Tag Archives: Wisdom

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.”

Christian Blogging in a Christ-Honoring Way

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I have recently come across a great article in Leslie Ludy’s “Set Apart Girl” magazine (www.setapartgirl.com). This article had a big impact on me, so I thought I would share some thoughts about it with you.

Leslie says that whether we are writing blogs or reading someone else’s blog, we should be really careful concerning several things.

1. “All about Me Blogging”

She explains that in our current culture, we are often told “we are special.” Our flesh loves self-promotion, self-centeredness and self-glorification. Many Christian bloggers spend their time just writing about themselves. A life surrendered to Christ should be Christ-centered.

John 3:30 says “He [Jesus] must increase but I must decrease.”  (A great statement from John the Baptist that we can apply today!)

She states that it’s possible for a blog to pretend to be all about Jesus and still be all about you. That is if you try to bring glory to yourself through your eloquent words or thoughts. Leslie specifically states, ”The goal of every conversation…written or spoken…should be to leave others with a clear view of Christ and a blurry view of us…” (pg 15)

2. “Fishing for a guy (or girl) blogging”

This is when a person tries to impress someone else through blogging, maybe sharing too much information about themselves and expressing all the feelings that they have in their heart.  Psalm 4:23 says “Guard your heart with all diligence because from it flows the springs of life…”  Plus, Leslie explains that pouring out your heart to someone who you don’t really know and trying to pursue them, (specially when girls pursue guys, which I don’t think is something that any girl should do. Don’t pursue/chase a boy in any romantic way…the boy should be the one to pursue you…my two cents on that… ;) ) Doesn’t make you very attractive; it makes you seem a bit unwise.

3.” Blah Blah Blah Blogging”

This is when someone puts much of their effort in writing eloquently about “nothing in particular.”

“But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.” (2 Timothy 2:16 ESV)

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual uplifting. (Romans 14:19 ESV)

4. “Fan Club Blogging”

It’s so easy to get caught up with this one. It’s even easier to become popular in our world today through the Internet, but we shouldn’t let that be the reason why we blog. Blogging shouldn’t be about getting subscribers or people to like our posts.

Let’s give the glory to God, not to ourselves.

I particulary like Leslie’s choice of verses for this one!

“On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.” (Acts 12:21-23 ESV)

5. “Fake Preacher Blogging”

The truth is that most of the time when we read blogs, we don’t really know how the person who writes them lives. We don’t know their character or testimony. Sometimes people can live not-so-godly lives while they are writing about the Bible. As a reader, we might think they are awesome because of their blogging skills. Let’s remember to TEST everything we read through the light of God’s word.

According to Leslie, when we are the one’s talking about the Bible through blogging, it’s good to bring James 3:1 to mind, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.“ We are  accountable. It’s God’s Word and it should be treated with respect. Leslie says “The truth we speak (or write) must first be tested, tried and proven in our own lives before we are truly capable of teaching it to others effectively.” (pg 20)

We should blog about the Bible with fear and trembling, because we will give an account to our Creator for every word spoken or written.

At the end, she encourages us to the fact that blogging can be used to bring Glory to God. So take this area of your life and allow God to set the standards for it, not your culture, not your friends, not yourself. The Lord may lead you to stop blogging if you need to, but remember this: ”Nothing is more important than your relationship with Jesus Christ…even the “good” things must be laid at His feet.” - Leslie Ludy

Ephesians 5:10 “Trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.“

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Quote of the day – The Highest Form of Wisdom

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“The ability to live life as God wants is the highest form of wisdom.”

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Verses of the day – GET WISDOM

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“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3 For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. 4 Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.” 
-Proverbs 4:1-9
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Power and Wisdom – By: Jon W.

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“The devil is a better theologian than any of us and is a devil still.” – A.W. Tozer

There’s a saying that knowledge is power. That may be true, but power can be used for good and evil. As Christians, we should certainly arm ourselves with knowledge, but we should also pray for wisdom to use that knowledge.
How much of the Bible do you know? How much do you have memorized? Can you explain your beliefs easily? No? Then no amount of wisdom can help you. The Bible is a weapon that must be used with discernment. The Bible says,

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12

If the Word of God is our weapon, we should be armed to the teeth against the attacks of the enemy.
If we are well-equipped, what then? How can we use this power? Only with wisdom. If we try to use this power selfishly, we will only hurt others.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. – James 1:5

If we remember to use God’s Word wisely, we can be effective for Him.
-Jon W. Contributor
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