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Music and Faith
MUSIC AND FAITH We must understand the distinction between the role of music and the role of faith in drawing near to God. Music has many benefits. It moves us emotionally. It helps us to reflect on, remember, and be affected by the truth. However, apart from faith resonating in our hearts, we are no closer to God when we sing than when we wash dishes or do homework. Ultimately, this means that as I seek to exalt God, I place no value in my own efforts, enthusiasm, talents, intelligence, background, repentance, or desire, no matter how strong or weak I may be in any of these areas. Rather, my confidence lies in the faithful character of God, the perfect sacrifice of Jesus on my behalf, and the trustworthiness of God's promises. This is worship fueled by faith. —Bob Kauflin, in a recent issue (November 25, 2003) of his e-mail column "Worship Matters" for www.crosswalk.com. Kauflin is Director of Worship Development for Sovereign Grace Ministries (formerly PDI). Please visit their web site at www.sovereigngraceministries.org/music where you can easily sign up to get Bob’s weekly column. I strongly recommend it and the many worship resources available from Sovereign Grace Ministries. [MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR A SUMMER WORKSHOP: Bob Kauflin and Harold Best will be my guests at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for a special summer workshop to study biblical worship. The dates are July 12-16, 2004. More information will follow.] Have a great week, Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Music and Worship Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky carlstam@aol.com www.carlstam.org www.sbts.edu =========================== WORSHIP QUOTE OF THE WEEK: To subscribe, unsubscribe, or view a complete index of worship quotes, please visit http://www.wqotw.org =========================== |