Out of tune with church music
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This is not a direct dig at you, but there seems to be a very common misconception among Christians that worship is always related to music and/or singing, but this is definitely not the case. In fact, here is the first time that the word "worship" appears in the Bible.
Genesis 22:5-6
"And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you, And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together."
When Abraham and Isaac were going to worship the Lord, they were not going somewhere to sing a song or to play some music. Instead, Abraham was going to sacrifice Isaac on the altar in obedience to God. I am mentioning this solely to show people that true worship involves such things as obedience, and not just some music and lyrics. With such being the case, the music in a church need not bring us to a place of worship because we should always be in such a place.
Having said that, I cannot stand most of the "worship music" that I have heard in churches over the years. It has become so "contemporary" that you could remove Jesus' name from the lyrics, if it is even there to begin with, and insert anybody else's name instead, and it would still work. In other words, these songs sound more like secular love songs to me than any sort of reverential praise unto God. Personally, I gravitate more to older hymns, and that is because they are usually more scripture-based than today's love songs. I am also definitely not into the rock music type of "worship". I have literally walked out of churches before because of their "worship music" which was leading me anywhere but into God's presence. Quite frankly, some of it was Satanic.
Genesis 22:5-6
"And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you, And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together."
When Abraham and Isaac were going to worship the Lord, they were not going somewhere to sing a song or to play some music. Instead, Abraham was going to sacrifice Isaac on the altar in obedience to God. I am mentioning this solely to show people that true worship involves such things as obedience, and not just some music and lyrics. With such being the case, the music in a church need not bring us to a place of worship because we should always be in such a place.
Having said that, I cannot stand most of the "worship music" that I have heard in churches over the years. It has become so "contemporary" that you could remove Jesus' name from the lyrics, if it is even there to begin with, and insert anybody else's name instead, and it would still work. In other words, these songs sound more like secular love songs to me than any sort of reverential praise unto God. Personally, I gravitate more to older hymns, and that is because they are usually more scripture-based than today's love songs. I am also definitely not into the rock music type of "worship". I have literally walked out of churches before because of their "worship music" which was leading me anywhere but into God's presence. Quite frankly, some of it was Satanic.
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The saddest part for me is how little discernment there is. A few modern songs are OK with good melody and words that fit and make sense. Many others are hopeless. The same can be said for many old hymns (Faith of our Fathers anyone?) but they mostly were weeded out of the repertoire. In today's meeting, one of four was something I could enter into. At least it was only four, not the endless songfest that so many churches indulge in these days.
Romans 12:1 defines worship. It would be good if the body of Christ got back to that basic again.
Romans 12:1 defines worship. It would be good if the body of Christ got back to that basic again.
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It all depends what you like so you need to try a few different churches to see if you like them.
Some like Protestant Rock and Roll / Jazz / Modern music.
Some others like Catholic choirs in Latin.
Some others like Orthodox chants and hymns.
So try a few things and see what you like.
Oh, and some others like no music at all.
Some like Protestant Rock and Roll / Jazz / Modern music.
Some others like Catholic choirs in Latin.
Some others like Orthodox chants and hymns.
So try a few things and see what you like.
Oh, and some others like no music at all.
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The main thing to understand is that we are making music as our heart cry to our God, it’s our heart and souls engaged in it crying out to Him in adoration. Keep in mind the Old hymns were at one time new hymns.
“I will sing a new song to you, my God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you,”
Psalms 144:9 NIV
“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.”
Psalms 33:1-3 NIV
So if your heart cry to the lord isn’t one fitting with the Spirit of the psalms here and your muddling through worship barely breathing, and the Church’s decision for music isn’t open to suggestion then you might be being called to another Church body because at that point to stay would not be a Holy Spirit led worship but a worship through religious activity. God doesn’t call us to religion or tradition but actually calls us out of that kind of stuff. My church plays a bit of everything from week to week. 2 weeks ago we sang “it is well with my soul ” from 1876 then today we sang “into your glorious day” by Passion. Our Church is alive and growing and the older generations are still able to worship with the youth as a retiring elders pointed out who served for 53 years on our elder board. Citing
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.”
Psalms 145:4-7 NIV
Consider that you may be being called by God into a more inclusive Church body for all generations. Might be something to pray about, consider and take your pastor or elders guidance on this as well before you make a decision. Talk to them about the situation, bring up the Psalms I mentioned and ask if they could be more inclusive to other types of worship music. It will bring that congregation alive and unite it.
Prayers and blessings to you
“I will sing a new song to you, my God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you,”
Psalms 144:9 NIV
“Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.”
Psalms 33:1-3 NIV
So if your heart cry to the lord isn’t one fitting with the Spirit of the psalms here and your muddling through worship barely breathing, and the Church’s decision for music isn’t open to suggestion then you might be being called to another Church body because at that point to stay would not be a Holy Spirit led worship but a worship through religious activity. God doesn’t call us to religion or tradition but actually calls us out of that kind of stuff. My church plays a bit of everything from week to week. 2 weeks ago we sang “it is well with my soul ” from 1876 then today we sang “into your glorious day” by Passion. Our Church is alive and growing and the older generations are still able to worship with the youth as a retiring elders pointed out who served for 53 years on our elder board. Citing
“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.”
Psalms 145:4-7 NIV
Consider that you may be being called by God into a more inclusive Church body for all generations. Might be something to pray about, consider and take your pastor or elders guidance on this as well before you make a decision. Talk to them about the situation, bring up the Psalms I mentioned and ask if they could be more inclusive to other types of worship music. It will bring that congregation alive and unite it.
Prayers and blessings to you
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Ow and one more to prayerfully reflect on
“Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds. May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands,”
Psalms 149:3-6 NIV
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To me it doesn't matter. I, personally, am not a fan of public worship. I eventually started showing up late just to miss it all together.
Instead I let it happen at home. Not set time. No set time limit. No one else deciding for me what to play. No other people around. So my focus more more clear. And seeing as how I let it begin organically, and end organically, it felt more personal and meaningful. Everything that happened was my expression, not led by someone else.
I also don't like most church music, so i got more out of it, and put more into it, because the songs chosen were personal to me. Not selected by someone else.
Instead I let it happen at home. Not set time. No set time limit. No one else deciding for me what to play. No other people around. So my focus more more clear. And seeing as how I let it begin organically, and end organically, it felt more personal and meaningful. Everything that happened was my expression, not led by someone else.
I also don't like most church music, so i got more out of it, and put more into it, because the songs chosen were personal to me. Not selected by someone else.
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Music is not the origin of worship, but it can be the expression of it. Do not look to music to induce your worship; look to music as simply an expression of that which is induced by a heart that is rapt by the mercies of God, obedient to His commands.
True worship is the acknowledgment of God and all His power and glory in everything we do. The highest form of praise and worship is obedience to Him and His Word. To do this, we must know God; we cannot be ignorant of Him (Acts 17:23). Worship is to glorify and exalt God—to show our loyalty and admiration to our Father.
True worship is the acknowledgment of God and all His power and glory in everything we do. The highest form of praise and worship is obedience to Him and His Word. To do this, we must know God; we cannot be ignorant of Him (Acts 17:23). Worship is to glorify and exalt God—to show our loyalty and admiration to our Father.
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Worship is not contained inside of church services. Worship requires your whole life which includes a visit to church on a regular basis.
Church services for some churches has become a show with childcare. But this really is not "church".
"Church" happens when people meet for small group Bible Studies and make friends with whom you begin to hang out with on a regular basis.
Ten minutes with real friends will do more to change your life than a year's worth of sermons. But lately the churches are not promoting friendships. Dunno why.
Also these days churches who put on a show tend to rely heavily upon praise music....which is kinda like disco music with a slow slow beat....no real substance but it repeats itself often.
I understand that the old hymns are so out of date with arcane language/literary devices that most people don't understand them.
Throng
Vale
"Walking in the Garden"
Yonder
And on the list goes.
Church services for some churches has become a show with childcare. But this really is not "church".
"Church" happens when people meet for small group Bible Studies and make friends with whom you begin to hang out with on a regular basis.
Ten minutes with real friends will do more to change your life than a year's worth of sermons. But lately the churches are not promoting friendships. Dunno why.
Also these days churches who put on a show tend to rely heavily upon praise music....which is kinda like disco music with a slow slow beat....no real substance but it repeats itself often.
I understand that the old hymns are so out of date with arcane language/literary devices that most people don't understand them.
Throng
Vale
"Walking in the Garden"
Yonder
And on the list goes.
It's not a matter of like or dislike. It's a matter of whether or not it is true worship. A rock concert with a few God-words thrown in is not worship. It is intended to make the particpants feel good, not to please God. I quote Brian Houston of Hillsong when asked about their success: "We scratch where people itch". It fills buildings, but does nothing except excite the emotions.
I like music and I play guitar. I lead singing from time to and I know that the right songs sung in the right heart are indeed anointed. However, it's vital not to lose sight of what God's word has to say:
"Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." Romans 12:1
I like music and I play guitar. I lead singing from time to and I know that the right songs sung in the right heart are indeed anointed. However, it's vital not to lose sight of what God's word has to say:
"Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." Romans 12:1
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A lot of old hymns have something that few have today - spiritual content.
1 And can it be that I should gain
An int'rest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?
For example. It should not be too hard to understand. A lot of Christians still cling to the KJV, which is way more obscure in parts.
Many modern song rely on vain repetition, which grates on me. And why songs have to include "woah's" and such is beyond me. It's banal in secular music, let alone "Christian". It is interesting that quite a lot of performers include old hymns in their repertoire.
Finally, God is not deaf, but some of His people risk it every Sunday. I wear ear protection one place I go occasionally. I don't know why "loud" is conflated with "spiritual".
1 And can it be that I should gain
An int'rest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?
For example. It should not be too hard to understand. A lot of Christians still cling to the KJV, which is way more obscure in parts.
Many modern song rely on vain repetition, which grates on me. And why songs have to include "woah's" and such is beyond me. It's banal in secular music, let alone "Christian". It is interesting that quite a lot of performers include old hymns in their repertoire.
Finally, God is not deaf, but some of His people risk it every Sunday. I wear ear protection one place I go occasionally. I don't know why "loud" is conflated with "spiritual".
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Lots of good viewpoints here. Some things I want to add or clarify are that, I, personally don't like most hymns. Most sound ancient, even though the message can apply to today. We're not impressing God with ancient language so much as what's in the heart, and some of those hymns can teach us or make us re-think & appreciate the glories of God. And something I don't think many people notice is that some music the words look like you're singing TO God; others ABOUT God. Hymnals have become traditional, but there is no rule that says churches must sing out of them. Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs are what it's all about; not just one.
I agree with a comment made earlier that worship is not all just music, but I'm talking about the music aspect right now.
To the one who said they often go to church late just to avoid the music, I can understand that, even thought they might be missing out on SOME sweet presence of the Lord. But speakers in churches often mention late-comers as not caring enough or respecting God enough to get there on time.
(I think there can be several legitimate reasons!)
The kind of music I see as lacking in so many Christian churches is that they leave the Messianic Jewish kind to the synagogues. But it's the synagogues, I've discovered, stick to the Bible and our Jewish roots better than churches do. Their (Messianic, here) music shows us the intimacy of God throughout the ages and who He really is. And Hebrew words can show you more of the real meaning of biblical words, too. All this makes a lot of church music seem superficial.
I'd say Messianic music, if you really listen to it, either makes you want to dance with joy (God dances over us with joy) or else it makes you want to bow down, even lie on the floor, in worship. That's what I call true (musical) worship. Studying the Tabernacle God wanted the Israelites to build for Him, and all the DETAIL that was instructed about it really tells us something about God.
So I hope you get the point. Changing places of worship is not so easy though. People have their spouses to consider, and their spouse may not be at the same spiritual level they are and won't see the difference, and a huge one is that of being able to FIND such a place. Places like that are few and far between, unless you're fortunate enough to happen to LIVE near one.
Now can any of you relate to what I've been talking about? Has anyone else seen a difference in kinds of music, besides rocky that sounds more satanic than anything else? By the way, some of that can have a message as well, but I generally leave that to the baby Christians until God matures them.
Eli1--I heard something like that before too. It makes me wonder what that beat sounded like, though not that I would want to call demons out! But check out Messianic PRAISE music, the kind the hora dances go to. That is SO much different.
I agree with a comment made earlier that worship is not all just music, but I'm talking about the music aspect right now.
To the one who said they often go to church late just to avoid the music, I can understand that, even thought they might be missing out on SOME sweet presence of the Lord. But speakers in churches often mention late-comers as not caring enough or respecting God enough to get there on time.
(I think there can be several legitimate reasons!)
The kind of music I see as lacking in so many Christian churches is that they leave the Messianic Jewish kind to the synagogues. But it's the synagogues, I've discovered, stick to the Bible and our Jewish roots better than churches do. Their (Messianic, here) music shows us the intimacy of God throughout the ages and who He really is. And Hebrew words can show you more of the real meaning of biblical words, too. All this makes a lot of church music seem superficial.
I'd say Messianic music, if you really listen to it, either makes you want to dance with joy (God dances over us with joy) or else it makes you want to bow down, even lie on the floor, in worship. That's what I call true (musical) worship. Studying the Tabernacle God wanted the Israelites to build for Him, and all the DETAIL that was instructed about it really tells us something about God.
So I hope you get the point. Changing places of worship is not so easy though. People have their spouses to consider, and their spouse may not be at the same spiritual level they are and won't see the difference, and a huge one is that of being able to FIND such a place. Places like that are few and far between, unless you're fortunate enough to happen to LIVE near one.
Now can any of you relate to what I've been talking about? Has anyone else seen a difference in kinds of music, besides rocky that sounds more satanic than anything else? By the way, some of that can have a message as well, but I generally leave that to the baby Christians until God matures them.
Eli1--I heard something like that before too. It makes me wonder what that beat sounded like, though not that I would want to call demons out! But check out Messianic PRAISE music, the kind the hora dances go to. That is SO much different.
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It would seem to me the psalms about praise give a pretty upbeat view, singing, dancing, instrumentals. There is also the story of David celebrating God There isn’t anything in the Bible mandating praise and worship to be quiet and tame as some are led to believe.
“Now King David was told, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart. David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.””
2 Samuel 6:12-16, 21-22 NIV
Do we celebrate before our Lord with that kind of zeal today? And why not?
“Now King David was told, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart. David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.””
2 Samuel 6:12-16, 21-22 NIV
Do we celebrate before our Lord with that kind of zeal today? And why not?