Music

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=90 BGCOLOR="#0099FF" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Monotype Corsiva" ><B>The Evangelical Herald                            </B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Evangelical Herald "><B>home</B></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="cleansing.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Cleansing">Cleansing</A>   |   <B>Music</B>   |   <A HREF="mega_church.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="MegaChurch">Mega-Church</A>   |   <A HREF="world.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="World">World</A>   |   <A HREF="spot_or_wrinkle.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spot or Wrinkle">Spot or Wrinkle</A>   |   <A HREF="bodyhead.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Body/Head">Body/Head</A>   |   <A HREF="another_church.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Another Church">Another Church</A></div> <div> <A HREF="church.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church"><B>Up Level</B></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Music</I></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>The Evangelical Herald</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>COME, LET US WORSHIP MUSIC </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Amazing changes have occurred in the evangelical Christian community over the last decade. Indeed, a churchgoer, who may have fallen away ten years ago and returns to church today, would have to conclude, "things aren't as they used to be". He would probably notice that the newer and more successful churches don't look like churches at all. The distinctly church architectural of the past has been replaced by functional school type buildings. More than likely, his small family church has grown to a mega-church having several services on Sunday with a full staff of senior and assistant ministers. But the most shocking change of all would have to be the "worship service".</B></div> <div> <B>Whereas the Protestant, evangelical church, since almost from its inception, had settled into a musical worship of the Lord using the media of piano, pipe organ, and song, today's growing churches employ a complete gospel rock combo with full sound paraphernalia. Typically, these combos consist of a drummer, a keyboard, two or three electric guitarists, and a singing team. While in years past a songleader led the congregation in singing the "hymns of faith", today the congregation follows the beat of the drummer by clapping their hands and swaying their bodies. Within one decade the accumulative inspiration of such hymn writers as Martin Luther, Isaac Watts, and Charles Wesley have fallen by the wayside. There are no more pianos, no more organs, and no more hymns.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A Historical Synopsis of Change</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>When rock music first came on the world scene back in the late fifties and early sixties, most evangelical churches disapproved strongly of its message and influence. Young people were taught that music that emphasized the beat rather than the message was not of God. But as rock music became more accepted and part of the world culture, new generations of teenagers had no other music but rock to grow up with. It did not take long before a few pioneering Christian songwriters introduced their own version of the new sound in Christian music. Once churches began using this new sound in their services, the normal evolution of a new idea began and today many can hear heavy metal, rock "Christian" music and not be offended. Some churches unashamedly boast of this new type of worship as seen on a banner in one church in Orange County, California, "Where the flock likes to rock" (Orange County Register, Jan. 12, 1998). More and more Christians are swaying amid a sea of clapping hands as they involve themselves in the making of a rock concert every Sunday morning.</B></div> <div> <B>Although many church leaders will tell us that the change was inevitable, the question that arises in our imaginary worshipper and of all true believers is "Is this type of worship pleasing to God?" Proponents will inevitably respond that any means that bring people to Christ is justifiable. Whereas it is important for the church of God to adapt to the times to communicate the gospel, it is much more important that the church remain loyal and true to her Lord's principals of everlasting truths. It is the nature of true believers to grow unto the very image of their Lord. Because our concept of worship is tied so intimately to who God is that it is of the utmost urgency to make sure that our worship is true to the scriptures and in harmony with our Heavenly Father's character. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Worship Principles</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>As any Bible believing Christian knows, the ends do not justify the means. The question, "Is this type of worship pleasing to God?" must be answered by sound Biblical principles. We must be mindful of Jesus' admonition in Mark 7:6 "this people honoreth me with their lips, but their hearts is far from me". </B></div> <div> <B>As we carefully divide the word of God, we can see that there are two major economies set up by our Heavenly Father whereby his people were to worship him. Under the Hebrew old covenant economy, God's chosen people were to show their reverence, love and dependence on him by worshipping him through the priestly rituals of access in the tabernacle, the keeping of the written code, keeping the feast days, sacrificing animals, and other regulations. We see that these ancient people celebrated their feast days with singing, with all types of ancient musical instruments, and with dance to express their gladness of belonging to the Lord. (Pslm 150:1-6) Before we conclude that anything goes in the worship of God, we must understand the all-important concept of separation that the Lord wanted for His people. In all worship activities, the Lord's people were not to be as the pagans that surrounded them. We can safely assume that their music was distinctly different then the music of the pagan world which was designed to promote immorality and idol worship.</B> </div> <div> <B>The next major division in how to worship comes with the introduction of the new covenant. The shadows and types of worship as practiced in the old covenant were now fulfilled in Christ. (see Heb. 10:1) Access to the Father was now through Christ. The priestly rituals were fulfilled in Christ. The principles of the written code were now written in the hearts of Christ's followers. Christ became the sacrifice whereby we obtain life, fulfilling the shadow of animal sacrifices. Under this new and living way, how were Christ's followers to worship God? In the gospel of John, chapter four, Jesus has given us the criteria of all true worship, "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (Jhn 4:23,24). In saying "the hour cometh, and now is", Jesus heralds a new way of recognizing God as Creator, provider, sustainer, and savior of life. Submitting to him as our Lord would necessitate to worship "in spirit and in truth". No more were we to follow the old covenant instructions on how to worship. </B></div> <div> <B>Many have interpreted to "worship in spirit" to mean that followers of Jesus need to experience a supernatural anointing of the Holy Spirit manifested by outward physical and emotional expressions. To this end many church services are geared to lead the worshipers to release their inhibitions and let the "spirit in". Is this what the Bible means by worshiping "in the spirit"? Contrary to releasing our inhibitions, scripture admonishes us to be sober at all times. (Cf. I Th 5:6,8; Tit 2:6; I Pet 5:8) If indeed this is how God wants us to worship, why then is it limited to a one or two hour service? To be anointed by the spirit is a day in day out experience of submission to His leading in all facets of life as we bask in the fruits of the spirit. (see Gal. 5:22)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Worship in Spirit</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>What then does "worship in spirit" really mean? Whereas the old covenant worshipers in effect were in the outer court of the temple, New Testament worshipers enjoy the removal of "the middle wall of partition" (Eph. 2:14) - we now have direct access to the Father. This means that we have voluntarily surrendered our wills to the spirit of God so that he now dwells in our inner most beings. This is a life-long, life changing experience where believers can have fellowship with the Father. (see 1Jhn 1:9) True worship is the union of the spirit of man with the spirit of God. This fellowship means that our spirits can enjoy the nature and character of our God. Only true spirit begotten believers enjoy this fellowship whereby we can call Him "Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:15).</B></div> <div> <B>It is this union that motivates us to worship in awe of our Creator and Savior. Whereas most religions (including the old covenant people) worship by ritual, body motions, or voice undulations, new covenant believers have been endued with true praise and worship as taught to us by Jesus and the apostles. Although we may be moved to use our body and voice to confirm our commitment to Him, it is not our body and voice action in themselves that pleases the Father. Rather, it is our submission to the Spirit's guidance to self-denial, loving service, and obedience that is pleasing to the Father. It is in this stance that our hearts sing and make melody to the Lord (see Eph. 5:19). Singing and using our hands only affirms our spirit filled life, but without the true worship of the spirit, singing and body movements in themselves are not praises to God (cf. Matt. 15:9). A true Christian sings in humility in his/her heart of God's goodness, mercy, love, and everlasting power. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Corporate Worship</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>It is the deterioration of the Christian's understanding of God's holiness and nature that concerns all honest seekers of truth. It is true that the corporate worship experience has evolved in the Protestant denominations since coming out of the medieval church according to many culture and Biblical understandings. However different worship was expressed prior to the contemporary worship revolution, most Christ centered churches shared in their understanding of God's holiness and nature. Services were designed to express the worshippers' reverence, respect and honor to their Lord and Savior. It was assumed that the joy of the Lord was experienced as worshippers humbly submitted their hearts in this posture. While we can not judge the hearts and motivations of contemporary worship proponents, it is our responsibility as keepers of truth to investigate and study any new influence that affects the body of Christ. (see Jude 3) This is especially true when it is evident that the contemporary worship style is overtaking practically all denominations and churches. Our question is, "Is this a gift of God to edify the churches or is this an attempt by the adversary to smear God's nature and holiness?" </B></div> <div> <B>Corporate worship of the Father by the body of Christ must reflect the nature and character of God if the church is to bear witness to his person and edify its members in his character. In essence, all the members of His body are bowing down in unity in recognition of His personal nature of power, wisdom, love, and justice. It is only in this posture that we can have true rejoicing and that our voices and body can affirm our adoration of Him. This affirmation must of necessity reflect God's holiness and a separation of sin. (see 1Cor. 3:17, Heb, 12:10) For the church body to be truly worshipping "in spirit and in truth", its eyes and hearts must be pointed heavenward because Christ's kingdom is not of this temporal world, but is eternal and spiritual (see Jhn. 18:36). As such, all that is not conducive to this end is deceiving and is detrimental to the worship of our heavenly Father. The world's emphasis on immodesty, individualism, and sensual pleasures would definitely not be part of the true worship experience. </B></div> <div> <B>Born-again believers will readily admit that the joy and comfort that we experience as we fellowship with our Savior is something the world can not understand. All worship acts that bring us apart from our earthly entanglements is uplifting and refreshing to the soul. Yes, it is possible to rejoice even while the tones of a hymn may be melancholy according to the natural man. The world's idea of joy does not involve fellowshipping with their creator; on the contrary, its idea of joy or happiness most likely involves behaviors that if not directly forbidden by God, then behaviors that cater to man's base passions.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Contemporary Worship Concerns</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>It is the incursion of the world's understanding of joy and happiness into the evangelical church worship services that merits born-again believers to sincerely seek the Father's will on this matter. Contemporary services want to convey the atmosphere of celebration with joy or gaiety in the Lord. The big question is "Are they reflecting the joy of the world or the joy of the Lord?" Many proponents of contemporary worship have not known how to express joy other than through the world's mediums. We only have to go to the nearest disco, the nearest bar, or latest rock concert to see how the world expresses its joy. In these venues, music and dance play a monumental part in achieving the intended goal of forgetting their concerns, releasing their inhibitions and refreshing their "inner beings". The inner experience of joy and celebration in the Lord can not be brought about by using the world's methods to express its joy. Many Christian leaders rationalize that the church should not impede the use of these mediums as expressions of joy in the Lord. In taking this position are they not mimicking the same principle that the Catholic church accepted in letting the native Americans keep their expressions of worship to pagan Gods?</B></div> <div> <B>Many church leaders boldly and proudly proclaim that music plays an enormous part in their services, but should God's message of grace and sanctification be dependent on the type of music that is played in our services? Is it not God's word that should satisfy all our thirst? If the type of music is the drawing power of where and why we worship, are we not making music in itself a god? If God's revelation of his love for man, his character, his power and truth of the ages is dependent on the appeal of the senses of man, we are in deep trouble. The unadulterated word must be the drawing power for the young and the old - if it is not, then we are foolishly substituting gimmicks that the itching ears of the world wants to hear. (see Isa. 55:11, Heb. 4:12, Rom.10:17)</B></div> <div> <B>The most likely response to these observations by proponents of contemporary worship is that the church must reach out to the world where the world is. Paul taught that we should become all things to all people in order to win some to the Lord. Yet, our desire to save them does not surpass the desire to remain and enjoy our Lord's nature. Our nature does not revert back to the earthly as we move and work among the earthly, rather our heavenly nature mingles with the earthly to bring them into the heavenly nature. Likewise, the church worship service does not become worldly; rather the worldly are transformed to a higher nature where they can experience the very nature of God. </B></div> <div> <B>Jesus taught that believers should go two by two into the highways and byways to preach the gospel -- that disciples should make other disciples. It is precisely the failure of the church to be obedient to this its mission that prompted ministers to accept new means to attract people to their churches. Whereas Jesus taught all of his followers to go out unto the uttermost parts of the earth to be a witness unto him, the Protestant church settled into a comfortable mode of letting the "professionals" do all the evangelizing. We failed to go into the homes of unbelievers, into bars, and into rock concerts to make known the only true God. Apparently, the solution to this failure was for the church to attract the world into its places of worship by 'relating' to its lifestyles. (see Acts 1:8) </B></div> <div> <B>The issue may well be: Is our worship service a response of love, devotion, respect, reverence and praise or is it not a worship service at all, but rather a place to attract unbelievers by use of mediums that they enjoy? If the church is serious about being obedient to the New Testament model and the commands of our Lord Jesus, we will recognize the eternal truths of true worship. We will see the need of His people to come apart in the beauty of Holiness and gather together with kindred minds to find refuge from walking in the midst of a sinful system to worship our Holy Father, Creator and Savior "in spirit and in truth". </B></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>