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Has God Ordained a certain style for Musical worship?

Dr. Bob

Administrator
Administrator
Part of why we have so many Baptist churches is that each has its own "style" in each aspect of worship. In most cases it is custom - how we grew up or what our tastes are in music, in instruments, in preaching, in doctrine, in cooperation with other churches, in programs/activities, in fellowship, in polity/governing, in leadership.

In our 23k small city we have 3 Baptist churches. Each with different mindset in the above. We chose one vastly different from our previous church.
 

JonC

Moderator
Moderator
That would be classic hymnals, or contemporary, or? Or is this all falling under preferences and convictions?
It falls under norms. Christians should worship in spirit and truth. Culture is reflected in worship styles because we are not trueky worshipping when we mimic the worship of others.

For example, if you went to church and they used chants instead of what is familiar to you, you could repeat those chants but would they facilitate your worship? Traditionally you would use Latin words you simply memorized. Would that be worshipping in truth?

Our worship is personal. It is a personal expression of worship.
 

JesusFan

Well-Known Member
Part of why we have so many Baptist churches is that each has its own "style" in each aspect of worship. In most cases it is custom - how we grew up or what our tastes are in music, in instruments, in preaching, in doctrine, in cooperation with other churches, in programs/activities, in fellowship, in polity/governing, in leadership.

In our 23k small city we have 3 Baptist churches. Each with different mindset in the above. We chose one vastly different from our previous church.
Our church once had 4 worship leaders, and each one had a different emphasis on worship, as one was straight church Hymnals, another contemporary, another more "rock", and the Pastors approach was do not criticize, just attend the worship service that best speaks to you
 

Scripture More Accurately

Well-Known Member
To answer this question properly, lots of wrong beliefs have to rejected. The Bible does not ever teach that God accepts the use of all kinds of instrumental music in worship.
 
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Salty

20,000 Posts Club
Administrator
In the Baptist Hymnal, page vi "In the year 1690, Baptist churches in England were embroiled in a divisive controversy. At issue was the question of whether to permit congregational singing in the worship services.

On pg v - it states: "This hymnal contains the plan of salvation. Each hymn has a Scripture reference and is true to the fundamental doctrines of the Bible." Selah
 

rsr

<b> 7,000 posts club</b>
Moderator
It falls under norms. Christians should worship in spirit and truth. Culture is reflected in worship styles because we are not trueky worshipping when we mimic the worship of others.

For example, if you went to church and they used chants instead of what is familiar to you, you could repeat those chants but would they facilitate your worship? Traditionally you would use Latin words you simply memorized. Would that be worshipping in truth?

Our worship is personal. It is a personal expression of worship.
The only true language for worship is Latin (or Greek). Now that we have screens (or digital bulletins), everyone can understand what the Latin or Greek means, so they can return to their rightful place.
 

David Lamb

Well-Known Member
The only true language for worship is Latin (or Greek). Now that we have screens (or digital bulletins), everyone can understand what the Latin or Greek means, so they can return to their rightful place.
Do you have any biblical support for saying that the only true language for worship is Latin (or Greek? Jesus said:

““God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”” (Joh 4:24 NKJV)

True worship must be in spirit and in truth. He said nothing about true worship only being in Latin or Greek.
 

Deacon

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Many of the psalms were originally songs, their musical notes were not preserved.

We do have a few of the musical instructions in the titles, but don’t really have a full understanding of what those words mean.

Even some of the instruments used to accompany the words are uncertain.

We can draw some conclusions, our musical preferences are derived from cultural aspects of a society rather than from a heavenly source.

God can appreciate any form of music whose aim is to glorify him.

Rob
 

xlsdraw

Well-Known Member
The scriptures say make a joyful noise unto the LORD.

Hence one of my favorite songs is: "Antioch Church House Choir" aka "Please Let Me Sing In the Choir".
 

Scripture More Accurately

Well-Known Member
Many of the psalms were originally songs, their musical notes were not preserved.

We do have a few of the musical instructions in the titles, but don’t really have a full understanding of what those words mean.

Even some of the instruments used to accompany the words are uncertain.

We can draw some conclusions, our musical preferences are derived from cultural aspects of a society rather than from a heavenly source.

God can appreciate any form of music whose aim is to glorify him.

Rob
There is no biblical basis to hold that any (in the sense of every) "form" of music can be used acceptably to God in corporate worship.
 
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JonC

Moderator
Moderator
Many of the psalms were originally songs, their musical notes were not preserved.

We do have a few of the musical instructions in the titles, but don’t really have a full understanding of what those words mean.

Even some of the instruments used to accompany the words are uncertain.

We can draw some conclusions, our musical preferences are derived from cultural aspects of a society rather than from a heavenly source.

God can appreciate any form of music whose aim is to glorify him.

Rob
I think this cultural aspect is by necessity for us to worship in spirit and truth.
A Western population may find it very difficult to worship in truth abiding by Eastern music styles, for example. Some music may sound proper to some ears, but horrible to the ears of others.

That said, there is room for Christians to grow to appreciate different worship styles. But this first requires love and not placing one's preferences above the needs of others.

Worship is not a formula but a personal expression.
 

Reformed

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
That would be classic hymnals, or contemporary, or? Or is this all falling under preferences and convictions?
This topic has been debated ad infinitum, ad nauseam and the debate still rages. Wouldn't it be helpful if there was a single passage in the Bible that said, "The type of music you should use during worship is [X]?" Of course, we don't have any instructions that are that clear. What we do have are biblical precepts that can help us make wise decisions. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 14:33 we read, "for God is not a God of confusion." Further down in verse 40 Paul writes, "But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner". Neither of these passages are about music during worship. However, we would not be wrong to draw the conclusion that we should not introduce anything in worship that is confusing, improper, or not orderly.

In the psalter we see examples of God-centric music. Indeed, Psalm 66 begins with:

Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You. “All the earth will worship You, And will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your name.”

Unlike many modern worship songs that focus on the singer, the psalms focus on God. Sing the glory of His name. Make His praise glorious. How awesome are Your works. Because of the greatness of Your power. All the earth will worship You, and will sing praises to You. They will sing praises to Your name.

There are certain churches that only sing the psalms during worship. Still others only sing the psalms acapella. On the opposite end are churches with elaborate stage productions, professional lead singers, and rock anthems that rival Boston in its heyday.

So, what's the answer? As best we can we need to determine whether our music glorifies God and is honoring to who He is.
 

Scripture More Accurately

Well-Known Member
This topic has been debated ad infinitum, ad nauseam and the debate still rages. Wouldn't it be helpful if there was a single passage in the Bible that said, "The type of music you should use during worship is [X]?" Of course, we don't have any instructions that are that clear. What we do have are biblical precepts that can help us make wise decisions. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 14:33 we read, "for God is not a God of confusion." Further down in verse 40 Paul writes, "But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner". Neither of these passages are about music during worship. However, we would not be wrong to draw the conclusion that we should not introduce anything in worship that is confusing, improper, or not orderly.

In the psalter we see examples of God-centric music. Indeed, Psalm 66 begins with:

Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You. “All the earth will worship You, And will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your name.”

Unlike many modern worship songs that focus on the singer, the psalms focus on God. Sing the glory of His name. Make His praise glorious. How awesome are Your works. Because of the greatness of Your power. All the earth will worship You, and will sing praises to You. They will sing praises to Your name.

There are certain churches that only sing the psalms during worship. Still others only sing the psalms acapella. On the opposite end are churches with elaborate stage productions, professional lead singers, and rock anthems that rival Boston in its heyday.

So, what's the answer? As best we can we need to determine whether our music glorifies God and is honoring to who He is.
Actually, no, having one single passage would very likely not solve the problems. Suppose that there were such a passage saying that music "X" is the kind of music that God wants during worship.

Multitudes of people would make all kinds of arguments against even such a direct statement by arguing things like the following:

"That statement was only for a certain people at a certain time. It does not apply to us."

Define 'X.'

"How can we know what 'X' is if we can't hear it?"

"God made all the other kinds of music besides 'X.' He loves them all. He accepts them all."

"Music is all cultural. It's all about people's preferences."

"No kind of music is any better than any other kinds of music."

Etc., Etc.

The deeper causes of the problems are all the false presuppositions and assertions that are made about worship music, none of which are supported with any legitimate biblical bases.
 

JesusFan

Well-Known Member
The only true language for worship is Latin (or Greek). Now that we have screens (or digital bulletins), everyone can understand what the Latin or Greek means, so they can return to their rightful place.
Hope that you are joking, for that almost sounds liek when Muslims claim Allah can only hear prayers in Arabic period!

The only true language for worship is Latin (or Greek). Now that we have screens (or digital bulletins), everyone can understand what the Latin or Greek means, so they can return to their rightful place.
You forgot biblical Hebrew as in the Psalms as worship
 

JesusFan

Well-Known Member
Do you have any biblical support for saying that the only true language for worship is Latin (or Greek? Jesus said:

““God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”” (Joh 4:24 NKJV)

True worship must be in spirit and in truth. He said nothing about true worship only being in Latin or Greek.
ONLY requirement would be to know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, and God promised then to hear all prayers and praises

There is no biblical basis to hold that any (in the sense of every) "form" of music can be used acceptably to God in corporate worship.
Actually God delights in our praises and worship if done from the heart and intend to glorify Him, regardless of the "style"

I think this cultural aspect is by necessity for us to worship in spirit and truth.
A Western population may find it very difficult to worship in truth abiding by Eastern music styles, for example. Some music may sound proper to some ears, but horrible to the ears of others.

That said, there is room for Christians to grow to appreciate different worship styles. But this first requires love and not placing one's preferences above the needs of others.

Worship is not a formula but a personal expression.
We must make the mistake to equate our own preferences and convictions to be exactly the same as what God thinks on this issue

This topic has been debated ad infinitum, ad nauseam and the debate still rages. Wouldn't it be helpful if there was a single passage in the Bible that said, "The type of music you should use during worship is [X]?" Of course, we don't have any instructions that are that clear. What we do have are biblical precepts that can help us make wise decisions. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 14:33 we read, "for God is not a God of confusion." Further down in verse 40 Paul writes, "But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner". Neither of these passages are about music during worship. However, we would not be wrong to draw the conclusion that we should not introduce anything in worship that is confusing, improper, or not orderly.

In the psalter we see examples of God-centric music. Indeed, Psalm 66 begins with:

Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You. “All the earth will worship You, And will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your name.”

Unlike many modern worship songs that focus on the singer, the psalms focus on God. Sing the glory of His name. Make His praise glorious. How awesome are Your works. Because of the greatness of Your power. All the earth will worship You, and will sing praises to You. They will sing praises to Your name.

There are certain churches that only sing the psalms during worship. Still others only sing the psalms acapella. On the opposite end are churches with elaborate stage productions, professional lead singers, and rock anthems that rival Boston in its heyday.

So, what's the answer? As best we can we need to determine whether our music glorifies God and is honoring to who He is.
What is ironic is that many chuches would find fault when obeying God there to "shout unto the Lord", as they would see Quietness as much more reverent
 
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