Casting Crowns' Concert

that's not really a problem since God has given us the ability to observe culture and cultural expressions and evaluate them by his word. We are not to leave our minds at the door when it comes to worship.

What is at question here is the presentation and the preference. Preference does not mean the presentation is right.

The question is if there is really a "Christian version" of some of these.

But are they really being blessed? Or just enjoying something?

I think your very argument is exactly what I was referring to by an existential approach to music. If someone says, "It blesses me," it is automatically okay. But we recognize that is not true in other areas of life, culture, and morals. Why don't we recognize it here?

 

But we're not all of the same mind on this issue...so whose mind will we take in at the door?

But if Scripture doesn not address the particular presentation issue (or if the principle seems to be addressed correctly by the worshipper in question), then all we're left with is...

Scripture doesn't say...

Agreed..."it blessed me" may not be enough, no doubt when Scripture indicates otherwise. But sometimes, all we can do is watch, and see what fruit is grown...whether the service is old-school, new-school, ancient-school, or no school at all...

 

I agree and will add that the Bible is far from silent on modes of musical worship.

Eph 5:17-19, Col 3:16, Matt 26:30, Ps 105:2 etc. teach that psalms and hymns are commended. What the big debate about is the definition of a "spiritual song". Unfortunately that term is often defined by the depth of one's spiritual walk, with many people trying to find the least song that is acceptable instead of striving towards the most holy. Living in the days of the church of the Laodiceans, CCM is a lesser issue than the contemporary 'Christians' writing, singing and listening to it (case in point: CC all sharing in one of their members listening to death metal, and D28's "Christian Rock"). The idea is for the Christian to learn the difference between the holy and the profane, and move on from the profane.

To the CCM'ers:
With hymns being commended, it costs you nothing to forsake CCM for a 3-month period in favor of the best hymns you know of, why not give it a try? I have made many of these type of steps over the years, each one turned out for the better.

For those interested:

The last few weeks, I have been singing this song in the middle of my sleep for most of the night, waking up fully rested and still singing it.

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/o/morelove.htm

Job 35:10....God my maker, who giveth songs in the night


BGTF

 

TinyTim,

Oh....man. There is nothing worse than a bad stomach virus. Coming out of both...

Well, I wont go into that. :thumbs:

Seriously...

"Father, I ask in Jesus name for the removal of these manifestations of sickness from Tim, and the speedy restoration of his health."

In Jesus mighty name...Amen."

God bless,

Mike

 

Pastor Larry,

I agree with this. I believe that christian musical groups...lets take contemporary praise and worship in a "rock" style as an example...should present the music in a Godly way. They should understand that they, as a group and individually, are actually a "minister" of God, and should look and behave appropiatly on stage. They have no business lurching around the stage like goons and thugs, they should not be dressed like pimps and hookers, etc. And I have seen some contemporary christian rock groups that are in need of a good "talking to". I've seen some who unfortunetly fall into the problems I just mentioned. But they dont all fall into those groups.

The other side of the coin is that they dont have to wear suits and ties either. They can dress the way they want to dress. They can play rock style music. Or jazz. Or R&B. Or country. Celtic style. Bluegrass. On and on and on.

I said...

And you said...

OF COURSE there is!

Bluegrass: Both of the bluegrass bands I have played with. The Issacs. Tons of professional gospel bluegrass bands

Contemporary rock style P&W: Most of the Integrity, Hosanna, and Vineyard recordings. Phil Keaggy. Third Day, etc etc

Country: The country gospel group I currently play with. Lots of professional country gospel groups

Celtic: Iona and Edens Bridge.

Jazz: Brentwood Jazz Quartet

Lots and lots and lots, in all categories.

Millions of christians say they are greatly blessed. They dont say "I loved it" or "It was great". They say they have been blessed. Is it appropriate for you or me to say to them "No, you havent been!"? C'mon.

If you want it spelled out, I can say that as a result of listening to the contemporary styled christian music that I enjoy it contributes (along with feeding on the scriptures, prayer, etc) to my having a greater love for God, a greater love for people around me, a greater desire to witness, a greater desire to live consistently as a christian, and a greater desire to live for Gods glory.

I'd say I'm blessed. And since I'm not someone special, I'd say all these millions of others are blessed as well.

Grace and peace,

Mike

 

Casting Crowns has an awesome impact on me and it's definitely positive! All of their songs have lyrics that speak to my soul. In tough times, Praise You in this Storm helps me to remember that God is in charge, and I need to praise Him. He is with me through every challenge I face. :godisgood:

 

ByGraceThroughFaith...

I LOVE the hymns!

I play then regulary on both the guitar and dobro. Sometimes I'll sing and accompany myself with my instrument, sometimes I play the hymns instrumentally.

Here are some of my favorites...

I am Thine, "Draw Me Closer"
Victory in Jesus
Blessed Assurance
You must come in at the door
Amazing Grace
Just as I am
Come thou fount of every blessing
Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Crown Him with many crowns
In the Sweet by and bye
What a friend we have in Jesus
Glory to His name (Down at the Cross)
Standing on the Promises of God
Where He leads me
There is a fountain
Will the Circle be unbroken
My Jesus I love thee
I can hear my savior calling

There are many others I love, including...

My all time #1 favorite Hymn...

How Firm a Foundation

Grace and peace,

Mike

 

Eisegesis there...you can't superimpose your definition of "hymn" or "spiritual song." And you're condemning a whole realm based on one member's bad musical choices. I could condemn all pastors and preaching because of the (very) occasional misfit, pervert, or jerk in the pulpit...but I know that's not the way to go.

Nothing inherently wrong with this challenge. However, in my time with God, He hasn't shown or impressed upon me that I should. If God says to give it up, I will. He hasn't yet.

Three recent occurences of the same for me...the hymn I Need Thee Every Hour, Petra's Walk By Faith, Not By Sight, and Keith Green's Rushing Wind. Funny, huh?

 

Mike

Those are some great hymns, which I also enjoy, but it reminds me of something I told an acquaintance once, “It is good to hear that you love your wife, now if only you would get rid of your girlfriend.”


BGTF

 

But you see, the leader of the band not only allows death metal, but partakes in listening to it by allowing the member to continue in fellowship with them.

They aren't occasional, otherwise Christ would have actually had something good to say about the church of this time.

He sent me to tell you. "Give it up".

What is really funny, I expected you in particular to say that. Shall we turn the page on this book now.

BTW: Unless silence is your answer, you still have answers to provide on another thread.


BGTF

 

Oh please... get over yourself. And stop passing judgment on brothers and sisters who disagree with you. We would all appreciate it.

I like/use/am stirred to action by hymns and new songs, and the age or style of the song I'm singing in worship has nothing to do with what I'm conveying to God in worship.

 

I didn't get that email from the Lord saying, "I'm sending BGTF to tell you something."

 

BGTF, I have considered your offer to be my personal conscience carefully. I have decided to go with God instead. He does a better job, and I'd feel more comfortable going with Scripture rather than your personal preferences. Thanks for the offer, though. I'm sure you'll find other folks that will employ you for this task you desire to do.

 

Yes....listening to something not condemned by Scripture is exactly like adultery.

Fortunately, torturing logic is not a crime in any of the fifty states.

 

Then next time you had best not ask whether I think God is working in your church or not.


BGTF

 

I didn't expect that you would.

BGTF

 

Just wow. Sad.

 

There is no way you can even think about answering that question unless you had been to rbell's church. Besides, who cares if you think God is working or not? Do you think He needs your permission or "go ahead" to accomplish anything?

Well at least we understand each other.

 

I heard He just switched from AOL, that might be the problem :laugh: