Tag Archives: Hymns

Music and the Bible Believing Christian

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“Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” -2 Peter 1:3

Every aspect of your life must be consecrated to God. This includes music.  As a born again person God influences your life completely. The more you know Him, the more you will know what pleases Him! That’s why He is always the right place to start in any Bible study topic!

1. The Person of God.

“God is Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.”- Westminster Catechism

God’s self revelation is found in: Creation- Job 12:7-9, The Nature and Constitution of Man- Genesis 1;26-27, God’s Mighty Acts- Exodus 5:1-2, His people’s lives – Matthew 5:13-15,The Bible- Hebrews 1:1, Jesus Christ – Colossians 2:9.

Some attributes of His Goodness…

Holy (set apart) Psalm 99:1-3; Exodus 15:11, True – Jeremiah 10:10, Loving - Isaiah 63:9, Righteous - Psalm 145:17, Faithful – Psalm 36:5, Merciful – 2 Cor 1:3, Gracious - 2 Kings 13:23.

Question: Does What I do Matter to God?

…Is there anything I do that DOES NOT matter to God? Do I get to make any life choices without regard to the Person or Character of God?

Answer:

“Whether therefore you eat or drink do ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD.” -1 Corinthians 10:31

God’s glory is the sum total of His attributes. Goodness attributes like His faithfulness and righteousness, we are commanded to mirror in our life’s choices and  His Greatness attributes like His omnipotence or power that we cannot obtain.

“God’s glory translates to life. It affects ATTITUDES, ACTIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS” -Pastor Tim Potter

2. The Principle of Philippians 4.

Verse 8 says:

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Is the song I engage my mind in: true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent or worthy of praise?

3. God owns you.

Bible Axiom #1: In the choice of musical styles, you are not the judge and jury, God is. (1 cor 10:31, 1 Thes 5:21-22)

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?You are not your own, 20  for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” -1 Corinthians 6:19

4. God wants your body and your mind.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” -Romans 12 :1-2 

Could it be that what modern Christianity calls “freedom to worship however I want” is in fact slavery to the popular worldly styles just because is what the crowd likes? Don’t be conformed but be discerning!!

5. What is worship anyhow? Is worship just singing…is it just the music?

Worship is designed only for believers and not as a means of evangelism because unbelievers cannot understand the Biblical truths we sing about. Where is there in the Bible a place were the NT church invited people to “come worship with us”. Col 3 is very specific you must be saved to worship God through Jesus Christ.

Worship is also your money offering, it is also giving of thanks, obedience, and even  delighting in Christ is worship. (Romans 12:1-2) Worship is the full time activity of every born again person!

6. How about the words?

Can repetitive phrases bring comfort to the soul? Sometimes writers write unbiblically and can give a wrong understanding to the listener!

Example,  a CCM song titled How He loves said, “Heaven meets Earth like a sloppy, wet kiss.” Where is that in the Bible? Although I don’t fully understand what the artist meant  with that sentence, it sounds weird.

Christ-centered worship focuses on doctrinal truth, not repetition. It is focused on Him — not you or me! Be aware of music that only speaks of “I…I…ME…ME.”

7. God is our song!

“The Lord is my strength and my song;
He has become my salvation.” -Psalm 118:14

MORE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES REGARDING MUSIC:

1. Use Spiritual Songs (Eph 5:19, Col 3:16)

Appeals first and mainly to the Spirit or to the flesh?

2. Live pure and holy lives. (Romans 12:1-2, 1 Cor 6:18, Eph 5:3, 1 Thes 4:1-7)

Associated with purity or fornication? Does it control my body?

3. Don’t love the things of the world: lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life.  (1 John 2:15-17 )

Does it promote any of these “things of the world”?

4. Honor your father and mother. Respect those over you in the Lord. (Exo 20:12, Eph 6:2,  1 Thes 5:12)

Respectful to parents and grandparents or the music of rebels?

5. Flee from idolatry. (Exodus 20:4-5)

Used to serve today’s idols or clearly separated?

6. Have a meek and quiet spirit, and live peacefully. (1 Tim 2:2, 1 Peter 3:4, Gal 5:22)

Is it loud, party music?

8. Don’t cause a brother to stumble and fall. (Romans 14:13)

First think, who would it harm or disturb if I used it?

P.S. I must confess, I used to listen to CCM a long time ago, but the Lord changed my heart strongly about it. The problem with Christian Rock and Roll is that it is Rock and Roll, which is associated with partying,  and all kinds of immorality I certainly don’t want to even think about! God calls us to be set apart. See a related Live Sharp post about how the believers song is NEW and DISTINCT from that of the world’s: http://livesharp.org/2012/02/08/proper-worship/.

I understand this topic is controversial and cannot be fully explained in only one post, therefore I provide here 2 wiser sources below if you still have questions:

TO SEE THIS INFORMATION IN A QUICKER WAY, THROUGH PREZI, GO HERE: http://prezi.com/fm3it9lvu7y9/music-and-the-bible-believing-christian/

Sources:

  • First Baptist Church of Troy
  • Dan Lucarini’s book, “It’s Not About the Music.”

Hymn of the Day- Call to Worship

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Call to Worship By Chris Anderson

Slumb’ring souls, awake and sing
Psalms to your exalted King.
Join the choir of saints above;
Joy in songs of Christian love.
Give to God a glorious song—
Hands extended, voices strong!

Wakened souls, your anthem raise;
Sing your sacrifice of praise.
Lift your mind, your heart, your voice,
Heed the happy call: “Rejoice!”
Give to God a glorious song—
Hands extended, voices strong!

Joyful souls, let song take flight:
Praise the Father, God of light;
Praise the Savior, Christ the Son;
Praise the Spirit—Three in one!
Give to God a glorious song—
Hands extended, voices strong!

~Church Works Media~

Chris Anderson wrote, “I wrote Call to Worship while meditating on Psalm 57:8-11 (see also Psalm 108:1-5). The Psalms sometimes urge the worshiper to rise from physical, mental, or spiritual slumber to offer to God exuberant, whole-hearted praise..”

See the original post here; http://mytwocents.wordpress.com/

Hear a demo by Soundforth here: http://www.churchworksmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Call-to-Worship.mp3

Hymn of the day – This is My Word

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“This is My Word” by: Pepper Choplin

As the snow falls from heaven as it comes in swirling showers from the sky.

So is My Word.

As the rains bring the water to the earth that is thirsty and dry.

So is My Word.

And the Word of My mouth, it shall not return empty;

It will bless the earth wherever it is heard.

This is My Word.

As the rains bring renewal and the tender buds begin to come alive,

So is My Word.

Giving seed to the sower, and the bread to the hungry ‘til they thrive,

So is My Word, so is My Word.

And the Word of My mouth, it shall not return empty;

It will bless the earth wherever it is heard.

This is My Word, this is My Word.

O Lord, when I am weary, when I feel the days I’m living are in vain,

My God, help me be faithful to the Word You have given to proclaim.

Proclaim the Word, and you will go out in joy and be led forth in peace,

And the hills will break before you into song.

So be faithful, brave and true, for I will go before you.

And when your earthly journey here is done, I’ll say well done!

“As the rain and the snow 
   come down from heaven, 
and do not return to it 
   without watering the earth 
and making it bud and flourish, 
   so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 
so is My word that goes out from my mouth: 
   It will not return to Me empty, 
but will accomplish what I desire 
   and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 
 You will go out in joy 
   and be led forth in peace; 
the mountains and hills 
   will burst into song before you, 
and all the trees of the field 
   will clap their hands.”-Isaiah 55:10-12

Hymn of the Day — Chosen as His Children

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Chosen by the Father’s mercy, set apart to serve His son,

Sanctified by His own Spirit — Praise the Holy Three in One!

Saved by resurrection power, shielded in His faithful love;

Now no enemy can tarnish my inheritance above!

I’m born again!  I’m God’s only chosen child of mercy!

Born again — What love and grace!

Father, keep me walking worthy, ’til I look upon your face.

Lead by wisdom into suffering, grieved by many trials below,

yet rejoicing in His purpose, that my faith as gold may glow.

Granted faith for overcoming, filled with love for Christ unseen,

Even angels cannot fathom what salvation God can bring!

CHORUS

Built on Christ, the Sure Foundation, we are free from guilt and shame,

He is fitting us together as a house to praise His name.

We are chosen as God’s people, Called from darkness into light,

Oh, what mercy now entreats us to proclaim His glories, bright!

I’m born again!  I’m God’s only chosen child of mercy!

Born again — What love and grace!

Father, keep me walking worthy, ’til I look upon your face.

From the Lips of ALL People!

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“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”     Philippians 2:9-11

From the beginning of time, God’s ultimate goal has been His glory.  “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”  (Rom. 14:11)  God is calling and saving people from every nationality, gender, age, social status, tongue, and tax bracket.  One day these multitudes will all praise Him together – forever – gathered in Heaven.

Revelation 5:13 says, “And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!””

Isn’t that incredibly exciting?!?!  Every living creature in all of creation will sing praises to our Creator forever!  One of my newest favorite songs, LORD Most High, clearly and beautifully paints this picture.  Even those too weak to sing now sing with their hearts, and look forward to praising Christ perfectly one day!

From the ends of the earth, from the depths of the sea,

from the heights of the Heavens,

Your name be praised!

From the hearts of the weak, from the shouts of the strong, from the lips of all people,

Your name be praised!

Throughout the endless ages,

You will be crowned with praises, LORD Most High!

Exalted in every nation; Sovereign of all creation,

LORD Most High be magnified!

(LORD Most High, Copyright Heart Publications)

Praise God for His saving grace now; and anticipate praising Him forever!

Where Christ has Led – By: Janaya Richards

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We Rise now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

          –“Christ the LORD is Risen Today”; Charles Wesley

I’ve sung this song every Easter for years, but I just recently really understood these words – and what they mean for every Christian’s life.

                We rise now where Christ has led, following our Exalted head!     We should be following in Christ’s footsteps – loving others and sharing Christ!  Every day we should be striving to live like Christ and to be more and more conformed into His image.

                Made like Him, like Him we rise.    We were created in the image of God, and we should be living like Him for His glory!

                Ours the CROSS, the GRAVE, the SKIES!!    This is the line that really caught my attention!  When we aim to live like Christ, we will suffer with Christ, but we will also reap Christ’s reward.   Ours the cross – we will be hated for what we do and how we live.  John 15:20 tells us, “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”  …The Grave – We must die to our sins and to ourselves; …The skies! – We as Christians are promised that we will gain great reward from Christ Himself if we live faithfully for Him!

Let’s chose to live for Christ every day – even if that means choosing against our desires.  If we are faithful servants in this life, we can look forward to hearing God’s “Well done.”  That is worth more than anything we might give up for Christ.

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Sing to the LORD – By: Janaya Richards

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Do you ever find yourself so overwhelmed with God’s goodness, greatness, and power that you just can’t help but shout out? Are you ever so in love with God that you just have to tell someone about how wonderful He is? Has God ever given you such a good day, that you can’t help but sing?

James 5:13 says, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise!”

1 Chronicles 16: 23-4 repeats,
“Sing to the LORD, all the earth!
Tell of His salvation from day to day.
Declare His glory among the nations,
His marvelous works among all the peoples!”

In fact, we’re told ONE HUNDRED times throughout the Bible to “sing to Lord,” “shout for joy,” and to “Sing praises unto His name.”

Many hymn writers have evidenced their overflowing joy in Christ!

“I think of my blessed Redeemer, I think of Him all the daylong
I SING for I cannot be silent; His love is the theme of my song.”

“Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done marvelous things!”

“When I consider the heavens above, the moon and the stars that Thou hast ordained,
When I consider Thy merciful love, how can I help but sing?”

“Since Christ is LORD of Heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?”

“When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise then when we’d first begun.”

How can we keep from singing?? Are we so unimpressed with God’s goodness and greatness? Do we not realize that “He has done marvelous things” (Ps. 98:1)? Why are we not filled with overflowing joy? Let’s pray that God would forgive us for our lack of praise. Pray that He would fill us with His goodness so that we “Shout for joy to the LORD!”

(Redeemed, Fanny Crosby; Sing to the LORD a New Song, based off of Psalm 98; Joy Overflowing, Cindy Berry; How Can I Keep From Singing? Pauline T.; Amazing Grace, John Newton)

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