Post by pitbull on Feb 1, 2006 8:00:43 GMT -5
As I touch on the next guideline, this one will be true if the previous three are already met. What is the next guideline I wish to put forward for discussion? I believe the Bible teaches that true Christian music's message [the lyrics] should be clear — not vague or deceptive. The Bible says in 1 Cor 14:15: “I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the UNDERSTANDING also.” The message in Christian music should be clear, not vague, or unclear. Christian music should praise the Lord and — the listener should clearly understand the message. This is referring to the lyrics being used.
The Apostle Paul didn't try to "trick" anybody, he wanted to make sure he was understood:
· “Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great PLAINNESS of speech:” [2 Cor. 3:12]
· “And my speech and my preaching was NOT with ENTICING words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:” [1 Cor. 2:4]
Paul goes even further and warns against "enticing words":
· “And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with ENTICING words.” [Colossians 2:4]
For those who still think that many of our hymns were written from using secular tunes [like I used to believe that myth], please consider how Martin Luther, the German Reformer, also avoided any worldly influence and wanted the message clear:
"But I would like to avoid any new words or the language used at court. In order to be understood by the people, only the simplest and the most common words should be used for singing; at the same time, however, they should be pure and apt; and further, the sense should be CLEAR and as close as possible to the psalm." (Martin Luther, "To George Spalatin," Letters II, p. 69)
Look how clear these songs praise the Lord. And literally thousands of examples could be given:
· "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine" by Fanny Crosby
· "My Jesus I Love Thee" by Adoniram Gordon
· ”Wonderful Jesus" by Anna Russell
· "Victory in Jesus" by E.M. Bartlett
· "Jesus Is All the World to Me" by Will Thompson
· "Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know" by Lela Long
· "Jesus Lover of My Soul" by Charles Wesley
So, what I am suggesting? I believe that the Bible teaches that Christian music's message [a.k.a. lyrics] should be clear — not vague, or concealed. The previously submitted evidence is for you to consider for why I have came to this conclusion. If you disagree, you are welcome to submit your Biblical reasons why you believe the lyrics of Godly music can be indistinct or deceptive.
The Apostle Paul didn't try to "trick" anybody, he wanted to make sure he was understood:
· “Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great PLAINNESS of speech:” [2 Cor. 3:12]
· “And my speech and my preaching was NOT with ENTICING words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:” [1 Cor. 2:4]
Paul goes even further and warns against "enticing words":
· “And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with ENTICING words.” [Colossians 2:4]
For those who still think that many of our hymns were written from using secular tunes [like I used to believe that myth], please consider how Martin Luther, the German Reformer, also avoided any worldly influence and wanted the message clear:
"But I would like to avoid any new words or the language used at court. In order to be understood by the people, only the simplest and the most common words should be used for singing; at the same time, however, they should be pure and apt; and further, the sense should be CLEAR and as close as possible to the psalm." (Martin Luther, "To George Spalatin," Letters II, p. 69)
Look how clear these songs praise the Lord. And literally thousands of examples could be given:
· "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine" by Fanny Crosby
· "My Jesus I Love Thee" by Adoniram Gordon
· ”Wonderful Jesus" by Anna Russell
· "Victory in Jesus" by E.M. Bartlett
· "Jesus Is All the World to Me" by Will Thompson
· "Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know" by Lela Long
· "Jesus Lover of My Soul" by Charles Wesley
So, what I am suggesting? I believe that the Bible teaches that Christian music's message [a.k.a. lyrics] should be clear — not vague, or concealed. The previously submitted evidence is for you to consider for why I have came to this conclusion. If you disagree, you are welcome to submit your Biblical reasons why you believe the lyrics of Godly music can be indistinct or deceptive.