As the pagan festival of Halloween approaches the shops in our towns are full of Halloween paraphernalia. It seems as each year passes this particular holiday is growing in significance. Part of this is driven by Retail Commercialism and the desire to squeeze a few more pounds out of shoppers, however, I would have some concern as to the growth in popularity of what is nothing more than lightly veiled Satanism.
When I was a kid Halloween was a false face and a packet of sparklers but it seems there is an increasingly sinister element to it in these days. It should not be forgotten that Halloween is a high day amongst witches which although are very private are non the less growing in numbers and influence in our nation.
Halloween is a wonderful marketing tool for such groups for it gives many young people a taste and an interest in the occult. We should be careful to warn the young people under our influence whether it be a Sunday School class or indeed Children within our own family situation of the dangers of the occult.
Let us ever remember the words of the Apostle Paul.
'for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?' 2 Corinthians 6 v14
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Monday, 25 October 2010
Worship Leader
I was leading the singing at my Church the other night and after the meeting a visitor to our Church asked me a question that I had never been asked before. 'Are you the worship leader here?' I suppose I know what the person meant. There is a position in the contemporary church called the 'Worship Leader' and I suppose the reason I was taken by surprise was that I am not entirely comfortable with this 'job title'.
In the first instance there is no basis within New Testament Revelation to have within the church a person called a 'Worship Leader'. I read of pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets, elders and deacons, but nowhere do I read of 'worship leaders'.
Secondly I wonder how it might be possible to lead worship. You can lead the singing, as long as you can carry a tune you can do that, you can lead in prayer, these things are all possible,but how can a person be said to lead worship.
Worship is an exercise of the heart and is intensely personal. You could be in a Church of 300 people all singing 'How Great Thou Art' but are all 300 people worshipping. First of only the saved people in the gathering can really be said to be worshiping for all acceptable worship must come the blood sprinkled way, if a person has not had the blood savingly applied then their worship will not be acceptable to God. Then we turn our attention to the remaining saved people in the meeting, could they all be said to be worshipping. Some of them may be singing out of habit but really they are thinking about what's for dinner, or what they have to do in work tomorrow. Then there are those who really are pouring out their hearts in praise and thanksgiving to God, however, this worship has not been drawn from them by some person at the front with a microphone, no, this worship is being poured out of a heart that is bursting with gratitude and adoration to our wonderful Lord.
The Lord Jesus taught the woman of Samaria this lesson in the days of His flesh, He taught her that the dead forms of religion were passing away and that a time was coming and in fact had come 'when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:' Worship is a spiritual exercise not a physical one that can be lead, it can only be drawn from us by the Holy Spirit.
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29 v2
In the first instance there is no basis within New Testament Revelation to have within the church a person called a 'Worship Leader'. I read of pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets, elders and deacons, but nowhere do I read of 'worship leaders'.
Secondly I wonder how it might be possible to lead worship. You can lead the singing, as long as you can carry a tune you can do that, you can lead in prayer, these things are all possible,but how can a person be said to lead worship.
Worship is an exercise of the heart and is intensely personal. You could be in a Church of 300 people all singing 'How Great Thou Art' but are all 300 people worshipping. First of only the saved people in the gathering can really be said to be worshiping for all acceptable worship must come the blood sprinkled way, if a person has not had the blood savingly applied then their worship will not be acceptable to God. Then we turn our attention to the remaining saved people in the meeting, could they all be said to be worshipping. Some of them may be singing out of habit but really they are thinking about what's for dinner, or what they have to do in work tomorrow. Then there are those who really are pouring out their hearts in praise and thanksgiving to God, however, this worship has not been drawn from them by some person at the front with a microphone, no, this worship is being poured out of a heart that is bursting with gratitude and adoration to our wonderful Lord.
The Lord Jesus taught the woman of Samaria this lesson in the days of His flesh, He taught her that the dead forms of religion were passing away and that a time was coming and in fact had come 'when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth:' Worship is a spiritual exercise not a physical one that can be lead, it can only be drawn from us by the Holy Spirit.
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29 v2
Friday, 15 October 2010
Saved by Grace
One of the greatest portions in the Bible is found in the second chapter of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians where he proclaims, ‘For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.’ V8-9.
When speaking about salvation and commenting on these verses Evangelical Christians often use the phrase, ‘Salvation is by Grace alone, through Faith alone in Christ alone’.
There is a beautiful picture of this truth to be found in the conversion of one of the thieves who were crucified along with the Lord Jesus. Luke records in his Gospel: -
‘And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.’ Luke 23 v 39-43
If ever there is an example of the Grace of God in Salvation here it is. This man was incapable of doing anything to work for his own salvation. He had no opportunity to turn over a new leaf and become a better citizen, he had no opportunity to go to Church, he had no opportunity to be baptized, he had no opportunity to feed the hungry, or comfort the broken hearted, he had no time for pilgrimage or penance. He just called out to the Saviour ‘Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.’
Repentance & Faith
The dying thief exercised these essential acts. He clearly repented, earlier in the day he too had mocked the Lord Jesus, but some how during the day he had a change of heart, perhaps it was the Saviours gracious words, ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do’. Perhaps it was the events at Calvary like that unnatural darkness that shrouded the earth that day. I don’t know what changed his mind but God by his Spirit drew him and he repented. Not only did he repent but also he exercised faith in Christ. His short prayer shows us that he recognised who Christ is; he is the King of Kings. He threw his faith on Christ and cried ‘Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.’ At that very moment he found the promise of scripture to be true ‘Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved’. For just then the Saviour replied ‘Today shalt thou be with me in paradise’.
What an act of pardoning grace, it was all of grace nothing of works. This man when he got to paradise had no works to boast in, he was just a rotten criminal saved by God’s Grace. You know it’s the same for us all, anyone who is saved is saved by an act of God’s Grace based on their repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, it is nothing to do with any good work that we have or will do. We must come the same way the thief did.
‘Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;’ Titus 3 v5
When speaking about salvation and commenting on these verses Evangelical Christians often use the phrase, ‘Salvation is by Grace alone, through Faith alone in Christ alone’.
There is a beautiful picture of this truth to be found in the conversion of one of the thieves who were crucified along with the Lord Jesus. Luke records in his Gospel: -
‘And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.’ Luke 23 v 39-43
If ever there is an example of the Grace of God in Salvation here it is. This man was incapable of doing anything to work for his own salvation. He had no opportunity to turn over a new leaf and become a better citizen, he had no opportunity to go to Church, he had no opportunity to be baptized, he had no opportunity to feed the hungry, or comfort the broken hearted, he had no time for pilgrimage or penance. He just called out to the Saviour ‘Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.’
Repentance & Faith
The dying thief exercised these essential acts. He clearly repented, earlier in the day he too had mocked the Lord Jesus, but some how during the day he had a change of heart, perhaps it was the Saviours gracious words, ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do’. Perhaps it was the events at Calvary like that unnatural darkness that shrouded the earth that day. I don’t know what changed his mind but God by his Spirit drew him and he repented. Not only did he repent but also he exercised faith in Christ. His short prayer shows us that he recognised who Christ is; he is the King of Kings. He threw his faith on Christ and cried ‘Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.’ At that very moment he found the promise of scripture to be true ‘Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved’. For just then the Saviour replied ‘Today shalt thou be with me in paradise’.
What an act of pardoning grace, it was all of grace nothing of works. This man when he got to paradise had no works to boast in, he was just a rotten criminal saved by God’s Grace. You know it’s the same for us all, anyone who is saved is saved by an act of God’s Grace based on their repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, it is nothing to do with any good work that we have or will do. We must come the same way the thief did.
‘Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;’ Titus 3 v5
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Discerning Music
With modern media such as Youtube and Social Networking sites it is now easier than ever before for music artists to distribute their work. This is not only true for Secular musicians but creators of sacred music are also employing these methods to get their work out there as well. There is of course nothing wrong with people using modern media in this way but it results in artists having a more direct link to their market place than ever before. As a result Christian leaders are out of the loop and unaware of the musical choices of those to whom they feel a spiritual responsibility.
In the past Christian leaders were aware of what was on sale at the local Christian book store and if they had doctrinal concerns about the lyrical content of a particular artist they could warn those in their charge. However, with increasing sales of music in a virtual world this luxury is no longer available.
To combat this threat I believe it is important that young believers are taught how to discern for themselves between that which is pleasing to the Lord and therefore that which is helpful to the Saint and that which is questionable. Young believers need more than their musical tastes to be satisfied when they are making their musical choices. In Paul's letter to the Colossians he give us a wonderful Scripture that is extremely helpful is this area.
'Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.' Colossians 3 v16
This verse is extremely helpful for in it we find the Ingredients of Sacred music and the Intention of Sacred music.
INGREDIENTS
Paul says that our sacred music should be rich in the word, for he starts by saying 'let the word of Christ dwell in you richly'. If I describe a fruit cake as being rich I mean that it is jam packed full of raisins and sultanas etc. Our Sacred music should be jam packed full of Scripture. When I hear so called Christan music with little or no Scriptural language I get concerned. It should also be full of wisdom, that is good advice based on Scriptural principles, it follows that if it is rich in the word then it will naturally be wise. Please note it should not be human wisdom or opinion it should be the wisdom of God. And why is this so important? It is so important because of God's Intention for sacred music.
INTENTION
Why has God given us this wonderful gift of music and singing? Did He give it to us to brighten our days? Did He give it to us to stop us getting board when we are driving or working? No! He has given it to us to teach us. Teach us? Yes, to teach us. Is that not what Paul goes on the describe as the intention of music? 'to teach and admonish one another'. Admonish means to build up. If our sacred songs are full of the word of God and therefore full of the Wisdom of God then naturally they will teach us great Biblical truths that will help build us in our faith. Notice I did not say to make us feel happy, or appeal to our musical tastes (although they might well do so) but the primary purpose it to teach us and build us up.
In conclusion, ask yourself this question. have I chosen my Christian music because it appeals to my tastes or have I chosen it because I know it contains the ingredients that God can use to teach me and build me up? Look at your music collection, read the lyrics and ask yourself these questions. Are these song rich in God's word and wisdom? Will they teach me and build me up?
May the Lord bless you as you seek to make God honouring choices.
In the past Christian leaders were aware of what was on sale at the local Christian book store and if they had doctrinal concerns about the lyrical content of a particular artist they could warn those in their charge. However, with increasing sales of music in a virtual world this luxury is no longer available.
To combat this threat I believe it is important that young believers are taught how to discern for themselves between that which is pleasing to the Lord and therefore that which is helpful to the Saint and that which is questionable. Young believers need more than their musical tastes to be satisfied when they are making their musical choices. In Paul's letter to the Colossians he give us a wonderful Scripture that is extremely helpful is this area.
'Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.' Colossians 3 v16
This verse is extremely helpful for in it we find the Ingredients of Sacred music and the Intention of Sacred music.
INGREDIENTS
Paul says that our sacred music should be rich in the word, for he starts by saying 'let the word of Christ dwell in you richly'. If I describe a fruit cake as being rich I mean that it is jam packed full of raisins and sultanas etc. Our Sacred music should be jam packed full of Scripture. When I hear so called Christan music with little or no Scriptural language I get concerned. It should also be full of wisdom, that is good advice based on Scriptural principles, it follows that if it is rich in the word then it will naturally be wise. Please note it should not be human wisdom or opinion it should be the wisdom of God. And why is this so important? It is so important because of God's Intention for sacred music.
INTENTION
Why has God given us this wonderful gift of music and singing? Did He give it to us to brighten our days? Did He give it to us to stop us getting board when we are driving or working? No! He has given it to us to teach us. Teach us? Yes, to teach us. Is that not what Paul goes on the describe as the intention of music? 'to teach and admonish one another'. Admonish means to build up. If our sacred songs are full of the word of God and therefore full of the Wisdom of God then naturally they will teach us great Biblical truths that will help build us in our faith. Notice I did not say to make us feel happy, or appeal to our musical tastes (although they might well do so) but the primary purpose it to teach us and build us up.
In conclusion, ask yourself this question. have I chosen my Christian music because it appeals to my tastes or have I chosen it because I know it contains the ingredients that God can use to teach me and build me up? Look at your music collection, read the lyrics and ask yourself these questions. Are these song rich in God's word and wisdom? Will they teach me and build me up?
May the Lord bless you as you seek to make God honouring choices.
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