Doxology

Make Me That Man

2010-07-12T13:43:00.000-05:00

Here’s another Grace Life Music original song. It is written and presented by Delane Angel. Delane is a wonderful brother from our church who also helps to lead the singing. He has a beautiful family and strives to live out the gospel and walk in repentance. I am very grateful to God for him.

The lyrics are as follows:

Lord in Your word I see that my calling is a desperate situation

This call to lead a family, the end I see, is for them to know and love their God

To love You, Lord, with all their heart, their soul an strength and to know that You’re the only One

The only God, Your only Son, salvation can only come through His blood

So what they need from me, it is much greater than fallen men could ever achieve

So make me that man, who walks in Your Spirit

Make me that man, one who trembles at Your Word

Make me that man, who is given to Your will, O God

Perfect what You began, make me that man

Let me not become distracted by things that aren’t eternal, by things that will never last

Let me not become discouraged by weakness, by sins and failures in the past

Let me not become complacent or lazy to train them up in the Word of God

Laying firm the foundation of their faith: shaping thoughts and teaching Your ways

Being merciful and filled with compassion, oh God, please grant us this grace

And make me that man, who dwells in Your presence

Make me that man, drawing near to hear Your Word

Make me that man, who is fixed upon Your will, O God

Perfect what You began, make me that man

A man who prays, a man who seeks Your Face

Committed Lord, to search and know Your ways

For I know, if they never hear the truth, they’ll never come to faith

A Great Quote

2010-07-07T16:38:00.001-05:00

The best public worship is that which produces the best private Christianity. The best Church services for the congregation are those which make its individual members most holy at home and alone. If we want to know whether our own public worship is doing us good, let us try it by these tests. Does it stimulate our conscience? Does it send us to Christ? Does it add to our knowledge? Does it sanctify our life? If it does, we may depend on it; it is worship of which we have no cause to be ashamed.

~ J.C. Ryle

Knots Untied, “Worship” [Cambridge, England: James Clarke & Co., 1977], 234.

The principles behind this quote many times is the opposite of a typical American mindset which thinks that Christianity only occurs in and on a church service–that a public basic assent to religiosity is fulfilling the demands of scripture. (Please keep in mind that Ryle is using the term “public worship” as much more than just the music.) However, this quote does produce the following questions in regards to Music leaders:

Do you pine for a song service that doesn’t confront souls with their sinfulness?

Do you boldly proclaim the exclusivity of Christ?

What messages are you teaching your congregation in the songs you select?

Do those songs contradict the pulpit?

To what or to Whom do your congregants leave the song service most drawn?

Are you more dependent upon creating an atmosphere with lights, smoke, and a “look” rather than the truths of God’s word?

These are questions I am asking myself….

How Great

2010-07-04T16:08:00.001-05:00

Here’s one of our latest additions to the Grace Life Music repertoire. It is called “How Great” and it was co-written by Alecia Fisher (formerly Alecia Elliot–you might remember that name from the early 2000’s with the country hit “I’m Diggin’ It”). The Lord has saved Alecia and is making her into the image of Christ. Praise the Lord! Another very talented young lady named Robin Kitchens sings the song in the video.

Here are the lyrics:

How great is Your blood

That I can now bow at Your Feet

How great is Your love

That from Your table I can now eat

I’m undeserving I’m so unworthy

To have the King right here in my heart

How great How great

VERSE 1

Jesus You walked into my life

When I was running far away from You

Jehovah You held me in Your Arms

When I was left with nothing else to do

You threw away the key

There ain’t no chains on me

Now I am truly free

VERSE 2

Savior such peace You’ve given me

When angry waves were crashing into shore

Father You guide me with Your light

So I can see beyond the raging storm

I’m resting in Your grace

Content here in this place

Until that glorious day

When I see You Face to face

Random Thoughts

2010-06-28T14:43:00.000-05:00

Did you think I forgot to write entries???? I’ve been rather slammed here at the office and the church. Summer is supposed to be somewhat of a lighter schedule but it actually is one of our busiest times in our church calendar. Here are some random bullets:

**Our choir and orchestra take six weeks off starting the Sunday after July 4. We do so because of schedules and a time of refreshing. However, since we’ve started a Praise Team” here (I’m thinking of coming up with a new name for this group) I’ve never given them any Sundays off intentionally. I’m praying through how to give them some time off during the break as well.

**I had a great time leading the singing at our Super Camp (student camp) this year. I’ve never done so before. It was a great encouragement to me to hear our students sing out great truths of the gospel. If you’re looking for a location to have your next student camp, check out CampToKnowHim in little ol’ Pisgah, AL. You won’t be disappointed!

**It was also my joy to use Super Camp as a way to kick off our new Student Band (what to name it??). This has been a desire of mine ever since I’ve been at Grace Life. For some reason, it never took shape until now. I’m so pleased with the members of the band (not just because my oldest daughter plays bass…) and look forward to great things in the future with them.

**We’re working on putting together singers for our annual Family Picnic on our church grounds. We borrow a flat-bed trailer (thx Bro. Chad!) and have our folks sing songs for 90 minutes leading up to a rather large fireworks display. We’ve got everything from Southern Gospel quartets to parents and children singing together to rapping! I can’t wait!

**Our Small Groups also take a month or so off from teaching each Sunday. We usually have Large Assemblies during the Small Group hour over this break. This year, we’re trying something new. We are going to have five breakout sessions (Why do we call it that? Are we escaping from something???) at different locations on our campus. There are classes dealing with finances and evangelism to name a couple. I’m teaching a lesson over the four Sundays on corporate singing and will also be sharing this lesson with you here at the blog. My four main points are as follows:

I. The Charge To Worship
II. The Chance To Worship
III. The Challenges To Worship
IV. The Choice To Worship

What Is Jazz?

2010-06-14T23:20:00.000-05:00

Let's let Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torme explain...

Non-Musical Qualities

2010-06-11T10:20:00.000-05:00

I was asked this question not too long ago and told the one asking that I would answer it at the blog:

Thomas, I know you write a lot about issues relating to church music. What should I, as a pastor, look for as far as non-music characteristics in a worship leader? Kyle, Lansing MI

A very good question indeed! My greatest example in scripture (other than Jesus) would be David. I see three important areas of qualities than every Music Minister should strive after.

He Loved God. I see too many folks involved in Christian music who seem to not give evidence of true conversion. The tests of true conversion are given in 1 John and also in James (which would be for another blog entry). Way too many folks who were raised in church and showed early musical talents are given responsibilities to serve in churches without those folks first being properly (and lovingly) confronted and probed as to their spiritual health.

Too many times, it’s assumed that just because someone has the ability to communicate a song with great passion and effectiveness and can even move a congregation that that individual is a real disciple. In David we see an unquestionable treasuring of the glory of God. One only has to read the Psalms to see the truth of God’s favor upon David in that David found great pleasure in God.

You need to ask yourself before you seriously consider a potential Music Minister candidate “Is it evident that he loves God?”

He Learned Submission. I’ve been taking our staff through the book of 1 Samuel in morning devotions. As I have studied, I am amazed at how David honored King Saul in spite of Saul’s great sinfulness. Consider that Saul was jealous of David (1 Sam. 18:8), Saul was suspicious of David (1 Sam. 18:9), Saul raised false accusations against David (1 Sam 20:31), Saul manipulated David (1 Sam. 18:17), Saul tried to kill David (1 Sam. 18:11), and Saul hunted after David like an animal (1 Sam. 19-31).

In response to this, David served, honored, and submitted to Saul….In fact, David said that it was not pleasing to the Lord to strike against one who was in spiritual authority over him (1 Sam 24:6) even writing much the same principle in his Psalm 105:15. It is very important for a worship leader to understand this principle. A pastor being “difficult” or “hard to work for” is no excuse. If David could honor Saul after all that Saul had done to him, surely we can!

You need to address the area of submission to authority with a potential Music Minister.

He Led Humbly. In spite of David’s sin with Bathsheba, David served as king dependent upon the power and favor of God. We see no evidence from scripture that David was jealous for his throne for his own sake but for God’s sake (2 Samuel 7:18-29). We also see that humility in David was not weakness for he was a mighty warrior—so much so that God did not allow him to build the temple but gave that assignment to David’s son, Solomon.

You must look for strong leadership skills in a potential Music Minister, but ones that are bathed in humility.

Hope this helps!

What About Songs That Speak "For" God?

2010-06-08T11:09:00.000-05:00

We’ve all heard them….We might have even sung them….Songs that are written from God’s perspective. Many times they may have been a source of encouragement. You might have even found yourself quoting their lyrics when witnessing to someone or in prayer. What’s the harm, right? Christians wrote them, right? What could be wrong about that?

Well, the answer is not as clear-cut as I would like it to be. However, it’s certainly worth a look into. There’s one song in particular that I remember early on in my Christian walk. It’s called “I Miss My Time With You” sung by Larnell Harris. You can listen to it here. The lyrics are as follows:

There He was just waiting,

In our old familiar place

An empty spot beside Him,

Where once I used to wait

To be filled with strength and wisdom

For the battles of the day

I would have passed Him by again

If I didn’t hear him say

(chorus)

I miss my time with you

Those moments together

I need to be with you each day

And it hurt’s me when you say

You’re too busy

Busy trying to serve Me

But how can you serve Me

When your spirit’s empty

There’s a longing in My heart

Wanting more than just a part of you

It’s true I miss my time with you

What do I have to offer

How can I truly care

My efforts have no meaning

When your presence isn’t there

But you will provide the power

If I take time to pray

I’ll stay right here beside him

And you will never have to say..

Hopefully, you have a better idea of what I’m talking about. Let me first say that Harris has been a great blessing to me, especially in my early years of walking with Christ. I deeply respect his ministry and music.

You can see that the verses are from the Christian’s perspective but the chorus speaks for God. Herein lies the danger. At what point can a song “speak” for God? Where is the line when the writer is becoming extra-biblical?

Don’t Miss The Responsibility. Our Lord takes it very seriously when someone speaks for Him. The bible is replete with examples of men who spoke falsely “for God” and were disciplined (Num. 16; Jer. 43; Gal. 1:6-8). As Music Ministers, we have a tremendous calling to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15) in the music we select. To use a song like the example I’ve given, in my opinion, violates the Self-Sufficiency of God in that it paints God as “needing” to be with the believer. This is, I’m sure, a sincere, well-intentioned mistake and I wish not to throw stones at the writer. However, wrong is wrong.

Don’t Throw Out The Baby. Just because we may find one or more examples of a song that might be extra-biblical, doesn’t mean that all of them are. You may run across a song that quotes a scripture passage where God is speaking and it does not violate context. Use it!

Don’t Go There. I have perused our Approved Song List and, to the best of my knowledge, there isn’t one song included that speaks from God’s perspective. They either take the perspective of addressing God Himself or speaking to one another. If you are a song writer, I would suggest that you just avoid the attempt of speaking from God’s perspective in your lyrics. Only do so if you have a thorough understanding of a particular scripture passage and then stick to that passage and if you paraphrase, be very, very careful.

It seems that I’ve been on a warning streak lately in my entries. I hope that you also know that there is much great work that is true to God’s Word out there under the umbrella of “Christian” music. I encourage you, Brother Music Minister, to put the extra work into finding it.

Good--Better--Best

2010-06-02T09:34:00.000-05:00

Here’s a brief look at a quick little checklist I use in putting together song services. There are many different notions and ideas out there as to how to structure corporate singing. Some churches use a liturgical calendar to assist with this. Others go by what is playing on Christian radio. I have said this in many ways previously, but here’s another way to look at it that may simplify the task a bit.

Good: Songs from scripture. You can never go wrong by singing songs based on a scripture passage. I dearly love the Watts hymn “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need” which is a paraphrase of Psalm 23. A better example of this would be “How Majestic Is Your Name” which uses Psalm 8:1 (music by Michael W. Smith). Declaring God’s word which speaks of the Nature and Attributes of God are wonderful subjects about which to sing.

Better: Songs about Christ. But let’s take it to the next level. It is obvious from scripture that God the Father points to Christ His Son (not as though they are not One—oh there are mysteries there!) such as in Matt. 17:5b “This is My beloved Son in Whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him”. We know that all of scripture points to Christ (John 5:39) but to be intentional about speaking of Christ in church music is a higher way in which to glorify God. Examples would be “Jesus Lover Of My Soul” by Paul Oakley and “Jesus Shall Reign” by Isaac Watts.

Best: Songs about the Cross. It is one thing to sing songs that use scripture. It is yet another to sing songs about Jesus. But it is best to sing about Jesus as Redeemer. The previous two categories can more easily be sinfully twisted into whatever someone wants them to mean. But singing about particular grace—the message of the gospel—should be unmistakable in church song services. It is the song of heaven (Rev. 5:9, 10).

Songs like Newton’s “Amazing Grace” (although this hymn has certainly been taken to mean many other things), Philip Bliss’ “Hallelujah What A Savior”, and “In Christ Alone” by Townend/Getty are fantastic examples of songs around which to center congregation singing! If songs like these leave out too many of your congregants then there may be something much more foundationally wrong with your church. If you are avoiding songs about the cross because you see a lack of participation on them that might be a red flag.

If you are singing songs based on or directly quote scripture, you’re doing good! If you sing songs that speak of Christ (in a general grace sense) then you’re doing even better! But if you’re primarily singing songs that speak of Christ’s redemptive work, you’re doing the best of all!

NOTE: Please don’t send me comments that say something like “I can’t believe that you are telling Music Ministers to NOT sing scriptural songs or songs about Jesus”. I’m not saying that. I’m saying that if songs about the cross are not central and regular to a church’s song repertoire then improvements must be made—not to the exclusion of the other two categories.

The Danger Of Repetition: Example

2010-05-26T10:45:00.000-05:00

As promised, today I’m going to present an example of a song that uses extensive repetition and try to feebly show how it can be a dangerous thing. Please don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying that this example is sinful or heretical or should never be used. I’m only suggesting that it should be used carefully.

Here are the lyrics:

Healing rain is coming down
It’s coming nearer to this old town
Rich and poor, weak and strong
It’s bringing mercy, it won’t be long

Healing rain is coming down
It’s coming closer to the lost and found
Tears of joy, and tears of shame
Are washed forever in Jesus’ name

Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I’m not afraid
To be washed in Heaven’s rain

Lift your heads, let us return
To the mercy seat where time began
And in your eyes, I see the pain
Come soak this dry heart with healing rain

And only You, the Son of man
Can take a leper and let him stand
So lift your hands, they can be held
By someone greater, the great I Am

Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I’m not afraid
To be washed in Heaven’s rain
To be washed in Heaven’s rain…

Healing rain is falling down
Healing rain is falling down
I’m not afraid
I’m not afraid…

Let it rain, let it rain.
Open the floodgates of Heaven
Repeat

Words and Music by Michael W. Smith

Here is the video:

Here are some questions I have about the use of repetition here:

1. Is this a song in which an unconverted person could participate?
2. What different meanings can one get from “healing rain”? Is it healing from our enmity against God? Is it physical healing? Is it healing from victimization? Is it ecstatic worship?
3. In what context does this song occur in the song set? What songs precede it? What songs follow it?
4. Do the lyrics help to guard against an unbiblical “jesus”?
5. How does the musical treatment compensate for lack of particular grace?
6. Is the song encouraging a mystical experience beyond the bounds of scripture?

Here’s my main point: I might be able to use this song with a group of folks who are not converted and get them engaged solely upon the basis of the musical treatment and vagueness of the lyrics. So, to be honest, the ultimate danger in this song is not just the repetition (which, again, repetition can be a good thing) but the foundation of its message.

If I have preceded this song with ones that clearly explain the gospel so that there can be no mistake as to what is meant by lines such as “lost and found”, “in your eyes I see the pain”, and “tears of joy, tears of shame” (to name a few) then this song could be a good tool to help a congregation experience worship in spirit and truth.

Then when we sing “let it rain” over and over again, I would be more prone to singing these lyrics to mean that I need God’s power for sanctification as I look back to the finished work of Christ. I hopefully will be less prone to use those words, for example, to petition God to feel sorry for the mistreatment that I have endured (poor, poor me!).

NOTE: Let me also say that you can do your very best to clearly state the gospel as it is in Jesus and that is still no guarantee as a safeguard against some who would be involved in worshiping a “jesus” of their own making while under your leadership. The responsibility of discernment is primarily on the worshiper in this case. There will always be tares among the wheat.

All I ask is that you, Brother Music Minister, consider these things when using repetition.

The Lord Will Provide

2010-05-17T14:25:00.002-05:00

Here’s our latest Grace Life Music video. It is a song that originally only had a chorus that I wrote to go along with another song to be sung in the Shoals Christmas Praise. I later added two verses and a bridge. It deals with Abraham and the offering of his son Isaac which shadows the coming Lamb to purchase our redemption. Here are the lyrics:

He was told to take his only son up to the mountain

And there on an altar plunge a knife into his side

On the way his precious son asked what would be offered

And this is how his faithful father humbly replied…

The Lord Himself will provide

For His own glory, for His own glory

The Lord Himself will provide

The Lamb for the sacrifice

He alone can pay the price

The Lord alone will give to us the Lamb

I was told by the Lord’s holy law that I was in danger

And here on my head was a price that had to be paid

There was nothing within whereby I could avert my disaster

I cried out for mercy and then I heard the gospel say:

Abraham greatly rejoiced to see this glorious day

When the Son of God hung on a cross to take our sin away, away

The Danger Of Repetition Part 4

2010-05-14T10:24:00.000-05:00

Well, we’re back and hopefully close to the end of our little excursion into the land of repetition and studying its benefits and dangers. Let me remind you again that that purpose of this study is to call all of us to a careful use of repetition in song services.

I want to look today at a principle often associated with extended use of repetition in worship called Lectio Divina. Why do I do so? Because many of the caricatures to which I have referred of what I would call excessive use of repetition can carry very similar characteristics as this ancient practice.

Let us first define Lectio Divina (heretofore referred to as LD). Dave Hunt says this:

The exercise involves reading a Bible verse or phrase, often repeating it many times like a mantra, for the purpose of stimulating insights that transcend what might be gained from the normal reading and understanding of the Scriptures. Rather than understanding a passage based on the objective meaning of the words, the grammar of the verses, and the context, the words become devices for receiving personal, subjective revelation from God.

LD is most closely associated with the Catholic church where monks and priests are set apart for bible study and prayer. Click here to read how it is taught by one particular Catholic priest. In LD, there is great emphasis placed upon environment, atmosphere, posture, body position, and mood. There is also much repetition involved with the LD participant encouraged to quote a particular scripture verse with an “application of the senses” for up to an hour. The purpose is to receive mystical (shall I say “Gnostic”) insight into that particular verse. Here is another great, biblical article on LD, including proper warnings of practicing LD.

Why would this be dangerous? Because it can open us up to extra-biblical ideas and “revelation” and steer us away from what God has actually said by applying the historical, grammatical context.

Let me give you a practical example. Let’s say you quote me saying “I could just kill you!” To whom did I say it? What happened just before that to give me cause to say it? Had someone just broken into my house? Had someone just hit me in the face with a pie? That is historical context.

What if you quote me as saying “You kill me!” Someone hearing that who does not speak English as their native tongue might really get confused! They may not understand that my use of that phrase is exaggeration or simile. They might be prone to only a literal understanding of the word “kill” and think that someone actually murdered me and this was my last utterance before I passed away. This is grammatical context.

I can quote either of my two examples over and over again and make them into whatever meaning I want. However, until I have the truth behind these two phrases, I most likely will only be led by my own deceitfulness (Jer. 17:9) and be prone to misunderstanding rather than understanding the true meaning of those words.

Why do I go here? Because it is extremely important that the Music Minister of a church to also be one of the leading theologians of the church. It is highly valuable and profitable for a Lead Musician to handle lyrics and weigh them against a systematic view of scripture. I have said much about this in the past. I go here again in the sense that the leadership of the church (Mus Min included) must be aware of the pitfalls of meditating on God’s word or language in a way that opens up a congregation to subjective and mystical “impressions” and “insights” that may not be true to God’s Word.

Let me give you now a practical example. Let’s say I cry out to you that I am quoting Jesus “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest….” Does that mean that I am actually calling folks to come to me? Am I calling them to come to Jesus? What does it mean to be “weary and heavy-laden”? From what is Christ offering “rest”? These questions as well as many others need to be addressed to explain what God means in this text. We can’t just make it into what we want. We must be true to God’s word and explain this text of scripture with scripture and the whole counsel of God.

I could have a song service repeating these phrases over and over again (“Come to me—come to me—come to me—come to me” or “you can find rest—you can find rest—you can find rest”) for ten minutes and contribute to self-centered error with those who don’t have any biblical understanding. Maybe they will be coming to a “jesus” of their own making….Maybe they will think that this “jesus” is winking at their sin….Maybe even this “jesus” is only asking them to make a mental assent to a few ideas with no miraculous new birth….

I will try my best to put some flesh on these bones in my next entry by giving some examples from actual songs and how a congregation might be led astray through repetition and practice LD without even knowing it. Here’s the danger: I do not want to warn you of this to the point that you will over-react and cease repetition altogether. Repetition is not the evil here….It is what you DO with repetition that can be.

Welcome To The Show

2010-05-11T18:31:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest video from Grace Life Music. It is a song written and sung by a wonderful young man named Blake Ball. Blake was one of the first music interns to work with me when I arrived at our church. Blake has since moved on to pursue being a history professor and is a graduate assistant at the University of Alabama. I am very proud of him and I think you will be quite pleased and challenged by his song. Here are the lyrics:

Welcome to the show!
We call it the American church,
Where we all dress up so nice
And look good, at least on the outside.
Now, we've got this golden calf
We've named him “Jesus Christ”
And if you keep all his rules and sacraments
He'll bless you with a good life.

We've got it down,
We've got our plan worked out.
No need for a cross;
It wasn't that comfortable anyway...

A man walked through the doors just the other day
He was screaming, yelling, flipping tables of merchandise
And chasing folks away.
Said if you really love the Lord
It will show in your life;
You'll love your enemies
And take up your cross and die.

But it's alright now.
We beat Him to the ground
And nailed Him to a tree;
He won't be coming back round...

In the American Church
we make our own rules
and if the Bible lines up with that, okay
Give me a padded cross and a license to sin
And a god who does things my way

So we will love the Lord
As long as its convenient and in style
And we'll follow to the promised land
As long as there's no self-denial.
Just leave me in my easy chair,
Don't call me to the jungles or the streets
Cause I'm doing just fine on my own
Why should I help meet my brother's needs?

Cause Christianity is great
As long as the whole thing's about me.
Jesus, fill up my plate
With a whole bunch of truths that aren't hard to believe...

In the American church
We make our own rules
And if the Bible lines up with that, okay
Give me a padded cross, and a license to sin
And a god who does things my way

But the end is coming one day
Jesus will come and take His own away.
What will you do in the end of it all
When all your works and hopes and plans all fall?

Hilarious Satire

2010-05-09T09:23:00.000-05:00

Here's a great reminder of how dangerous it is to rely on cultural relevance as the primary means of reaching people. Regardless of how your services are structured, please let this video show each of you (and me) how much we use culture in inappropriate ways. It may be thru lights and smoke or it may be thru suits and robes. Let us all lay down our best efforts (I'm not saying we shouldn't put effort into it--I'm just saying that we must not put our trust in our efforts) before the throne of grace and declare total dependence upon the power of the gospel to save sinners!

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

The Danger Of Repetition Part 3

2010-05-04T13:36:00.000-05:00

Today we press on in our delving into the use of repetition in church song services. In my last entry, I gave a few reasons why repetition is used in song services and some examples of how repetition is used in the scriptures. Please keep in mind that I am not in opposition to the use of repetition. Repetition can be done scripturally.

For instance, I love the song “Forever” by Chris Tomlin. It takes the Psalm 136 model on the verses by stating a new line of text and then carrying the line “His love endures forever” after each new line. We love to sing the song “Blessed Be Your Name” by Matt Redman which uses the title phrase throughout the song and at the bridge repeats the lines:

You give and take away

My heart will choose to say

“Lord, blessed be Your Name”

And yes, we might sing that block of lyrics 2, 4, or even 8 times. Why would I do this? Because it is such a great, biblical statement of God-centeredness and surrender to God’s sovereignty! Why would I do this? Because I get to sing it with a congregation filled with folks who have lost children through miscarriage, who have endured a wayward spouse, who have persevered through tremendous physical affliction and celebrate the power of God to worship their Father in spite of their difficult circumstances and treasure Christ above all else! I know many of their personal struggles (I am an associate pastor, right?) and it fills my heart with joy to see the truth of God’s Word bear immediate fruit in corporate worship. This is a part of being conformed to the image of Christ….

That’s the key: Repetition should primarily be used to drive home biblical truth, in proper grammatical, historical context, to a congregation. In other words, if I am to repeat lines (especially if they are being repeated numerous times) I should select words that are less prone to subjectivity. The more objective the lyrical statement, the safer it is to repeat.

Why do I say it that way? Because I can also use repetition of vague, subjective language to assist congregants away from biblical truth. I could have a congregation repeat the line “I’m Your treasure” over and over again and have them fully and totally engaged. But what are the chances that they are biblically engaged? If, in their minds they take the line “I’m Your treasure” to mean “I’m glad, Lord, You saw something in me worth saving and I’m going to revel in my own worth” then I am contributing to their own self-idolatry.

However, if we sing the line “You took my wrath” a dozen times, the chances are greater that the congregation will be rejoicing in God’s work of propitiation and reconciliation and Christ’s worth. That’s a great thing! We will celebrate that truth for all eternity! Brother Music Minister, please assist your congregation to revel in THAT!

The Danger Of Repetition Part 2

2010-04-29T09:58:00.003-05:00

I just scratched the surface of this subject in my last entry. The point that you have to keep in mind throughout this delve is that I’m pushing for a careful use of repetition. If you forget that, you will miss the whole point.

One question that needs to be asked is the maybe the least obvious: Why would repetition be used in the first place?

Because it is in the Bible. The Psalms are full of repetition. The Psalmist will repeat beginning words of phrases like:

Sing to the LORD a new song;

Sing to the LORD, all the earth.

Sing to the LORD, bless His name;

Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,

Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name;

Ps 96:1-2, 7-8 NASU

He will also repeat phrases throughout a Psalm. In Psalm 103, the Psalmist opens and closes the song with the following:

Bless the LORD O my soul

Ps. 103:1a, 22b

In the most obvious example of this, in Psalm 136, the Psalmist repeats this phrase in every verse:

For His lovingkindness is everlasting

We also see another type of repetition twice in scripture where the word “holy” is said thricely:

Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts,

The whole earth is full of His glory.”

Isa 6:3 NASU

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.” Rev 4:8 NASU

In the Hebrew, the exclamation point did not exist and to provide emphasis(!), the language repeated a particular word three times.

Because it is a means of learning. Think about how we learned our ABC’s and multiplication tables and state capitals….It was through rote repetition. I am going to dig way back into an old “Happy Days” episode (please forgive me) for a moment….Potsie was having trouble with remembering info for a big anatomy test in college. With advice from the rest of the guys, he wrote a song about it and scored a big 100!

I know this is a silly example but it points to an important truth. There is a connection between music and memory. Luther recognized this. Newton knew it. So did Watts. And it is for that very reason that our rich heritage of hymnody exists. Pastors and theologians knew that songs were a great way to teach and remember theology.

During the time of the reformation, most hymns were strophic, meaning that the hymns only had verses. Since that time, the concept of the refrain, has been developed where a chorus is repeated with the same words (and an additional melody) after each verse to enhance this repetition/memorization principle.

Because it works. Pouring bible knowledge into our church body is extremely important. We don’t do it instead of seeing new births in Christ. We do it to use God’s means and methods that He has chosen to give us to display His power to regenerate souls. We also do it to then disciple those converts.

But there is another aspect of why repetition is used. Examples of repetition in a song service where a particular phrase might be repeated a dozen or more times can produce an explosive reaction in a congregation. A music leader can help to effect a visible behavior in a service that most anyone would love to see—a fully-engaged, enthusiastically-participating crowd—by simply laying on one line or two over and over again with ever-increasing volume and intensity.

What we want to begin to look at, however, is how authentic and biblical these types of responses are through the method of repetition. Again, please don’t assume that I will be hard-line antagonistic to such practices. My main focus is to make sure that we are carefully and thoughtfully using repetition and are fully aware of the dangers in doing so.

Finally moving!

2010-04-28T09:20:00.003-05:00

I had told you a while back that this blog would be made over. Well that day is finally here! To continue to follow "Doxology" you will need to go to www.brotom.com to read it. I though the address was kinda catchy and easier to remember. I will continue to post here for a while to give you time to get used to the new address.

I just felt as if it were time for a change. Site design is certainly not something that is a strength of mine. What this change does is allow me to do much more at the new site. I hope to add things such as webcasts and mp3 downloads and other stuff.

Thanks for your patience and support of Doxology.

The Danger Of Repetition

2010-04-26T15:01:00.003-05:00

Ok, don’t assume that by the title of this entry that I am against repetition in a song service. Just hear me out. We’ve all been there….Either as the music leader or as a congregant….Either in our home church or visiting at another church….Either in the room or watching by television (or internet).

We have seen or been a part of a song service extended out while singing a particular phrase a dozen or more times. With each repetition, the musicality of the band and vocalist (praise team and/or choir) increases with heightened intensity. The dynamics of the sound level crescendo with every phrase. The congregation is swept into a greater outward expression of worship response as it sings a particular line again and again….

I don’t mean to boast. I can do it with the best of them. I was raised in this environment. I have learned the art of using repetition. I have done so with the glory of God in mind. It can be done. I have also done so sinfully. I have also done it with my own glory in mind. It also can be done.

What am I saying? Am I saying that the use of all repetition, especially singing the same phrase 5-20 times is always wrong? Absolutely not! If you get nothing out of this little “look-see” into the use of repetition, please get this: the careless use of repetition in song services can be very dangerous. Notice that I said the “careless” use. What do I mean by that?

The American Heritage dictionary gives the following definitions of “careless”:

Careless (kar’lis) adj. 1. Inattentive; negligent. 2. Marked by or resulting from a lack of thought. 3. Inconsiderate.

What I wish to do is to try to take a deeper look into this challenging, somewhat nebulous, dangerous, intangible subject. It may take one more entry. It may take a dozen. I may end up raising more questions that providing answers. But I welcome you to look into it with me. It is a look that is very much needed for my sake and yours.

FREE Lead Sheet Downloads

2010-04-24T10:25:00.003-05:00

If you have never done so, please check out www.gracelifemusic.org and click on "Sheet Music" or you can click here to find FREE downloads to lead sheets for Grace Life Music original music that can be easily integrated into your church's repertoire. Note that there are a few downloads that have a small charge to defray costs involved in creating piano scores. Orchestrations are available to some as well by emailing me at music@gracelifeshoals.org

That Makes Heaven Home

2010-04-21T09:10:00.002-05:00

Here's a new Grace Life Music original song. It is sung and written by Julie Askew Thompson.

Here are the lyrics:

Everybody’s talking about where they want to go

When they die they’ll go there and leave this place below

There’ll be no more pain or sorrow only joy and streets of gold

But not much talk of Jesus or how they love Him so

They just don’t know…

It’s not the beauty of this place that makes me want to go

It’s not the family that I love and long to hold

I have wandered in this world a stranger for so long

It’s my Father there that makes heaven “home”

Everybody’s talking about love and peace and hope

But in a man there’s nothing but darkness in his soul

Till the day the Father draws him and turns hopeless into praise

And a saint of God knows something of his amazing grace

It’s not the beauty of this place that makes us want to go

It’s not the family that we love and long to hold

We have wandered in this world strangers for so long

It’s our Father there that makes heaven “home”

We’ll sing “worthy, worthy, worthy is the Lamb”

We’ll cry “Jesus, You’re worthy worthy is the Lamb”

I'm So Excited

2010-04-12T09:53:00.001-05:00

We just had a new guy move into the Shoals from the former Soviet Union. He wants to join the choir and also be a soloist. He sent me this video as an audition tape. Wow!

Do You Sing The Truth About Man?

2010-04-07T12:44:00.003-05:00

It will be interesting to see what feedback I get on this article. If this blog is read by mostly folks who embrace the doctrines of grace, then most should agree with what I’m going to say. If there are many who don’t embrace those truths from scripture then this entry may be somewhat divisive. I do not intend to be divisive but, conversely, challenging and thought provoking.

It is very important to sing about redemption. What a tragic thought to attend a church that never or seldom mentions the cross and the wrath of God poured out upon Christ. I cannot stress to men who lead their church’s music that Christ must be central to every song service and His work of salvation central to Christ. As I have said many times at this site before, singing only about the God of Creation and common grace is avoiding the primary focus of God’s Word, with that focus being the God of Salvation.

It is very important to properly frame redemption. The message of redemption will not have its full effect and, more importantly, not have a proper biblical backing if the doctrine of man is ignored. Let me give you an example of a song that does speak of the cross but only goes so far:

Standing in heaven clothed in glory and majesty
Is the Lamb of God now crowned the King of kings
Through His precious blood we have pardon
And stand now forgiven
He has made us His people to reign eternally

Give Him glory, praise, and honor
Jesus is worthy the Lamb has overcome
Holy, holy Hallelujah
Jesus is worthy the Lamb has overcome

Words by Carol Cymbala

This is a very good song. We sing it often at Grace Life church (as a choir special). There is absolutely nothing wrong, as far as I can tell, with the lyrics of this song. But let me give you several examples of lines that we also sing at our church which tell an even clearer picture of redemption:

What Thou, my Lord, has suffered was all for sinners gain
Mine, mine was the transgression but Thine the deadly pain
Lo, here I fall my Savior ‘tis I deserve Thy place
Look on my with Thy favor vouchsafe me with Thy grace
--Paul Gerhardt

This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross and Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied

And as He stands in victory sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
--Stuart Townend

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin—not in part but the whole—
Is nailed to the cross And I bear it no more
--Philip Bliss

What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul
--Folk hymn

Show pity Lord, O Lord, forgive
Let a repenting rebel live
Are not Thy mercies large and free
May not a sinner trust in Thee?
My crimes are great but ne’er surpass
The power and glory of Thy grace
Great God, Thy nature hath no bound
So let Thy pard’ning love be found
--Isaac Watts

What wisdom once devised the plan
Where all our sin and pride
Was placed upon the perfect Lamb
Who suffered bled and died?
The wisdom of a Sovereign God
Whose greatness will be shown
When those who crucified Your Son
Rejoice around Your throne!

What righteousness was there revealed
That sets the guilty free
That justifies ungodly men
And calls the filthy clean?
A righteousness that proved to all
Your justice has been met
And holy wrath was satisfied
Through one atoning death!
--Bob Kauflin

These examples of lyrics should be thundered in every church in every land! It is this type of language in church music that most accurately portrays the gospel. As many a preacher has said, man’s wretchedness is the black cloth that assists to bring out the beauty of the diamond of the Cross of Christ upon which it is laid.

If we speak generically about the fact that “we have pardon” without telling the entire story of our loathsome unholiness and enmity against God apart from Christ then that message is watered-down at best. It is unfaithful to the intensity of scripture at worst.

We must not speak of man in this way for self-loathing alone. We must not be masochists. That is falling completely short of the gospel as well (Phil 3:18, 19). There can be a sense in which we speak so negatively about man that it becomes an idolatrous false humility. Our speaking and singing of our sinfulness must be to the end that Christ is glorified and properly honored in His work of redemption.

For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little. Luke 7:47-48 NASU

Brother Music Minister, please sing about the truth of man so that your congregation can more clearly and faithfully glory in the truth of redemption!

What Would They Say About You?

2010-03-30T13:31:00.002-05:00

I’ve been taking our church staff during my morning devotion times through the book of 1 Samuel. There are so many wonderful things in which this particular book of the bible teaches.

Saul is the example of man’s attempts at control. David is the shadow and forerunner to the Christ. Both David and Jonathan model proper submission to authority. I could go on and on….

Just the other day, I was dealing with 1 Samuel 21 and the instance when David appealed to the priest Ahimalech to eat of the Showbread in their flight from Saul. I don’t wish to deal with that particular instance today however. There is an interesting moment in chapter 21 that is worth mentioning briefly.

Once David leaves Ahimalech, he and his men run on to the Philistines and the King of Gath, Achish, for refuge. Achish’s servants recognized David as the one who slew the great Philistine, Goliath and it is their reference that I want to touch on today. 1 Samuel 21:11 says:

But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David the king of the land? Did they not sing of this one as they danced, saying, ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?’”

What an incredible statement! Why did Achish’s servants refer to David this way? “Isn’t this the one who slew Goliath?” No. They call him “the king of the land” and then they refer to what was sung about him as evidence to his great power!

My questions to you, Brother Music Minister, are these: What would your community say about the subject matter of your song services? Does the music that your congregation sings give proper evidence as to what you really believe? Does what you sing conflict with what the scriptures say you should believe? Do you realize that what you sing does tell your community what you really believe?

These uncircumcised Philistines recognized the ringing endorsement of David’s preeminence with Israel by their song. If I were to walk into your church this Sunday, would I be able to understand the preeminence of Christ with you?

Don’t get me wrong….We don’t sing truths so that the lost will think highly of us. That’s missing the point. But if we are properly thundering the supremacy of Christ as expressed in the gospel, our community should be able to tell.

Home On The Range?

2010-03-23T10:54:00.005-05:00

I have written a bit about this in the past and today’s entry will not be the end-all on the subject. But let me give you a few tidbits to consider when wrestling through the issue of vocal ranges for congregationals:

**Just because a song fits your range, as the Music Minister, doesn’t mean that it will fit the congregation’s.

**Conversely, if you are trying to lead a song that is very much out of your range as the Music Minister, it could be a distraction to the congregation.

**Just because your choir or praise team can pull off the range selected doesn't mean that the congregation can as well. Your congregation's vocal ability will most likely not be as versatile.

**When selecting the proper key of a congregational, it is just as important, if not more important, to consider the “tessitura” of the song and not the range. By tessitura, I mean the average pitch of the song. By range, I mean the highest and lowest pitch of the song. A song may have a moderate range but if it consistently places pitches within the upper part of that range, it may be more difficult than a song that has a lower tessitura with one or two higher pitches in passing.

**It is best to help a congregation to sing in the “wheelhouse” of their vocal range so as to not be hindered with struggling or straining to sing. It also helps a congregation to “thunder” those truths more effectively.

**It is best to place a congregation singing the deepest, richest truths in vocal ranges of second space A and top space E on the treble clef. In other words, it would be probably inappropriate to mumble a truth such as “My sin—oh the bliss of this glorious thought—my sin, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more”! So why would we sing that text in a low, growling range? We should be singing such lyrics in vocal ranges that allow us to joyfully resound the accompanying truth.

**You must also consider the tempo of the song and how it relates with the pitches. A high F or G on one beat at 120 beats a minute is much more doable than that same pitch on a whole note at 60 beats a minute!

**Don’t be afraid to stretch a congregation’s range from time-to-time. Just don’t make a habit of it.

**One example: Our congregation began singing “The Glory Of The Cross” by Bob Kauflin much more effectively and affectionately when we raised the key from E to G (up a minor third). This took the tessitura of the song from regularly singing low C#’s and B’s on the verses to singing low E’s and D’s on the verses and only raised them up to high D’s and a few high E’s on the chorus. We have found that the song now is much more of an encouragement to one another as we sing it with more volume and confidence—while also marrying those pitches with incredibly rich gospel truths (specifically redemptive grace).

**There is no way that these few tidbits will solve all your vocal range issues but hopefully they have given you some extra information to consider.

If you have any other thoughts on the subject, please feel free to add a comment here or at this link on Facebook.

Inhabits Our Praise?

2010-03-17T11:11:00.004-05:00

What does that verse (Psalm 22:3) actually mean? Does it mean that God’s presence is produced by our praise? Does it mean that it is God Who generates our praise?

First of all, context is everything! Let’s look at the verses leading into this commonly-used verse:

1 My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?

Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning.

2 O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer;

And by night, but I have no rest.

3 Yet You are holy,

O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

4 In You our fathers trusted;

They trusted and You delivered them.

5 To You they cried out and were delivered;

In You they trusted and were not disappointed.

Ps 22:1-5 NASU (Bold mine)

We can see upon looking at this text that this is immediately a Psalm written by David in the midst of great trial and can certainly speak to any believer also under times of despair. But there is also another far greater application of this Psalm. It is an amazing prophesy of Christ on the cross—so much so, that, according to John MacArthur, in the early church, some referred to it as the “Fifth Gospel”.

With that in mind, it is extremely important to read it from a God-centered perspective. The Psalmist begins with a statement that is from his perspective. It might be paraphrased something like this “Where are you at, God? It seems as though you have left me!” (Of course, we know that when Christ declared the opening line of this Psalm it was because God had left Him—which was possibly the most terrible aspect of Christ’s penal substitutionary atonement!)

The second verse continues on in that the Psalmist is waiting on a response. “God, I am calling on You day and night and yet it is as if You are not hearing me!” But it is the beginning of the third verse that begins to teach us what the end of verse 3 really is saying: it is the word “Yet”.

Even though I might be prone to think that God is centered on what I do and how much I call (and we ARE commanded and exorted to call on the Lord—don’t get me wrong) to get His attention, even though I might conversely believe that all that I am doing is NOT getting His attention, the scriptures remind me that, in spite of that, YET “You are holy”! God is not like man! God does not think like I do! Isn’t that wonderful news?

He continues and this phrase in which we are focusing gives proper context: God is in charge of it all. He is in charge of praise, He is in charge of circumstance, He is in charge of solutions. God is sovereign!!

Secondly, we see from the translation above, that the word usually referred to as "inhabits" (which I underlined) is the Hebrew word "yashab" which means "enthroned" or "seated upon". The implications for this word mean that God rules over and evaluates and administrates. Therefore, the context of that verse (Ps. 22:3) is pointing to God as the object of praises, the generator of praises, the basis of praises, and the judge of all praises. It does not mean that God is generated BY praises.

There is a massive and all-important difference. If you believe that God’s presence is generated BY praises, then you might, even though well-intentioned, be much closer to spiritism than biblical worship. I realize that is a very strong statement. (And it most certainly points to the importance of proper translations!) It was the prophets of Baal who led worship with this mindset in the stand-off with the prophet Elijah. They believed that is was getting their false god’s attention and creating their god’s presence that was the key to their success.

However, if you recognize that praises come FROM God and are produced BY God and it is His grace that creates in us a regenerate heart through which (by faith) we express those praises, then you are much more in line with the proper context of this verse and all of scripture. Any view of worship that sets God up as the one dependent upon the worshiper is a dangerous one and does not stand up to overwhelming teachings in scripture to the contrary.

Conversely, our obedience to the scriptures to make petitions, to make requests, and to declare His praises must have God’s sovereignty and supremacy in full view. Brother Music Minister, make sure that you clarify this in your music ministry!

5 Great Worship Quotes

2010-03-11T09:08:00.003-06:00

Here are five wonderful thoughts on worship for you today about which to ponder (from Christ in You Ministries):

"To great sections of the Church the art of worship has been lost entirely, and in its place has come that strange and foreign thing called the "program." This word has been borrowed from the stage and applied with sad wisdom to the type of public service which now passes for worship among us." (A. W. Tozer. The Pursuit of God. Christian Publications. 1948. pg. 9).

"The Church has surrendered her once lofty concept of God and has substituted for it one so low, so ignoble, as to be utterly unworthy of thinking, worshipping men. ... We have lost our spirit of worship and our ability to withdraw inwardly to meet God in adoring silence." (A. W. Tozer. The Knowledge of the Holy. The Attributes of God: Their Meaning in the Christian Life. New York: Harper and Row. 1961. pg. 6).

"In many churches the art of worship has markedly declined. The so-called hour of worship has become a time when mind and emotions are anesthetized into neutral. Out of habit, church obligation, affection for the minister, peer pressure, family togetherness, patriotism, or community expectation, people sink into their usual pews." (Leslie Flynn, Worship: Together We Celebrate. Wheaton: Victor Books. 1983. pg. 11)

"The Church has slipped into a philosophy of 'Christian humanism' that is flawed with self-love, self-esteem, self-fulfillment, and self-glory. There appears to be scant concern about worshipping our glorious God on His terms. So-called worship seems little more than some liturgy (high or low) equated with stained-glass windows, organ music, or emotion-filled songs and prayers. If the bulletin didn't say 'Worship Service,' maybe we wouldn't know what we were supposed to be doing." (MacArthur, John, Jr., The Ultimate Priority. Chicago: Moody Press. 1983. Preface, viii.).

"Whenever the method of worship becomes more important than the Person of worship, we have already prostituted our worship. There are entire congregations who worship praise and praise worship but who have not yet learned to praise and worship God in Jesus Christ." (Cornwall, Judson, Worship As Jesus Taught It. Tulsa: Victory House Publishers. 1987. pg. 70.)

This Doesn't Sound Like Redemption

2010-03-04T16:03:00.005-06:00

It seems more and more that I have songs pitched to me to sing at Grace Life Church that have the following theme:

I know how hopeless feels

When you’re staring at the bottom

Of an empty heart

And in my life I know

How forgotten feels

Wond’ring if the world

Even knows who you are

But I’ve never known anything

Or felt anything

Like the love of Jesus

And it’s hard to describe

What’s happening inside

Right now, all I know is

It feels like redemption

Raining down on me

It feels like forgiveness

Has come to set me free

All my chains have been lifted

‘Cause when the hands of love

Touch a broken life

It feels like redemption

Written by Sam Mizell and Matthew West (pictured above)

You can watch a YouTube video of the song here

Again, please don’t be offended by what I’m about to say. Stay with me on this one….

This song does not speak of scriptural redemption. It does not declare the gospel. What it does do is cater to one who is prone to self-pity and a victim’s mindset. The gospel does not call out to those who have been “forgotten” or to those who the “world” doesn’t “know”.

The gospel does call out to all men. But it does center on those who are “weary and heavy-laden”. But that weariness and heavy heart is from the mindset of one who has loved the world, loved their sin, been an enemy of God (James 4:4; Rom. 5:10), and has come to the end of themselves. I would suggest to you that these lyrics are not describing such a person. In other words, there is a difference in a hopelessness caused from a frustrated self-love and one that is seeing the impending wrath of God upon them.

Unfortunately, I can’t just pick on this song. I have far too many songs with this theme that are suggested to me as possible choir specials or congregationals. In contrast, I would like to quote the New Hampshire Confession of 1833, section XII:

…that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin Rom. 8:7-8; Josh. 24:19; Jer. 13:23; John 6:44; 5:44

This is what it means to come to the end of oneself. It is that a soul, by the aid of the gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit, realizes that he is a lover of sin and not of God and that he is totally filled with an inability to fulfill precepts of the Scriptures. With that in mind, please compare with me, especially the first verse (which gives context to what the writers mean in the rest of the song), if these lyrics are true to the gospel.

I much prefer the following lyrics:

What wisdom once devised the plan where all our sin and pride

Was placed upon the perfect Lamb who suffered bled and died

The wisdom of a Sov'reign God whose greatness will be shown

When those who crucified Your Son rejoice around Your throne

Written by Bob Kauflin

The video of this song can be watched here

Brother Music Minister, please make sure you know the difference between lyrics that appeal to a victim’s mentality and the truth of the gospel.

A New Look?

2010-03-02T23:26:00.003-06:00

Hopefully, over the next few days/weeks this blog will be getting a makeover. My thanks to all of you who visit this site. I pray that in spite of its author, it has been a blessing to you and has helped to make you a more biblical Minister of Music.

If you have any ideas on what you would like to see added or changed about Doxology, please let me know with a comment here or on Facebook.

2010 True Church Conference Thoughts

2010-02-26T11:37:00.002-06:00

I don’t have a whole lot to say that I haven’t already said about previous True Church Conferences but I can tell you that I’ve never been more excited about the future of the ministry here at Grace Life Church of the Shoals. Here are just a few tid-bits:

**I am amazed at the distances folks traveled to be a part of the conference. We had just about every region of the country represented as well as several foreign countries.

**I spoke with a precious brother who said that the 2008 True Church Conference CD was played by his wife very frequently as she endured terminal cancer. She refused much of the medications to help with pain as it troubled her conscience (she had lived a former life of much drug use) and that the music gave her comfort. They even played some of the CD at her funeral. Word cannot express my amazement at such stories.

**I realize that I have lots of hyper-calvinism in me. I must repent of apathy in regards to evangelism!

**I spoke with another brother (from Oregon) who told me that he sang “What Will You Do Then?” at a large church in South America and that they read the lyrics in the native tongue of the congregation before he sang it. I have to admit that stories like that are very surreal for me.

**I love sitting at meals with preachers.

**I thought the intensity of the congregational singing started a bit slower than previous conferences on Thursday night’s service, but the rest of the services surpassed previous conferences! Please keep in mind that I am only evaluating observable behavior. Only God knows how much true worship took place.

**I love the fact that our conference is held at our church. Folks get to interact with our congregation and have a better sense of what our church is really like. Ministry must be in context of the local church.

**I spoke with countless pastors and music ministers who are now using Grace Life Music songs in their church’s song services. That is our heart. We want to equip and train other churches to be as truth-driven as possible.

**If we didn’t sing “The Power Of The Cross” when David Miller is preaching I would be beaten to death by a quadriplegic. (Bro. Miller is the quad. in question….)

**I am so very thankful to work with such dedicated staff and church members. What you see is what you get with these folks.

**I am already looking forward to our next conference—Reality Check—over Labor Day weekend. I am also looking with anticipation at next year’s True Church Conference.

**Be watching for another LIVE True Church Conference CD which will include live tracks from the 2009 and 2010 True Church Conference. We hope to have it ready by summer.

TCC Song List

2010-02-16T15:45:00.006-06:00

Thursday night we dive into the craziness that is called the “True Church Conference”. This year’s theme is “The Quagmire of Hyper-Calvinism”. I’ll not even try to get into what that means here but I would encourage you to consider attending, especially if you live in the Shoals. You will see the service times below and well as the song list. All of this, of course, is subject to change.

Thurs. Feb. 18—6:30 PM

O Great Fount

All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name

O For A Thousand Tongues

The Power Of The Cross

How Deep The Father’s Love For Us

Fri. Feb. 19—8:45 AM

Holy, Holy, Holy

How Sweet And Awesome

Hallelujah What A Savior

How Firm A Foundation

The Precious Blood

Rescue The Perishing

Fri. Feb. 19—1 PM

There Is A Fountain

Be Thou My Vision

Teach Me O Lord Thy Way Of Truth

Fri. Feb. 19—7 PM

The Wonderful Cross

Praise To The Lord The Almighty

Lord Have Mercy (Kyrie)

How Great Thou Art/How Great Is Our God

Without A Doubt

Sat. Feb. 20—8:45 AM

I Will Glory In My Redeemer

Rejoice The Lord Is King

I Know Whom I Have Believed

And Can It Be

O Sovereign Grace

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

Sat. Feb. 20—1 PM

Immortal Invisible

My Chains Are Gone

What A Savior

O Great God

Sat. Feb. 20—7 PM

Jesus Saves

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

It Is Well

Be Magnified

Majesty (Here I Am)

All The Way My Savior Leads Me

Sun. Feb. 21—10 AM

The Church’s One Foundation

Crown Him With Many Crowns

Sing To Jesus

Before The Throne Of God Above

In Christ Alone

I Stand In Awe

Be sure to click on the links in the song list! Hope to see you here.

Is There A Whole Lot Of Wrong Going On?

2010-02-09T10:44:00.004-06:00

This song speaks of most everything that’s wrong with much of modern “Praise” music. This simple song tells of the danger of conceiving of a man-centered God of our own making. Please don’t misunderstand me and fight to not be offending by my taking on the well-intentioned work of Misty Edwards and her song “Favorite One”. I have nothing personal against her. I don’t pretend to be better than her or anyone else. I wish her no ill-will and I pray that she is a genuine believer in the Lord Jesus Christ as her only hope for eternal life.

Here are the lyrics:

Jesus, Here I am Your favorite one

What are You thinking

What are You feeling I have to know

Cause I am after Your heart

I'm after Your heart

I'm after You

By Misty Edwards

Here is a YouTube video where you can hear the song

What else can we expect? When the scriptures cease to become central to corporate worship and when emotionalism (the belief that emotions are the means and the end to worship or what the puritans referred to as “will-worship”) is primary the by-product are songs like this. This line “I am Your favorite one” is a bold, brazen mantra of man-centeredness. I wish she would have said “here I am your favored one” because we are all given unmerited favor if we have experienced the new birth—or even if we haven’t with the common graces that the Good Father bestows upon all men.

Would you go to even your earthly parents and seriously refer to yourself as “the favorite”? Where in the scriptures can we find such arrogance? How this flies in the face of James, the earthly half-brother of Christ who refers to himself as a bond-slave of Christ (James 1:1). There is only one favorite that God has and that is Christ Himself! I have a really hard time believing that this song would be inspired by scripture when scripture is so God-centered.

What else could be less corporate? These lyrics speak of nothing else but a shutting out of the rest of the congregation and having a private “worship experience”. Have I ever prayed similar things (like “I’m after Your heart”) in my own private prayer time? Probably. (If I have ever thought of myself as God’s favorite I should call it sin and repent!) However, the syntax of the lyrics point to a congregant forgetting the rest of his church family. These lyrics actually pit one congregant against another. I would love to see the lyrics changed in the chorus to “we’re after You”. (And better yet—“Jesus here we are You’re favored ones”!)

Is there anything wrong with singing about our pursuit of God? Absolutely not. Otherwise the scriptures are wrong. On the other hand, I believe to have proper biblical balance, our songs should much more speak of God’s pursuit of us—as do the scriptures.

What else could God tell us that He’s thinking and feeling? This song is the theme song to the primacy of mysticism over literalism. It is the exaltation of “impressions” and “promptings” over the revelation of scripture. Now, remember, you’re reading the writings of a charismatic! However, any lyric or idea that seems to imply that what God has told us through His word is not enough is dangerous at best and heretical at worst.

Please don’t throw stones at my saying such a thing. I’m merely suggesting that thundering what God has already said is much healthier and much more biblically accurate than singing about needing additional revelation and guidance. Like the great old hymn says “What more can He say that to you He has said?” If the song-writer is meaning to say that we are needing the Holy Spirit’s help to have the scriptures rightly revealed to us in a greater way--especially in application, then that’s a different story. However, I’m somewhat skeptical to the notion that Edwards is meaning just that.

Listen, none of us is perfect. We have all led, sung, and written songs that aren’t the most biblically accurate. We’re all on a pilgrimage—I get that. But, Brother Music Minister, please put more effort into looking deeply into song lyrics before you provide a song to your congregation.

O Great Fount

2010-02-03T14:14:00.002-06:00

Here's the newest Grace Life Music piece. We'll open the True Church Conference with it in a couple of weeks.

It is a subtle adjustment in the harmonies to the great Robinson hymn "Come Thou Fount". I added a refrain with the following lyrics:

O great Fount of Thy redemption

Saving grace that made me see

I am resting in Your power

That is holding on to me

Enjoy!

Has Corporate Singing Become Cold For You?

2010-02-02T12:12:00.004-06:00

One of our church members sent this to me the other day. It is from the “Prince of Preachers” C.H. Spurgeon. He draws from the verse: They shall sing in the ways of the Lord."—Psalm 138:5. Let this timeless devotional be a source of repentance for us as we remind ourselves of the complete and total victory won by our Savior!

The time when Christians begin to sing in the ways of the Lord is when they first lose their burden at the foot of the Cross. Not even the songs of the angels seem so sweet as the first song of rapture which gushes from the inmost soul of the forgiven child of God. You know how John Bunyan describes it. He says when poor Pilgrim lost his burden at the Cross, he gave three great leaps, and went on his way singing—

"Blest Cross! blest Sepulchre! blest rather be
The Man that there was put to shame for me!"

Believer, do you recollect the day when your fetters fell off? Do you remember the place when Jesus met you, and said, "I have loved thee with an everlasting love; I have blotted out as a cloud thy transgressions, and as a thick cloud thy sins; they shall not be mentioned against thee any more for ever." Oh! what a sweet season is that when Jesus takes away the pain of sin. When the Lord first pardoned my sin, I was so joyous that I could scarce refrain from dancing. I thought on my road home from the house where I had been set at liberty, that I must tell the stones in the street the story of my deliverance. So full was my soul of joy, that I wanted to tell every snow-flake that was falling from heaven of the wondrous love of Jesus, who had blotted out the sins of one of the chief of rebels.

But it is not only at the commencement of the Christian life that believers have reason for song; as long as they live they discover cause to sing in the ways of the Lord, and their experience of His constant lovingkindness leads them to say, "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth." See to it, brother, that thou magnifiest the Lord this day.

"Long as we tread this desert land,
New mercies shall new songs demand."

In the words of James Taylor “Lord have mercy on the frozen man!” Lord forgive my apathetic and callous singing. Lord forgive my blame-shifting on song styles, on leadership styles, on volume levels, and any other excuse that I have made for not being engaged during corporate singing. Lord renew in me a deep affectionate expression of a total gratitude of your redemption, salvation, and giving of eternal life!

On The Flipside

2010-01-26T16:03:00.004-06:00

In my last entry, I tried to deal with the profile of a Music Minister who tends to take his church’s music too far (or at least in a way that is detached from the congregation) to the classical and academic side. If you have not yet read that entry you can do so here to have context for today’s entry.

Today, I want to deal with Music Ministers who may also go too far in the other direction—that of doing only what I will refer to as “pop” music. To better clarify, what I mean by “pop” music is music that is of a more basic nature, music that does not require classical education to produce, but music that also usually requires skilled musicianship in its own right. But compared to music of classical or neo-classical influence, pop music is generally chord-driven with syncopation used as a driving force in its styling. It also usually incorporates guitars (electric and acoustic) and drums.

Before you make any snap judgments, let me say that I enjoy much of what I just defined as pop music and often lead numerous songs Sunday-to-Sunday at Grace Life Church that would so be classified.

You will NOT answer to your own personal tastes. Why do so many Music Leaders run off and leave their congregations by pushing too quickly into popular music? Why do we see many church plants started rather than simply reforming an existing church? I believe it comes down to convenience and personal preference.

To what are most Music Leaders listening? The local CHR (Christian Hit Radio) station. Who has the most influence and who are most Music Leaders wishing to be? The Chris Tomlin’s and the Matt Redman’s and the Dave Crowder’s control the airwaves and it is an easy trap for many Music Leaders to fall into to begin dreaming about being the next hot artist. I’ve been there….I’ve done that. I’m not accusing anyone else of anything that I haven’t done or continue to wrestle against.

Because of that influence, it can seem antithetical to then kick off a service with your local church’s limitations singing the same old songs you’ve been singing for years. It’s tempting to want to bring in the latest “hot” Christian worship song so as to feel a bit closer to the guys to whom you are listening. It’s alright to admit it. We all struggle with it. I’m even aware of some Senior Pastors who make the same mistake. They just won’t tolerate where their church music is “at”.

But here’s the problem—the platform at your church is not yours. It is the Lord’s and He wants it to be used to edify and encourage His Bride. One guiding passage that bears on this challenge is from Philippians:

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Phil 2:3-5

Are you providing music that connects with your congregation in their best interests? Now, if you are leading music in an urban environment and your congregation is filled with college-aged and twenty-somethings, you might not be doing music that is “pop” enough! But chances are, you may be running the risk of providing musical diets that are a bit too edgy for most conservative congregations. Just because doing pop music connects with you (as the Lead Musician) doesn’t mean that it’s connecting with your congregation.

You WILL answer to God. Just as I said in the previous entry, I say it again—everything you do must be from the perspective of the glory of God. Don’t miss the point of this discussion. I’m not saying that moving your church’s music toward pop styles is wrong. What I’m asking you is what is your motive in doing so?

If you have a Senior Pastor and Elders who are guiding you to make your church’s music styles more current, then you should feel much freedom in doing so. But keep in mind that it’s a marathon—not a spring. Just as I said before: think trajectory. If you can tell that working with only a piano and organ is putting your congregation to sleep, it may be time to freshen up your musical palette. (Please also keep in mind that I’m assuming that everything that you’re singing is truth-driven and cross-centered….If not, we’ve got an entirely different problem!)

You’ve got to remember that you are there to serve your church—not the other way around. Eli’s sons thought that the church was there to serve them (1 Samuel 2). Just as the Lord didn’t take lightly Hophni and Phineas—the scriptures actually call them “worthless men”—so He will not take lightly your making an idol out of using the church platform to pursue professional and musical ambitions.

Be careful that in introducing pop music to your congregation that you’re not doing so with a “three-pronged fork” and demanding your way. Only do so with much prayer, much counsel, and much soul-searching. Notice that I’ve not given concrete guidelines for how long, how much, and how drastic to make changes in your church’s music program. Each situation is different and subjective. But application of humility, of a servant’s heart, and submission to church leadership is constant and objective.

As you can see from the past two entries, it’s easy to sin on either side of the stylistic debate. I’ve had a history of taking church music programs to some classical expressions that had to have stretched some congregants. I’ve also had a history of making changes towards pop music expressions.

I’ve been guilty of violating my own counsel. But I’ve also experienced the joy of seeing congregants enjoy singing to music that better relates to them by adding in some pop music expressions. I hope that you can learn from my mistakes and successes. And I pray that whatever you do, you do it as to make much of Christ and the gospel!

Art For God's Sake

2010-01-20T14:49:00.003-06:00

I don’t believe I have written about this issue before. Forgive me if I have. But it deals with the concept of Music Ministers who are attempting to turn their church’s music department into a collegiate music department.

You will NOT answer to your university. I’ve have found that part of the problem with Music Ministers turning their church’s music department into an art display is that they are still hearing their college professors’ voices in their heads. This is especially the challenge in guys who are not that far-removed from college (especially if they went to a secular university where classical music reigns supreme). Church music departments are NOT collegiate music programs.

I understand this concept….I was a Music Major at one time. I can still remember how much I wanted to please my voice teacher, my theory teacher, and my choir director. It is a real temptation to want to measure up to their standards when beginning work in church music. But you also have to identify much of that as idolatry. You might need to repent of treasuring your professors’ opinions over the scriptures’ and your pastor’s.

You WILL answer to God. What is the alternative to being a mini-Dr.-So-And-So from your alma mater? Be an extension of the heart of your church leadership and of your pastor. Look and see where your church is at musically. We have freedom with music styles. You didn’t when you were a Music Major. I know in my experience, anything of a non-classical variety (other than possibly Jazz) was considered drivel.

You may have to lower some personal music standards so as to better communicate the gospel with your congregation. It’s OK to come down out of the ivory tower of musical excellence in order to provide musical vehicles that will equip your congregation to declare truth. Does that mean you stay there? Maybe not. But the process in raising the level of excellence is most likely a long-term proposition and not an immediate, sudden change.

Think trajectory rather than topography. Think “where you might have to adjust to then lead them to where you leadership wants it to go” instead of “where do they need to adjust to get where I am”.

You will answer to God in how well you fulfilled Colossians 3:16:

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

The best I can tell from that verse, and in its complimentary verse (Eph. 5:19), is there is no explicit or implicit constraints on classical vs. folk, vernacular style vs. collegiate style, etc. You might do more for the kingdom by providing music that is already in the lexicon of the congregation than by striving after lofty, educated musical expressions that leave your congregation clueless at best and frustrated at worst.

Don’t get me wrong–church music should be excellent and presented to assist a congregation with as little distraction as possible. But there is a fundamental flaw in making the artistry of church music primary. It must be secondary.

The glory of God is primary. Idolatry of music styles can be a deathtrap to Music Ministers. If I heard the phrase in college “Art For Art’s Sake” once I heard it a million times. And as you have read this much of this entry you might have already made assumptions that I don’t like classical music. Au contraire. I happen to have a deep affinity for music in “classical” genres. I even sing in the Nashville Symphony Chorus.

But in response I will borrow from the title of Philip Ryken’s book and say that you should be making art for God’s sake. If your efforts to present music in classical styles is NOT resonating with your parishioners then how is that glorifying Christ? If it is not providing a congregation with the opportunity to respond to truth with great joy and worship because they are too distracted by music that they don’t understand then is that really glorifying to God? If they ain’t followin’—you ain’t leadin’….

Maybe you think that God only “gets” classical….I’m not sure how to deal with that one. All I ask you to do is to take it a whole lot slower. You may have to go with music styles that are not your favorite ones. But it’s not about you, right?

Please forgive my sarcasm in this post. I really strive to not be so sarcastic. Please hear my appeal to you to connect with your congregation where they are musically. Once you do that then you might just be positioned to begin the wonderful journey of raising the musical levels and standards of your church's music. You then might also give them a grander more glorious view of the gospel and you will treasure the journey that you all went on together.

Kauflin's Observations

2010-01-12T10:21:00.002-06:00

I guess you have noticed at this blog that I think a lot of Bob Kauflin. To be honest, I have only been under his ministry directly at Together For The Gospel. But his vision for Sovereign Grace Music has had a profound effect on my life. So often he can say very effectively what I stammer and struggle to say….Today I share with you four items from his latest blog entry on his reflections on turning 55. Enjoy!

Music can become boring—Jesus can’t.
It’s not the latest songs, creative arrangements, or unique sounds that make corporate worship amazing and awe-inspiring. It’s a clear and compelling picture of Jesus Christ, the only Savior of the world. As long as I have that understanding, leading songs will never become routine or banal, and my worship of God will never be dependent on musical innovation. So I value truth over tunes.

Worship leaders can be cool. Biblical worship can’t be.
By nature, “cool” describes something that the world esteems as hip, desirable, elitist, and perhaps elusive. Biblical worship is very un-hip, hated by the world’s value system, and a gracious gift from God to those he has redeemed. It involves magnifying the glory of Christ and minimizing our own glory. It means acknowledging our sinfulness before a holy God, expressing gratefulness for the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ for our sins, and responding in humble obedience to his commands. All very uncool activities. So, no need to worry that I’m twice as old as a lot of the people I lead corporate worship with.

Experience, planning, and skill are no substitute for the Holy Spirit.
Experiences have taught me a lot over the years. Planning ahead is a way of serving the people I lead. Skill is a vital component to leading worship effectively. But ultimately, only God’s Spirit can give people a knowledge of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). It doesn’t matter whether I’m leading 5 people or 5,000, my need for God’s empowering presence is the same. So I pray.

God isn’t seeking worship leaders; he’s seeking worshipers.
Since “worship leader” isn’t even a biblical term, I don’t want to find my identity in being one. I’m happy to use my musical gifts to draw people’s attention to the greatness of Christ, but there are plenty of other ways I can do that, too. Loving my wife, speaking kindly, being generous, sharing the gospel, caring for the poor, to name a few. In At the end of it all, the only ones worshiping God are bondservants (Rev. 22:3). So I seek to serve for the glory of God.

From Where Does Praise Come?

2010-01-07T15:30:00.003-06:00

Have you ever considered the source of praise? Have you ever thought about who generates those words, thoughts, songs, and acts of worship to God?

To attempt to answer these questions, let us look at one of the most amazing moments in all of scripture.

Then Moses said, "I pray You, show me Your glory!" And He said, " I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion." Ex 33:18-19 NASU

Can you imagine how euphoric, how terrifying, how incredible this moment must have been for Moses? We are so blessed that God chose to include it in scripture. He does so to tell us some very important truths.

God Is Sovereign
Of course you can say, “But it was Moses’ request to which God responded!” Well, yes and no. It was Moses who made the request, but it was God at work in Moses that caused Moses to make such a request. You also must notice all of the “I will” in what God says. It was God Who called Moses to the mountain in the first place. It was God Who took the initiative with Moses—not the other way around.

God Is Sovereign Over Himself
God did not say “I will pass before you”. He does not even say “My goodness will pass before you”. He says “I will make all My goodness pass before you”. Have you ever considered the infinite Self-control of God? What if you had perfect self-control? Have you ever met anyone with flawless self-control?

Tiger Woods has become a billionaire because he has unparalleled self-control over his golf game…..But he is losing out with advertisers now that it is apparent that he doesn’t have that same self-control in his private life. Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Ga. 5:23). However, who can claim that they have had absolute self-control other than God?

God Is Sovereign Over Worship
Worship originates with God! I am amazed at what God chooses to do before Moses. He could have showed Moses an amazing display of fire, smoke, clouds, and thunder. However, God allows Moses to hear the LORD proclaiming His own Name! What a moment that had to be!

This gives us a fascinating glimpse into worship. When the church gathers together, it should be about proclaiming the Name of the LORD. It should never be about us. But you know what? Lest we think for a moment that God has to have our worship, lest we think that church song services are about us getting God’s attention, let us see here that the LORD proclaims His own Name! Had we never been created or if all men and angels were suddenly as though they never existed, God WILL be worshipped adequately and rightly all by Himself!

Who is the perfect worshipper? God is! You may respond “Well isn’t that incredibly vain of God?” To answer would take an entire book. But let me simply say that for God to worship anyone else, it would be idolatry on His part and He would violate His own Character. And since God is perfectly holy and cannot sin, He must proclaim His own Name! Idolatry is worshiping something or someone other than God and that definition also applies to God.

God Is Sovereign Over Grace
Immediately after God blows our puny little minds with the fact that all worship of Himself emanates from Himself, He then points us to the most excellent expression of His Nature. It is His Sovereign Grace. God will have mercy and grace upon those He will. In other words, God gives clarity to the basis of worship. We are to worship Him for Who He is—yes. But Who He is, is most gloriously displayed in the gospel. It is most incredibly shown in redemption. It is most powerful seen in unmerited favor.

That is why our song services must center on particular grace. That is why our lyrics must be cross-centered and grace-centered.

Please, please avoid the temptation to think that you are somebody because you worship the Lord. I beg of you to resist the temptation to think highly of yourself because you lead songs that give honor to Christ. None of that came from you. And even though it might magnify the Lord and point to God, God will be praised regardless. Instead, realize that every time you worship the Lord, you are more in debt to grace. Understand that even the substance, the stuff, if you will, of worship (forgive my terms) comes from God.

Where Do I Begin?

2010-01-05T15:25:00.003-06:00

I often get questions emailed to me or sent to me through Facebook. Here is another one from a good brother:

Just imagine that you were beginning a church plant and had limited musical ability available. What worship line up would you have that people could grasp and learn over the weeks and months? And what would you do if you haven’t got anyone to play musical instruments?

I am so glad to have this question asked to me because so often I run into pastors, church leaders, and church musicians who are greatly encouraged by Grace Life Music but are at the same time discouraged by it. They look at the 100+ member choir and the 20-or-so-member orchestra and think “How can I compare to that?” or “Well, I would see better results in my song services if I had all those tools and personnel with which to work”.

The truth is they are correct. The success that you may see at Grace Life is the result of 30+ years of faithful preaching of God’s word, of a faith in God’s gospel to produce true conversions, and a vision for a thundering Music Department that already existed before I arrived. I can take no credit for that.

However, there are some principles that can be gleaned from the way we do music at Grace Life that can be applied to any church of any size:

Start slowly. Lock in on about a dozen thoroughly biblical songs that your congregation can sing with confidence and without distraction. One mistake that I have made in the past is to throw too much new music at a congregation in too short of a time period. Some of that comes with idolatry of other larger churches who seemingly do the same thing. What you don’t realize is that many times the music that is new to you is not to the congregation of the church to which you compare.

I would begin with hymns like “It Is Well With My Soul”, “Amazing Grace”, “In Christ Alone”, “There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood”, “Hallelujah What A Savior”, “Come Thou Fount” and “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross”

I would also direct you here to the Approved Song List that we use at our church. 99% of the congregationals that we sing come from this list.

Integrate Gradually. Once I had a firm grasp on those (and there are others that are worthy of initially singing), I would then take one or two song/hymns a month and sing them every Sunday. Whoever is leading the singing might want to sing the new one as a special for a couple of weeks. Then, if it is obvious that the congregation is singing along, turn the special into a congregation by inviting them to sing along.

One reason you don’t see more churches doing it this way is the thought that every song service as to be a euphoric, ecstatic experience and that methodically teaching new music to a congregation deviates from that idea. Get over that notion. Repent of any idols of the way congregational singing is supposed to look or feel.

Listen Carefully. Especially with a small congregation, you will get suggestions from your congregation. That is a good way (although not the primary way) to add songs to your repertoire. Talk to your congregants. To what are they listening? What songs are resonating with them? If you are not the pastor but lead the singing, get lots of advice from the pastor and/or elders. The song leader should be one of the leading theologians in the church so it may be up to you to determine the biblical fidelity of a new song.

Also, listen to our church ancestors. There are many solid, biblical hymns and songs that have stood the test of time and are in keeping with historical orthodoxy. Lastly, listen to your young people. They also may have insight into what’s new out there. Be careful in doing this—but you may stumble across a real gem to teach your congregation.

Center Vocally. Don’t make your church instrument-dependent. You do NOT have to have instruments to have worship. Don’t misunderstand….Our dear Church of Christ folks (and some other well-meaning reformed churches historically) erroneously over-reacted and banished instruments from corporate worship. However, we also err in making them mandatory.

Most all of the music that we do at Grace Life could be done without instruments. Would that be a distraction for a little while with our congregation? It might. However, it wouldn’t fall apart! We use instruments because we have them available, we are free to do so biblically, and we don’t HAVE to in order for worship to occur. Instruments serve us—we are not a slave to them.

I would much rather sing a capella without distraction than to have the distraction of someone accompanying on an instrument who could not play with excellence that is appropriate to the size of the congregation. Make congregational singing the centerpiece of the music that is produced in your church!

Hope this helps!

Not Sure What's Going On Here....

2009-12-26T00:50:00.002-06:00

Not sure which is worse...the singing or the dancing....I don't mean to be disrespectful to those who participated in this video. I will not attempt to judge their hearts. I pray that they are striving to be God-focused....I'm just not sure how successfully it comes off that way.

Brother Music Minister--be sure that you properly review every special at your church before it is presented.

Brother and/or Sister Presenter--be sure to understand how important it is for your presentation to be reviewed before it is presented to the Body.

2009 Shoals Christmas Praise DVD's

2009-12-22T12:37:00.004-06:00

Hello everyone! If you haven't had a chance to check out Grace Life Church's 2009 version of the Shoals Christmas Praise, you can get your copy of a DVD here. I do believe that this year's program may have been the best one yet! Enjoy!

P.S. My deepest gratitude to the Music Department at Grace Life Church and to our Senior Pastor Jeff Noblit. It is a joy to serve with all of you! Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!

An Example Of Great Worship Leading

2009-12-17T14:52:00.002-06:00

I’m sure there has been much debate over the spiritual condition of George Frederick Handel. There are those who see him only as a composer. There are others who think of him as one of the 16^th Century’s greatest theologians! As far as classical music is concerned, Handel’s The Messiah is about as close as you can get to holy writ.

Handel wrote the work at a time when his operatic repertoire was striking out with audiences. He was at a real crossroads in 1741 at the age of 56. Was he washed up as a composer? He decided to do something radical….He locked himself in his room and sought the Lord for direction. He was to have enough food brought into his room to survive his fasting and prayer.

Once he started composing The Messiah (there is no firm source as to how long he was shut in his room before he actually started composing) the mammoth work was completed in 24 days! This is a work that takes approximately 2 ½ hours to present!

What I wish to share with you today is not the musical genius behind Handel’s work but the scriptural treatment in the composition. Below, I have included the entire text from the work (it’s ALL scripture). I have omitted who sings what (soloist and what voice; orchestral sections; choruses, etc.) just so that you can read through these verses and see what Handel saw: all of the bible speaks of Christ! Notice his seemingly bouncing around through the bible to tell the gospel. It will take you a few minutes but will be a great blessing.

Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness:-Prepare ye the way of the Lord: make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:1-3

Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight and the rough places plain. Isaiah 40:4

And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Isaiah 40:5

Thus saith the Lord of Hosts:-Yet once a little while and I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land; and I will shake all nations; and the desire of all nations shall come. 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. Haggai 2:6, 7; Mal. 3:1

But who may abide the day of His coming? And who shall stand when He
appeareth? For He is like a refiner’s fire. Mal. 3:2

And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Mal. 3:3

Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call his name Emmanuel, God with us. Isaiah 7:14 (also Matt. 1:23)

O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain: O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold you God! Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Isaiah 40:9

For Behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall rise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Isaiah 60:2, 3

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; and they
that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Isaiah 9:2

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. Luke 2:8

And lo! the angel of the Lord cam upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. Luke 2:9

And the angel said unto the, Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people; for unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10, 11

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:- Luke 2:13

Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, goodwill towards men. Luke 2:14

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! behold, thy King cometh unto thee! He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen. Zech. 9:9, 10

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing. Isaiah 35: 5, 6

He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:11

Come unto Him, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. Take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matt. 11:28, 29

His yoke is easy and His burthen is light. Matt. 11:30

Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29

He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He gave His back to the smiters, and His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: He hid not His face from shame and spitting. Isaiah 53:1, 6

Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows! He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. Isaiah 53:4

And with His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way. And the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

All they that see him laugh him to scorn they shoot out their lips and shake their heads saying:

He trusteth in God that he would deliver him; let him deliver him, if he delight in him. Ps. 22:7, 8

Thy rebuke hath broken His heart; He is full of heaviness. He looked for some to have pity on Him, but there was no man, neither found He any to comfort Him. Ps. 69:20

Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto His sorrow. Lam. 1:12

He was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of Thy people was He stricken. Is. 53:8

But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell; nor didst Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption. Ps. 41:10

Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is the King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is the King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory. Ps. 24:7-10

Unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee? Heb. 1:5

Let all the angels of God worship Him. Heb. 1:6

Thou art gone up on high; Thou hast led captivity captive, and received gifts for men, yea, even for Thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them. Ps. 48:18

The Lord gave the word, great was the company of the preachers. Ps. 48:11

How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things. Rom. 10:15

Their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words unto the ends of the world. Rom 10:18

Why do the nations so furiously rage together, and who do the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against His Anointed. Ps. 2:1, 2

Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yokes from us. Ps. 2:3

He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision. Ps. 2:4

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Ps. 2:9

Hallelujah: for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Hallelujah! Rev. 19:6; 11:15; 19:16

I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though worms destroy this body yet, in my flesh shall I see God. For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first-fruits of them that sleep. Job. 19: 25, 26/1 Cor. 15:20

Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die,
even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Cor. 15:21

Behold, I tell you a mystery; We shall not all sleep; but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. 1 Cor. 15:51, 52

The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Cor. 15:52, 53

Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written; Beats is swallowed up in victory! 1 Cor. 15:54

O death, where is thy sting? O grave! where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 1 Cor. 15:55, 56

But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 15: 57

If God be for us, who can be against us? who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea, rather that is risen again, who is at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us. Rom. 8: 31, 33, 34

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory and blessing. Blessing and honour, glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever.
__ Amen. Rev. 5:12, 13

What We Sing Is Who We Are

2009-12-15T11:13:00.003-06:00

Here’s the following line from a church program that I found the other day:

“Our music program is designed to remind us that what we sing is who we are, and we strive for both excellence and diversity in our musical programming.”

This statement sounds like something that you might see or hear around my church (although the word “diversity” would be the one word that we might not use), Grace Life Church of the Shoals. However, the source of this sentence is not from my church. It is from a program at a Unitarian-Universalist Church. It seems that even this UUC church in particular understands the importance of the statements that are made during a song service—even though I believe the scriptures are diametrically opposed to the UUC stance.

What is more amazing is that there are countless song services that will occur this Sunday that will ignore this very important principle. There will be worship leaders, music ministers, etc. who will be more concerned with the lighting and the smoke machines, the images and volume levels than they are about declaring truth.

Don’t misunderstand….I’m not trying to say all those things should never be used. In fact, we just used some different lighting and video schemes in this year’s Shoals Christmas Praise. I’m just saying that too often the most important part of the song service—the texts—are not placed in their proper priority. If you were to strip away all the lighting and smoke and video from your song service would worship still occur at your church? Have you become too dependant upon non-essential elements in your song services? Have you become negligent in including doctrine, specifically cross-centered lyrics, in your church’s music?

I’ve said it this way before: “Show me what a church sings and I will know what they believe.” If I were to read the lyrics of the songs that you will sing this Sunday, what would it tell me about your church?

Brother Music Minister, please be a theologian first!

Shoals Christmas Praise Promo

2009-12-11T14:55:00.001-06:00

Here's the sampler we made to give out to our local community in door-to-door visitation to promote this year's Shoals Christmas Praise which will be presented this Sunday (Dec. 13) at 6:15 p.m.

Are You A "Little Drummer Boy" Music Minister?

2009-12-08T14:36:00.001-06:00

I just got through listening to the Christmas song “The Little Drummer Boy” in my office and was very much struck by the underlying message of that song. On the surface it seems to be a wonderful, innocuous tune with a warm-hearted message of a child’s present to the Baby Jesus.

But as we look closer at the lyrics we can see something else. Before we do, please don’t hear this as just another rant of a “know-it-all” on his soapbox. Instead, I implore you to search your own heart and see if and where you might partake in the same misnomers on worship. (I have removed the “pa rum pum pum pum”s to better see the message of the song.)

Come they told me
A new born King to see
Our finest gifts we bring
To lay before the King
So to honor Him When we come

Little Baby
I am a poor boy too
I have no gift to bring
That's fit to give the King
Shall I play for you
On my drum?

Mary nodded
The ox and lamb kept time
I played my drum for Him
I played my best for Him
Then He smiled at me
Me and my drum.

The first verse serves as somewhat of an invitation. “Come” is at the heart of evangelism. I’m alright with that. The third and fourth lines can be alright or they can present problems depending on what is meant. Are they gifts as in a present or as in an offering? Are our gifts we bring to Christ trying to add to His perfection or are they in response to Who He is and an acknowledgement that even what we bring to Him is already His?

The second verse touches on the truth when we say “I have no gift to bring”. We bring nothing worth having to the table when we come to Christ. And certainly nothing is “fit” for Him except in the sense that a broken, wearied heart is something Christ asks for (Matt. 11:28). But you wonder if there is meant a hint of self-pity in that line…..However, the second verse is correct in that “all-of-life worship” is certainly about using everything to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).

But it is the third verse that really drives the point of this song home. (I will not deal with the mention of Mary and the possible Roman Catholic overtones.) The real dead-giveaway is the two lines “I played my best for Him….Then He smiled at me”. That is one of the chief errors that I see in contemporary corporate worship! We see worship leaders and congregations trying to do their best to get God to smile at them. But that is not the gospel.

Our best will never draw the “smile” of Christ. Our efforts only leave us with a certain frown of God’s sore displeasure. It is Christ’s best that finds us in good standing and favor with God! It is the fact that God the Father smiled at the Son “playing His best” (forgive the parallel analogy) with Christ’s perfect fulfillment of the law and going to the cross of punishment that will secure our justification with God.

If you are depending on your talent to “usher in God’s presence” and to “get God to smile” at your song services or to get a reaction from God you are no different than this poor lost little drummer boy. Don’t misunderstand me….We are still to strive to present music in an excellent fashion. But we do so only with the understanding that our striving is in response to Christ’s worth. We don’t do it to get God’s attention.

Brother Music Minister, please point your congregation to Christ’s limitless, perfect, infinite worth as expressed through His accomplishments when you sing!

Are You Living Out An Angelic Response?

2009-12-04T10:13:00.003-06:00

In my last post, I gave three, quick, simple points from the following verses:

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. But he said to me, "Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God." Rev 22:8-9 NASU

Today, I would like to focus a bit more on how points two and three can apply to us as Music Ministers or ministers in general.

When we are most successful we are at our most prone to wander. The apostle John has just received what may arguably be the greatest vision in all of history. He was ending his journey on an amazingly incredible spiritual high (even though he was a imprisoned)….And he immediately turned the messenger into an idol. I have found that it’s not as often when I am in a lean season that I struggle against sin as much as when I am in a time of abundance and success.

Look at most instances of great men of God and their greatest failures in the scriptures. I think of David with Bathsheba. I think of Moses striking the rock twice. I think of Paul and Barnabas’ division. They almost always occurred after God had prospered those men and/or fulfilled a promise. When you see a dreams or ideas come to pass—beware! You may be at your most vulnerable.

When we are most successful we will be idolized by others.

We are getting ready to present our Shoals Christmas Praise. The True Church Conference is just around the corner. We will spend many hours in prayer leading up to those events. I spend much more time in prayer after those events. Why? Because so many are faithful in praising God for this man’s role in those events that I find myself making an idol out of myself and my ministry and accomplishments that I need much more grace to walk in humility (if I have ever been able to do so!). I need even more reminders from God’s word that I am just an “unprofitable servant” and can take no joy in myself alone—only in the power of God at work in me.

It’s easy to start believing the hype about yourself after you’ve just pulled off that big event. It seems to fit right into that “idol-factory” heart of ours when so many are slapping us on the back and praising our effectiveness while the echoes of the congregational applause is still ringing in our ears. Does that mean that all of that positive feedback is true? It may—but sometimes it doesn’t….

Please don’t misunderstand….I’m not saying that everyone who give commending words are idolaters! God forbid! They are actually speaking in obedience (Phil 2:3, 4; Eph. 4:29). They are being obedient when praising God for your ministry. However, don’t be surprised if you run into some who are ready to see you as a “contact” and as their source of pleasure rather than the God that you are (hopefully) serving.

It’s sometimes difficult to discern who is and who is not making an idol out of you. That would, perhaps, be an entirely different entry. However, you should be constantly striving to discern your own heart regardless. Take the angel as one of your models. Remind folks that you are their fellow-servant. Speak words that deflect glory to Christ. Thank brothers and sisters who say kind words and then praise God in your heart for being in more debt to grace!

And finally, as the angel summated, worship God at every turn!

Fantastic Music Machine

2009-12-02T14:47:00.004-06:00

I don't know if this is true or just a hoax but it's still a neat view. (It looks like computer animation to me, though.) Here's the accompanying info:

This incredible machine was built as a collaborative effort between the Robert M. Trammell Music Conservatory and the Sharon Wick School of Engineering at the University of Iowa. Amazingly, 97% of the machines components came from John Deere Industries and Irrigation Equipment of Bancroft, Iowa, yes farm equipment! It took the team a combined 13,029 hours of set-up, alignment, calibration, and tuning before filming this video. It is now on display in the Matthew Gerhard Alumni Hall at the University and is already slated to be donated to the Smithsonian.

New info: Snopes says that the video is false....(Thanks Stephen!)

Prone To Wander

2009-12-01T11:48:00.002-06:00

I have been studying and meditating on a passage of scripture this week that was read by one of our elders in our choir room this last Sunday morning. (We read scripture there before we review the Sunday morning choir special as an additional means to prepare ourselves to lead the music.) He was reading the last chapter in the scriptures, Revelation 22 and one particular part really pierced my heart and got me to thinking.

Here are the verses:

Here we have two mighty figures: an angel and an apostle. If we were to meet either one of them right now, we would be amazed and in awe of their stature, their importance, and their power. If you don’t think that you would, you are only deceiving yourself for either of these two figures is far more important than the most famous and important person you have seen or will ever see in contemporary culture.

This angel might have had enough power given to him to destroy most cities (or even worlds—forgive my musing)….He, for a very long time, is one who sees God in His majesty and glory. He is one who showed many amazing revelations to John the Beloved. And John did what you or I would probably have done. He made an idol out of the angel.

This angel could have, at best, ignored John’s sinful reaction to him. The angel could have, at worst, accepted such idolatrous worship. What was the angel’s reaction? He rebuked and corrected the apostle. He humbled himself and explained his position of grace in God.

Why would God include this seemingly insignificant moment in scripture? First of all, it shows that the scriptures are written by God Himself. If it were written by John, he would not have included his sin in the account. Secondly, it shows that we are all prone to idolatry. If the apostle John could sin immediately after receiving such an amazing revelation how quickly are we to do the same? Thirdly, it shows proper humility modeled by the angel. He calls himself a servant. He deflects any glory that John tried to direct his way back to God.

In my next entry, I would like to deal with practical applications in my ministry and personal life (and yours) from these two verses.

2009 Shoals Christmas Praise

2009-11-24T16:29:00.007-06:00

Here's my formal invitation to join us for this year's Christmas program at Grace Life Church of the Shoals. We will present the program on Sunday evening, December 13 at 6:15 pm in the New Auditorium. You now can't say that you weren't invited! (Please forgive the double-negative!)

O Sovereign Grace

2009-11-20T10:45:00.005-06:00

Here is our latest Grace Life Music creation. It is sung by our pastor's wife, Pam Noblit. I took verses from an Isaac Watts' hymn (thanks Bro. Matt!) and composed a new tune for it. I also, by God's grace, wrote a refrain to go with it. You can download the lead sheet here for FREE!.
Here are the words:

O SOVEREIGN GRACE

How sad our state by nature is our sin how deep it stains

And satan binds our captive minds fast in his slavish chains

But there’s a Voice of sovereign grace sounds from the sacred Word

Lo ye despairing sinners come and trust upon the Lord

My soul obeys th’Almighty call and runs to this relief

I would believe Thy promise Lord O help my unbelief

To the dear fountain of Thy blood Incarnate God, I fly

Here let my wash my spotted soul from crimes of deepest dye

O sovereign grace that came to me

Won through His death upon a tree

I will forever sing of Thee

I praise the King, the Lord of sovereign grace

Stretch out Thine Arm victorious King my reigning sins subdue

Drive that old dragon from his seat with all his hellish crew

A guilty, weak, and helpless worm on Thy kind Arms I fall

Be Thou my strength and righteousness my Savior All in all

Verses by Isaac Watts

Refrain and Music by Thomas G. Clay

Using Psalms Most Effectively

2009-11-16T15:09:00.004-06:00

In my last series of entries, I tried to deal with a very important couple of verses in 1 Cor. 14 that dealt with a church’s relationship with unbelievers who are in attendance for corporate worship. I almost included what I’m going to deal with today in that series but thought it better to make it it’s own focus. And what theme is that?

It has to do with taking phrases and worship ideas out of the Psalms and divorcing them from the context in which they were given.

In my last entry I quoted the lyrics of a song by Lincoln Brewster and Paul Baloche called “Today Is The Day” that uses Psalm 118:24 as the primary text of the refrain:

This is the day which the LORD has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

They have done well in selecting scripture as the basis for the refrain. However, it is also very important that in including God’s word that we handle it “rightly” (2 Tim. 2:15). What do I mean? Well, with the song in question, the Psalm text is partnered with thoughts that are more about what I’m going to do for God rather than about what God has already done for me.

But if we look at more of the 118^th Psalm, we see that the context of verse 24 is in regards to the centrality of Christ and our redemption being built upon Him.

Ps 118:19-24

Open to me the gates of righteousness;

I shall enter through them, I shall give thanks to the LORD.

20 This is the gate of the LORD;

The righteous will enter through it.

21 I shall give thanks to You, for You have answered me,

And You have become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders rejected

Has become the chief corner stone.

23 This is the LORD'S doing;

It is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day which the LORD has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

NASU Bold mine

Can you see the context? It changes when you read verse 24 in the flow of the previous verses, doesn’t it? You can see that “This is the day” is the day of the new covenant, the day of the propagation of the gospel! It is not primarily dealing with God’s common grace and my commitment to Christ. It is looking at God’s accomplishments.

What’s the big deal? Isn’t it alright to go ahead and sing excerpts from the Psalms anyway? I would answer “it might”. But you might be short-changing your congregation at best and misleading them at worst. If you are a minister then you are a handler of God’s word and will have to answer to God for it.

Brother Music Minister, please take this task very seriously.

I hope to look at more examples of Psalm texts in songs that are taken out of context in future entries.

All Things Are Lawful....

2009-11-10T10:31:00.005-06:00

Here’s another entry that deals with some issues I have with many new worship songs. Please don’t misunderstand….I love new music. We do new music at Grace Life Church all the time. This is not about the age of the song with which I’m dealing in this particular entry. It’s about what is currently happening in too many churches’ song services.

Let’s look at the lyrics of a song that’s pretty new to the church world:

“Today Is The Day”

I’m casting my cares aside

I’m leaving my past behind

I’m setting my heart and mind on you, Jesus

I’m reaching my hand to Yours

Believing there’s so much more

Knowing that all You have in store for me is good

Today is the day You have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

Today is the day You have made

I will rejoice and be glad in it

And I won’t worry about tomorrow

I’m trusting in what You say

Today is the day

I’m putting my fears aside

I’m leaving my doubts behind

I’m giving my hopes and dreams to You, Jesus

I will stand upon Your truth

All my days I’ll live for You

Written by Lincoln Brewster and Paul Baloche

Is there anything unscriptural in this song? I don’t believe so. I think that I could agree with everything that it says. I think that every believer should have the desires expressed in the lyrics. So what’s the problem? The Apostle Paul in his wonderful first letter to the Corinthians said the following (primarily dealing with a legalistic and lawless mindset):

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Cor 6:12

Why do I refer to this verse? Because it certainly applies to the use of songs like the one above. (Let me say that I deeply respect Brewster and Baloche and have used their music in the past and have been edified by it.) In other words, there is nothing unlawful about “Today is the Day”. But there is also little that is profitable in this song. Let me be more specific:

The overwhelming focus is on the worshiper. Look at all of the “I’s” in the lyrics. There is some reference to what God has done in the phrase “Today is the day You have made” but other than that, it’s all about the one who is singing the song, not about the One Who gives the song. The gospel is not about what we will do but what Christ has done.

God is not impressed with what we can do. That is one of the most overwhelming themes of this good news of the gospel. Our accomplishments are “as filthy rags”. Our achievements leave us lost and undone. Our works get us nowhere with God. Paul asks the church at Galatia the following:

So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Gal 3:5

Ok, I know the songwriters are not trying to sound “works-based”. I know they are speaking in the realm of sanctification and discipleship and not in the area of regeneration. I get that. What I am wondering is this: Are we more successful in sanctification by focusing on sanctification or by looking to the finished work of Christ? Which leads me to my next point….

The key to victory in sanctification is NOT thru positive affirmation. It is through doing and through acting by faith that we grow in sanctification, not through saying we will do. James says:

But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? James 2:18-20

James’ audience was prone to think that their life of faith was more about “talking” about faith and making faith an intellectual exercise than actually living it out. I am, and we are, today, still just as prone to do the same.

I think of a character, Stuart Smalley (played by Al Franken in the picture above) from back-in-the-day on Saturday Night Live (forgive the allusion). How foolish he made the positive affirmation movement look! But yet we see that same belief system at work in church services way too often.

Did that foolish character on SNL saying that affirmation make it true? Does singing lyrics about my good intentions help them come to pass? Is there a chance that I might be led into a false sense of sanctification just by singing about what I would like to see happen that I don’t actually do what I’m singing about? Just because a song’s lyrics are “permissible” or “lawful” does it mean that there isn’t a better choice of lyrics that a church should be singing? Are church leaders too easily satisfied with their choices in lyrical content?

After Paul had challenged the brothers in Galatia to stop trusting in their own obedience as meritorious he then closes out his letter with the following statement:

But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Gal 6:14-15

Brother Music Minister, please pursue the most profitable way in your song selections that boast only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!

How To Minister To Unbelievers

2009-11-04T16:40:00.001-06:00

Well, maybe I’ve finally made it….Here should be the third and final entry dealing with a series that developed (unintentionally on my part) out of a comment that I made at Bob Kaulfin’s blog. The first two entries are here and here. We’ve been focusing primarily on the following verses:

But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you. 1 Cor. 14:24, 25

I shared with you from this text (and others) that (1) the centrality of the gospel is everything for corporate worship and that (2) we shouldn’t construct worship services around unbelievers. By that, I mean we shouldn’t be driven by what appeals to unbelievers in the music we select nor in the means that we use.

So now, we are at my third point:

The Way A Congregation Worships Should Convict Unbelievers.

It sounds very similar to the second. But by saying it this way in my third I want to focus on believers and how they are to properly minister to unbelievers during corporate worship.

Invite. Notice that Paul’s assumption of unbelievers being present during corporate worship. This most likely includes both those who are living on a false conversion and those who are un-evangelized. An unbeliever cannot be ministered to if not given the invitation to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, either through personal evangelism or through an invitation to church. A church that is not reaching out to the lost is in gross disobedience to the gospel.

Unite. Notice the word “all” in these two verses. Paul is calling a congregation to an “all” participation. If you are one who is not participating in corporate worship, you may be a hindrance to unbelievers in your midst. Paul is exhorting us to a total sell-out to the idea that “by all” giving their hearts to a song service, to prayers, and to the preaching of God’s word, “all” are calling an invitation to those who are unregenerate amongst us.

There may be nothing more distracting to unbelievers in a church service than seeing those who profess Christ but seem to be disengaged during that service. If you are one who has the habit of showing no facial expression, no effort in singing, no feedback during the sermon (verbal and/or non-verbal) you might be surprised at how much unbelievers notice.

Contrite. True humility is a rejection of any hope in self. It is when a man has, as Calvin said “contemplated the face of God and come down after such contemplation to look into himself”. Humility is not loss of self. It is keeping self in its proper place—where the gospel says self belongs. True biblical humility finds its joy only in Christ and in His good news of redemption.

It is in that spirit of humble, unified, inviting corporate worship that is most effectual to an unbeliever. Paul is not telling us to be “bible-thumpers” looking for every heretic and pagan simply for the pleasure of calling them out. He is telling us that the biblical way for a congregant to convict an unbeliever is to not even direct their worship at that unbeliever. The congregation is to direct its worship to Christ. That is the essence of humility. And it is that humility that will break the hardened heart of one filled with depending upon his own efforts to save himself.

An unbeliever in a church service is called to account by all declaring Christ’s ability to save. An unbeliever is convicted by seeing “all” expressing their deepest affections “cross-ward”. An unbeliever’s heart will be disclosed through faithful preaching of the scriptures and a congregation embracing that preaching.

Oh that the Lord would raise up more congregations with this focus! I also pray that this little look into these two very revealing verses in 1 Cor. 14 have been as big a blessing to you as they have to me.

Giving Opinions Graciously

2009-11-02T10:37:00.002-06:00

Here's a great article from a while back by Bob Kauflin on how graciously (or ungraciously) we discuss opinions of music. I promise, I'll get back to the final installment on how a corporate worship is to relate to the unbeliever soon....

I’ve been musing recently about how we express our musical opinions. Why do we feel so strongly about songs, bands, and styles? And why do we draw conclusions so quickly? Someone plays a new song or band for us and we have an immediate response:

Nope. Don’t like it.

That stinks.

I can’t stand that kind of music.

You like that stuff?

Is there anything wrong with raving about the music/artists we love and being swift to trash those we despise?

If we’re Christians, yes. Let me suggest ten reasons why musical forbearance might be good for our souls.

1. Being a self-appointed music critic is often just a sign of pride.

Using exaggerated or biting words to put down certain songs, styles, or artists can be a symptom of selfishness, laziness, or arrogance. Music is a vast topic, and no one knows everything there is to know about it. I know at times I haven’t taken time to consider whether or not my assessment was accurate because I was busy sharing my opinions. (Prov. 18:2)

2. Music doesn’t define us.

Why do we become offended when someone critiques our favorite song, group, or style of music? Often it’s because they feel like they’re insulting “our” music, which means they’re insulting us. The problem might be that we’re viewing music as an idol, the thing that satisfies us and gives meaning to our life. Music isn’t our life — Christ is. (Col. 3:4).

3. Great songs don’t always sound great the first time through.

Some songs require repeated listenings to appreciate their value. Albums and songs often grow on us over time. Is the best music always instantly accessible or appealing? If we’ve learned anything from hundreds of years of music making, the answer would have to be no.

4. Listening to music the masses have never heard of doesn’t make us better.

Some of us derive a particular joy in finding and listening to obscure, undiscovered artists. I sure like coming across a great band I’ve never heard of. But finding an unknown artist isn’t admirable in and of itself. Some bands are undiscovered because they’re not very good. And if we do happen to discover a talented unknown band, it’s an opportunity to serve others, not look down on them.

5. Listening to music that is massively popular doesn’t make us better.

This is the opposite craving of the previous point. It’s the mindset that says if the song or artist hasn’t been on the radio, at the top of the charts, or on TV, it’s not worth listening to.

6. Learning to appreciate unfamiliar music is one way to prefer others. I can find this hard to believe at times, but not everyone likes the music I do. And patiently seeking to understand why my friends like the music they do will not only cultivate humility. (Phil. 2:4) It might broaden my musical world!

7. Learning to like other kinds of music can open my eyes to God’s creativity.

In his book, Music Through the Eyes of Faith, Harold Best addresses musical elitists. “Among all this stuff that needs aesthetic redeeming, there is also goodness, a whole lot of integrity and honesty, from which they themselves can learn.” (p. 89) That means I can actually enjoy music that is less sophisticated than what I’d ordinarily listen to.

8. We may have to eat our words.

It’s happened more than a few times. I mouth off about how bad a song is, and later on start to think it’s actually pretty good. Or I tear up a song on my blog and later find myself talking to a person who loves it or the person who wrote it. Oops.

9. We might be missing an opportunity to be grateful for God’s gifts.

Our tendency is to assume that God’s gifts all look and sound the same. They don’t, and that shouldn’t surprise us. What would happen if the first time we heard a song we were grateful rather than critical? James 1:17 tells us that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” Those good gifts might include that new song that sounds so strange to our ears.

10. Being opinionated about music can affect our ability to worship God corporately.

How many times have you heard the first few bars of a worship song on Sunday and thought, “Oh no…I can’t stand this song.” Or maybe you’re talking with a group of friends at lunch on Sunday, and you’re letting them know which songs you really didn’t like. In either case, we’re giving more value to our musical preferences than God’s command to sing his praise and to love him with all our hearts. Do we really want to let our musical opinions keep us from worshiping the God who gave us music in the first place?

Let me be clear. No song is above evaluation and some songs are better than others in a particular genre. But we just might serve others and ourselves more effectively if we expressed our musical opinions with a little more grace.

More Lyric Alterations

2009-10-27T10:36:00.004-05:00

I’ve got more examples of how watered-down lyrics contribute to and give evidence of being ashamed of the gospel. I will give you the hymn, the original lyric and the lyric change.

The hymn “O Worship The King”

V1 FROM: “O worship the King all glorious above”
TO: “We worship thee God below and above”

V2 FROM: “His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form”
TO: “Thy zeal for the just the deep thunderclouds form”

V4 FROM: “In Thee do we trust nor find Thee to fail”
TO: “By thy endless trust we fear not to fail”

FROM: “Thy mercies how tender how firm to the end/Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend”
TO: “Thy wing with its sheltering touch does us mend/For thou art our maker, companion, and friend”

The hymn “What Wondrous Love Is This?”

V1 FROM:“What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss/To bear the dreadful curse for my soul”
TO:“What wondrous love is this that brings my heart such bliss/“And takes away the pain of my soul”

V2 FROM: “When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown/Christ laid aside His crown for my soul”
TO: “When I was sinking down beneath my sorrows ground/Friends to me gathered ‘round O my soul”

V3 FROM: “To God and to the Lamb I will sing”
TO: “To love and to all friends I will sing”

FROM: “To God and to the Lamb Who is the great I AM/While millions join the theme I will sing”
TO:“To love and to all friends who pain and sorrow mend/With thanks unto the end I will sing”

(From hymnal—“Singing The Living Tradition”
Unitarian/Universalist Assoc. 1993)

True Church Conference 2010

2009-10-26T11:52:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it's just around the corner? I want to direct you to the launch of the 2010 True Church Conference website here. We'll be mailing out around 80,000 brochures as well. Hope to see you in February!

Multi-Generational Culture

2009-10-25T09:36:00.002-05:00

Here's a 3-minute video that is worth your time to watch. Once again, Bob Kauflin gets past symptomatic issues of music styles, musical interests and what he calls "cultural narcissism" to the foundational issue of the gospel in corporate worship. He asks a great question: "How can we pass on the biblical values of worship when we can't even sing in the same room with them?"

Seeker Unfriendly?

2009-10-22T10:28:00.002-05:00

Back to the series on To Whom Are We Singing….

I realize that one important concept that has been implicit in what I’ve written that needs to be clearly stated is this:

All church music is to be presented to the glory of God and the edification of believers.

Why do I state that at this time? Because that’s what is the focus in 1 Cor. 14: 24, 25; Col. 3:16; and Rom. 10:14-17. A church service and corporate worship is primarily about pleasing God. Not in the sense of making God dependent upon us…but in the sense of obedience out of a heart that treasures God’s word and principles above all else.

Well, where does that leave unbelievers in the midst of a church service? I gave a guiding principle in a previous entry:

The Way A Congregation Worships Is Not For The Participation Of Unbelievers.

This sounds very mean….This sounds rather unloving….This sounds quite uncaring….

And on the surface of the statement, it would seem to be the case. However, after looking at 1 Cor. 14: 24, 25 it seems that tailoring a service to appeal to an unbeliever by removing all “offensive-ness” of the gospel is the worst thing that we can do for them. So which is more mean, unloving, and uncaring?

Here’s some things to keep in mind from these verses when thinking about unbelievers:

Unbelievers are to be considered. Paul is not saying to ignore unbelievers in a church service. In fact, it is on the behalf of unbelievers that he appeals to the Corinthians to repent of trying to impress the lost with giftedness. They had gotten off-track by making the incorrect thing central to their services (in this, case glossolalia). The one difference between the Corinthians and today’s churches is that I doubt glossolalia was something that unbelievers clamored for at the time, whereas many churches today build their services around themes that the world is asking for.

My point is this: put to end the thought or misconception that making the gospel central (through declaring it in preaching and singing) is inconsiderate to the lost. Paul is trying to be very considerate to the lost by taking the church back to God’s means of saving men.

Unbelievers can be offended unbiblically. On the flip-side of the seeker-friendly model which seeks to remove all offenses, is the idea in this passage that we can also turn unbelievers away because of our fanaticism. In verse 23 of this same passage Paul says:

“Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad?”

Again, I am not going to debate cessationism and continuationism here. That is beyond the scope of this entry and this blog. What I am wanting to point you to is this principle that we can glean from the text. Make sure that if an unbeliever is going to be offended in one of your church services that it is over the gospel alone. Not in our delivery of the gospel. Not in other disorderly expressions of corporate life. Paul is desperately trying to help the church deliver only one message that he gives earlier in the same letter (1 Cor. 12:2): “Christ and Him crucified”.

Unbelievers can be affected biblically. A third thing we can see from this text is that by humbly, lovingly declaring the gospel corporately we can also expect to see unbelievers come to faith. Paul says that when we “preach” the gospel corporately (excuse the term—remember I’m not trying to put pastoral preaching and corporate singing on the same level) an unbeliever “is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you”. What truly saved Christian, not to mention church leader, doesn’t want to see THAT occur in church services?

Here’s where trying to skirt biblical principles by “helping God out” with unbiblical means gets you….It tries to achieve biblical outcomes without using biblical means and therefore sets up a situation where unbiblical care has to be continued to try and maintain those unbiblical outcomes. I have no doubt men who lead “seeker-friendly” churches want to see Paul’s description happen. They just don’t want their preaching and singing to be what Paul says it must be. They miss it on the front end and therefore can never get to the proper results.

What does all of this have to do with us Music Ministers? Don’t be ashamed of singing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Don’t shy away from singing songs that speak of our complete inability to save ourselves. Don’t think that you have to include songs that unbelievers will know and participate in. Just be the church. Sing like it, too.

Unitarian-Universalist Hymns

2009-10-20T15:56:00.008-05:00

I know I'm supposed to have my next installment of my series on how a congregation relates to unbelievers in corporate worship, but I couldn't resist this. I sing with the Nashville Symphony Chorus. We rehearse every Monday evening in a Unitarian-Universalist Church. I had a few moments to look through the hymnal that they use and found a couple that I found interesting. I don't mean to poke fun or besmirch any UUC folks out there. I am no better than any UUC congregants. I am just a former enemy of God who has been purchased through the glorious, finished work of Jesus!

Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing

Come thou fount of every blessing

Tune our hearts to sing thy grace

Streams of mercy never ceasing

Call for songs of loudest praise

While the hope of life’s perfection

Fills our hearts with joy and love

Teach us ever to be faithful

May we still thy goodness prove

Come thou fount of every vision

Lift our eyes to what may come

See the lion and the young lamb

Dwell together in thy home

Hear the cries of war fall silent

Feel our love glow like the sun

When we all serve one another

Then our heaven is begun

Come thou fount of inspiration

Turn our lives to higher ways

Lift our gloom and desperation

Show the promise of this day

Help us bind ourselves in union

Help our hands tell of our love

With thine aid O fount of justice

Earth be fair as heav’n above

Robertson verses adapted by Eugene B. Navias (1928- )

Joy To The World

Joy to the world the Word is come

Let earth with praises ring

Let every heart prepare a room

And heaven and nature sing

Joy to the earth now gladness reigns

Let hearts their songs employ

While fields and floods rocks hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy

No more let hurts and sorrows grow

Nor thorns infest the ground

Let righteousness it’s glories show

As far as love is found

NOTE: There is no credit given to the alterations to Isaac Watts’ lyrics.

(From hymnal—“Singing The Living Tradition”

Unitarian/Universalist Assoc. 1993)

Sections missing from hymnal:

Christ, Cross, Redemption, Obedience. Holy Spirit, God

Sections included in hymnal (among others):

God, Goddess, & Spirit

Evolution

Humanism

Hinduism

Islam

Pagan

Who Is The Real Jesus?

2009-10-15T10:06:00.001-05:00

I don't know much about this young lady, but I like what I hear....

The Government Can

2009-10-14T13:43:00.001-05:00

In response to this great video, we are announcing our own stimulus package....You can now get all Grace Life Music lead sheet downloads for FREE. Just go here to check them out. YouTube videos serve as the demos.

Declaration Of Dependance

2009-10-13T12:13:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know I’m borrowing the title of a Steven Curtis Chapman song for today’s entry. But what I’m talking about is somewhat different than what he’s dealing with in the song (not by much, though). I spoke of a very important and insightful couple of verses from 1 Cor. in my last entry and I will repeat it here:

Let me remind again, for the sake of this discussion, I am not going to deal directly with one of the primary applications of 1 Cor. 12-14 which is dealing with charismata (gifts of the Holy Spirit—closely associated with the cessationism/continuationism debate). Nor will I directly deal with the most obvious context of this passage—that of corporate edification.

What I do want to deal with is, I believe, a very key window into a congregation’s relationship with the unconverted that Paul gives us in these two verses. There has been much writing, teaching, and modeling in this area in the past few years. New church methodologies have been developed in an attempt to better reach out to the lost during church services. The question is this: have these methods stayed true to scripture?

One important method of teaching the scriptures is to take a passage that is “less clear” and interpreting it with a passage that is “more clear”. I will do so now because there are a couple of questions that I have about what Paul means by these two verses (1 Cor. 14: 24, 25).

What is Paul meaning primarily by the word “prophesy”?

How does a congregation affect an “unbeliever”?

First of all Paul indicates that “all” should be “prophesy”ing. That presents a problem….Does that mean that all should be preaching from the pulpit? Obviously not, because he says elsewhere in chapter 14 (verse 29) that at most only “two or three” should speak. It must mean something else. Either he means that everyone who does speak must be prophesying or that the word “prophesy” is more broad-based than one might first assume. (Let me very clear here: pastoral preaching from the pulpit is and must be central to any church service—don’t mistake anything that is being said against that important distinction.)

The word Paul uses here is propheteneo which simply means “declare the expirations of God” or in other words “say what God says”. This creates a problem….Does this mean that God is continuing to add to His word? God forbid! If that is not the case, then for us, in the church age, it must mean that this verse’s application is to declare the scriptures. A pastor does that in preaching. A congregation does that thru praying and singing (although at a different level).

Let me get to the “more clear” part of this subject. Let’s apply Col. 3:16:

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Bold mine.

This verse further clarifies Paul’s teaching in 1 Cor. When we sing, we are to be expressing the word of Christ as it dwells richly in us. When we sing, we are to be teaching and admonishing one another. But there is still more clarification needed. What does Paul mean by “the word of Christ”? Well, we need to look to another verse to explain:

How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, "LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Rom 10:14-17 Bold mine.

So, we see that when Paul speaks of “the word of Christ” he is speaking of the gospel. Now let’s backtrack:

*Prophesying is declaring the scriptures

*The word of Christ is The gospel

*Congregational singing is an expression of the word of Christ dwelling richly within us

*Therefore, congregational singing is singing the gospel

*Therefore a biblical congregation is a prophesying congregation

If that is the case, then when Paul refers to “all prophesy” in context of congregational participation it is two-fold:

1. A congregation worshipping under the preached, unveiling of the gospel (primary)

2. A congregation worshipping by singing the gospel (secondary)

I’m no greek scholar. I’m no seminarian. There may be many who can pick apart this thesis. However, I don’t believe that a congregation thundering the gospel in song can be a detrimental thing in light of the centrality of it scripturally. After all, that’s the theme of heaven!

And they sang a new song, saying,

"Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth." Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing."

Rev 5:9-12

In my next entry in this series, I will deal with the second point of this subject and the second of the two questions I asked in this entry. May God richly bless His word!

Crossing Over

2009-10-08T10:36:00.002-05:00

In my last post, I made a rather basic thesis. To paraphrase it, church leaders need to be discerning in the selection of the songs its congregation sings. The influences in contemporary Christian music (and I’m a big supporter of new music) have secular markets in mind which affects the specificity of its lyrics.

One of the most famous advantageous opportunities of what I’m talking about involves a very successful secular song recorded by Joe Cocker back in the 70’s. Billy Preston and Bruce Fisher wrote the song “You Are So Beautiful To Me” hanging around a piano at a party as a worship song. This was in a period of Preston’s life when he was writing some gospel music (although it’s doubtful that Preston was converted—but it is well-chronicled that in the hippie movement it was also “cool” to read the Bible and talk about Jesus—reader take note of the Doobie Brother’s song “Jesus Is Just Alright” as another example).

Well, Cocker heard the song and did the opposite of what I’ve been talking about….He took a song that was initially written about Jesus (again, overlook, for the sake of argument, the tenuous spiritual condition of the writers) and he turned it into a love song to his lover (whoever that might have been). Let’s look at the lyrics:

You are so beautiful to me
You are so beautiful to me—can’t you see?
You’re everything I’ve hoped for
Everything I’ve dreamed
You are so beautiful to me

What many Christian songs written today are doing is the same thing going the other direction. They want their lyrics to be vague enough so that a believer might buy the artist’s music to sing about Christ and the unbeliever might buy the product to sing about their human love interest. (I realize that Preston and Fisher may not have had a “market” in mind when they wrote this song—especially considering the fact that the “Christian” music industry was only in its infancy.)

Is there anything basically wrong with that concept? Not on the surface. Am I suggesting that a believer is in sin to listen to/sing a song that has such veiled language? Of course not. Worship is about the heart—especially when dealing with such unspecific lyrics. But here are applicable verses that you may not have considered:

But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you. 1 Cor. 14:24, 25

One of the primary contexts of 1 Cor. 12-14 is dealing with the charismata and for the sake of this discussion I will not debate continuationism/cessationism. Another primary principle of these chapters is corporate edification. There is a third element and it is brought to a focus in the aforementioned verses and it is the way a church ministers to the unconverted in a church service (contrary to the seeker-friendly model). My points will be:

A Biblical Congregation Can Be A Prophesying Congregation. (Stay with me on this one!)

The Way A Congregation Worships Is Not For The (Initial) Participation Of Unbelivers.

The Way A Congregation Worships Should Convict Unbelievers.

I will unpack each of these points (and any other points that I further discover) in my concurrent blog entries. Stay tuned! (Looks like this is turning into a series!) 

To Whom Are We Singing?

2009-10-06T10:03:00.002-05:00

Not long ago I made a comment at Bob Kauflin’s blog “Worship Matters” in regards to using songs on Christian radio in our church services. Here is the comment that I made with the most important point in bold:

We are all dealing with, to a certain extent, Christian songs that are being written with a broader market base in mind. In other words, more and more “industry” people are looking for songs that non-believers can also sing/listen to with their boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse in mind so that it will sell more. Thus, the language in songs has become more and more vague. I don’t mean to throw everyone “under the bus” on this. All I’m saying is that we must have great biblical knowledge and great discernment in our repertoire selections. I constantly ask myself in looking at songs this question: Does this song I’m considering, so unmistakeably declare biblical truths about Christ that it would be difficult to sing it to/about anyone else?

To expand on that last sentence, I would like to ask you, does your church’s music center on Christ so overtly that you couldn’t sing it to your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend?

Here’s an example of a very well-written song by Kelly Carpenter:

Draw me close to You
Never let me go
I lay it all down again
To hear You say that I'm Your friend

You are my desire
No one else will do
'Cause nothing else could take Your place
To feel the warmth of Your embrace
Help me find the way
Bring me back to You

You're all I want
You're all I've ever needed
You're all I want
Help me know You are near

What I want to suggest to you is that this song is not clear enough as to whom it is sung. It might be a bit of a stretch but I could almost sing this song to a lover (my wife). You might respond, “But isn’t heart passion directed toward Christ important? Isn’t He the ‘Lover of my soul?” I would say “absolutely”. But our relation to Christ is in relation to His death, burial, and resurrection.

It is not specific enough to regularly sing nebulous songs of emotion toward “You” (whoever that may be) that is not rooted in the Gospel. Why are there more and more songs being written in this vein? I go back to what I said in the beginning of my quote. The Christian music industry is constantly looking to expand its market. That market has very little to do with whether or not it is selling to regenerate or unregenerate customers. Dollars are the bottom line.

So in selecting the music for your church’s song service, make sure that if you use a song like “Draw me close” that you have adequately declared the gospel so that your congregation is singing to “You” in that context. We don’t do this particular song at Grace Life Church because of its vagueness. I would much prefer a song that has the same theme as “Draw me close” (consecration/progressive sanctification/perseverance/repentance) but is centered on Christ’s work as expressed in the Gospel like this one (I’ll only state the first verse):

Come Thou Fount of every blessing

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace

Streams of mercy never ceasing

Call for songs of loudest praise

Teach me some melodious sonnet

Sung by flaming tongues above

Praise the Mount—I’m fixed upon it

Mount of Thy redeeming love

Before you make the mistake of thinking that I’m purposefully selecting an old hymn over a newer chorus—don’t. There are plenty of new, glorious, wonderful songs that more directly, more overtly, more purposefully express a gospel-centered affection.

Brother Music Minister, make sure that the music your church is singing cannot be sung to or about anyone other than the Lord Jesus Christ!

He Has Given Rest

2009-09-30T16:10:00.003-05:00

Here's the last of the video excerpts I plan on putting in YouTube from our children's drama "A Christian's Journey" based on Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. I had great assistance from my pastor's wife, Pam Noblit, who also serves as my Music Assistant, and Blake Ball who has served as a music intern.

The lyrics are as follows:

I have come this far laden with my sin

Nothing I could do eased the pain I was in

Til I came hither—what a place is this!

For I have found the well-spring of bliss!

I have felt my burden loosen as the cross arose

I have felt the joy He giveth through His word of hope

By His sorrow by His life and death

Through His finished working

He has given rest

Could it be the burden from my back released?

Can it be the wrath of my God is appeased?

Oh, blessed cross! Blessed rather be

The Son of Man put to shame for me!

Words by Thomas G. Clay/Pamela Noblit/Blake Ball

Music by Pamela Noblit/Thomas G. Clay

Dying To Self

2009-09-29T09:39:00.004-05:00

I found this the other day at Zach Terry's blog. Zach is a dear pastor friend of ours here at Grace Life. I thought it very worth sharing with you! It's not really church music-related (specifically) but most certainly can be applied to everyone who serves by leading church music....

DYING TO SELF (AUTHOR UNKNOWN)

When you are forgotten or neglected or purposely set at naught, and you sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ—that is dying to self.
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient loving silence—that is dying to self.
When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, or any annoyance, when you can stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility, and endure it as Jesus endured it—that is dying to self.
When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any attitude, any interruption by the will of God—that is dying to self.
When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown—that is dying to self.
When you see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances—that is dying to self.
When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself, can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart—that is dying to self.

Music Styles Debate: The Church Constant

2009-09-24T14:41:00.003-05:00

This was sent to me by a member of our church. He found this quote while reading "Warm Hearts and Saddlebags", Journal of Rev. Jeremiah W. Cullom 1828-1915. He was a Methodist circuit riding preacher. The following entry was made right after "[he] took [his] place in the Springfield pulpit":

"Wednesday Nov.3, 1875. In my study this morning I have been taking a survey of the field before me. There are many complications. My membership I am grieved to say are divided into many factions. Shall I succeed? I am seriously concerned for the result. We have a membership of 119-all told. There is a split in the membership on church music. Some say dash that old organ out of the house. Others say our church music is an improvement on the past, and we cannot get along without the organ and choir. I hope to make no blunders. My hope is in the blessing of God on honest work for His cause...."

Oh, when will we learn that debating music styles is totally missing the point? The issue is singing true biblical texts most specifically cross-centered texts.

The Lamb Will Be The Light

2009-09-23T16:21:00.002-05:00

Here's another video from our Children's Drama "A Christian's Journey"

The lyrics are as follows:

This righteous Man of innocence

Laid aside His own defense

And bore the wrath and wretched sin

Of all who put their faith in Him

And then at the appointed time

When God the Father gives the sign

This One will joyfully present

The souls His grace caused to repent

And the Lamb will be the light

In the city of our God

Our faith will then be sight

And we will stand in awe

“Worthy is the Lamb!”

With one voice we will cry

The Lamb will be the light

In the city of our God

All creation cries to see

The day of righteous liberty

Then new life in full display

We hasten on the coming day

We will rule and reign with Him

No longer bound by fallen sin

The matchless glory of the King

Will completely cover everything

Worthy are You

Our Lord and our God

Video From Children's Drama

2009-09-22T13:59:00.003-05:00

Here's one song from our Children's Drama based on Pilgrim's Progress called "A Christian's Journey"

Here are the lyrics:

When I think about the gospel

I left without a doubt

When I look at His redemption

I know I’m left without

A single debt upon my head

He rose again just as He said

When I think about the might power of Jesus

I’m left without a doubt

When I look upon myself I see my failure

When I look upon my heart I’m left with shame

When I focus on my sin and degradation

I wonder how that I could bear Your Name

When I see my list of crimes my heart is broken

When I view my thoughts I faint in disbelief

Broken promises and vows are all I’m left with

And I can’t find a place of sweet relief

Words and Music by Thomas G. Clay

Some Balance

2009-09-22T11:31:00.003-05:00

In answering a very good question in my last article, I tried to focus on an element of leading worship through singing that doesn’t get much press. It is the idea of worshipping through serving the congregation by leading the music. In other words, when a music minister focuses on holding together the musicians and singers in such a way that the congregation can declare truth without distraction at the expense of his own expressions of affection, that IS worship—when it is done with a Phil. 2:3-4 mindset.

However, I realize that some may have read that entry and think that I’m saying that it’s alright if a music minister never expresses emotion and affections during the song service. May it never be! It is also very important for a music minister to model congregational singing from the heart.

But, there will also be times that you don’t “feel” like doing it. There will be times that you are “distracted” by all of the elements that I mentioned previously. However, you must have the discipline to press through those challenges and focus on the gospel as you lead a gospel-centered, Christ-focused song service. A dour, dead-pan facial expression by the music minister is ALSO a distraction. It does not display the glory of God either. And your congregation will not be challenged to place worth and value on the truths that you are singing (assuming that you are singing them at your church) with a ho-hum, disengaged facial expression.

“Isn’t that disingenuous?” you may ask. I would answer that it isn’t if your motive for doing so is the glory of God. If your motive for putting forth a bright countenance when you don’t “feel” one is to deceive your church into thinking that you are being engaged when you really aren’t, then that would fall into the category of unbiblical. What I mean is, if the pattern of your ministry is wearing the mask of spiritual engagement when you never are engaged so that men think great of you, that is hypocrisy.

To have the expectation that you should always be in this euphoric, “super-spiritual” atmosphere while you are leading is also unrealistic. I could actually make a case that that mindset is just as un-congregational as the dead-pan vibe. (But that is for another entry!)

If you very, very seldom ever have a heart-engagement while leading song services, I would challenge you with some questions:

1. How are you spiritually preparing for the services?

2. Are you preparing enough musically for the services? Are you too distracted in trying to get the music correctly to be engaged?

3. Are you engaged in affectionate worship away from the platform? Do you find yourself ever involved in a treasuring of Christ and God’s word in private, when no one else is looking?

4. Do you ever lead your family in worship? Does your home have an atmosphere of worship at all?

5. Are you in the scriptures? Are you reading any other great books that teach rich, deep theology, especially ones that expound the gospel?

6. Are you engaged in worship during your pastor’s sermons?

Your answers to these questions may be strongly indicative of deeper issues if you never or very seldom find yourself in worship during the song service (I’m not talking about worshiping through serving the congregation here but personal engagement of affections towards and focused on Christ).

Yes, holding things together musically can be and should be worship. But you should also be regularly and as a pattern normally expressing a treasuring of and glorying in the gospel as you sing it in your church. Please don’t use my previous article as an excuse to not be a worshipper. But let it help you overcome some unbiblical expectations that you might place upon yourself. Hopefully, I have presented some balance to my answer to the question.

What If Corporations Take Over Church Music?

2009-09-17T20:47:00.001-05:00