Contemporary Worship Services

[Kabowd]

Psa 150:4 KJV Praise him with the timbrel and

dance: praise him with stringed instruments and

organs.

Here it says 'organs' or pipes or flutes in various

translations. These are the predecesor of the pipe

organ known as the king of instruments. A pipe organ

is made up of many pipes that include sets of flute

pipes. What better way to praise the 'King of Kings'

but with the 'king of instruments'!!! (or a Rogers

electronic organ?).

But I thought you just said satan was made of flutes?

Just because Satan fell and was booted out, doesn't mean these instruments went with him. These instruments remain in God's intent.

Eze 28:13 KJV Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

So, are you suggesting that only the tambourine and pipe [organ] should be used in "worship" because they are the only two mentioned in this verse? I'm confused by this logic. Could you explain? Also, I asked several other questions in my previous post that were not answered. Here's a recap:

Do you attribute all of the good things you experienced there to the Hammond organ and traditional "style" worship? What would you say to someone who has experience equal or greater intimacy with God through contemporary style worship? Or classical music? Or Scripture sang to hard-rock music?

Can you tell me what instruments you consider to be "contemporary" and therefore not suitable for worshipping God with? Where did you get your standard for measuring this? For instance, is any instrument created past 1800 unsuitable? Or do you go back farther than that?

Is satan behind the creation of all instruments other than the Hammond organ and piano?

If you could answer those, I'd appreciate it. Thanks..

[Scarletprayers]

I seem to be a party of one.....................no musical instruments, no choir..........just all the people singing and praising together!

[Smalcald]

I think all music that is not filthy or Blasphemous is from God, as is all Art.

There is also music that is for praise of Christ alone, but a Sonnet by Bach for example, who was a devout Christian, without a single word spoken, praises God.

[Salt]

Tess wrote: Do you attribute all of the good things you experienced there to the Hammond organ and traditional "style" worship? What would you say to someone who has experience equal or greater intimacy with God through contemporary style worship? Or classical music? Or Scripture sang to hard-rock music?

The traditional worship that I experienced at the AofG years back, was in the sanctifying presence of God-the beauty of holiness. Church (and even daily living) was a very intimate time with Jesus. There were also times of free worship. Many people spent time humbly kneeled at the alter and front pews in prayer. We believed in Holy Ghost living, the blood of Christ, and had a heart for missions. Though very glorious, the church was lacking teaching on some of the fundamentals.

I do not find a kindred with God in modern 'contemporary' worship services. I've tryed. The holy, reverent, and quieting relationship with the Lord just isn't there.

Each person has to work out their own salvation. So, whatever church or style of worship you choose is up to you.

In searching the scriptures, I find the words 'solemn feasts' and 'solemn assemblies'. Solemn is defined on my computer dictionary as: "Dignified and somber [serious] in manner or character and committed to keeping promises".

Isa 30:29 KJV Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel.

Tess wrote: Can you tell me what instruments you consider to be "contemporary" and therefore not suitable for worshipping God with? Where did you get your standard for measuring this? For instance, is any instrument created past 1800 unsuitable? Or do you go back farther than that?

Remember, my converstation is centered in on Sabbath day services. I use the word Sabbath as some meet on Sunday, yet other congregations meet on Saturday.

My contemporary experience in church was with Rock and Roll. Calvary Chapel had a lighter style. What may be suitable for youth events or to listen to during the week to joyfully entertain, I do not feel is meant by God for Sabbath worship. There are some new songs however that are biblically rich and can do nicely in a reverant traditional style. There are instruments that can be used in different styles.

What is the standard for measuring this--the heart. A heart before God. I can share my experience, but each person has to seek prayerfully and decide for themselves.

Tess wrote: Is satan behind the creation of all instruments other than the Hammond organ and piano?

The Bible mentions many musical instruments to glorify God:

Psa 150:3-6 KJV Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery [similar to the lyre or zither] and harp. (4) Praise him with the timbrel [drum similar to a tambourine] and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs [flutes or pipes]. (5) Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. (6) Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Satan did not invent instruments, (though he is perhaps an influence to modify some). He can only pervert their use to steal glory away from God and the church.

Joh 10:10 KJV The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Even some pipe organs have been made that are extremely piercing in tone. They detract the heart from worship.

Have you researched others on the subject? Have you listened to and read these links?:

A1M Introduction Video

Here is a related article on their site:

Psalm, Hymns and Spiritual Noise

by Steve Camp

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Good night!

Edited November 9, 2005 by Salt

[Salt]

One more comment:

When speaking about 'traditional worship' backed by organ and even a piano, I refer to an 'evangelical' style. It is alive, not to be confused with what was found in a dead denominational church.

Also, I do enjoy various types of Christian music to listen to during the week, but Sunday is special and I look forward to the traditional.

Edited December 3, 2005 by Salt

[Fiosh]

I remember hearing a long time ago that "music is the response of the soul to the realization that it's salvation can be found in Jesus".

The mind responds with words. But the spirit responds with music.

I admit, not totally accurate. But the "spirit" of this concept speaks to me. When I worship in silence or in spoken prayer, it can be very moving and reverent. But when I worship in music and song, my spirit is somehow moved in a way not often achieved by words alone. Music helps my spirit to overcome the weight of my body and soar more readily toward the heavens.

[Salt]

I had never thought of music that way.

What do you think about that statement?

And is it possible that the Lord designed us to enjoy music in a way that gives us a glimpse into the supernatural? What is it about music that humans can't resist?

I do not really enjoy most music, especially secular music.

Wrong types of music, and wrong lyrics, definitely distract from praise and worship. Just because everyone is clapping and singing does not mean they are praising God. REcall people do this at secular concerts too. Clap, sing, even fient. Often a keen eye can observe churchians doing so just because its the "cool thing to do" among christians, or because their favorite preacher or other performer started leading the music.

I would much rather have praise and worship with no music at all than to have to endure "contemporary" music or so-called "christian rock", even if its the same lyrics as my favorite traditional songs and hymns, because the music itself takes away from the praise and worship by being a distraction.

Amen.

I can enjoy various types of Christian music during the week as more of an entertainment that the Lord blesses. The joy of the Lord is our strength. However, when Sunday rolls around, I look forward to a reverant traditional service with organ, hymns, and other select songs. It is a time to 'tabernacle' with the Lord and find deep wholeness.

While traveling, I found one Charismatic church that added a traditional service. I hope others do too--especially where I live.

[Gerioke]

Until I became a "worship musician" I though worship was the act of proclaiming he awesome diety of God. I had no idea ha so many people relied on music to bring them to his place.

[nebula]

Every time I hear about organs, I recall an account my friend told me.

She was on a mission trip to France, and of course the group included a little touring in the process.

When they entered the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the organ was being played - in some minor key.

The first thing that passed through my friend's mind was "Phantom of the Opera."

She has a friend who has a high nostalgia about cathedrals.

When she told this to him, he nearly strangled her.

*****

OK, in all seriousness, I have a hard time worshiping to hymns being played by organ.

If it blesses you, that is great.

But please don't push it on me, OK?

[darren]

To me its not as much about the music of a song, but its about the words of a song.