2 concepts are indicated in these lyrics. First; praise isn't always accepted by God and second riches of this world often are treasured above the Lord. Both of these points are an issue when it comes to the Contemporary Christian music industry; in particular.
Lucifer according to Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14 was anointed as a Cherubim with musical giftings built into him. He chose glory for himself; therefore lost his place in heaven and consequently; can only use his talents for evil purposes today. It is hard to conceive that those who have written scripturally sound lyrics in the past could abandon the Lord; but mind boggling to see those who have continued to confess Christ but accept all the ideologies contrary to scripture. This is certainly reminiscent of the type of people you would expect in the last days Laodicean type church. The kind of God which is worshipped in this case is one sided toward love and acceptance and doesn't look at repentance seriously. God loved us enough to send His Son ( John 3:16) but when the Son had our sins placed on Him the Father had to look away. ( Matthew 27:46; Habakkuk 1:13).
There are exceptions; of course of artists whose lives truly reflect the proper doctrines; and show the proper behavior as a humble servant. This often at the very least means turning down more lucrative offers that cause compromise and starting your own music label. Many start in local churches then end up getting sucked into the greed of worldly desires for success and any new musician should have regular discipling and close association with a local church; preferably as a member. We should pray also for those who are gifted musically in secular circles that they will turn to Christ and witness to them when opportunities arise.
The contemporary Christian music industry was pretty much very small back in the 60's and 70's. But then it exploded in the 80's and 90's with the addition of music videos, concerts, and paraphernalia that accompanied the works of the artists that mirrored the worldly music industry.
At first church's began to have soloists or duets that sand contemporary songs during service and soon emerged the concept of the worship team complete with band instruments that are used by most rock and roll bands. The contemporary service was initiated where the whole congregation sang together the contemporary songs with the worship team.
This in itself is not wrong, but even this has been eclipsed by concert-like "services" now with worship team members jumping up and down, displayed on the big screens, smoke, and light shows. These are not necessary and really do distract worshippers from truly seeking God as our treasure as in the song you mentioned "Be Thou My Vision".
This type of religious service is very much focused on self and experience, emotions and getting a "high" from the experience. I do not wish to judge anyone here, but in my adult life I witnessed the progression in worship music and how it became more and more sensual and like the world's music more and more. The worship team members either dress "grunge-like" or are dressed immodestly, irreverently, and/or as if to put the focus on the singers and not on God.
But, even still, God can use any type of music that man creates as a way to worship Him. David used the lyre, the priests used trumpets. For many years the songs where sung without instruments in the Christian era-acapella and also in chanting. Then came the organs, then the pianos, and on and on. These in themselves can either be used to offer acceptable worship or in self-serving and even impure was of worship.
God looks on the heart. But as believers and worshippers, we can all certainly grow in the area of how we approach God in worship.
I hope your first days at work has gone well for you.
This song, Be Thou My Vision" is so very beautiful to sing and contemplate.
The part that stands out to me is where it says that God is our inheritance and treasure. I love to think on that. Oftentimes, either in songs or in our lives, the focus is on what we receive from God, but to know God as our inheritance and treasure and to proclaim it truly shows how deep is His value and desirability to those who believe. He is our heart's desire, our unspeakable gift, our unsurpassing inheritance, and our most worthwhile treasure, but above all, He is our greatest need, which only He can satisfy.
Good to have you back on here. I would like to continue our postings on the nature of God. So, I think we are on "H" yet I think you said you had more to post on "E,F,G".
Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.
2 concepts are indicated in these lyrics. First; praise isn't always accepted by God and second riches of this world often are treasured above the Lord. Both of these points are an issue when it comes to the Contemporary Christian music industry; in particular.
Lucifer according to Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14 was anointed as a Cherubim with musical giftings built into him. He chose glory for himself; therefore lost his place in heaven and consequently; can only use his talents for evil purposes today. It is hard to conceive that those who have written scripturally sound lyrics in the past could abandon the Lord; but mind boggling to see those who have continued to confess Christ but accept all the ideologies contrary to scripture. This is certainly reminiscent of the type of people you would expect in the last days Laodicean type church. The kind of God which is worshipped in this case is one sided toward love and acceptance and doesn't look at repentance seriously. God loved us enough to send His Son ( John 3:16) but when the Son had our sins placed on Him the Father had to look away. ( Matthew 27:46; Habakkuk 1:13).
There are exceptions; of course of artists whose lives truly reflect the proper doctrines; and show the proper behavior as a humble servant. This often at the very least means turning down more lucrative offers that cause compromise and starting your own music label. Many start in local churches then end up getting sucked into the greed of worldly desires for success and any new musician should have regular discipling and close association with a local church; preferably as a member. We should pray also for those who are gifted musically in secular circles that they will turn to Christ and witness to them when opportunities arise.
The contemporary Christian music industry was pretty much very small back in the 60's and 70's. But then it exploded in the 80's and 90's with the addition of music videos, concerts, and paraphernalia that accompanied the works of the artists that mirrored the worldly music industry.
At first church's began to have soloists or duets that sand contemporary songs during service and soon emerged the concept of the worship team complete with band instruments that are used by most rock and roll bands. The contemporary service was initiated where the whole congregation sang together the contemporary songs with the worship team.
This in itself is not wrong, but even this has been eclipsed by concert-like "services" now with worship team members jumping up and down, displayed on the big screens, smoke, and light shows. These are not necessary and really do distract worshippers from truly seeking God as our treasure as in the song you mentioned "Be Thou My Vision".
This type of religious service is very much focused on self and experience, emotions and getting a "high" from the experience. I do not wish to judge anyone here, but in my adult life I witnessed the progression in worship music and how it became more and more sensual and like the world's music more and more. The worship team members either dress "grunge-like" or are dressed immodestly, irreverently, and/or as if to put the focus on the singers and not on God.
But, even still, God can use any type of music that man creates as a way to worship Him. David used the lyre, the priests used trumpets. For many years the songs where sung without instruments in the Christian era-acapella and also in chanting. Then came the organs, then the pianos, and on and on. These in themselves can either be used to offer acceptable worship or in self-serving and even impure was of worship.
God looks on the heart. But as believers and worshippers, we can all certainly grow in the area of how we approach God in worship.
I hope your first days at work has gone well for you.
This song, Be Thou My Vision" is so very beautiful to sing and contemplate.
The part that stands out to me is where it says that God is our inheritance and treasure. I love to think on that. Oftentimes, either in songs or in our lives, the focus is on what we receive from God, but to know God as our inheritance and treasure and to proclaim it truly shows how deep is His value and desirability to those who believe. He is our heart's desire, our unspeakable gift, our unsurpassing inheritance, and our most worthwhile treasure, but above all, He is our greatest need, which only He can satisfy.
Good to have you back on here. I would like to continue our postings on the nature of God. So, I think we are on "H" yet I think you said you had more to post on "E,F,G".
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