August 25, 1999

GRACE& PEACE:
Give thanks for a faith that
leads us to make music
___"And they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb." (Revelation 15:3)

___Have you ever pondered how dreadful it would be if God had not provided music as part of our faith? What would worship services be without music? What would lonely times be without the memory of great hymns to comfort and encourage us? What would evangelistic and missionary rallies be like without the stirring music we thrill to hear and to sing?
___Throughout the Bible, the emphasis on music is present. In the Old Testament, music plays a major role. One of the great songbooks of all time, the Psalms, is part of the Old Testament. The New Testament contains early Christian hymns and indicates heaven will be a place where there is singing.
___Throughout the ages, great music has been part of the Christian movement. Martyrs

WILLIAM M. PINSON JR. Executive Director BGCT Executive Board

sang as they went to their deaths. Reformers utilized music to instruct and to inspire, such as Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." Leaders of great renewal movements, such as John and Charles Wesley, made music part of those marvelous times of the fresh wind of the Holy Spirit. Preachers and theologians put some of their best insights into music. Great evangelists have made music a vital part of revivals and crusades.
___Music continues to be at the heart of the Christian movement. Church music at its best is not "show business" but a means of focusing on "God's business." Mass media today makes it possible for some church musicians to make fortunes on music, but the best Christian musicians continue to focus on the fortune of people in need of the saving message of the Lord Jesus Christ.
___It is true that music sometimes is a divisive factor in churches. Disputes about what is "good" church music have been present through the ages. Conflict over what instruments should be allowed in church services is nothing new. And even the matter of what choirs (or today's praise teams) should wear--to robe or not to robe has been an issue--has resulted in disputes. Nevertheless, music has been primarily a uniting factor in the Christian movement and is so today.
___Music can uplift and inspire in special ways. Music also can be a means of conveying teachings and doctrines. And music can plant in the minds of people truths that are important to them in times of crisis and need.
___How thankful I am for those who make music a wonderful part of the Baptist faith and fellowship. We owe much to musicians. Good music does not just happen but is the result of a price paid through disciplined development of musical skills.
___In churches, volunteers make possible graded choirs, choir tours and special performances. Without this dedicated host of volunteers, churches would be sadly lacking in the joy music brings for all ages.
___As we celebrate Church Music Emphasis Week, let us give thanks for the heritage that is ours as well as those who make music a part of our worship, praise and fellowship today.
___Please pray for ministers of music and church staff musicians. Pray for choir members and other music volunteers who provide music week by week. And pray for those who lead and sponsor various church music groups.

---

Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!