Confusion in Christian Music & Worship

An earlier post called Musical Unity? addressed the conflict between Christians who prefer contemporary music and those who long for the age-old hymns. Chapter Ten in my book addresses these issues at more length. Changes in Christian music spearheaded many changes in the church over the last thirty years. Many scholars and church leaders have addressed the “worship wars” as though the disunity was simply a matter of the seniors not being willing to adapt to the changes. Now some of them realize there is much more at stake than a generation gap. Music should unite, inform, and inspire congregations with biblically correct lyrics; music should encourage the corporate adoration of God.

James K. A. Smith, Philosophy professor at Calvin College, in an article titled Open Letter to Praise Bands lists three points:

1. If we, the congregation, can't hear ourselves, it's not worship.

2. If we, the congregation, can't sing along, it's not worship.

3. If you, the praise band, are the center of attention, it's not worship.

He elaborates on these three points and concludes:"This isn't just some plea for 'traditional' worship and a critique of 'contemporary' worship. Don't mistake this as a defense of pipe organs and a critique of guitars and drums (or banjos and mandolins). My concern isn't with style, but with form: What are we trying to do when we 'lead worship?' If we are intentional about worship as a communal, congregational practice that brings us into an encounter with the living God--that worship is not merely expressive but also formative--then we can do that with cellos or steel guitars, pipe organs or African drums."

In other words, in many congregations worship has been diminished; it has become entertainment, not because of the instruments used but because of the mindset of pastors and leaders. Also, the words to contemporary music are often not accurate biblically. They mislead seekers and even devout Christians.

Ron Rhodes in Christian Research Journal, writing in 1989 says, “a small but growing percentage of Christian songs have lyrics that are “shallow, confusing, doctrinally errant, or even blatantly unbiblical.”

He cites specific questionable lyrics:

Lyrics that portray Jesus as less than fully divine: For example, Jesus "was just an ordinary man--just a carpenter from Galilee."

Salvation is described inadequately. For example, "if you're sorry - I'll wash away your sin." Rhodes says, “There is no mention of faith even though faith is mentioned around 200 times in the New Testament as the condition of salvation. Being just sorry never saved anyone!” I would add, repentance is not mentioned and is not the same as saying you’re sorry. Repentance requires changing your direction.

Lyrics suggest “name it and claim it” theology. For example, "Let the weak say 'I am strong;' Let the sick say 'I am healed.' “With words of faith confess it. And in the name of Jesus claim it. Because what you say is what you get."

And what gives us the strength to get through each day? One song tells us: "In my heart I know there's someone [Christ] who believes in me. I know that He believes in me. He believes in me. That gives me the courage to be what I must be, He believes in me." Where's the supernatural empowering of the Holy Spirit in this?

Those of us who succeed in living a life worthy of God can look forward to the Rapture, according to another song. “We will be raptured ‘if to God we have been true, and we've lived above all sin.’ This ‘Rapture’ may be a peopleless event!”

Compare the above hymns with “The Old Rugged Cross” or "Amazing Grace" or contemporary songs such as “Majesty” or the “Blood Will Never Lose It’s Power.” Lyrics affect our worship engaging out hearts and minds to bow in awe to our God. Worship that is contrived by man to entertain us, or stir us or falsely reassure us does not compare with worship inspired by the Spirit of God.

Pray the Church will recognize the need to exalt God in music and worship.

Blessings, Dottie

The Presence of God

Are we sensing the presence of God as we journey through this Lenten season? Are we seeking His presence more? 

Does the Presence of God dwell in your church? Do you sense His Presence during times of corporate prayer? 

The Presence is most likely to show up when we pray together. When, we, the church body unite in prayer and worship, praising him, humbling ourselves before him - His Presence comes.   

Terry Teykl, pastor and author of The Presence Based Church says:  

"As the body of Christ, we desperately need the Presence of God. We are nothing without it. His Presence, unrivaled in any aspect of beauty, power, fame or majesty, is our provision and glory. It should be the thing that holds us up and sets us apart. One moment in the Presence can do more than a lifetime of church services without it."

Do we believe this? Do we then, seek His face? Is worship a top priority? We won't sense His presence if our hearts are closed to Him or if we're holding a grudge against someone. We must prepare for worship, let go of unforgiveness, repent of our own sin or wrong doing - then we will be open to His Spirit.

   

Scriptures on the Presence of God

"One thing I have asked of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. (Psalm 27:4)

"In thy presence there is fullness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures forever more. (Psalm 16:11)

In my book, Changing Churches, I write:
  

"Worship connects us with the Presence of God. True worship, opening our hearts to God and praising Him, is fearful and astonishing. It changes us. Worship is as vital to our faith as breathing is to our bodies. We bow in adoration, devotion, respect, and awe. God is holy and eternal. We are finite. We humble ourselves in this holy encounter. We meet God weekly in corporate worship, as a church body. The fragrant aroma of His Presence in us and in the church increases in proportion to our prayer and worship."

Time in His Presence changes us. Perhaps this is why we don't seek Him. He changes us when we draw near to Him. Our flesh resists change. Change is scary. But it is worth it. Knowing Him personally is worth everything.

Terkyl says:  

"I love the local church. It is God's hope for transformation of lives, the expression of His glory in the earth, and His chosen bride for the Son. If someone today wants to sense and experience the real and manifested Presence of God, he shouldn't have to go any further than the local church...."

Is your church seeking God's Presence? Are you?

Blessings, Dottie