why would god need john the Baptist to help prepare the people for Christ’s coming?  John was “the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” (Luke 3:4).  His message was, “there cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.  I indeed baptize you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost” (St Mark 1:7-8).  The prophet Malachi stated, “He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap: 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 an offering in righteousness (Malachi #:2-4).

       If we as Christian musicians have any hope of offering the lord musical offerings in “righteousness”, we must have our hearts purified by the cleansing baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus is coming again and we as Christian musicians are called to help prepare this world to be ready spiritually for His coming.  God has, in his great wisdom, chosen us to go to a high mountain and tell the good news of Christ’s coming to save sinful men and women. It is the Christmas season any we will have the opportunity of give God a musical offering in righteousness and at the time minister to some folks that we may not see again until Easter Sunday morning.  We need to make sure that we are filled with god’s Spirit as we minister musically during this Christmas season.

My Philosophical Credo

My Philosophical Credo

I believe that the more than 600 references to music in the Bible are given by inspiration of God and are profitable doctrine for reproof, correction, and instruction today.  I believe that the Bible provides us with timeless, relevant, usable, practical and spiritual guidance in the 21^st century.  I believe that the only completely safe teacher of church music philosophy is the Holy Spirit who is capable and willing to guide us into all truth concerning music ministry in this century. 

I believe that there are absolutes concerning music ministry.  I believe in profundity, appropriateness and standards of correctness in church music.  I believe that CHURCH MUSIC MATTERS and that CHURCH MUSIC MATTERS to God.  I believe that although there is room for taste in church music ministry, it is not all a matter of personal taste.  I believe God created music and that He thought it into being.  I believe that since God thinks about music it behooves us to study his Word to ascertain what He thinks about music.

I believe that good causes in music may be served.  I believe that even though we live in this present evil world, we are not of this present world.  I believe that conservative Spirit filled musicians can effect positive changes in church music.  I believe that churches, Christian schools and Bible colleges who have a Christocentric music philosophy can catechize the next generation of music educators and church musicians to put on the “whole armor of God” that they may resist the stratagems of Satan that surround us.  I believe that conservative Christian musicians may be renewed in the spirit of their mind in such a way as to affect positive change in Bible believing church music ministries.  I believe that under the anointing of the blessed Holy Spirit, conservative Bible believing ministers of music may fulfill the Bible mandate in Genesis 1:26 that man made in God’s image should have dominion over all the earth which includes music.  

Astrologers on a Journey of Faith

Astrologers on a Journey of Faith

Matthew 2:1-2 states, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?  for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”

       These astrologers who were kings came from the east to worship Christ.  Before Christ was born in Bethlehem, these Gentile kings started their very long journey from the east.  They weren’t Jews, but somehow they knew about the ancient scrolls that contained prophesies of the birth of a Jewish king.  Somehow they must have read the Isaiah scroll that stated, “Arise shine for thy light has come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.  For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.  And the Gentiles shall come to the light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:1-3).

       These Eastern kings understood the meaning of this passage from the Isaiah scroll in with a different understanding based upon their knowledge of the study of the stars.  Somehow when Christ’s star appeared in the heavens at night it sparked faith in them to seek out the Christ child and worship Him.

       If God can who spoke worlds into existence can call Gentile kings from the east to come to worship Christ, He can cause those in the community around your church to come to your Christmas presentation.  He can make it possible for them to hear the clear message that Christ came to earth to save sinful men and women from their sins.  Chief musician do not get discouraged.  It is your job to preach Christ crucified with your Christmas presentation and it is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict men and women of their sin.  So, go tell it on the mountain top.  Tell them that Christ was born to forgive them of their sins.   You must take courage because you have a great job to do this Christmas season.

God Really Is with Us

God Really Is with Us

 Isaiah 7:14 states, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and thou shall call his name Immanuel.”

       St. Matthew 1:23 quotes Isaiah’s prophesy and further explains that Emmanuel means “God with us”.  To a people long ago who were in great darkness, God promised to send His son to be with us!  It was a long time after Isaiah’s prophesy before Christ was born, but god always keeps His promises.

       Christian musician be sure to remind everyone who takes part in your Christmas musical ministry that Christ’s coming to earth in space and time was a fulfillment of God’s promise to mankind that God really would come to earth to dwell with us.  Although you, as a music minister, may believe that all those who minister musically with you know all about the story of Christ’s coming to earth—tell them again! 

       I get blessed just thinking about the fact that God was and is with us.  We are not alone on this earth.  We may not be able to see Him, but we can experience His presence very, very near us at this time of Christmas.  Christ came to abide with us—not just visit us.  He came to tabernacle with his children.  Be sure to invite all who minister with you to experience Christ in a special way as they music unto Him.   That will make their musicing real and very special this Christmas season.

Bach’s Philosophy of Musicing

Bach’s Philosophy of Musicing

            J. S. Bach is often quoted as saying, “The aim and final reason of all music should be none else but the glory of God and refreshing the soul. Where this is not observed there will be no music, but only a devilish hubbub.  If he lived today he would certainly not be considered politically correct.  His first and last aim for all music and musicing was the glory of God.  Evidently Bach made no distinction between the ultimate purposes of religious or secular music. 

            Bach evidently believed philosophically in a prescriptive approach to church music. He once said, “I have always kept one end in view, namely ... to conduct a well-regulated church music to the honour of God.”  Although we do not precisely what Bach meant by “well-regulated church music”, we at least know that he believed in regulating what he musiced unto God.  I’m sure that he was constantly aware that some music styles and some music content was God honoring and that conversely, some music did not bring honor to God.  We would do well to be aware of what the religious music we perform does to the listener.

In the Will of God at Christmas

In the Will of God at Christmas

Jeremiah 1:5 states, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”

       Today is my firstborn daughter Deanna’s birthday.  At the time I am writing this devotional, she is thousands of miles away from us today. Before she was born God knew who she was and what He wanted her to be doing right now.  God sanctified or “set her apart’ and ordained her to be a minister’s wife and He knew that she would be letting her light shine as she teaches music in Scotland on this very day in 2017.

       You may have loved ones who are ministering far, far from home today.  You and I need to constantly be reminded that God is awake.  Nothing slips up on Him.  There is no luck, happenstance and nothing startles God, because, in His awesome wisdom, He always knows what is best.

       I would rather have my children thousands of miles away from me serving God than to have them all around my table but out of the will of God for their lives.  With that in mind, we will celebrate the birth of God’s son Jesus Christ with joy and full confidence that He is working out his purpose in our lives.  My heavenly Father sent His only Son to Die.  I only sent my daughter to serve Jesus Christ.

Prayer for the Day

I am asking you heavenly Father to protect my daughter Deanna and her husband Mark today as they prepare for the Christmas season.  Lord, please bless Mark’s ministry as a Chaplin in the Royal Navy in Scotland as he ministers to some who do not even know the basic plan of salvation. Please make Deanna’s ministry fruitful as she teaches music in the public schools.  Please make them prophets to the nations.  Also, please comfort the hearts of those who minister musically around the world and are separated from their families at this Christmas season.  These things I am praying in your wonderful name.  Amen.

Aesthetics in A Christian’s Music Paradigm—part 4

Aesthetics in A Christian’s Music Paradigm—part 4

            What really matters about the use or disuse of a style of music when one is worshiping a high and holy triune God is much more complicated than mere musical or aesthetic quality—although musical and aesthetic quality does matter.  What really matters is what a particular style of music communicates to the musicer and the listener and what that communication has the potential to do to a person mentally and spiritually.

             A piece of music that is not full of aesthetic meaning is not necessarily harmful to the musicer and the listener. So, whether or not the formal properties of the music are arranged in such a way to make that music aesthetically valuable is not reason enough to exclude a style of music as a whole or as a single musical composition from the life of a Christian.

Thought for the Day

 The Bible in Basic English translates 2Corinthians “7:11 For you see what care was produced in you by this very sorrow of yours before God, what clearing of yourselves, what wrath against sin, what fear, what desire, what serious purpose, what punishment. In everything you have made it clear that you are free from sin in this business.”  Although this scripture is not addressing music directly, the principle stated in this verse extends to the music and musicing of a musician who is a born again Christian.

Aesthetics in A Christian’s Music Paradigm—part 3

Aesthetics in A Christian’s Music Paradigm—part 3

            A Christian musician should not admit or exclude a style of music solely on the quality of its aesthetic value.  Notice that I said totally; I did not say that one should ignore a style’s aesthetic qualities that give it its value. However, the question at hand is not music’s deepest aesthetic value but rather what effect it is capable of having on the whole life of a Christian.  For instance, it has been a mistake to exclude the host of  different styles of music that exist today from the musicing of a Christian based on the belief that these styles are not music at all or that they are not aesthetically high quality music.

             The issue is not whether a type of music is “musical junk” or that it is “not music at all” or that it is “not of enough musical quality” to be aesthetically effective.  The problem with such statements that are often made is that they are simply not always accurate statements.  Although the conservative Christian musician is continually guarding the practice of musicing unto God, overstating one’s position on music aesthetics is not the answer.

Thought for the Day

When it comes to the use or disuse of many pop styles of music in public worship, the simply stated facts are much better arguments than making statements about a style of music that cannot be substantiated.

Aesthetics in A Christian’s Music Paradigm—part 2

Aesthetics in A Christian’s Music Paradigm—part 2

 As I have often stated, the Christian should not develop an aesthetic approach to religion, but rather a religious (biblical) approach to aesthetics.  Music aesthetics is by no means the bellwether of Christianity.  Having an aesthetic experience with music does not form any proof, nor is it any indication that the Holy Spirit has placed His anointing or approval on a musical performance or a performer.  However, aesthetics and aesthetic experiences with music are important and must be considered in our discussion of both musical paradigm and music philosophy.  Music’s beauty is an important part of its nature, and will definitely affect what that music will communicate to the musicer and the listener.

The Christian musician must be cognizant of the fact that although beauty, as it relates to music philosophy and ultimately musician unto God, is in some aspects a personal matter.  However, the Bible does consider beauty in music and in Psalm 89:15 it very clearly states, “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.”  So, the aesthetic consideration of sound is not completely a matter of taste or personal opinion.

Thought for the Day

Since the Bible states very vividly that some people understand what the “joyful sound” is, conversely, some people evidently do not understand what it is.

Aesthetics in A Christian’s Music Paradigm—part 1

Aesthetics in A Christian’s Music Paradigm—part 1

            The Christian musician must become aware of where the aesthetics of music has been placed in his or her musical paradigm.  Although we will consider many more aspects of aesthetics in the life of a Christian musician, pin pointing where aesthetics is placed in one’s musical paradigm, and ultimately in that person’s music philosophy, is essential to the establishment of what that musician considers the nature and value of music to actually be.

            It is often difficult to get a church musician to explain his or her specific beliefs about aesthetics in church music, if that musician does not consider this aspect of philosophy toe even be important.  In the business of a Christian’s music ministry, that musician must be personally convinced of the importance of aesthetic philosophy before that musician is willing to dialogue about what aspects of aesthetics are or are not congruent with a Bible based music philosophy.

Thought for the Day

Since a Christian is never autonomous, but always subject to the laws of God, every Christian musician must seek to find and do God’s will—and that includes music and musicing.

Are There Any Absolutes?—part 3

Are There Any Absolutes?—part 3

            Before Hegelian synthesis thought, the Scripture in I John 2:15, “Love not the world”, meant just that, don’t love the world or become controlled by the system of “this present age”.  After acceptance of Hegelian synthesis thought, it became acceptable to be a worldly Christian.  Those who accepted this viewpoint no longer believed the Bible when it said that if you loved the world, the love of the father was not in you.  Under this autonomous philosophy you could love the world and the Lord at the same time.  So, the synthesis thinking church musicians, who were in many instances, graduates of Christian colleges and seminaries began to think that if it was okay to love the world system then it was okay to love the world’s music.  Philosophically they believed that the answer could no more be based on good music and bad music, God’s music and the Satan’s music, or in appropriate or inappropriate music.  They believed that all styles were equal and that the musical answer must be somewhere between truth and error.

Thought for the Day. 

One of the ways that Christian musicians are swept into philosophical error is by believing that it is not possible to develop a Bible based music philosophy.

Are There Any Absolutes?—part 2

Are There Any Absolutes?—part 2

            Philosophy has been historically a pursuit of the systematized principles that give a wisdom that reveals truth and a unified filed of knowledge based on truth and error or thesis and antithesis.  Somewhere in the early 20th century many philosophers began to give up hope in a unified filed of knowledge based on thesis (right) or antithesis (wrong).  They began to believe the philosophy of Georg Wilhelm Frederick Hegel (1770-1831).  Hegel believed that every idea belonged to an all-embracing mind in which every idea (thesis) elicited its opposite (antithesis) and the result of these two was a unified whole which he called synthesis.  His “unified” whole was epistemologically different since it derived “knowing” from a new synthesis thesis.  This “knowing” brought about a new truth that was always found somewhere between truth and error.

Thought for the Day

It is disappointing that many church musicians now believe that the only thing they can know for sure about religious music I that they cannot know anything for sure about it because they are of the notion that there are no absolutes in church music.

Are There Any Absolutes?—part 1

Are There Any Absolutes?—part 1

            I am deeply indebted to the work of Francis Schaffer for opening to me a very clear basic understanding of how philosophical thought has shaped the thinking of modern and postmodern Christians.  After reading his Escape from Reason and The God Who is There as well as other of his great works, it became clear to me how many Christian musicians came to believe that there are no absolutes in music. 

            For centuries philosophers believed that it was possible for all thought to come under a unified filed of knowledge.  They often fought bitterly over just what that unified field of knowledge included.  Although philosophers did not agree on the content of that unified knowledge, they did agree that philosophical endeavor could and should bring about a philosophy of hope to the world   

Thought for the Day

If a Christian musician’s music is to be Christocentric, it must be congruent with God’s Word and Bible principles of musicing.

Singing about Our Chief Corner Stone

Singing about Our Chief Corner Stone

            My Son in law sent me the quote below by pastor Jim Cymbala the other day and I have been thinking about it ever since.  It is one thing to sing about Christ but it is totally another to have a personal relationship with the Christ about whom you are singing!  We as Christian musicians need to be sure that when we sing the gospel we are worshiping Christ rather than the gospel music.  A Christian should never sing or play sacred music for his or her aggrandizement.  As you will see when you read the quotation below, pastor Cymbala got it right when he said, “Sadly, some people use gospel music as a platform to go higher in their field…”  Gospel music should never be used by a musician as a stepping stone.  The gospel message should never be a stone to step upon because it is the message of our Chief “corner stone” Christ Jesus.

Quote for the Day

            "Gospel music has become very popular in recent years. Unfortunately, there are people involved in gospel music today who have no acquaintance with the gospel itself. The truth is that without the good news of Jesus Christ, there is no hope, no matter how much money a person may have earned in the music industry and how well they are known. Without Jesus there is no joy and no peace. The world testifies to that every day. So many celebrities have all the things this world has ...to offer, yet they have to stay drugged up to keep going. When you have Jesus, you don’t need escapism, because you can give your burdens to him and have hope not just for the here and now, but for eternal life.

            Sadly, some people use gospel music as a platform to go higher in their field; but you can’t go higher than the gospel! There are songwriters who try to write lyrics for gospel songs that are general enough to cross over into mainstream music, and so the gospel message is watered down. Whether we sing gospel music, or listen to it, we need to be a partaker in what we’re singing about. The next time you’re singing a gospel tune, whether the song sings the Lord’s praises or tells about the attributes of God and what he’s done in a person’s life, or shares the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, think of the words you are singing – or writing – and let them come from a heart of gratitude for all that he has done!" ~ Pastor Jim Cymbala    

Scriptures for the Day

Ephesians 2:20, “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” 1Peter 2:6, “Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.”

Thinking about Church Music

Thinking about Church Music

Church musicians continue to be in a very heated argument about styles of church music.  Normally church musicians do not argue in favor of secular rock music, however this is changing since some churches are now playing secular rock and other similar styles of music that have no relationship to sacred music.  There are an increasing number of pastors and church musicians who do not see much, if anything, wrong with religious rock music in the church.  In many places in the world today, church attendance is getting smaller, so pastors and ministers of music are trying to make church attendance attractive to people who are not Christians.  Almost everything traditional is now being reviewed to make sure that traditional acts of worship are relating to “worldly” people.  Traditional styles of church music often receive the blame for a lack of church growth.

            When a particular church is experiencing increased attendance, pastors and ministers of music naturally look at the style of worship that has been “successful.”  Often church leaders pattern public worship after “super churches” without thinking through the results of those major changes in music worship. 

                                                                                                           

Thought for the Day

Christian musicians must be more concerned about being “faithful” than “successful” when it comes to which styles of music are or are not admitted to a church’s music repertoire.

Teaching the Next Generation to Music--Part 4

Teaching the Next Generation to Music--Part 4

            An often much overlooked necessity is studying music seriously.  It is no joke that “knowing is doing”.  A Christian cannot teach what he or she does not know.  In our highly educated world today it is ludicrous for one to try to instruct others in how to music and how to develop a music philosophy without as much as knowing the names of the lines and spaces.  Being a music consumer does not qualify one to instruct others in music.

            Christians must consider the whole of music.  This includes a long broad study or music which includes both sacred and secular music.  Everyone should have knowledge of classical, folk, pop, jazz, rock, country and a host of other types of music in order to converse intelligently with the generations to follow us as pastors, parents, and church musicians.  Anything less than music literacy and a general understanding of the performance practice of these styles will dwarf our possibilities of reaching our young people with a logical, reasonable, explainable, discussible, and practical philosophy of music.

Thought for the Day

            Why is it that many Christians both young and old believe that II Timothy 3:16, but have never considered that its truth extends to the whole of music?  It is over simplistic to pick and choose which verses on music to believe.  The fact that the Holy Writ and what it teaches is many times difficult to understand and interpret in the light of modern twenty fist century post-postmodern culture does not give a  musician the right to ignore the Bible’s teachings on music and musicing.  1Cointhians 13:12 explains very vividly, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”  The fact that, as 1Corinthians 13:9, “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.” does not give us the right to ignore the truths taught in the Holy Writ about music.

Teaching the Next Generation to Music--Part 3

Teaching the Next Generation to Music--Part 3

            All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.  II Timothy 3:16

            If the Bible is accurate and inspired, and it most certainly is, all of the six hundred plus Scriptures referring to music are profitable to us today. This truth is attested to in II Timothy 3:16.  The problem is gaining a knowledge how they are profitable.  They teach us generally about musicing and especially the doctrine of how to make music unto God.  It will help us to avoid unwise choices in both sacred and secular music by providing us with reproof, correction and instruction.  It is not only negative with definite reproofs and corrections, but also positive with its instructions in righteousness.  No pastor, parent, Christian music minister or music educator is properly equipped to pass on our Christian music values to the next generation without a thorough knowledge of Bible music.

Thought for the Day

I read a book about worship the other day.  As usual, every writer has some opinion about what the Bible says about music and musicing.  This author solved all the problems about what the Bible teaches about music.  He simply stated that when the Bible mentions music that mention is never about the music.  Wow!  He summarily dismissed what the Bible says about the music part of music with one easy statement.  The only problem with what he asserted is that it is just not accurate!  So, if you are having trouble with understanding what the Bible says about music—just deny that any of its statements are meaningful.  You will be wrong, but it will give you an easy way out!

Teaching the Next Generation to Music--Part 2

Teaching the Next Generation to Music--Part 2

Unwise choices in music and cultural blind spots in the fine arts should not be equated with a person’s relationship to Christ.  Parents should not make statements like, “If you ever really come to know the Lord, you would not even like that music”.  Knowledge of biblical principles concerning music choices and likes and dislikes of styles of music are acquired skills not instantaneous gifts of the Spirit to the born-again Christian.  Christian purity and maturity are not one in the same.  A Christian musician may make unwise choices concerning music ministry as well as secular music selections and still be honestly trying to bring his or her life under the Lordship of Christ.  It seems that we are much more able to accept the fact that a Christian has made some very unwise credit card decisions than we are able to accept unwise music decisions.

How should Christians catechize young people concerning music?  First of all pastors, parents, music ministers, and Christian music educators should study music in the Bible thoroughly.  Since there are over 600 references to music in the Bible, there is much to be gained from a study of Bible music.  Remember that II Timothy 3:16-18 reminds us that:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Thought for the Day

            A cultural blind spot in music is not being aware of the import one’s own musical behavior and practices. Many Christian musicians so not seem to realize that we all have cultural and spiritual blind spots.  It is not as easy as it may seem for a musician to recognize just what these blind spots are.  They are very similar to spiritual blind spots.  If we knew what they are they would not be blind spots.  For his reason we all need a musical mentor who has a personal relationship with Christ and has had a long broad study of music. 

Teaching the Next Generation to Music--Part 1

Teaching the Next Generation to Music--Part 1

 I have often mentioned in my writing that pastors, parents, and music educators have a responsibility to pass our music values on to the next generation.  This process of attempting to instill the conservative music values in the lives of our children is many times a painful and unsuccessful endeavor.  Although we have a responsibility to share our values with the next generation, we must be sure that we do the right thing in the right way.

It is one thing for pastors, parents, music ministers, and Christian music educators to have strong beliefs concerning music but the passing of the baton to the next generation must be a “civil” process.  Long heated discussions ending in anger and tears seldom get the job done successfully.  Name calling and equating a young person’s musical tastes with their relationship to Jesus Christ is most regrettable. 

Thought for the Day

What is the cause of a lack of communication about music between one generation and another?  Why do young people and their parents often experience a musical generation gap which is often brought about by differences in musical tastes, values, and outlook?   Those of you who are ministering with the great art of sacred music today must remember that the greatest way to bridge the music gap is with genuine heart-felt musicing.  Every generation engages more quickly when they can see and feel that you care deeply about the music.

Worthy of Worship

Worthy of Worship

            Ezra 3:11, “And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.”

            This verse is a record of the praise meeting that took place after the foundation of the Temple was laid by Ezra’s men.  A part of this praise service was a musical praise offering unto YHVH for His faithfulness to them.  This musical performance is a record of the high level of antiphonal singing that had been developed in ancient Israel.  It is important to note that the reason for this musicing was not entertainment or aesthetic musical performance merely for music’s sake, but philosophically, and as a praxis based on that strong belief, they musiced for God’s glory and praise.  Note that the text mentions God’s goodness, mercy and the worthship of His faithfulness toward all the people.  These are ancient examples of worthy elements of worshiping God with music.

The Levite Musicians Were Holy Men

The Levite Musicians Were Holy Men

             The music of the Temple was successful because the Levite musicians were prepared spiritually.  I Chronicles 25:1 teaches us that the Levite musicians were separated or set apart to prophesy with music.  As we learned in Chapter IV, the word naba (5012) used of these musicians was the same word used of the prophets of the Old Testament who were great spiritual men.  Likewise, the Levite musicians were spiritual because they were cleansed ceremonially or morally as is stated in I Chronicles 15:12a.  "And said unto them, Ye are the fathers of the Levites:  sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren. . ."  Verse fourteen states, "So the priests and the Levites sanctified (6942) themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel."

             The Hebrew word used here for sanctify and sanctified is quadash (6942), and according to Strong means to be clean ceremonially or morally or to sanctify one-self wholly.  In other words, these men were called to holy living.  The writer will not push this hypothesis any further exegetically, but it will suffice to say that in our dispensation the minister of music must be sanctified through and through.  However, II Chronicles 23:6a states that these Levite musicians were holy men, "But let none come into the house of the LORD, save the priests, and they that minister of the Levites; they shall go in, for they are holy (qodesh 6944). . ."

Scripture Thought for the Day

 Leviticus 11:44 “For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy (qadowsh 6918); for I am holy (qadowsh 6918)…”

Thank you for a Great Month of November 2017

Thank you for a Great Month of November 2017       

            This month was the 59th month of my blog which contained devotional and philosophical thoughts for Christian musicians. I have written over 2,921 posts since this blog was started in January of 2013. There have been several times this year when I have experienced a certain amount of writer’s burnout.  However, I am praying that my posts in 2017 will stimulate both the regular and new blog members to remain faithful to their musical Ministeries. It is my continued prayer that each new post will bring honor to our heavenly Father in 2017.  The over 1,590 page views of my blog this month were experienced by people who read a mixture of philosophical and devotional thoughts.  We have had over 101,700 page views since the blog was started in January of 2013.  Since I started this blog the page views have come from 123 different countries. 

            These views have come from Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Argentina, Armenia, Angola,  Aruba, Austria, Australia, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Czechia ,Czech Republic,  Colombia, Congo [DRC], Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hong Kong,  Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland (Republic of),  Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordon, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia (FYROM) Macau, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia,  Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands (Antilles) New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Oman, Palestine, Paraguay, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru. Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Porto Rico, Qatar, Réunion, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand,  Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks & Caicos Islands, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, USA and Zimbabwe.

             The ten countries with the most page views this month were:  USA, Russia, South Korea, Poland, Germany, Ukraine, Germany, Brazil, China, Egypt

Can a Song be too Creative?—part 3

Can a Song be too Creative?—part 3

            The preaching of Christ crucified is considered in the New Testament to be the main thing as we can see in 1Corinthians 1:23-24, “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”  Furthermore, St. Paul prefaced his statements in verses 23-24 by 1Corinthians 1:21 which says, “For because, by the purpose of God, the world, with all its wisdom, had not the knowledge of God, it was God's pleasure, by so foolish a thing as preaching, to give salvation to those who had faith in him. (BBE)  God’s word never states that He wills to save people by singing or musicing any other way.

            Church music should prepare the people’s hearts (both Christians and non-believers) for the preaching of Christ crucified.  I believe that worship music is a means to an end rather than being an end in itself.  It is a mistake in philosophical judgment to consider the Sunday morning service to consist of a time of worship with music and then the unfortunate pastor has to start over with his message after the fun time has ended.  I will say in closing that sacred musicing is a preparatory time for the presentation of the Logos Christos.

Thought for the Day

Why do so many church musicians believe that they must bring the time of singing in worship to a climactic moment?  There are no patterns of worship in either the Old or New Testament that teach that muscing should be the high point of public worship.