Hymn Theology: Part 2
Hymns today serve a purpose besides being entertainment. In fact, they should not be entertaining at all. Music can be well played. However, it is for the LORD JESUS CHRIST and not ourselves that we are to play. As noted in the previous post by the same title, hymns can and should be instructional. They serve other purposes as well.
One such purpose is in preparing the heart to receive the sermon that is about to be received. JESUS sang the hymn with the disciples, then began giving them the hard facts of what was about to happen.
(Matthew 26:30) And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.
(Matthew 26:31) Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
(Matthew 26:32) But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
(Matthew 26:33) Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
(Matthew 26:34) Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
The best example of songs with great theology is the Bible's book of Psalms. These were the songs that the Hebrews sang! These things are chock full of theology. Take a look at Psalm 103. Look at the familiar chapter 23. I've written melodies to several portions of scripture, one being Psalms 100.
Hymnal Theology: Part One
On James Dobson's
Focus on the Family radio show, a statement was made in reference to how easy it is for many
Christians to believe what the novel,
The DaVinci Code teaches. Why is this so? Why do so many professing Christians (and many non-Christians, too) believe what that book of historical fiction says?
Kevin's Komment: the book should be referenced as hysterical fiction! The guest (whoever he was) said that
modern churches do not have THEOLOGY in their hymns that the old hymnbooks do. This is what contributes to the easy belief of the "code." I'm not focusing this article on the novel, but on our hymnbooks.
I've visited a few churches away from my home church. Many times, they practiced congregational singing by memorizing easy choruses, or perhaps had a view-screen with which to display the lyrics as they sang. More often than not, they had a band playing live music, some of whom made it plain that they were there to entertain. I've often noticed that this
display of musicianship and words seems to be a little trite. After about 5 rounds of "Praise the LORD for HE is great" and "Our GOD is an awesome GOD", its obvious that something is missing.
What is missing, you ask? Where's the blood that was shed for you and me? Where's the song that not only teaches that the blood of JESUS is shed, but also WHY we need the blood? (see Romans 5.6; 3.23, John 3.16; 1 Peter 1.18-23) How about the songs that do praise the LORD, but glorify HIM for not only CREATION itself, but also for taking the time to die on Calvary's Cross, to do what no other can do: provide an Atonement (covering) for my sins and your sins?
That's not all! Many songs teach us that we are to preach and witness for the LORD JESUS CHRIST, songs that remind us to pray and seek after the face of GOD, daily. Songs that point us to JESUS, not just as Saviour, not just as the Redeemer, not just as the Creator, but songs that point to HIM because
HE cares for us! (examples: Does Jesus Care; Noone Ever Cared For Me Like JESUS).
I'm not saying that the old hymnals are inspired in the same way that the Bible is
(Kevin's Komment: specifically, the King James/Authorized Version) There is, however, much to be gained for those who have access to a good Bible-doctrinally based hymnal. On the other hand, if all you get is twenty minutes or so of hopping around and waving your arms in the air while shouting Hallejah, I believe that you will go home well excercised, but missing out on something vital.
More next time!
Jay Seculow Comment On Marriage
www.aclj.com
On his radio show on (or about) June 6, 2006, he made the following statement.
"...church was in charge of determining the defn of marriage..." and that it was not the job of the courts to determine.
Actually, GOD instituted marriage and therefore, HE and HIS WORD determines the definition. Not man, and certainly not the church, despite what the Pope may think or teach (or demand)
Remember, in Genesis 2, God created Adam. Then HE put Adam to sleep and created Eve from his rib. That's not the end of the story, though. God then brought the bride to Adam. There are two things I'd like to mention:
First, GOD HIMSELF was involved in the creation of Adam and Eve. HE was also involved in their marriage, instituting it at this time. JESUS spoke of this first institution saying, that what GOD hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Secondly, just like GOD introduced the bride to the groom, one of these days, the Bride of CHRIST shall be introduced to the GROOM, the LORD JESUS CHRIST. That's what marriage is about. It is representation of the time when those who trust JESUS as their Saviour will spend eternity with HIM, because what/who GOD hath put together, let no man put asunder. No man, no creature, no event, not even death can separate us from the love of GOD once we are HIS. Read Romans 8 and John 10.
So, GOD instituted marriage, not the church. Therefore it is not the church's job to decide what a marriage is. It has already been decided. God means for marriage to be permanent. Permanent, just like our state of salvation. Once we belong to GOD, we belong to GOD! Never to be removed from HIM. Finally, the church is the Bride of CHRIST, and will one day be introduced to HIM when HE comes for it. What a day that will be!!
