Same Ol' Music?

Jonathan Jones has posted a very good piece on our songs in worship. He is on to something. It has been my experience that there are a lot of people who think it's terrible that so many are starting to sing "devo" songs in worship. "We don't need new songs the old ones are good enough," is the refrain of many. Thank goodness people didn't say that when His Graces Reaches Me first was written. If so we wouldn't have it today. Every song was a "new song" at some point. New is not always bad. People need to step back and realize that they can hinder spiritual growth and maturity by sticking to the old "tradition." The main problem is people understanding the difference between God given tradition (things handed down by God that we cannot change) and areas of expediency that can, and sometimes should, change.

Enjoy Jonathan's piece:

"He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God" (Psalm 40:3). The Bible often speaks of us singing a "new song" in praise to our God (Psalm 33:3; 40:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1; Isaiah 42:10; Rev. 5:9; 14:3). I often tire of singing the same old songs over and over. Certainly there are some older songs that I treasure and will always love. Songs like "Abide with Me," "Nearer, Still Nearer," "Night with Ebon Pinion," and "I am a Wayfairing Stranger" will always be some of my favorites. But there is definitely something to be said about praising God with new words and new melodies. New words stimulate our minds to really sing with the "spirit and
understanding" (1 Cor. 14:15) instead of simply reciting words with little thought as to their meaning. New melodies stimulate our emotions as our hearts give way to the greatness of God and his relevance in our lives today.
Many of the older songs that we sing (let's really be honest), few of us know what we are singing. For example really listen to the words of a song we often sing in worship, "Drop thy still dews of quiteness, till all our strivings cease, take from our souls the stain and stress, and let our ordered lives confess, the beauty of thy peace." What?! We might as well sing in Latin. I'm not sure I can sing these words in good conscience, not knowing what I'm saying. Well, no wonder the song was written in 1872. When our worship services are filled with songs like this, most Christians between the ages of 18-45 become very discouraged. I can't blame them. We all desire to praise our God and let a meaningful message flow from our hearts up to God in worship. But in order to do this, we must know what we are singing, and be emotionally moved by it.
There are two great a capella CDs out called "praise and harmony" that are designed to teach new songs to congregations. You can listen to some of these songs for free from their website and purchase the CDs. I bought both of these recently at the Freed-Hardeman Lectureship and they are fantastic!

I Can't Believe It!

I'm Finally Home! Flying on planes all day is all I wanted for my birthday! 26 - I'm really feeling old.

What About the Numbers?

Today was our last full day in Tennessee. It has been a lot of fun but I simply cannot wait to be back in my own house and with my church family in Ripon. We are still at Ed and Penny’s house. It’s been so nice getting to spend time with them. They have been more than generous in letting us stay with them. They have taken care of me since they first met me and I believe with all my heart that the Lord knew I needed them.

Today we went to the Gospel Advocate bookstore. I had a good time visiting with the book dude there. His name has left me at one in the morning – go figure. While I was there I picked up a few books which you will probably be hearing more about in the future. The deal with my knew project I’m going to work on and possible use as my Master’s Thesis at Bear Valley.

I was reading Phil Sanders blog and posted below was my comment to his post on “For a More Balance Approach” which you can read by clicking on the title. Remember to sow the seed faithfully!

Although it be true that the "progressive" churches are losing just as many if
not more than they are gaining (I read on Mike Cope's blog a while back him
trying to justify why so many were leaving his church), a large area of concern
to me is anytime we try to justify our existence based upon numbers. Where did
we ever get the idea that increase or decrease in numbers meant the blessings or
cursings of God? At some point the Lord's church born on Pentecost began losing
numbers. Was it at that point that the Lord's church was no longer following
Christ or blessed by God? If my understanding of church history is at all
correct the majority of the church went with Augustine. Did the numbers justify
the doctrine?

Did hear me to be argumentative of the stats - they
are encouraging. My question deals more primarily with the whole idea of trying
to rationalize right or wrong based upon numbers. What if the numbers did show
we were dying? Does that mean it's time to give up the tripartite hermy and
embrace the ever enigmatic "new hermeneutic?" What if the numbers showed that
Instrumental Music churches were increasing in number and A Cappella churches
were loosing numbers? Does that mean it's not time to depart from the
understanding that silence can be prohibitive and God really does want to be
worshiped with mechanical instruments? Am I making any sense at
all?

Let me give you a real life example. The congregation where I
am at we have experienced an increase in numbers sense I got here 2 years ago.
Am I supposed to take from that we are doing everything right, if anything? How
about this... I know a man who has been preaching the gospel since Noah built
the ark and the congregation where he is at has dropped at that same time frame
(and he is one of the most evangelistic men I know). Does that mean his message
is not valid and "my" ministry is approved of by God more than "his" ministry?
Does that mean I'm successful and he is not?

I fear greatly that we
have put trust and faith in numbers instead of putting trust and faith in God's
word. It says what it says and I will follow regardless of the numbers – as I am
confident you will too. I think the great lesson to learn from all of this is
that their (progressives or whatever you want to call them) rational for
existence is entirely built upon numbers. They can stand on their numbers and I
will take God’s word.

Just my thoughts,
Caleb

Sunday in Tennessee

This morning we worshiped with the brethren at Highland in Columbia. It was so wonderful to see old faces and reacquainted. After worship we went to lunch at Legends with the Jetts, Curtis and Fay, and the White's. L.G. and Curtis were so wonderful to me while we were here. They are great godly men. They are also down to earth and easy to talk to - the conversation is never boring. L.G. told us today about catching himself on fire for a few seconds burning stumps. This came on the heels of me asking what he is doing as a retired guy. The answer? Burning stumps! I told him that's better than smoking weeds. Such great people - did I mention that yet?

It was so nice spending time with the Jetts. They are such sweet and loving people. We think of them like another set of parents and the kids love them. Today Travis and I went for a quick drive in his BMW Z3 - it's a cool car. Travis really likes the loud horn he bought for it. Ahhhh - I'm really going to miss them. I think of the people at Highland often.

This evening we went to services at Spring Meadows in Spring Hill again. After services we had a nice potluck dinner. We are staying with our good friends Ed and Penny McCormick in Spring Hill. My sisters family is all sick so the McCormick's are bailing us out. It's so nice getting to spend time with them too. It's comfortable being with them - just like at home.

Although Freed's lectures were a bit disappointing to me I still enjoyed myself and learned. One thing is for sure, I have a renewed desire to study John. Bad thing is because I disagreed with most peoples exegesis of John! :) Question of the day - What is the purpose of John's gospel?