Worship that is pleasing to God

[wattie]

I believe, along with many others, that real worship in song should have: (not in order of importance)

1) Lyrics about honoring God and not people (unless it's honoring what those people did for God)

2) Not about asking God to come down.. He is either already there in the midst of the congregation as the Comforter or not, but won't come by our command.

3) The sound..to be a sweet smelling aroma, should be harmonious, pleasing to the ear. Not harsh drumming, whining electric guitars etc.

4) It shouldn't really look worldly. Inappropriate dress, rock star clothing, tattoos etc.. are not separating from the world but imitating/embracing worldliness

5) The lyrics should be biblically sound. Sometimes you get a supposed 'christian' song, and God is barely mentioned or Jesus's name is barely mentioned. Also false doctrine can be in there subtlely.. like self actualization lyrics.

Old hymns get called boring.. but the sound doesn't have to be, and the lyrics of many of these hymns are alot of the time Psalms and Proverbs put to music. They also usually have sweet sounding instruments to accompany them.

It obviously doesn't have to be dry and old, but it pays to think about what you are singing for worship. Engage the head when you sing. Is it a sweet smell aroma to God? Does it honour God?

 

[Burn1986]

I believe, along with many others, that real worship in song should have: (not in order of importance)

1) Lyrics about honoring God and not people (unless it's honoring what those people did for God)

2) Not about asking God to come down.. He is either already there in the midst of the congregation as the Comforter or not, but won't come by our command.

3) The sound..to be a sweet smelling aroma, should be harmonious, pleasing to the ear. Not harsh drumming, whining electric guitars etc.

4) It shouldn't really look worldly. Inappropriate dress, rock star clothing, tattoos etc.. are not separating from the world but imitating/embracing worldliness

5) The lyrics should be biblically sound. Sometimes you get a supposed 'christian' song, and God is barely mentioned or Jesus's name is barely mentioned. Also false doctrine can be in there subtlely.. like self actualization lyrics.

Old hymns get called boring.. but the sound doesn't have to be, and the lyrics of many of these hymns are alot of the time Psalms and Proverbs put to music. They also usually have sweet sounding instruments to accompany them.

It obviously doesn't have to be dry and old, but it pays to think about what you are singing for worship. Engage the head when you sing. Is it a sweet smell aroma to God? Does it honour God?

Yep agreed

 

[BillyBob]

I totally agree that all music should be God pleasing and sung in thankfulness to God. This is what I believe the older hymns provide.
There are some newer songs that are beautiful in both word and musical arrangement. However, each one must be carefully reviewed before bringing them into a worship service.

 

[wattie]

I totally agree that all music should be God pleasing and sung in thankfulness to God. This is what I believe the older hymns provide.
There are some newer songs that are beautiful in both word and musical arrangement. However, each one must be carefully reviewed before bringing them into a worship service.

Come thou font of every blessing has some beautiful modern arrangements

 

[Nehemiah6]

5) The lyrics should be biblically sound.

This is true for the majority of old hymns. You have to see how doctrinally sound they are, because the motive was to praise God. I have no idea (and I am not really interested) in "Contemporary Christian Music".

Here's what David Cloud has to say:
Following are four of the reasons that we are opposed to it.
1. Contemporary Christian Music is worldly music.
2. Contemporary Christian Music is ecumenical music.
3. Contemporary Christian Music is charismatic music.
4. Contemporary Christian Music weakens the fundamentalist stance of a church.

 

[BillyBob]

Come thou font of every blessing has some beautiful modern arrangements

As does Rock of Ages! http://ncfmusic.com/watch/rock-ages/

 

[Blade]

I believe, along with many others, that real worship in song should have: (not in order of importance)

1) Lyrics about honoring God and not people (unless it's honoring what those people did for God)

2) Not about asking God to come down.. He is either already there in the midst of the congregation as the Comforter or not, but won't come by our command.

3) The sound..to be a sweet smelling aroma, should be harmonious, pleasing to the ear. Not harsh drumming, whining electric guitars etc.

4) It shouldn't really look worldly. Inappropriate dress, rock star clothing, tattoos etc.. are not separating from the world but imitating/embracing worldliness

5) The lyrics should be biblically sound. Sometimes you get a supposed 'christian' song, and God is barely mentioned or Jesus's name is barely mentioned. Also false doctrine can be in there subtlely.. like self actualization lyrics.

Old hymns get called boring.. but the sound doesn't have to be, and the lyrics of many of these hymns are alot of the time Psalms and Proverbs put to music. They also usually have sweet sounding instruments to accompany them.

It obviously doesn't have to be dry and old, but it pays to think about what you are singing for worship. Engage the head when you sing. Is it a sweet smell aroma to God? Does it honour God?

Did He tell you which worship is more pleasing? There are some Christian songs that are not worship but.. oh His presences comes. The one playing now... No one like you lord.

As for not looking worldly. This is one of those carts He tipped over. As much as I would personally agree. It was maybe 30+ year ago where the lord said through other believers about people He called that will not look like you expect but are of Him. How they dress, look. At the time.. I just tossed it off.. no way.

I'm going with what our Father said thousands of years ago
" For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

 

[wattie]

Did He tell you which worship is more pleasing? There are some Christian songs that are not worship but.. oh His presences comes. The one playing now... No one like you lord.

As for not looking worldly. This is one of those carts He tipped over. As much as I would personally agree. It was maybe 30+ year ago where the lord said through other believers about people He called that will not look like you expect but are of Him. How they dress, look. At the time.. I just tossed it off.. no way.

I'm going with what our Father said thousands of years ago
" For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

True, dress is a different sort of thing. I just find ccm music to look too much like every other kind of music in the way they present themselves.

 

[wattie]

Beautiful rendition of this one

 

[Lafftur]

We know the Father desires us to worship Him in Spirit and Truth.... ever wonder what that looks and sounds like.... I'm sure it would be something that would absolutely upset all Pharisees... lol!

I remember one evening in worship at a church... the song was all about God's majesty and splendor.... and as I was singing with hands lifted, God interrupted me and we had the following conversation....

me: Lord, I worship You in all Your majesty and splendor

God: Hmmm, that's not why the angels and all of Heaven worships Me.

me: What?!

God: All of Heaven and angels live and breathe My Majesty and Splendor... it's their habitat. That's NOT why they worship Me. My Majesty and Splendor is why the flesh attempts to worship Me.

me: Lord, what causes all of Heaven and all the angels to erupt in worship to You?

God: All of Heaven and all of the angels worship Me because they are in AWE of My LOVE.....

me: Lord, I want to be in AWE of Your LOVE and worship YOU! Holy Spirit, help me worship in Spirit and Truth being in AWE of God's Love.

After that conversation, the depth of my worship changed... all I think about when I worship God now is how He loves us all sooooo much!

 

[Lafftur]

 

[Nehemiah6]

...True, dress is a different sort of thing....

Christians who object to a Christian dress code conviently forget that they are kings aND priests in God's sight.

God had a very strict dress code for the OT priests, and if that is not enough to teach us something, then we will never learn. As to being "kings" no one who went into the presence of royalty ever dressed in a careless manner.

Personally, I get annoyed when people can adhere to a dress code on the job, but believe they can be sloppy and casual. walking into a church service in shorts and sandals, with a coffee in one hand and an iPhone in the other. That is plain disrespectful.

Those who work outside the home for any employer cannot do the same, since every business must have a dress code, and many require a suit and tie. Even the fast-food restaurants have a dress code. So trotting out the saying about God looking at the heart won't cut it. If that is all there was to it, we would not have this in Scripture:

EXODUS 28:40-43: PRIESTS GARMENTS TO MINISTER TO THE LORD
40 And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.
41 And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.
42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
43 And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

 

[Cameron143]

Christians who object to a Christian dress code conviently forget that they are kings aND priests in God's sight.

God had a very strict dress code for the OT priests, and if that is not enough to teach us something, then we will never learn. As to being "kings" no one who went into the presence of royalty ever dressed in a careless manner.

Personally, I get annoyed when people can adhere to a dress code on the job, but believe they can be sloppy and casual. walking into a church service in shorts and sandals, with a coffee in one hand and an iPhone in the other. That is plain disrespectful.

Those who work outside the home for any employer cannot do the same, since every business must have a dress code, and many require a suit and tie. Even the fast-food restaurants have a dress code. So trotting out the saying about God looking at the heart won't cut it. If that is all there was to it, we would not have this in Scripture:

EXODUS 28:40-43: PRIESTS GARMENTS TO MINISTER TO THE LORD
40 And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.
41 And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.
42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
43 And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

People who dress inappropriately and are disrespectful are the very people who need to be in church. Let them hear the gospel and the Holy Spirit can teach them the dress code.
Just as I am...

 

[Dino246]

There are many opinions being presented... but not a lot of Scripture to back them up. God is bigger than your favourite little music boxes. Deal with it.

If the dress or appearance of the musician(s) bothers you, close your eyes. If the lyrics don't work for you, change them as you sing, or even better, write some songs for your music team. If you don't like the style, get off your lazy duff and lead the music yourself.

Just don't sit there and criticize the musicians who are using their talents and skills for God's glory, investing in practice and rehearsal time, honing their craft, seeking out (or writing) new music, and wrestling with self-doubt, shame, and nerves every time they are on duty. Your armchair slander isn't helping anyone.

 

[Burn1986]

“Fairest Lord Jesus”- Lyrics

Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature
O thou of God and man the Son
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor
Thou, my soul's glory, joy, and crown

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands
Robed in the blooming garb of spring
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer
Who makes the woeful heart to sing

Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight
And all the twinkling starry host
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast

Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations
Son of God and Son of Man
Glory and honor, praise, adoration
Now and forevermore be thine

Anyone sing that hymn “Once For All”? Man, that is one that can be pounded out loudly 😎

 

[Nehemiah6]

Let them hear the gospel and the Holy Spirit can teach them the dress code.

Sorry Cameron, but the Gospel does not address dress codes.

It is the job of pastors and teachers to firstly set the example, ad then teach about appropriate Christian dress. The Bible already talks about modest dressing, but this teaching should be further developed into appropriate Christian dress standards (which would include the head covering for Christian women during worship).

If the world can have dress codes, that should be an automatic lesson to believers. And this trend is quite recent, since this was a non-issue some time back.

 

[wattie]

There are many opinions being presented... but not a lot of Scripture to back them up. God is bigger than your favourite little music boxes. Deal with it.

If the dress or appearance of the musician(s) bothers you, close your eyes. If the lyrics don't work for you, change them as you sing, or even better, write some songs for your music team. If you don't like the style, get off your lazy duff and lead the music yourself.

Just don't sit there and criticize the musicians who are using their talents and skills for God's glory, investing in practice and rehearsal time, honing their craft, seeking out (or writing) new music, and wrestling with self-doubt, shame, and nerves every time they are on duty. Your armchair slander isn't helping anyone.

Well scripture wise, there is scripture about offering up a sweet smelling aroma to God.

Psalms and Proverbs are also the best scriptural sources for Christian music.

As for dress.. scripture about modesty apply.

But ya it would be great to write songs we like that are more scriptural.

 

[wattie]

Here is a good video on this

 

[Cameron143]

Sorry Cameron, but the Gospel does not address dress codes.

It is the job of pastors and teachers to firstly set the example, ad then teach about appropriate Christian dress. The Bible already talks about modest dressing, but this teaching should be further developed into appropriate Christian dress standards (which would include the head covering for Christian women during worship).

If the world can have dress codes, that should be an automatic lesson to believers. And this trend is quite recent, since this was a non-issue some time back.

You expect the lost to be other than lost. I'm just glad they came. We are taught to be all things to all people that perhaps some might be saved.
You will miss ministry to those who God is truly at work in if to minister to others they must first conform to your image before God helps them to conform to His.

 

[Nehemiah6]

You expect the lost to be other than lost.

Who says that it is the lost who are engaging in this kind of behavior? That is merely your assumption. And the "lost" do indeed adhere to dress codes in the work place. I will not discuss this with you any longer since you do not grasp what is being said. Pastors and teachers teach Christians. If visitors happen to be present, they can also learn.