Christian Rock Music

This essay is written not only to discuss the idea of Christian rock but all rock music. I have talked to many sources and read many books. I have tried to come to this topic unbiased by listening and reading material on both sides. Unfortunately, I can’t remain unbiased and have over a matter of years through searching and thinking about the topic have made the decision to not only approve but to support any style be it rock, country, rap, ect, if it is being used for the kingdom of God. I know that all these styles work and that they help feed genuine Christians as I am a living tribute to the power of positive rock music under God’s guidance. I may not personally like the style of hardcore/heavy metal but I still support the brothers out there using it to minister to people.

I understand that those who oppose any style other than the style they like may not give me a chance for my words to be heard. All I can say is, I once was on that side of thinking myself but I pulled myself back and started asking lots of questions to many different people about the same subject. After hearing the success stories of what some would call the “contemporary” movement, I was quick to notice how the anti-rockers in their books and on-line articles always were tearing down other artist work and almost always taking quotes out of context or from articles so old, I wasn’t born yet. I don’t say it to tear down their idea of ministry but I would like to know how many people have been saved or otherwise helped by their often ruthless tactics.

This essay is not written to bash all the comments of the anti-rockers views. Most are empty arguments that I feel would be a waste of time to bother with, I also see that their views come from “religious” baggage that they may not realize they carry. My attempt is to expose the legalistic mindset that these traditional advocates carry and to show them that it is not a matter of Satan trying to deceive the world, but it’s merely a style preference. I wrote this essay intellectually fair as I discuss the weakness Christian rock artists carry and I include the authorized King James Bible quotes for my points.

I believe that God’s standard for character is universal, while God’s standard for service is individual. I will discuss how each of us is different as humans we also have many different ways or styles of worshiping God and servicing the kingdom of God.

I will also show that the worship wars is not just a war of style but it’s one that Satan is using to render us ineffective to culture by dividing us on narrow minded issues. Worship is not just about the music style, worship is a verb not a noun. Worship is something you do not observe.

People use music to bring other people to the throne of God; it can be any style, remember it’s not about you; it’s about God, if you truly focus on that, then they can be playing sitars and singing Russian and you can worship. Are you focused on the instruments leading you to God or are you focused on God?

Testimony:

I grew up traditional and I was actually a promoter of it. I was known as a preacher at school. I always was trying to get the science teacher to talk about creation. I was the only one in the class of 84 who would listen ONLY to Christian music; I did not listen to the secular radio stations because of the influences that were on it. I did listen to a local traditional radio station every now and then as they played the hymns. I remember back in 6^th grade getting a sampler cd, and it had Sandi Patti, Third Day and Michael W Smith on it and other artist, I remember at first I hated it as I thought this was a movement to secularize the Christian world. My ears could not stand the sound of Rock music, any style of rock for that matter. My parents bought a tape of Michael W. Smith album, Change Your World. At first I was uneasy with it, as I thought that Christian music is not supposed to sound like this, but after following the words and hearing it for awhile, that album eventually became my favorite album of all time with the song, Cross of Gold being one that spoke to my heart the most. It wasn’t until I went to a legalistic school my 9^th and 10^th grade that my thinking about anti-rock music began to change. For a few months I was completely on there side but I noticed that the thinking was flawed after I heard constant cutting down artist in the Christian music field. I noticed that the thinking was very biased on just a few Ultra-conservative radicals, such as the Swaggarts, Dial-the-Truth Ministries, Jeff Godwin, John Beardsley and Jesus-Is-Lord.com. In direct “rebellion” to these teachers of isolation, I started searching for the truth for my self. (Matthew 7:7-8) I found awide array of opinions among my friends. Most were still Christian music only while other’s where secular music only. The constant negative whine about Christian music that I was getting caused me to go with the rest of the students at that Christian school to abandon all Christian music completely. Since everything that had a beat in the Christian music section was the incarnate of Satan himself, apparently there was nothing wrong with secular music. So for the next 2 years approximately I turned my back on God and his traditional music and lived a secular lifestyle. I started out with groups such as Savage Garden (I know I was really getting in deep), but overtime and by leaving the church influences I got to like such artist as Kid Rock, Eminem, I.C.P., Korn and 2 Pac. By living in this area, I learned what the lost are searching for. They are looking for something real, not preachy and something they can apply to there life. It was when I realized that music was addictive and that the lyrics were actually affecting me, I started to reconsider Christian music, I was amazed at such artist as Michael W. Smith, Dc Talk, Newsboys and such faith lived bands as Delirious, Creed, P.O.D, and U2. These groups have a beat that I could play in my car and yet be uplifting and lyrics I could apply to my life. That’s a radical idea compared to the music I liked in the secular arena, I love those groups music, it was just some lyrics that I now object too. I’m a lyricist/creative promoter now for a acoustic alternative rock artist. I’ve seen God use my poetry and song lyrics for his glory but yet the traditional side tells me that I can’t listen, create, or use the rock style music to honor God. They continually say that you’ll be able to tell if rock artist are of God by there fruit. I see and know from my personal life, that I’m lifted by rock, in turn my writings uplift others up. I see things in my life and personality that needs to change so with God’s help I strive to achieve a new me. I have a joy in knowing that I’m being who God created me to be, me. First things I see about God, was his creative thought when he made everything we see. I don’t look at Christianity as a religion but as a relationship, I see the church as sometimes forcing the law of the pastor or the denomination view points instead of nurturing the relationship between God and me. Focus your life and actions on Christ not the church, the church has its doctrines and laws, but God has the grace and law of the love.

Preface:

According to Charles Finney’s, Lectures on Revival, of 1835, it took some churches a century to adapt to Isaac Watts:

People in numerous congregations continue to walk out of church if a psalm or hymn is taught from a new book. And if Watts’ psalms were adopted, they would split and form a new congregation rather than tolerate such innovation.

The battle still rages even in the year 2002, church as a whole is still reluctant to accept new ideas. One generation gets comfortable with a certain style, and then suddenly there is no moving out of that comfort zone and anything that is different is labeled as bad or worldly. The church has always had to change the approach of the unchanging gospel to be relevant to culture. Culture is changing again and the worship wars are evident that culture is looking for God but in different ways. After tackling the issue of creation and the religion of evolution and how affects today’s society, I have brushed into the discussion on Christian Contemporary/Rock music a few times and have decided to take on this issue and give it some honest thought and logical examination. But just as I find in the creation/evolution debate what ever side you’re on determines your interpretation of the evidence. It’s practically impossible to approach a topic unbiased when you have already made up your mind before looking at the evidence what you are going to think. This is true for both sides of the argument, sometimes we can get so caught up in what we think is true that we block the Holy Spirit from showing us what is true. I see people under the Traditional/legalistic mindset that know the truth but yet they don’t apply it, and I see the Contemporary side people that apply what they do know and allow God to change them and the people around them. Then I beg the question, do we go to church to worship or do we go to church because we are already worshipers. It’s all in the attitude, are you coming expecting something or are you going to give something, is it about you or God?

My format is to show the Authorized King James Version (KJV) for those out there who will only turn on the hearing aids for that translation and then I will put my personal favorite translation, the New Living Translation (NLT), afterwards to decode whatever King James had to say back in the 1600’s to the modern culture that will read this. I try but for the knowledge in me, I don’t understand the King James Version at all, I feel like I’m watching a Shakespeare play when I listen to it being read. Very rarely you may find me using another translation, the New International Version (NIV) and the New Century Version (NCV).

Romans 14:16

Do not allow what you think is good to become what others say is evil. (NCV)

1 Peter 3:14-16

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t be afraid and don’t worry. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak evil against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. (NLT)

14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (KJV)

Reasons Why Christian Rock May Be Wrong:

Addiction is one problem that is possible with all types of music but I will allow for the fact that rock style is so unique that for some people rock music may trapped them in a world of potential sin. I love music in my life, and at times I will admit my moods do seem to come from what I listen too; it’s not the beat though it’s the lyrics that would bring to a cloudy view of what God wants. Addiction wants more of the world when Gods wants you to want more of him. This problem is not just for music, you can apply this to everything that makes noise, T.V., the internet, ect. This can be unhealthy as God calls us to take time out from the noise and just know him.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” (KJV)

“Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

For me personally, rock music helps me to think of God and draws me near him, traditional music, not only doesn’t draw me, I don’t understand it, it’s not that rock music is a sinful noise, it’s that there should a time in the day where there is no music and just you and God. C.S. Lewis has shown me personally that Satan and God don’t follow a standard for humans, but each one of us have our own unique ways of worshiping and even rebellion, if it be. We should follow the Bible, but more important listen to the Holy Spirit personally speaking to our hearts.

Celebrity is another problem. A celebrity job is to be calling attention to themselves, but as Christians his role is to point people to Christ. This is something that has to be dealt with, as pride is not a gift of God. I have had the privilege of meeting my favorite Contemporary Pop Star, Michael W. Smith, and I can say that this guy is one of the most humble people I have stumbled upon. He is one of the biggest names around, has had near 20 top ten hits, but seeing him talk and play at his founded church (New River Fellowship) you see a real, authentic worshiper. In fact he did the least amount of singing and talking then anyone else when I was there, another thing I noticed was that he didn’t play any songs that he wrote. This issue of celebrity is not just for Christian rock, but for any person of any fame, including Pastors, and Southern Gospel singers, anyone who is has a crowd to point to heaven.

Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 bring a good argument to both sides of this endless war of worship styles. These scriptures tell me that for some Christians Christian rock is sinful, not that Satan has created a blasphemous kind of new religion, but maybe from their past of sin, after getting saved they see the rock music as sin or they associate with their past. I will admit that there are some people out there who maybe were in the secular area of rock, and followed the world’s idea of drugs, sex, and rebellion. For these people, it may be wrong for them to hear Christian rock. Their conviction about that style of music may be right for them, but it may not apply to me. If God tells you that rock music is bad, of course follow the call and do what you must. But I see it flawed where these people start to divide the church attempting to impose there personal values on everyone else. If God isn’t telling you to ditch your latest Rachael Lampa album, then enjoy and allow it to inspire you. These following passages for some people may cause them to look at rock music and think that it has been sacrificed to the “gods” of this world and Satan himself. They have the idea that rock is only to draw people into sin. Others like myself believe that rock music is just like any other style, and all the styles can be used by God. Just the styles of cars, you have your bright cars, soft tone cars, big, small, but there just different styles of the same thing, cars. Nowhere in the bible does it say that one style is superior then the other. To me, the same is with clothes and everything else we do in life, different style appeal to different people at different ages. I don’t see one as better then the other but all of them creatively their own.

Michael W. Smith, Worship cd starts off with

Psalm 57:7, 9-11:

My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.

I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.

For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

(NIV)

God he is exalted in music but to some people they look at the start of rock with sex, drunkenness, drugs, violent, chaos, ect and they view the style as music being sacrificed to idols, but we see it as when placed aside for God’s purpose then those other idols don’t exist.

God can not be put into a box. God uses different people with different styles to praise him differently. There is nothing wrong with worshiping God in a traditional format, as long as you really feel that you’re connecting to his heart. If you prefer a more edgy feel to this music style, the same is true. Not everyone is going to like the same style. I personally like a techno/rock style for worship, as it is the style that I really can communicate to God through. I don’t see the rock style as having anything to do with trashing the church or utter rebellion from society, to some to may be, for them rock music may not be the right style for them.

1 Corinthians 8

1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. 2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him. 4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.   (KJV)

1 Now let’s talk about food that has been sacrificed to idols. You think that everyone should agree with your perfect knowledge. While knowledge may make us feel important, it is love that really builds up the church. 2 Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. 3 But the person who loves God is the one God knows and cares for. 4 So now, what about it? Should we eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols? Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God and no other. 5 According to some people, there are many so-called gods and many lords, both in heaven and on earth. 6 But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we exist for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life. 7 However, not all Christians realize this. Some are accustomed to thinking of idols as being real, so when they eat food that has been offered to idols, they think of it as the worship of real gods, and their weak consciences are violated. 8 It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t miss out on anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do. 9 But you must be careful with this freedom of yours. Do not cause a brother or sister with a weaker conscience to stumble. 10 You see, this is what can happen: Weak Christians who think it is wrong to eat this food will see you eating in the temple of an idol. You know there’s nothing wrong with it, but they will be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been dedicated to the idol. 11 So because of your superior knowledge, a weak Christian, for whom Christ died, will be destroyed. 12 And you are sinning against Christ when you sin against other Christians by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong. 13 If what I eat is going to make another Christian sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live – for I don’t want to make another Christian stumble. (NLT)

Romans 14: 1 – 23

1 Accept Christians who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. 2 For instance, one person believes it is all right to eat anything. But another believer who has a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. 3 Those who think it is all right to eat anything must not look down on those who won’t. And those who won’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to condemn God’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him tell them whether they are right or wrong. The Lord’s power will help them do as they should. 5 In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. Each person should have a personal conviction about this matter. 6 Those who have a special day for worshiping the Lord are trying to honor him. Those who eat all kinds of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who won’t eat everything also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. 7 For we are not our own masters when we live or when we die. 8 While we live, we live to please the Lord. And when we die, we go to be with the Lord. So in life and in death, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and rose again for this very purpose, so that he might be Lord of those who are alive and of those who have died. 10 So why do you condemn another Christian? Why do you look down on another Christian? Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God. 11 For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow to me and every tongue will confess allegiance to God.'” 12 Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God. 13 So don’t condemn each other anymore. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another Christian’s path. 14 I know and am perfectly sure on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. 15 And if another Christian is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. 16 Then you will not be condemned for doing something you know is all right. 17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God. And other people will approve of you, too. 19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. 20 Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, there is nothing wrong with these things in themselves. But it is wrong to eat anything if it makes another person stumble. 21 Don’t eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another Christian to stumble. 22 You may have the faith to believe that there is nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who do not condemn themselves by doing something they know is all right. 23 But if people have doubts about whether they should eat something, they shouldn’t eat it. They would be condemned for not acting in faith before God. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning. (NLT)

1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.  (KJV)

Rock Music –Definition

How do you define a style of music, there is acoustic rock, hard core, heavy metal, thrash, alternative and even punk can be in there. I believe that rock music is a general term for all the types of music that use rock guitars, and I don’t see how using a rock guitar is wrong, but instead I see rock music being a general word for a wide style of volume and sound. Rock just like any other is a style, a style that should be respected in it’s form as an artistic ability, not some Satanic under minding to bring the world to the anti-Christ, I believe it’s the religion that is found in the evolution theory that brings us to a more anti-God belief then a mere style of music.

Godly Music – What is that?

With all this talk about how bad rock music is, where is the talk about what the good music is. I haven’t read any verses about how the hymns are the way to Christ, nor have I seen any mention in the Bible about what instruments God will allow in music or how loud or how fast it can be played. The anti-rockers don’t come out and say it but to them, traditional music is the only Godly music. No questions asked. But I see in scriptures that God is creative, and you can worship him not only through psalms (poetry), hymns (traditional songs), but also spiritual songs (rock, country, rap, ect), hence it doesn’t say what style or what type of spiritual content it must have. Therefore God is leaving it up to our creativity which he has given us to give back to him, our own personal form of praise and worship.

Isn’t it pretty interesting to note that the first glimpse of God that we get in Genesis is the incredible artistry and creativity of God.  At times I think we forget that God is an incredible artist, even when God came down to earth in the form of Jesus, he was an artist, using parables and stories as means of telling the truth to all who listened.  Taking cues from the most incredible artist, Tommy strives to be like his best friend, Jesus Christ.  Although he’ll never attain the perfect creativity that God has he continues to try to push the envelope in the creative world, to try to make music that is both relevant to life, and sonically creative. Music is a universal language, and he wants to utilize it to share what he’s found in life.

– “About Tommy” section from tommybailey.com

Ephesians 5:19

Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts.  (NLT)

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (KJV)

“It is fruitless to search for a single musical style, or even any blend of musical styles, that can assist all Christians with true worship. The followers of Jesus are a far too diverse group of people — which is exactly how it should be. We need, rather, to welcome any worship music that helps churches produce disciples of Jesus Christ. We need to welcome the experimental creativity that is always searching out new ways of singing the gospel, and banish the fear that grips us when familiar music passes away.”

– Hamilton, Michael S., “The Triumph of the Praise Songs,” Christianity Today, July 12, 1999 p.35

Rebuttals to Anti-Rock Ministries:

I am not going to go into great details giving a rebuttal to all of the anti-rock views, the anti-rockers have taken many quotes out of context and a great number of empty statements and attempted to twist them to fit their viewpoints. There are websites that can be found by typing in “Christian Rock” at google.com that will give light to both sides of the worship wars. I don’t this to be a political mudslinging match neither, some of the anti-rock views are worth the thought as I mentioned above in the “Reasons Why Christian Rock May Be Wrong”. These are honest problems with any style of music, but I wanted to be fair and at least give an honest look at the evidence.

Only backslidden, carnal Christians, who refuse to yield to the Holy Spirit, could ever think rock music was the will of God. – Dial-The-Truth Ministries

How can a “Christian” be carnal? Ignorant of there stance, apparently this ministry is just wanting to throw some wood logs on the rained out fire.

Romans 2:1

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. (KJV)

You may be saying, “What terrible people you have been talking about!” But you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you do these very same things. (NLT)

James 4:11

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. (KJV)

Don’t speak evil against each other, my dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize each other and condemn each other, then you are criticizing and condemning God’s law. But you are not a judge who can decide whether the law is right or wrong. Your job is to obey it. (NLT)

I’ve seen this time and time again in my life, Christians telling me that my style is wrong and always having a negative tune for the style that so many people my age worship the same God with. I have had people tell me I need to repent, people have said that unless I stop listening to all contemporary style music, I will live eternity in a lake of fire. I have seen young believers in God be so sheared down that many of these believers leave the church, period. What good is it doing God’s kingdom when you not only scare away long time believers but also have nothing to do with seekers who want to know more about God. These anti-rockers believe in their mind (as I once was on that same mindset too) they are doing a great service to God and the church by “preaching the word” as I often hear. When I hear these words, I don’t hear or see God in them. I see there viewpoints sugar coated with scripture so that people who don’t want to challenge their mind happen to hear these arguments with scripture and in most cases they swallow the whole line, hook and sinker. That is of course unless the person hasn’t made up their mind before hearing the arguments. If they made up their mind that they agree or disagree then you never give God the chance to show you something that can be applied to your life. If you did happen to have your mind open to the arguments then as humans, we like to follow the crowd, if everyone in the room doesn’t like Christian rock, then I better not like, or else I’ll be different. Then it becomes a problem of biased theology, as Christians some may look at a song by a secular band and may interpret it differently. Some may see the song as a seeker trying to find God, others may see it the song as being Anti-God since it doesn’t speak of the same God as we do.  

An Ad for Rebellion

The ad: Youth Alive! Sensational Summer ’97

The Music Group: East to West

The Comment: Group member, Jay DeMarcus, is quoted in the ad saying, “Neil and I made a commitment from the start to be transparent. As an artist and in my personal life, I’m through with trying to live a life that says to everyone, ‘hey, I’m holy, and I’m good’. I just want to let people know that we’re no different from anyone else. No matter how frail we are as humans, we know our strength lies with Jesus Christ.”

Jesus-Is-Lord.com

What rebellion to the Word of God! God said, “Be holy” and “have good works” and Jay says, “I’m through with trying to be holy and good.”

There are many scriptures that tell us we’ve got to be holy. People act like it’s an option. The Lord didn’t say, “Be holy if you feel like it.” He said, “Be ye holy”! People have no fear of God anymore and think He’s just so pressed for our lip service and not our obedience. Remember to obey is better than sacrifice………….. In conclusion, there is no way I’d take my kids to hear somebody that said that in their music and personal life they’re not trying to be holy and good. They are a bad example and will pass their bad example on to the people that I’m watching (and responsible) for.

When I got finished reading this Ad, I was still trying to figure out what is so inherently bad about it. In fact, I would say the same thing as Jay DeMarcus. I think the writer from Jesus-Is-Lord.com took the words of Jay DeMarcus the wrong way. I desire in my personal life to be transparent too, I want people to see that I’m trying my best to just be real. I’m through with trying to live a life that says I’m holy and good too. It’s not rebellion to the word it is the word. I’m not holy, I make mistakes every now and then, only through Jesus, I am made perfect, but just like East to West, I don’t put myself on a pedestal stool and say look at me, I’m a Christian and holy, no like them I say, I’m human, I‘m no different from you or anyone else, we are frail as humans and we make mistakes. But our hope comes from Jesus Christ that we can be made holy. This ad is being taken out of context when they say he’s done living the holy life, he is only saying, I’m humble before God, I can only be made holy through Christ and I will strive for it, but just don’t look to me as a spiritual crutch, rather look at Jesus. And for the record, East to West has incredible music.

A Golden Cafe

Exodus 32:17-19

17 And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses, There is a noise of war in the camp. 18 And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear. 19 And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses’ anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount. (KJV)

17 When Joshua heard the noise of the people shouting below them, he exclaimed to Moses, “It sounds as if there is a war in the camp!” 18 But Moses replied, “No, it’s neither a cry of victory nor a cry of defeat. It is the sound of a celebration.” 19 When they came near the camp, Moses saw the calf and the dancing. In terrible anger, he threw the stone tablets to the ground, smashing them at the foot of the mountain. (NLT)

17 When Joshua heard the noise of the people shouting, he said to Moses,

“There is the sound of war in the camp.”

18 Moses replied:
“It is not the sound of victory,
it is not the sound of defeat;
it is the sound of singing that I hear.”
19 When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain. (NIV)

According to this passage anti-Christian rockers claim that since loud music and idols are in the same passage that, rock music must be an idol. Rock guitars were not invented until the early 1900’s, so they couldn’t have been playing rock music. This goes for the whole idea of Rock music now, where does it say not to play such a style; instead it is said generally make “music”. As for an idol any style of music could become your idol. I see nothing in this verse to even be relevant to an anti-rock stance,  instead I see them taking a gift of God (singing and music) and using for their own enjoyment.

Psalms 150:3-6

3 Praise him with a blast of the trumpet; praise him with the lyre and harp! 4 Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with stringed instruments and flutes! 5 Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals. 6 Let everything that lives sing praises to the LORD! Praise the LORD! (NLT)

3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. (KJV)

These scriptures seem to differ a little from the “anti-music” one. My interpretation of these scriptures is that you could use dancing and loud music to show disobedience towards God and can use the same to glorify him. Just like there is music at weddings, some weddings are drinking parties, other are just a fun, clean gathering. Both could have loud music, it’s up to the people playing them to play it for or against God. I like on verse 4, praise him with stringed instruments, guitars are beautiful sounding stringed instruments in my personal opinion.

Relevance to Culture

I could write a book out of this section alone, currently I recommend looking up books on this subject. I recommend going to relevant-books.com and checking out there selections, all there books are update to culture and easy to apply to ones life. I recommend not only the book

“I Am Relevant: A Generation Impacting Their World With Faith” but also the other books are great reads. RELEVANT magazine: GOD.LIFE.PROGRESSIVE CULTURE found at relevantmagazine.com comes up in print later this year, a must read for those who want to impact culture with the life changing gospel.

A lot of people don’t realize that even the hymns and the King James Bible were contemporary in there time, the whole idea of the King James Bible was to make a translation the culture could understand and relate too. Hymns in that time were praise and worship songs as we would call them now. I personally don’t understand hymns, they all sound the same and about 4 verses later there is a key change, frankly as song they mean very little, I get nothing out of them that I can personally apply to my life and situations. But on the flip side of things, I get inspiration out of them when I look at them as if they are poetry. I can see how their heart is filled with adoration for the Lord. The same thing I believe about rock music, if the lyrics are given to someone as if they are poetry, it would probably be accepted and admired, but throw it with a few guitars then its Satan’s playground. A lot of these anti-Christian rock sites seem to quote from artist I have no clue of and have no reason to care for what they believed 30 years ago. The contemporary music industry has gone through a lot of reforms in the past decades, I’m sure there were some mistakes, but I’m sure that all the hymn writers were mistake free in there lives too, the computer industry had some rocky starts as with anything that is new to the world, it’s untraveled territory. I see now that the artists understand more about where God wants them, and how to be able to reach the real world through relevant ways. I don’t see how age is all that determines if you are more prone to be traditional or not, it’s really if you went to church when you were growing up and that’s what you heard. Older members of our society that have grown up inside the church are used to hearing hymns being sung by the choir so naturally there going to be comfortable hearing that, over contemporary music. Those who did not grow up in the church are completely comfortable with rock music and the newer translations of the bible. It’s not really if one is right or wrong, it’s what you grew up on and what your used too. I grew up traditional but I have always been curious why society does what it does, so I began to get a wider view of what Christianity is, I want to reach out to the world and show them, through words and actions that I love them. The traditional church, turns it back on culture, in essence saying if your not going to step down to our values then we don’t want you around and then in my case they told me flat out I was going to Hell for what I listened too. Are we reaching the world or are we building a wall to it and then devouring the Christians that are left through petty theological arguments? I see Contemporary music as being an endangered industry, because culture is always changing, and the church throughout all of history always was changing the outreach approach to relate better to the people of that time. It’s not that they are saying the Gospel is outdated, not at all, it’s that the approach of showing that to people now days have changed a lot since a hundred years ago. In all the world Christianity is decreasing in the U.S., could it be that the people that need to be saved aren’t hearing what they need too, because a lot of the church is interested in staying to themselves, the light shining on the light, with so much of world the lost, the found seem lost in themselves. Are we trying to preach and resave the church choir or are we on the offensive side winning back the souls that never were meant to be lost?

Bible Translations: What One Is The Right One for You?

With all these translations in use around here, you can really get a lot of different viewpoints on what translations are best. The TNIV and the NIV are the only translations that I personally have a problem with. These versions support a more theistic evolution idea, and basically in their writings support the man made theory of evolution. Hence therefore I don’t quote too often from those as I strongly believe that the word of God is to be defended from the very first verse on out. I do highly recommend the New Living Translation and The Message. Both are easy to read and understand while showing the truth of Gods words in a contemporary applicant way. One small problem I have with the King James Version is the difficulty in reading it, I come across children bibles that are written in King James, I think about it, these kids are learning modern English from school, but the bible they read is more difficult as it had a lot of words that we no longer use in modern culture. I don’t believe that those who do read the KJV and get wisdom from it should just toss it aside, but I do think the Word of God should be able to be understood by people. If people do not understand the King James I believe they should find a version that they can understand.

I see that as a non believer wanting to know the truth, the King James bible is very scary, using words and phrases that one would only understand if you grew up within the church. If they don’t understand the King James, are they condemned to Hell if they use a different “modern” version?

Acts 8:26-39

26 As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he did, and he met the treasurer of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under the queen of Ethiopia. The eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and he was now returning. Seated in his carriage, he was reading aloud from the book of the prophet Isaiah. 29 The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” 30 Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah; so he asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 The man replied, “How can I, when there is no one to instruct me?” And he begged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him. 32 The passage of Scripture he had been reading was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. And as a lamb is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. 33 He was humiliated and received no justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” 34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Was Isaiah talking about himself or someone else?” 35 So Philip began with this same Scripture and then used many others to tell him the Good News about Jesus. 36 As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” 37 ^F143 38 He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. (NLT)

26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. (KJV)

Following is a list of reasons why the perfect King James might not be that perfect translation after all.

Let’s take a look at one example: “A vertuous woman reioyceth her husband, and he shall fulfill the yeeres of his life in peace.” Ecclesiasticus 26:2  What is that you say? That scripture isn’t in your copy of the KJV? Why is that? It is because the original KJV of 1611 had the apocrypha (books not canonized). And as you can see, the language is a little different from your copy. Here is another example from the book of Psalms: “That men may knowe, that thou, whose name alone is IEHOVAH, art the most high ouer all the earth.”Psalmes LXXXIII:18  What does this mean? It means that the King James Version Bible has been revised thru the ages to meet the demands of a changing language.

How Many Revisions?

First, there were printer errors.

• There was the Wicked Bible which omitted “not” from 7 of the 10 Commandments.
• The Vinegar Bible with its parable of the vinegar
• The Unrighteous Bible where the unrighteous inherit the kingdom
• The Ears to Ear Bible and an assortment of others

Intentional Changes:

• 1612
• Early editions used either “he” or “she” at Ruth 3:15
• 1613
• 1616
• In fact, between 1611 and 1644 there were 182 editions
• 1629 edition omitted the Apocrypha
• 1638 edition by Goad, Ward, Boyse and Mead
• 1659 William Kilburne found 20,000 errors in 6 different editions made in the 1650’s
• 1660 marginal references introduced
• 1683 Dr.Anthony Scargood added 7,250 references
• 1727 thousands of errors were amended by the King’s Printer
• 1762 italics extended by Therold and Paris and modernized the language
• 1769 extensive revision by B.Blayney
• The 1795 edition(Murderers Bible) rendered Mark 7:27 as “Let the children first be killed” (instead of filled).
• Blayney’s edition became standard until….
• 1873 the Cambridge Paragraph Bible edited by Scrivener

While the 1611 edition had, “Then cometh Judas” at Matthew 26:36, today’s KJV has “Then cometh Jesus”. Quite a remarkable difference!

Would a normal educated person understand these verses?

For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I? Eccl.2:25
Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing. Ps.5:6
Nevertheless even him [Solomon] did outlandish women cause to sin. Neh. 13:26
Solomon loved many strange women. 1Kings 11:1
Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof. Job 26:5
The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour. Job 36:33
Woe to them that…stay on horses. Is. 31:1; 10:20; 30:12; 50:12
The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee in thy market. Ez. 27:25
I trow not. Luke 17:9
He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:2
We do you to wit of the grace of God. 2Cor. 8:1
I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified. 1Cor.4:4
Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. 2Cor.6:12
Not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. 2Cor.10:16
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. Eccl.12:11
For some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol. 2Cor.8:7

Do You Know These Words in the KJV?

almug, algum, chode, charashim, chapt, earing, gat, habergeon, hosen, kab, ligure, leasing, maranatha, nard, neesed, pate, rabboni, raca, ring-staked, stacte, strake, sycamyne, thyme wood, trode, wimples, ouches, tatches, brigandine, ambassage, occurent, purtenance, bruit, fray, cracknels, nusings, mufflers, anathema, corban, talitha cumi, ephrata, aceldama, centurion, quarternion, sanctum sanctorum, let, wot, trow, sod and swaddling clothes.

Different Names for the same Person in the KJV

Sheth and Seth; Pua and Puah; Cis and Kish; Agar and Hagar; Jeremiah, Jeremias and Jeremie; Enos and Enosh; Henoch and Enoch; Jered and Jared; Noe and Noah; Jonah, Jona and Jonas; Jepthae and Jepthah; Balak and Balac; Sara and Sarah; Gidion and Gideon; Elijah and Elias; Kora and Core; Elisha and Eliseus; Hosea and Osee; Isaiah, Esaias and Esay; Hezekiah and Ezekiah; Zechariah and Zecharias; Judas, Judah, Juda and Jude; Zera, Zara and Zarah; Marcus and Mark; Lucas and Luke; Timothy and Timotheus.

• dabhar(‘word’ or ‘thing’) is rendered by 84 different English words.
• panim(‘face’) by 34 different English words.
• sim(‘to set’ or ‘place’) by 59 different English words
• nasah(‘to lift up’) by 46
• abhar(‘to pass over’) by 48
• rabh(‘much’ or ‘many’) by 44
• tobh(‘good’) by 41
• shubh(‘to turn back’) by 60
• katargein(‘to make void) by 17
• passover is translated Easter in Acts 12:4

Mythical Creatures in the KJV

Cockatrice
Isaiah 14:29 serpent-RSV   Snake-NWT
Isaiah 11:8   serpents-RSV & NWT
Isaiah 59:5   adders-RSV   snake NWT

Unicorn
Deut. 33:17   wild ox-RSV   wild bull-NWT
Psalms 22:21   wild oxen-RSV   wild bulls-NWT
Isaiah 34:7   wild oxen-RSV  wild bulls-NWT

Satyr
Isaiah 13:21   goat-shaped demon-NWT   wild goats[like demons]-Amplified Bible
Isaiah 34:14   goat-shaped demon-NWT   shaggy wild goat-Amplified Bible

Doctrinal Problems in the KJV

1John 5:7 “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” Omitted by most other versions

1Timothy 3:16“God was manifest in the flesh”
“He who was revealed in the flesh” NASB, NWT, RSV etc

Revelation 1:11“I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last” Omitted by most others

Matthew 5:22 “hellfire”    Should be “gehenna” NWT, Youngs Literal Translation

Psalms 16:10 “hell”   Should be “sheol” NWT, Youngs Literal Translation

Acts 2:27 “hell” Should be “hades” NWT, Youngs Literal Translation

2Peter 2:4 “hell” Should be “tartarus” NWT, Youngs Literal Translation

Headings at Psalm 93 and Isaiah 51 mention Christ.

The Divine Name “Jehovah” is used only at Exodus 6:3, Psalms 83:18; Isaiah 12:2; 26:4, but it is omitted everywhere else and replaced by LORD in capital letters.

Fast Facts on the KJV

• The Greek text used for the King James Version, which is the Textus Receptus, took less than a year to produce by Erasmus.
• The Received Text(Textus Receptus, TR) ….”was not based on early manuscripts, not reliably edited, and consequently not trustworthy.” N. Geisler/W. Nix A General Introduction to the Bible
• Since the KJV uses Elijah and Elias for the same person(see above), Mormon prophet Joseph Smith interestingly had a vision of both(Doctrine and Covenants 110:12-16)!
• There are over 30 different editions of the Textus Receptus(TR) and none are 100% identical.
• “The King James translators knew Greek less well than they knew Latin so they constantly relied on the Latin to get themselves through the Greek.”…Dr. Wallace
• The original KJV had a calendar of annual Holy days which all believers were to follow such as: Purification of the virgin Mary, annunciation of our Lady, Innocents day, etc..
• In 1851 the American Bible Society compared six different editions of the King James Bible and discovered over 24,000 variations between the editions of the same Bible translation! How could there be an inerrant King James Bible when even the different editions of the King James Bible had ten’s of thousands of variant readings!?
• Erasmus, the originator of the so-called “inerrant” Greek text later to be called the “Textus Receptus” dedicated his work to Pope Leo X
• The teaching that the King James translators had a perfect Greek text is denied by the translators themselves. In the original edition of 1611 are marginal notes as follows: Note on Luke 17:36, “This 36th verse is wanting in most of the Greek copies.” Note on Acts 25:6 where their text reads: “When he had tarried among them more than ten days,” they inserted the following marginal note: “or, as some copies read, ‘no more than eight or ten days.'”
• There are no paragraph marks after Acts 20:36
• Some believe the translators were influenced by the Socinians (Unitarians) because of their referring to the holy spirit as an “it” (John 1:32; Romans 8:16, 26; I Peter 1:11). See Emery H. Bancroft, CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY, [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1961; revised edition], pp. 147-8)

Fun with the KJV

Does anyone know that the K.J version was written in 1610.
Did you know Shakespere was 46 at the time? Connection?
Well, in Psalms 46, the 46th word is shake, from the end of the scripture, ignore Selah, count
backwards 46 words and the word is “spear”.
Also, the 14th word is “will”. Go to the rear and count back to words 32 and 31(14+32=46) and
get I am. Put them all together and get his signature,
“Will-I am Shake-spear.
Then check any decent encyclopedia and see where King James summoned the greatest writers
of the day to “translate” the Word.
(In all fairness to the above submission, Will probably used the Geneva Bible)

Should we accept newer Bible revisions and translations? Yes, by doing so we are following King James tradition. Did you know that the translators preface to the KJV quotes scripture 14 times, each time from the Geneva Bible. If it can quote other bibles, so can you.
“We must sometimes get away from the Authorized Version, if for no other reason, simply because it is so beautiful and so solemn.  Beauty exalts, but beauty also lulls.  Early associations endear, but they also confuse.  Through that beautiful solemnity, the transporting or horrifying realities of which the Book tells may come to us blunted and disarmed, and we may only sigh with tranquil veneration when we ought to be burning with shame, or struck dumb with terror, or carried out of ourselves by ravishing hopes and adorations.”

–       C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), God in the Dock

– article taken from http://hector3000.future.easyspace.com/kjv.htm

I believe that this should also be a matter of prayer for you. I welcome the new versions, but I also check them with all the other versions.

Music – what is it made of?

Music is composed of three main components; melody, harmony and rhythm

Webster’s Definition

Melody

1. Melody –  A pleasing succession or arrangement of sounds.
2. Musical quality: the melody of verse.
3. Music.
   1. A rhythmically organized sequence of single tones so related to one another as to make up a particular phrase or idea.
   2. Structure with respect to the arrangement of single notes in succession.
   3. The leading part or the air in a composition with accompaniment.
4. A poem suitable for setting to music or singing.

Harmony

1. Agreement in feeling or opinion; accord: live in harmony.
2. A pleasing combination of elements in a whole: color harmony; the order and harmony of the universe.
3. Music.
   1. The study of the structure, progression, and relation of chords.
   2. Simultaneous combination of notes in a chord.
   3. The structure of a work or passage as considered from the point of view of its chordal characteristics and relationships.
   4. A combination of sounds considered pleasing to the ear.
4. A collation of parallel passages, especially from the Gospels, with a commentary demonstrating their consonance and explaining their discrepancies.

Rhythm

1. Movement or variation characterized by the regular recurrence or alternation of different quantities or conditions: the rhythm of the tides.
2. The patterned, recurring alternations of contrasting elements of sound or speech.
3. Music.
   1. The pattern of musical movement through time.
   2. A specific kind of such a pattern, formed by a series of notes differing in duration and stress: a waltz rhythm.
   3. A group of instruments supplying the rhythm in a band.
4. 1. The pattern or flow of sound created by the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables in accentual verse or of long and short syllables in quantitative verse.
   2. The similar but less formal sequence of sounds in prose.
   3. A specific kind of metrical pattern or flow: iambic rhythm.
5. 1. The sense of temporal development created in a work of literature or a film by the arrangement of formal elements such as the length of scenes, the nature and amount of dialogue, or the repetition of motifs.
   2. A regular or harmonious pattern created by lines, forms, and colors in painting, sculpture, and other visual arts.
6. The pattern of development produced in a literary or dramatic work by repetition of elements such as words, phrases, incidents, themes, images, and symbols.
7. Procedure or routine characterized by regularly recurring elements, activities, or factors: the rhythm of civilization; the rhythm of the lengthy negotiations.

Anti-rockers claim rock music is all about the beat, which they are right to an extent (melody is also very important). I love the beat, but a lot of there arguments are that it will turn you sexually and cause you to become a type of psycho, I haven’t seen any of my friends do anything expect maybe clap or sway to the music. I’ve never went to a concert and start to think about sex, I actually find that argument pretty lame, just because a couple of bad rock bands have sex themes in their songs a lot doesn’t mean that purpose of all rock songs such as “Jesus Freak” is there to turn you on sexually, maybe turn on the thinking bulb to Christ. I see nothing in all there arguments how the beat alone is wrong. Sure the right type of beats could arouse demons, but you also need to have the intention and the desire for them to be there. Demons are everywhere, they could be even in churches, and just because you play the guitar doesn’t mean your demon possessed. The Bible doesn’t say what the beat is supposed to be played in order to be considered Godly, there hopes of proving the beat of rock is evil is just plain ignorant. I understand that the beat may cause changes in the body or mind chemistry, but does all change mean it’s a bad change, and how does a change mean that it is evil.

Stereotype: Secular – Christian or Positive – Negative

I believe that music should not stereotyped into a Christian section or the various secular music genera, but rather we should look at all music from the stand point, is it uplifting me or dragging me down, regardless if it is found in the local Christian music store. As Christians a lot of times we are pressured to buy something if it is in the Christian section, but a lot of times it’s just a mirror image of the same song just sung by another person. I like Dave Matthews Band, not that I agree with his views about God, but I like the music style and the lyrics question who God is and it allows me to think and answer those questions, allowing me to be more rounded in my knowledge of God and the supernatural.

We are all too much in Christianity looking to the sheep instead of the shepherd, we see people listening to this or reading that, and we think that God requires that you follow that but God has made each of us, with different gifts so we can worship differently. One person may worship under U2 songs while yet another may worship under Bill Gaither, just because one see’s God in one style doesn’t mean that in order to worship God you must follow a certain way. I personally see God in a lot of country songs, other see country music talking only about women, beer, cattle and something about inlaws. I see such songs as “Tommy Shane Steiner – What If She’s An Angel”, “Keith Urban – But For The Grace Of God”, “Mindy Mcready – Ten Thousand Angels”, “Lone Star – I’m Already There” and a lot more talking about God and real life and how God is still at work today. I get more out of these songs that I can apply to my life then out of a whole hymnal. God doesn’t look at the classification your in, but at your heart, so I take that to even music. I believe you can be a Christian artist and not have to mention Jesus in every line to be a Christian. If being Christian means that everything you write must talk about God then you can throw out the book of “Esther”, it doesn’t mention God but yet it’s is consider a book of the bible. A Christian is being Christ like; it’s something personal between God and you. Therefore you can write a song talking about a bad experience in your life, and still God can use that to show something to someone else. P.O.D. is a amazing band who has faith in their lyrics and in their action, but yet there consider secular by some people just because they don’t mention the name of Jesus in there songs. The danger of labeling things as Christian is that only Christians will buy or look at it. It does no good if we shine the light on the light.

Matthew 5:15

Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. (NLT)

I see this verse as saying don’t hide in the church all your day, where no one will see your light, instead go out to the world and let it shine, people will see that light, and want more. Don’t go to the streets and live like everyone else, instead just take the leap of faith go to world, and show them who God is through songs, writings, and most importantly your life. I relate the secular and Christian stereotype to those who are black and white back in the civil rights movement. If it is found a Christian environment then it’s consider good, just like whites where consider good. If it’s at the rock section of a “secular” music store, that is bad, just like blacks where bad. But does that mean if your black, you act like all other blacks, and if your good “white” does that mean there is no bad or spiritual depressing content. Just because of the name “rock” does not mean that it is like another artist or even album in that section. The early church had a problem with accepting the Gentiles as Christians because they came from different backgrounds and did things differently. They were still Christians just were different people. As Christians we have a major flaw, we love to divide people and things into groups, we have all these denominations, society classes and then the music part, we divide them to what they sound like, but what if we divide them up by positive and negative, who would decide if it was positive. I say you do with God’s discernment. Do you fill uplifted by it or dragged down. Linkin Park song “In The End” to a lot of people is depressing, to some it’s actually shows about God and how we need him or else it “doesn’t even matter”. Does that give the people who are the depressed from the song the right to tell the people who aren’t depressed they can’t listen to it?

Following is the conclusions from on-line articles that really sum up what I trying to say.

We have categorized ourselves out of the world. Life is one category. Good music, good art, good health and good prescription drugs are innately spiritual if they are in fact good. We don’t need to label something Christian to the exclusion of the rest of the world for it to be good and pure. Because all things that are good and pure are of God, whether the name on it is Rich Mullins or David Gray. All truth is God’s truth. If we are seeking God out in everything we do He will inevitably show up. He doesn’t need labels or categories to find us and we shouldn’t need them to find Him. Sure, there are experiences you should stay away from, but He has given us a mind, a body of believers and the Holy Spirit to help us decipher what is of Him and what is not. Our categories have become the lazy Christian’s guide to prudence. “I don’t have to worry about what messages are in this movie, it’s Christian.” Not only is that argument a dangerous fallacy, but it also leads to the exclusion of truth God is revealing to us through “non-Christian” sources. In God’s cosmic video store there is one category: Truth. It’s not supposed to be easy. Every experience, every person you meet and every choice you make is a part of the walk. It takes a lot more work and thinking on our part, but we must at least read the back of every video before determining its worth. The good news is there are no late fees. You don’t have to have all the answers. We’ll have the answers someday, but for now look for God everywhere.

–       www.relevantmagazine.com (GETTING OUT OF THE FAITH GHETTO)

I think artists like Lauryn Hill, Lifehouse, Creed, U2 — all who started in the Church and are at the top of the charts — need the Church to stand up and support them. If we’re ever going to get outside of our bubble and impact culture, we need to stand with, support and embrace the voices out there that love God — or are looking for God — and just happen to be outside of our comfort zones of familiarity. Imagine if for the last 20 years Bono was getting fed at the Shalom Fellowship, what a difference it would have made in the lives of millions of people. Imagine Lauryn Hill with the Church standing by her side. She’s bringing the only Christian message most of her fans will ever really pay attention to. You think most of the people at that club with me at 1 a.m. were in church that morning?

No, these artists aren’t perfect, but in their own ways they’re pointing millions of people to the Lord. They’re impacting more lives than the preachers on TBN ever could. They’re out there in the trenches, on a journey to find a relationship with their Creator, and they’re bringing an entire radio-listening and video-watching generation with them in their quest. I say it’s time the Church wakes up and gets out there. It’s time the light stops shining upon itself and starts to make a difference in the darkness, because that’s where it’s needed most. That’s where these artists are. That’s where the real mission field is. And I think that’s where Jesus would be, too.

–       www.relevantmagazine.com (THE LIGHT HAS ENOUGH LIGHT)

Sacred vs. Secular:

Both Christians and non-Christians often struggle to make a distinction between the “sacred” and the “secular.” In the past, many pastors encouraged their people to “come out of the world and be separate,” with some scriptural justification. Many non-Christians have sought legal recourse to keep Christianity something that only happens in the pews on Sunday morning. No wonder believers are confused as to what they are supposed to do with their faith! Despite the church teaching of the past and the opposition of non- Christians, it is clear from Scripture that there is no fine distinction between the sacred and the secular. In other words, our faith is to impact what we do, not only on Sunday morning, but also on Tuesday afternoon and on Friday night. Many Christians view the God they serve as Lord of their own lives and of His church, but not much else. A biblical view of His dominion is much broader. In his work on social involvement, entitled Decisive Issues Facing Christians Today, theologian John Stott points to three elements of God’s nature that have been neglected by the church.

First, God is the God of both the sacred and the secular. Christians tend to view God as concerned only with religious things, but God is the God of all creation and His concern extends even to the smallest sparrow. Stott believes our conception of God is too religious. Stott says, “We imagine that He is chiefly interested in religion, in religious buildings, religious activities and religious books. Of course He is concerned about these things, but only if they are related to the whole of life. According to the Old Testament prophets and the teaching of Jesus, God is very critical of ‘religion,’ if by that is meant religious services divorced from real life, loving service, and the moral obedience of the heart.” Francis Schaeffer wrote that “A platonic concept of spirituality which does not include all of life is not true biblical spirituality. True spirituality touches all of life, including things of government and law, and not just ‘religious things.'” There is no part of life that is secular if that means God is not concerned about it.

Second, Stott points out that not only is God the Lord of all life, He is the God of all nations, as well as of His covenant people. You recall in the book of Daniel how Nebuchadnezzar is humbled to the point of grazing on the grass like an animal. He had to learn the hard way that “the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.” The Israelites were often guilty of reducing God to a petty tribal deity–Yahweh, the god of the Jews. The Old Testament prophet Amos was sent by God to Israel to remind them that just as He brought Israel up from Egypt, so also He brought the Philistines from Crete and the Arameans from Kir. The self interest of Christians today reflects the same error the Israelites made. If we believe God is only concerned about our children, our homes, our families, and our faith, we are wrong. He is also concerned about our neighbors, and even those we consider to be our enemies. God raises up His people to be a “blessing to all nations.”

Third, God is the God of justice as well as of justification. We serve a compassionate God who abounds in mercy, but not to the exclusion of justice. C.S. Lewis has pointed out that most people don’t want a Father in heaven, but rather a Grandfather in heaven, who dodders around handing out treats to His favorite grandchildren. However, God is not only concerned with justice among His people, but among all nations. In the first two chapters of the book of Amos, God indicts other nations for their brutal practices. Syria is condemned for savage cruelty, Philistia for selling whole communities into slavery, Tyre for breaking a treaty, Edom for hostility toward Israel, Ammon for atrocities in war, and Moab for desecrating the bones of a neighboring king. Sodom and Gomorrah are well aware that God is concerned with injustice wherever He finds it. Stott sums up our three points this week: “Here then is the God of the Bible. His concerns are all-embracing–not only the ‘sacred’ but the secular … not only His covenant people but all people, not only justification but social justice in every community, not only His gospel but His law. So we must not attempt to narrow down His interests. Moreover, ours must be as broad as His.”

Stott has pointed out, our God is the God of all of life, not just religion; He is the God of all nations, not just ours; and He is the God of justice as well as mercy. Since this is true, how should Christians respond? First, Christians must be willing to have integrity in their own lives, and behave the same way on Friday night as they do on Sunday morning. God is the God of all of our activities. Second, Christians must be wise about how they share truth with their non-Christian friends. A recent conference taught public school educators how to identify Christians by getting them to admit that their ultimate motivation for being involved in school affairs was a religious motivation. Unfortunately, such an admission would instantly ruin the credibility of a Christian before many secular decision-making bodies. Christians need to recognize that not every open door is an opportunity to share their faith, and that there is such as thing as “casting pearls before swine.” If all truth is God’s truth, there is nothing wrong with letting the truth speak for itself. In this way you can gain a hearing and establish a relationship, which may allow you to share your faith later in a less public way.       This is not being ashamed of your faith; this is being wise.                                                                                – reprint from the Rocky Mountain Family Council online fact sheet

Proverbs 18:21

Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life. (NLT)

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (KJV)

So if we have the power to speak life and death out of our words, does that not apply to lyrics also, we all have a choice to make, speak of God (life) or of Satan (death). I also see David in the Psalms asking a lot of questions and pleading with God, it’s not exactly uplifting but it does probe the mind to think about these things and to be more rounded in your understanding of who God is.

Psalms are 70% negative, God allows us to question and ponder our faith, through expression so that we can gain better depth to our understanding of our faith and belief.

Psalm 130

1 A song for the ascent to Jerusalem. From the depths of despair, O LORD, I call for your help. 2 Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer. 3 LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? 4 But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you. 5 I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. 6 I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn. 7 O Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is unfailing love and an overflowing supply of salvation. 8 He himself will free Israel from every kind of sin. (NLT)

1 Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. 2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. 3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. 5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. 6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. 7 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. 8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities (KJV)

That is why I like such bands such as U2, they may not live the American Christian life, but there music is influenced by God and lyrical content is defiantly inspired. I freely will admit that not all rock is good for all listeners; neither is country, hip-hop, pop, dance, any style for that matter. If that style happens to associate you with your past and causes you to stumble then you should not take part in it. Not that the style is inherently wrong, but maybe as a person you are weak in that style. Reading the Psalms is just like listening to some music, it might not be the most uplifting but maybe the question being asked by singer or writer is wanting the answer you have in your heart. Just maybe sometime when talking to a stranger you can use that song or writing to bring the person into a deeper conversation about God.

Are You On The Religious Treadmill?                                                           Religion or Relationship (Book of Romans)

a definition of LEGALISM: “An obsessive conformity to a standard for the purpose of exalting self.” The spirit of legalism is the spirit of FEAR. Fear of the new, the unknown, the untried. It is also the spirit of SELF: “I know better than you do what is best for you” – Chuck Swindoll

“Legalism is as sickening today as it was 2000 years ago. It’s just wrong. On my new video [Remotely Controlled], that’s one thing I’m tryin’ to take a whack at. Legalism as I know it. And I thank God for the churches I grew up in ‘cause that’s where I found Christ, but there was a lot of baggage there. It’s true of every church. God is probably doing something in most of them. Some people need a charismatic experience. Some need a Calvinist doctrine. And just about the time I think I’ve got God put in my box, just about the time I’ve got Him figured out, He’s over there loving someone I wouldn’t be seen with, working through someone I wouldn’t associate with. I tell people at my concerts, ‘Isn’t that somethin’? We’ve got Catholics, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Baptists, and Pentecostals all under one roof! And you know what? Somebody’s wrong!’ That’s why eternity is gonna last so long. God’s gotta straighten us out”

“Preachers keep giving people a list of rules instead of ‘Love the Lord with all your heart, then do as you please’–because if you love the Lord your God with all your heart, what you do is gonna please God. It’s easier to say ‘don’t do this, don’t do that, do this, and do that,’ but you end up a Pharisee. They’re taking the easy way out. Man has always loved the law more than grace” (Melissa Riddle, “Funny Face,” interview with Mark Lowry, CCM Magazine, May 1996).

“So many preachers / So many churches and denominations / Got their opinions and their documents / And statements and beliefs / and sometimes there’s a miscommunication / And we complicate the truth / And convolute the story / But as far as I recall / I do believe it all comes down to a man dying on a cross / Saving the world / Rising from the dead / Doing what he said he would do / Loving everyone.”  – Clay Crosse “Saving the World”

Mark 7:7

These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. Their worship is a farce, for they replace God’s commands with their own man-made teachings. (NLT)

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (KJV)

This may be off the topic but I want to address the disease not just the symptoms.

I see all of the anti-rock critics in a lot of bondage to religion. I don’t see a growing relationship that is supposed to happen with Christianity. Religion has failed in today’s culture, and there are many Christians who are caught up in this game.

Christianity is more then religion because all the world religions followers are trying to reach and please God through their own efforts. Religion is mans attempt to reach God. Christianity is God reaching down to man. Some prefer religion because God is now in there terms, they are in control. A religious person creates a God he can handle, a small replica of themselves. Religion cuts God down to a comfortable size, something you can have ready and just so happens that the belief and value system of your god is the same ideas you have on life. You then in essence worship yourself. If you were to talk to multiple traditional pastors, each one of them would talk as if they have it all figured out. They have an answer for every question, and an argument for everything out there. Are they allowing God to fashion their life’s and thoughts or are they fashioning a god out of what they think they know. Being Christian is not about going to the right bible studies and listening to the right music, earning bible brownie points, or spiritual merit badges. It’s a matter of faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. To practice Christianity is to respond to God, while traditional religion tells you that you must follow this, do that, avoid these things, and then you just might make it to heaven. You end up following the pastor or you ideal theologian and what happens is a constant state of lowness. You start to think that I’ll never make it, I’m not good enough, I haven’t done enough, and over time you start to become bitter inside. A lot of the Christians I hang out with are very laid back and just cool to be with, but then you get with these older pastors and it seems like everything you do has a scripture reference proving your going to hell. Religious people miss out on whole purpose of Gods standard: a changed heart and life. As we Christians are we put on parole or pardoned? Many Christians seem to think they are on parole, but what does Paul have to say?

Romans 3:21-31

21 But now God has shown us a different way of being right in his sight – not by obeying the law but by the way promised in the Scriptures long ago. 22 We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done. 23 For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins. 25 For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God’s anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us. God was being entirely fair and just when he did not punish those who sinned in former times. 26 And he is entirely fair and just in this present time when he declares sinners to be right in his sight because they believe in Jesus. 27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on our good deeds. It is based on our faith. 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. 29 After all, God is not the God of the Jews only, is he? Isn’t he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. 30 There is only one God, and there is only one way of being accepted by him. He makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law. (NLT)

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth ^F15 to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. (KJV)

Fire Insurance

There are some people that become a Christian just so they won’t go to hell, they think if they can just get some kind of fire insurance they will be well off then. There’s more to just believing in God, and it’s written all over Romans have that you must have faith, trust in God and obey his guidance. You are not bond to the rules or laws of doctrine, but by living your life in full obedience to Christ you will not want to do those things that could grief the Holy Spirit. Faith not religion is what God wants, you can have a Dc talk cd and have as much faith if not more then a person who has Bill Gaither’s homecoming collection. Music either shows faith in something, or a lost of faith, but just because you listen to a style doesn’t mean your anymore or less faithful then someone else.

Romans 5:1-11

1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us – they help us learn to endure. 4 And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. 5 And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. 6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, no one is likely to die for a good person, though someone might be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s judgment. 10 For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God – all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God. (NLT)

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. (KJV)

When we try to obey the law, we are trying to do something for God, when we follow after the Holy Spirit, we let God do something for us. The will of God concerning character is universal, but the will of God concerning service is individual.

Romans 12:1-6

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. 3 As God’s messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. 6 God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. (NLT)

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; (KJV)

Don’t confirm to the world of sick humor, drugs, and all of its other values. Don’t be squeezed into a mold, but instead allow God to change you from the world and use your talents for his glory. How do you know if it is worldly. Check the motive. Are you doing something to please yourself, a crowd or please God. Is your motive to play a certain style of music to please God or do you just want screaming fans. Its not all about what you are doing, but why you are doing it that makes such a difference to know if it’s right or wrong. The purpose of Christianity is to be growing and changing, and becoming who God wants you to become on this walk on life. You do this through faith in God, responding to the spirit and walking in the light of his word.

Worship – Is it all About the Style?

Worship is encountering God’s greatness and his grace and surrendering to his will.  –  Standard Worship definition

Points to keep in mind about corporate worship:

–       Worship is first and foremost an encounter with the living and holy God.

–       Worship is only as real as the involvement of those participating

–       A real worship experience often comes as of a result of being prepared                   and having the heart ready to not only serve but to listen to God.

–       Genuine worship results in submission and obedience to God’s leading.

The same rules for corporate worship go for personal worship but the difference is in how the corporate worship experience is carried out. We called to have an orderly service, with the spirit leading of course. Personal worship can be listening to a song and thanking God or sitting down with a pen and thinking of ways to reach someone with Gods hope. The outline given to us in the Bible allows different people to use there different talents all for the use of glorifying the same God.

1 Corinthians 14:26-40

26 Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize what I am saying. When you meet, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in an unknown language, while another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must be useful to all and build them up in the Lord. 27 No more than two or three should speak in an unknown language. They must speak one at a time, and someone must be ready to interpret what they are saying. 28 But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately. 29 Let two or three prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said. 30 But if someone is prophesying and another person receives a revelation from the Lord, the one who is speaking must stop. 31 In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. 32 Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can wait their turn. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the other churches.34 Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. 35 If they have any questions to ask, let them ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings. 36 Do you think that the knowledge of God’s word begins and ends with you Corinthians? Well, you are mistaken! 37 If you claim to be a prophet or think you are very spiritual, you should recognize that what I am saying is a command from the Lord himself. 38 But if you do not recognize this, you will not be recognized. 39 So, dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But be sure that everything is done properly and in order. (NLT)

26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. (KJV)

It should come as no surprise, then, that conflicts over worship styles are now called worship wars. People are bound to take changes personally if they affect their worship experience. This is not just a function of personal preference, this is sacred ground being tread upon: a person’s corporate experience with God. – In our concern over music, are we fighting the wrong battles? by John Fisch

We are not served well when our worship leads to division, petty arguments, and isolation from others. Rather, true worship should call us beyond ourselves to the inner cities, to the side of abused wives and children, to those perched on the edge of financial collapse or emotional distress. It should force us out of our buildings and into the streets. It should drive us to the cities of Africa or the jungles of Central America or the homeless shelters in our own community. But mostly, worship should force us to stop caring so much about ourselves. It should push us to our knees in a posture of submission. And it should lift our eyes toward others whose needs and desires, not our own, should be the compelling motivation for our thoughts and actions. When this begins to occur in our churches, the greatest battle will have been won, and our more petty issues will find their appropriate place. Then we can get on about the business of being God’s people in a world that needs him so! –Jack Reese, dean of the College of Biblical Studies at Abilene Christian University

If worship transforms us into kinder, more loving people, then why do we fight over worship?”

–       Paul Basden author of “The Worship Maze”

Three worshipers talk about our need — and His grace.
Michael W. Smith

Meet Michael W. Smith, church planter. At home in the Nashville area, Michael and his wife, Debbie, are deeply involved in a new church community, the New River Fellowship, where he leads worship from time to time. Michael’s latest CD is titled Worship (Reunion).

There is a real risk of blurring the line between worship and performance. A lot of churches have gotten into having a million people onstage (during the worship time), and I find it distracting. My preference would be, if I was leading worship, to face the keyboard away from the people and toward the back of the platform. On the other hand, I have seen bands that were invisible — they did not come between the worshiper and God. A lot depends on the leader. Part of leading worship is ministering to people with problems. At our church we’re trying to teach people about taking their masks off. We have to come to church and offer our junk and lay it at the foot of the Cross. A lot of people have ‘played church’ all their lives, not being real. We talk and talk about grace, and we’re still legalistic. But the Christian life is about dying to self and pouring your life into people. So worship is where people press in and try to find healing. I don’t think the Lord really cares what style of music we worship Him with. If it’s in the guy’s gut and he’s really crying out to the Lord, it’s worship.

Fernando Ortega

An increasing number of worshipers are rediscovering the richness of the classic tradition — liturgy, confession, hymns. And quiet. Fernando Ortega’s music embodies all this, but also adds vignettes-of-life storytelling — which, he says, also points to God.

Growing up in our Presbyterian church, I was bored by hymns. Then years later I served as a music minister in a church that didn’t think much of hymns. I was leading songs that didn’t seem to carry much weight, so I began to look anew at the old hymns. A hymn like “This Is My Father’s World,” for example, says more about God’s sovereignty than a simple chorus. I’ve also noticed that when the praise band is very loud, people won’t sing. When it’s quieter, they will. I can’t help wondering what some of the church fathers like Martin Luther would have thought of some of our bands. But we don’t always have to be extolling the majestic aspects of God. The gospels show God’s concern with the smaller things, like the parable of the one lost sheep out of the 99 or the widow sweeping her house and finding the lost coin. My grandfather in New Mexico would help the farmer down the road mend his fence or show him how to make the irrigation canal work better. If God has given us the ability to love Him, that love will be reflected in the work of our hands and our relationships with others. That, too, is worship.

Dan Haseltine

Jars of Clay, the celebrated band Dan leads as front man and lyricist, can rock with the best of them. But underlying their music, including their newest release, The Eleventh Hour (Essential), is an intense and worshipful yearning to know—and glorify—God through all of life’s complexities.

Worship, in a sense, is the outward expression of the things we hold true to — and this can be negative, as some form of idolatry. But true worship is born out of understanding our need. In worship we try to reach across the gap between us and God, in awe and weakness. So often we act like we’re the ones who know everything; we have so much false pride. In worship we need to open ourselves with honesty, allowing God to perform the surgery we need. I’m not especially a fan of contemporary worship music; one of the problems is the emphasis on what “I” do rather than what God does. One of my favorite hymns is “It Is Well With My Soul” … particularly when you know the story of how the writer lost his family at sea and still was able to compose those lyrics. “Amazing Grace” has refound its way into my heart. I recently read a book about John Newton and again, when you know his story and the story of the slave trade, the lyrics “to save a wretch like me” are an amazing picture of man’s depravity — his and ours. – Interviewed by Elizabeth Cody Newenhuyse

King David would have understood. David, like Job, knew anguish of heart and soul from wrenching life experiences, and he wrote about some of them in psalms.  The Book of Psalms, essentially a collection of both personal and corporate worship, includes sentiments we would not necessarily associate with worship at all — sentiments like complaint (as in Job’s case), imprecation (calling for judgment on one’s enemies), and confession. Yet when such sentiments encourage our interaction and dependence on God, they do indeed have a place in our personal worship.

– (Is There a Right Way to Worship? – July/August 2002 Moody Bible Institute)

Song Lyrics:

Understand that these are lyrics from “rock” bands and therefore being from a “rock” band, the song is inherently evil and destined for corruption in our traditional only world. Or from my point of view, cool music with great lyrics that I can worship with. Maybe you have been worshiping God with one these “carnal” songs. Some of the worship songs may have been done by other artist, but I chose the most popular artist version of those songs.

Mercy Me

I Can Only Imagine from “Almost There”

I can only imagine

What it will be like

When I walk by Your side

I can only imagine

What my eyes will see

When Your face is before me

I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel

Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of You be still

Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall

Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

When that day comes

And I find myself standing in the Son

I can only imagine

When all I will do

Is forever, forever worship You

I can only imagine

repeat chorus

Sonic flood

Resonate from “Resonate”

Let the sea resound
Let every knee bow down
We will praise You
Let every tongue confess
Of Your righteousness
We will praise You

Let the mountains ring
With praises to our King
We will worship
let the skies proclaim
What Your hands have made
We will worship

Let all nature sing
Let the earth rejoice
We will resonate, resonate Your glory
Let all living things
praise You with one voice
We will resonate, resonate Your glory

Let the rocks cry out
Let the children shout
We will praise You
Let the water’s roar
Praise You forevermore
We will worship You

Let songs of joy, fill the air
Your praises echo everywhere
From oceans deep, to the sky
Let all things praise You Lord most high

Sonic flood

I Could Sing of your Love Forever from “Sonicflood”

Over the mountains and the sea
Your river runs with love for me
And I will open up my heart
And let the Healer set me free
I’m happy to be in the truth
And I will daily lift my hands
For I will always sing
Of when your love come down

I could sing of your love forever
I could sing of your love forever
I could sing of your love forever
I could sing of your love forever

Oh I feel like dancing
It’s foolishness I know
But when the world has seen the light
They will dance with joy like we’re dancing now

I could sing of your love forever
I could sing of your love forever
I could sing of your love forever
I could sing of your love forever

Sonic flood

In The Secret from “Sonic flood”

In the secret, in the quiet place
In the stillness You are there
In the secret, in the quiet hour
I wait only for You
Cause, I want to know You more

CHORUS:
I want to know You
I want to hear Your voice
I want to know You more
I want to touch You
I want to see Your face
I want to know You more

I am reaching for the highest goal
That I might receive the prize
Pressing onward, pushing every hindrance aside

Out of my way
Cause, I want to know You more

CHORUS

Sonic flood

Open The Eyes Of My Heart from “Sonic flood”

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You

CHORUS:
To see you high and lifted up
Shining in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy

(Verse Repeat)

CHORUS

Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
I want to see You
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You I want to see You

CHORUS

Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
I want to see You.

Chris Tomlin

Forever from “The Noise We Make”

Give thanks to the Lord our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise

With a mighty hand and outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life that’s been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Forever God is faithful

Delirious?

Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?

Did you feel the mountains tremble?
Did you feel the oceans roar?
When the people rose to sing of,
Jesus Christ the Risen One.

Did you feel the people tremble?
Did you feel the singers road?
When the lost began to sing of,
Jesus Christ the Saving One.

And we can see that God You’re moving,
A mighty river through the nations
Where young and old return to Jesus,
Fling wide you heavenly gates,
Prepare the way of the Risen Lord!

(chorus)
Open up the doors and let the music play.
Let the streets resound with singing.
Songs that bring your hope,
And songs that bring your joy.
Dancers who dance upon injustice.

Do you feel the darkness tremble?
When all the saints join in one song,
And all the streams join as one river
To wash away our brokenness.
And here we see that God You’re moving.
A time of jubilee is coming.
And young and old return to Jesus
Fling wide you heavenly gates,
Prepare the way of the Risen Lord!

Delirious?

God You Are My God from “Glo”

God you’re my God, you’re my God
God you’re my God, you’re my God
And I will seek you, yes I will seek you
And I will seek you, yes I will seek you
You satisfy my soul
You satisfy my soul
So I will praise you as long as I live
So I will praise you as long as I live
I’ve seen your power and your glory
You’ve let me see you in the sanctuary
Because your love is better than my life
I will lift up my hands in sacrifice
We give you praise, give you praise
We give you praise, give you praise
For you are worthy, yes you are worthy
Yes you are worthy, yes you are worthy

So I will praise you as long as I live
So I will praise you as long as I live

Delirious?

History Maker from “King of Fools”

Is it true today that when people pray
Cloudless skies will break
Kings and queens will shake
Yes it’s true and I believe it
I’m living for you

Is it true today that when people pray
We’ll see dead men rise
And the blind set free
Yes it’s true and I believe it
I’m living for you

I’m gonna be a history maker in this land
I’m gonna be a speaker of truth to all mankind
I’m gonna stand, I’m gonna run
Into your arms, into your arms again
Into your arms, into your arms again

Well it’s true today that when people stand
With the fire of God, and the truth in hand
We’ll see miracles, we’ll see angels sing
We’ll see broken hearts making history
Yes it’s true and I believe it
We’re living for you

Tim Hughes

Here I am to Worship

Light of the world, You
stepped down
into darkness
Opened my eyes, let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful
To me

King of all days
Oh, so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came to the earth
You created
All for love’s sake
Became poor

I’ll never know
How much it cost
To see my sin
Upon that cross

Darrell Evans

Trading My Sorrows

I’m trading my sorrows

I’m trading my shame

I’m laying them down

For the joy of the Lord

I’m trading my sickness

I’m trading my pain

I’m laying them down

For the joy of the Lord

And it’s Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord!

Yes, Yes, Lord!

Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord!

Yes, Yes, Lord!

Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord!

Yes, Yes, Lord! Amen!

I’m trading my sorrows

I’m trading my shame

I’m laying them down

For the joy of the Lord

I’m trading my sickness

I’m trading my pain

I’m laying them down

For the joy of the Lord

And it’s Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord!

Yes, Yes, Lord!

Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord!

Yes, Yes, Lord!

Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord!

Yes, Yes, Lord! Amen!

I am pressed but not crushed

Persecuted not abandoned

Struck down but not destroyed

I am blessed beyond the curse

For His promise will endure

That His joy is going to be my strength

Though the sorrow may last for the night

Joy comes in the morning

(chorus)

And it’s Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord!

Yes, Yes, Lord!

Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord!

Yes, Yes, Lord!

Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord!

Yes, Yes, Lord! Amen!

Chris Tomlin

We Fall Down 

We fall down, we lay our crowns

At the feet of Jesus

The greatness of mercy and love

At the feet of Jesus

And we sing holy, holy, holy

We sing, holy, holy, holy

We sing, holy, holy, holy

Is the Lamb!

We fall down, we lay our crowns

At the feet of Jesus

The greatness of mercy and love

At the feet of Jesus

And we sing holy, holy, holy

We sing, holy, holy, holy

We sing, holy, holy, holy

Is the Lamb!

Positive Rock Lyrics

U2

Walk On from “All That You Can’t Leave Behind”

And love
Is not the easy thing
The only baggage
That you can bring
Not the easy thing
The only baggage you can bring
Is all that you can’t leave behind

And if the darkness is to keep us apart
And if the daylight feels like it’s a long way off
And if your glass heart should crack
And for a second you turn back
Oh no, be strong

Walk on
Walk on
What you got, they can’t steal it
No they can’t even feel it

Walk on
Walk on
Stay safe tonight

You’re packing a suitcase for a place
None of us has been
A place that has to be believed
To be seen

You could have flown away
A singing bird
In an open cage
Who will only fly
Only fly for freedom

Walk on
Walk on
What you got
You can’t deny it
Can’t sell it or buy it

Walk on
Walk on
You stay safe tonight

And I know it aches
How your heart it breaks
You can only take so much

Walk on
Walk on

Home
Hard to know what it is
If you never had one

Home
I can’t say where it is
But I know I’m going

Home
That’s where the hurt is

And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
You can only take so much
Walk on

Leave it behind
You’ve got to leave it behind

All that you fashion
All that you make
All that you build
All that you break

All that you measure
All that you feel
All this you can leave behind

All that you reason
All that you care

It’s only time
And I’ll never fill up all I find

All that you sense
All that you scheme
All you dress up
And all that you see

All you create
All that you wreck
All that you hate

Creed

Higher from “Human Clay”

When dreaming I'm guided through another world

Time and time again

At sunrise I fight to stay asleep

'Cause I don't want to leave the comfort of this place

'Cause there's a hunger, a longing to escape

From the life I live when I'm awake

So let's go there

Let's make our escape

Come on, let's go there

Let's ask can we stay?

Can you take me higher?

To the place where blind men see

Can you take me higher?

To the place with golden streets

Although I would like our world to change

It helps me to appreciate

Those nights and those dreams

But, my friend, I'd sacrifice all those nights

If I could make the Earth and my dreams the same

The only difference is

To let love replace all our hate

So let's go there

Let's make our escape

Come on, let's go there

Let's ask can we stay?

Up high I feel like I'm alive for the very first time

Up high I'm strong enough to take these dreams

And make them mine

P.O.D.

Alive from “Satellite”

Everyday is a new day
I’m thankful for every breath I take
I won’t take it for granted
So I learn from my mistakes
It’s beyond my control, sometimes it’s best to let go
Whatever happens in this lifetime
So I trust in love
You have given me peace of mind

chorus:
I feel so alive for the very first time
I can’t deny you
I feel so alive
I feel so alive for the very first time
And I think I can fly

Sunshine upon my face
A new song for me to sing
Tell the world how I feel inside
Even though it might cost me everything
Now that I know this, so beyond, I can’t hold this
I can never turn my back away
Now that I’ve seen you
I can never look away

chorus

bridge:
Now that I know you (I could never turn my back away)
Now that I see you (I could never look away)
Now that I know you (I could never turn my back away)
Now that I see you (I believe no matter what they say)

P.O.D.

Satellite from “Satellite”

I wonder how clear it must look from there to here
No obstruction, this selfish corruption
All in this atmosphere

No fear, less tears, only time to catch my breath
I fail to inhale, Your love constricts my chest

Confusion blinded me, mental and physically
And it’s because of you that now I can see
So now can I run? I follow the Son and ride on to Zion, And dance this last song of freedom

But only time will tell, if it’s truly for real
Can’t change your mind, all I know this is what I feel. Whether I’m wrong or right, please keep my life in sight , And never take you eyes off me

chorus:
As I look up to the sky today

Well I can see you looking down on me
It brings a smile to my face again
Satellite

It’s truly one of a kind, like star shine, beyond night time, are you there
My eyes stare to find, just what’s behind this blind notion of mine, is it genuine
Cause sometimes, it plays tricks with my mind, some call it asinine

But it’s like love or hate, now is that real or fake?
Cause it’s a real thin line, but that’s your choice to make
The question at hand, help me understand, is this your plan?
I think I can, can I think, then I think I can

Because I won’t break (nah), and I won’t shake (nah)
With lifted hands to this Man (Jah), I’ll stand in faith
I’ll make it through, my trust in you
Close my eyes, make a wish, kiss the sky

Hey there…I see you

P.O.D.

Youth Of The Nation from “Satellite”

Last day of the rest of my life

I wish I would’ve known
Cause I didn’t kiss my mama goodbye

I didn’t tell her that I loved her and how much I care
Or thank my pops for all the talks
And all the wisdom he shared

Unaware, I just did what I always do
Everyday, the same routine
Before I skate off to school

But who knew that this day wasn’t like the rest
Instead of taking a test
I took two to the chest

Call me blind, but I didn’t see it coming
Everybody was running
But I couldn’t hear nothing

Except gun blasts, it happened so fast
I don’t really know this kid
Even though I sit by him in class

Maybe this kid was reaching out for love
Or maybe for a moment
He forgot who he was
Or maybe this kid just wanted to be hugged
Whatever it was
I know it’s because

chorus:
We are, We are, the youth of the nation

Little Suzy, she was only twelve
She was given the world
With every chance to excel

Hang with the boys and hear the stories they tell
She might act kind of proud
But no respect for herself

She finds love in all the wrong places
The same situations
Just different faces

Changed up her pace since her daddy left her
Too bad he never told her
She deserved much better

Johnny boy always played the fool
He broke all the rules
So you would think he was cool

He was never really one of the guys
No matter how hard he tried
Often thought of suicide

It’s kind of hard when you ain’t got no friends
He put his life to an end
They might remember him then

You cross the line and there’s no turning back
Told the world how he felt
With the sound of a gat

chorus

Who’s to blame for the lives that tragedies claim
No matter what you say
It don’t take away the pain

That I feel inside, I’m tired of all the lies
Don’t nobody know why
It’s the blind leading the blind

I guess that’s the way the story goes
Will it ever make sense
Somebody’s got to know

There’s got to be more to life than this
There’s got to be more to everything
I thought exists

chorus

Positive Country Lyrics

Tommy Shane Steiner
What If She’s An Angel

There’s a man standing on the corner
With a sign sayin “will work for food”
You know the man
You see him every morning
The one you never give your money to
You can sit there with your window rolled up
Wondering when the lights going to turn green
Never knowing what a couple more bucks
In his pocket might mean

What if he’s an angel sent here from Heaven
And he’s making certain that you’re doing your best
To take the time to help one another
Brother are you going to pass that test
You can go on with your day to day
Trying to forget what you saw in his face
Knowing deep down it could have been his saving grace
What if he’s an angel

There’s a man
There’s a woman
Living right above you in apartment G
There’s alot of noise coming from the ceiling
And it don’t sound like harmony
You can sit there with your TV turned up
While the words and his anger fly
Come tomorrow when you see her with her shades on
Can you look her in the eye

Maybe she’s an angel
What if she’s sent here from heaven
And she’s making certain that you’re doing your best
To take the time to help one another
Brother are you going to pass that test
You can go on with your day to day
Trying to forget what you saw in her face
Knowing deep down it could have been her saving grace
What if she’s an angel

A little girl on daddy’s lap
Hiding her disease with a baseball cap
You can turn the channel
Most people do
But what if you were sitting in her daddy’s shoes

Maybe she’s an angel
Sent here from Heaven
And she’s making certain you’re doing your best
To take the time to help one another
Brother are you going to pass that test
You can go on with your day to day
Trying to forget what you saw in her face
Knowing deep down it could have been her saving grace
What if she’s an angel

Martina Mcbride
Blessed

I get kissed by the sun each morning
Put my feet on a hardwood floor
I get to hear my children laughing
Down the hall through the bedroom door
Sometimes I sit on my front porch swing
Just soaking up the day
I think to myself, I think to myself
this world is a beautiful place

I have been blessed
And I feel like I’ve found my way
I thank God for all I’ve been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed

Across a crowded room,
I know you know what I’m thinking
By the way I look at you
And when we’re lying in the quiet and
no words have to be said
I think to myself, I think to myself
This love is a beautiful gift

Repeat Chorus

When I, when I’m singing my kids to sleep
When I feel you holding me
I know

Repeat Chorus

Keith Urban

But For the Grace of God

I can hear the neighbors
They’re arguin’ again
And there hasn’t been peace on our street
Since who knows when
I don’t mean to listen in
But the shoutin’ is so loud
I turn up the radio to drown it out
And silently I say a little prayer

But for the grace of God go I
I must’ve been born a lucky guy
Heaven only knows how I’ve been blessed
With the gift of you love
And I look around and all I see
Is your happiness embracing me
Oh Lord I’d be lost
But for the grace of God

I can see that old man
He’s walking past our door
And I’ve been told that he’s rich
But he seems so poor
‘Cause no one comes to call on him
And his phone it never rings
He wanders through his empty home
Surrounnded by his things
And silently I say a little prayer, yes I do

But for the grace of God go I
I must’ve been born a lucky guy
Heaven only knows how I’ve been blessed
With the gift of you love
And I look around and all I see
Is your happiness embracing me
Oh Lord I’d be lost
But for the grace of God

I look around and all I see
Is your happiness embracing me
Oh Lord I’d be lost
But for the grace of God
Oh Lord I’d be lost

Oh Lord I’d be lost
But for the grace of God
Oh Lord I’d be lost
But for the grace of God

Alan Jackson                                                                                                                          Where Were You

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue

The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you’re a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street

Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you’re watching
And turn on “I Love Lucy” reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love
I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

John Michael Montgomery                                                                               The Little Girl

Her parents never took the young girl to church.
Never spoke of his name never read her his word.
Two non believers walking lost in this world
took their baby with them what a sad little girl…..
Her daddy drank all day and mommy did drugs.
never wanted to play or give kisses & hugs.
She’d watched the tv and sit there on the couch
while her mom feel asleep and her daddy went out
And the drinking and the fighting
just got worse every nite.
Behind their couch she’d be hiding
oh what a sad little life..

And like it always does the bad just got worse.
with every slap and every curse
Until her daddys in a drunk rage one nite
Used a gun on her mom and then took his life
And some ppl from the city took the girl far away
To a new Mom and a new Dad
Kisses & Hugs every day!

Her first day at Sunday school
The teacher walked in
and a small little girl stared at a picture of him….
She said I know that man
there on that cross I don’t know his name
but i know hes got arms
cause he was there in my old house
held me close to his side….
as i hid there behind our couch the nite my parents died……

  Worship Wars – The Lighter Side:

An old farmer went to the city one weekend and attended a big city church. He came home and his wife asked him how it was.

“Well,” said the farmer, “it was good. They did some things differently though. They sang praise and worship choruses instead of hymns.”

“Praise and worship choruses?” said his wife. “What are those?”

“Oh, they’re okay. They’re sort of like hymns, only different,” said the farmer.

“Well, what’s the difference?” asked his wife.

The farmer said, “Well, it’s like this. If I were to say to you:
‘Martha, the cows are in the corn’
well, that would be a hymn. If, on the other hand, I were to say to you:

Martha, Martha, Martha,
Oh, MARTHA, MARTHA, MARTHA,
the cows, the big cows,
the brown cows,
the black cows,
the white cows,
the black and white cows,
the COWS, COWS, COWS,
are in the corn,
are in the corn,
are in the corn,
are in the corn,
the CORN, CORN, CORN.’

“Then if I were to repeat the whole thing 4 or 5 times and include guitar and drum solos, well that would be a praise chorus.”

As luck would have it, the exact same Sunday, a young, new Christian from the city church attended the small country church. He came home and his wife asked him how it was.

“Well,” said the young man, “it was good. They did some things differently though. They sang hymns instead of regular songs..”

“Hymns?” said the wife. “What are those?”

“Oh, they’re okay. They’re sort of like regular songs, only different.” said the young man.

“Well, what’s the difference?” asked his wife.

The young man said, “Well, it’s like this. If I were to say to you:
‘Martha, the cows are in the corn.’
well, that would be a regular song. If on the other hand, I were to say to you:

‘Oh Martha, Dear Martha, hear thou my cry.
Inclinest thine ear to the words of my mouth.
Turn thou thy whole wondrous ear by and by
to the righteous, inimitable, glorious truth.
For the way of the animals – who can explain?
There in their heads is no shadow of sense,
hearkenst they in God’s sun or his rain
unless from the mild, tempting corn they are fenced.
Yea those cows in glad bovine, rebellious delight
have broken free their shackles, their warm pens eschewed.
Then goaded by minions of darkness and night,
they all my mild sweet corn have chewed.
So look to that bright shining day by and by.
Where all foul corruptions of earth are reborn,
where no vicious animal makes my soul cry
and I no longer see those foul cows in the corn.

“Then, if I were to do only verses one, three, and do a key change on the fourth, well, that would be a hymn.”