Scriptural Singing
Notes
Transcript
Did you know? some Early Baptists did not even have Songs or music in their worship Service? The “General baptists” in 1689 were afraid “non-Christians” would sing along with them. They rejected “Group Singing.” Particular baptists opposed singing and instruments. NOT ALL, but Some. then they read the Bible and realized the early church sang songs…
Did you know? some Early Baptists did not even have Songs or music in their worship Service? The “General baptists” in 1689 were afraid “non-Christians” would sing along with them. They rejected “Group Singing.” Particular baptists opposed singing and instruments. NOT ALL, but Some. then they read the Bible and realized the early church sang songs…
Some of them did not sing as to not draw attention to their meeting places. That may be understandable in times of persecution. Baptists living in Massachusetts would read their Geneva Bible because the King James Version reading Anglicans persecuted, imprisoned and fined them. Some were executed because they rejected infant baptism and believed in “Believer’s baptism.” So some started singing quietly.
Even today “Primitive baptists” reject musical instruments and only sing A Capella.
Most baptists in the 17th century added to worship the singing of SONGS, as opposed to chanting.
MUSIC and SINGING ARE A RICH PART OF the CHRISTIAN LIFE AND CHURCH LIFE.
QUALITY MUSIC BLESSES EVERYONE.
QUALITY MUSIC BLESSES EVERYONE.
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Music in Worship)
A singer was admitted to the levitical choir at the age of 30 following a 5-year apprenticeship (1 Chr 23:3). Five years is a relatively short time considering the amount of material these singers had to memorize (for there was no notation) and the liturgical ritual they had to master; it is speculated that they actually were in training from childhood. The Levites lived in villages outside the city wall and may have been actively involved in the musical education of their children (Neh 12:29). The Levites performed other duties connected with the sacred service, but the singers were excused from all other duties “for they were on duty day and night” (1 Chr 9:33). Their skills were an important part of the temple worship, and they were able to devote their entire life to the development of their musical ability. A singer served in the choir for 20 years, from age 30 to 50, and the music was of a high quality due to strict discipline and continuous practice and performance.
QUALITY MUSIC BLESSES EVERYONE.
QUALITY MUSIC BLESSES EVERYONE.
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Music and Musical Instruments
A natural expression of man which probably began with speech-singing and developed into songs, which were then accompanied by instruments. Music as we know it has become quite complex, a luxury and entertainment; music in antiquity, however, was a functional expression of daily life, work, and worship.
A Little Music History:
Jiahu Flutes
Jiahu Flutes
Age: 7,000 – 9,000 years old
Country of Origin: Jiahu, Yellow River Valley, China
Material(s) Used: Red-Crown Crane wing bones
Bullroarer
Bullroarer
Age: about 20,000 years old
Country of Origin: Different parts of the world; oldest examples from Ukraine and France
Material(s) Used: Thin slat of wood and cord
Geisenklösterle Flutes
Geisenklösterle Flutes
Age: 42,000 – 43,000 years old
Country of Origin: Geisenklösterle Cave, Blaubeuren, Germany
Material(s) Used: Mute Swan bone and Mammoth Ivory
And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle. And his brother’s name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Music in the Old Testament
The name “Jubal” is believed to be a derivative from the Hebrew word for “ram.” The ram’s horn (shophar) was an early instrument of the Jewish people and was significant in signaling important events.
Be Basic 6. The Builder (Gen. 4:16–24)
The people in the city of Enoch had varied occupations. Some followed Jabal and took care of livestock (v. 20). Others learned from Jabal’s brother Jubal and devoted themselves to making and playing musical instruments (v. 21). The followers of Tubal-Cain were metalworkers (v. 22), which suggests the manufacture of farm implements, building tools, and personal weapons. Cain lived in a society that was rich in culture as well as in industry and food production. In the city of Enoch, they had everything but God.
These boys had a lot of stuff and added much culture to civilization, but they loved their skills and stuff more than they loved God.
Cain killed Abel, and Cain’s family, just like Seth (Abel’s replacement, “In the place of”) played a big part in the formation of the human world. Some music comes from Cain, Some music comes from the Sons of Seth.
The “Organ” is a wind instrument. Not like the large piano like organs (old ones you pumped air with your feet), but this is more like a flute. The organ is a flute like Wind instrument.
The Harp is a hand instrument. Stringed instrument.
Percussion instruments such as cymbals are found in Psalms.
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy: Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary (Old Testament), Volume 1 Lines of Cain and Seth (4:17–5:32)
Harp and flute (4:21). Earliest examples of these musical instruments identified archaeologically date to the third and fourth millennia B.C. The first flutes were made of bone, but by the fourth millennium examples in silver are attested. Stringed instruments are attested in tombs and musicians in action are portrayed in art.
Some Musicians follow God.
Some musicians go away from God.
All of life, and every field is like this.
Several observations about Music:
Music can Be Morally Good or Bad.
Music can Be Morally Good or Bad.
Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellers, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
Music that causes idolatry should be avoided.
Music that encourages immorality should be avoided.
Songs about affairs, divorce, drug abuse, violence, and more are not songs that help your spiritual, relational, or physical life. LISTEN FOR CONTENT.
There Is Much Variety in Music Acceptable to God.
There Is Much Variety in Music Acceptable to God.
Many songs in the Bible are about situational life circumstances. Folks songs and Story Telling Songs and songs About Life are Acceptable.
In a church setting, we sing new and old songs that are Biblical accurate and engaging to the soul.
We use a projector screen that helps us look up as we lift up our voices to God. Our music is not confined to a pre-selected set of songs in a book.
Melody is mostly found in the Bible, and Harmony can add depth to the melody.
While Western culture talks about “Beat” the Hebrews called it “Rhythm.”
In the Scripture: Singing is found in the Temple, in the church, in prison, in battle, in gardens, and in people’s homes in married couples bedrooms...
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Psalms = Are more OT in nature.
New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries: Updated Edition 5568 ψαλμός (psalmos)
ψαλμός psalmos; from 5567; a striking(of musical strings), a psalm:—Psalm(1), psalm(1), Psalms(3), psalms(2).
Hymns = Are more NT in Nature.
New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries: Updated Edition 5215 ὕμνος (humnos)
ὕμνος humnos; a prim. word; a hymn:—hymns(2).
Spiritual Songs = Pnuema/Spirit - “Odes”
ᾠδή ōdē; contr. from ἀοιδή aoidē (a song); from the same as 103; a song, ode:—song(5), songs(2).
Psalms, Hymns, Spiritual Songs are CHURCH MUSIC.
GENRE: Variety and different flavors of music is good.
GENERATION: Each generation creates sound. Some music sounds like it is from 1960. Some sounds like the 80’s. The way some music is orchestrated, dates the music to a certain time period.
Even in Christian music, there is generational variety and genre “flavors.”
Song of Solomon is a “Love Song.”
Deborah’s song is a battle song.
Elizabeth's song is a birthday song.
Psalm 23 is a “Country Song.”
Psalm 18 is a Victory Song.
The Song of Moses is a “Folk Song.” ex 15
Praise Songs are everywhere in the Bible.
And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs are the music of the Christian Church.
There is a Call for new Songs to be Sung.
There is a Call for new Songs to be Sung.
Just because a song is old does not mean it is worthy of your singing or listening.
2 times in the future (Revelation) the Saints sing a “New Song.” The words are there; probably a very dynamic tune with the perfect instrumentation of Heaven...
Sing unto him a new song;
Play skilfully with a loud noise.
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God:
Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
O sing unto the Lord a new song:
Sing unto the Lord, all the earth.
O sing unto the Lord a new song;
For he hath done marvellous things:
His right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
I will sing a new song unto thee, O God:
Upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.
2 Times in Revelation the Saints Sing a “New Song!”
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
The Songs we sing in church, whether older, or newer are examined to be Biblical accurate and are presented with a classy, tasteful style.
The Songs we sing in church, whether older, or newer are examined to be Biblical accurate and are presented with a classy, tasteful style.
We learn from the songs we sing, not just the preaching we hear.
We learn from the songs we sing, not just the preaching we hear.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Music Is Occasional.
Music Is Occasional.
At Farewell Parties. Laban, Jacob, Rachel, Leah.
Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
At Welcome Home Parties.
And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.
At Military Victories.
Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the Lord had made them to rejoice over their enemies. And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the Lord.
At Times of Thanksgiving. Ex 15, God delivered the people through the Red Sea and and entire chapter is a song about it.
At Worship Services. Psalms is an example.
At the Last Supper, Jesus and Disciples Sang an Hymn. Probably the last of the OT Passover; Psalms 118
Singing in the OT has a larger role than even the instrumentation does. Use your voice to sing to the Lord.
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Implications for Christian Worship
The God of Jacob did not demand loud noises to attract his attention and the music of the temple became a free expression of the Hebrews in praise of God.
QUALITY MUSIC BLESSES EVERYONE.
QUALITY MUSIC BLESSES EVERYONE.
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
WHEN I READ HOW THE TEMPLE SINGERS REHEARSED SO MUCH AND PERFECTED THEIR CRAFT, IT WAS A CHALLENGE TO ME.
Don’t accept half hearted singing in your life.
Don’t give God second best if you are singing or playing an instrument.
Teach your kids music early. Buy them quality lessons. Quality musicians are not cheap and are hard to find. Good music is an investment.
QUALITY MUSIC IS A BLESSING TO ALL;
here is the message…
Music Ministers to Others. (Speaking to Yourselves)
Music Ministers to Others. (Speaking to Yourselves)
Quality music attracts.
Quality music encourages.
Quality music engages.
Quality Music educates.
Quality Music motivates. Motion creates emotion and emotion causes action. “God loved so He gave.” “We love Him so we serve.”
Music effects emotion… King Saul was moping around feeling sorry for himself and David's harp playing cheered him up.
Music Minsters to Yourself. (In your heart)
Music Minsters to Yourself. (In your heart)
Have music in your house and car.
Have music in your heart; hum a tune.
Have music that you enjoy.
Songs of our childhood are sentimental memories that can bless us in good or tough times.
Music Ministers to God. (To the Lord)
Music Ministers to God. (To the Lord)
Sing Christian Music. No matter the tunes you prefer, your songs can lift up Gods name.
Sing with your church congregation.
Sing with glorifying God in mind.
Conclusion:
Whether you sing “A Mighty Fortress”
A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
Or “Mighty to Save” like these Ukrainian Christians in the middle of a battle. SHOW VIDEO:
Savior, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever, author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
HOW CAN THIS SONG HELP? It’s About God. It’s worship to The Mighty God… Because they are spiritually saved, eternally forgiven.
The Lord is my strength and song,
And is become my salvation.
WHEN JESUS IS YOUR SONG, You Can Sing to Him, have your nerves calmed, faith increased, and resolve deepened.
Music Ministers to Others.
Music Minsters to Self.
Music Ministers to God.
RESPONSE:
Do I have encouraging Christian music in my life?
Do I participate in Worship Music?
Has God become “My Song?” Am I a Christian?