The Worship Quote of the Week for (06/13/2006):

Music and Faith What does music accomplish in worship? What does it not accomplish? What is the role of faith in our time spent in corporate song? Today’s WORSHIP QUOTE is from Bob Kauflin of Sovereign Grace Ministries. 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, (November 25, 2003) in 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 music ministry web site at www.sovereigngraceministries.org/music where you can see the many worship resources available from Sovereign Grace Ministries. [If you are in a church that uses contemporary musical styles in worship, I strongly recommend that you look into the songs that have been written by Bob Kauflin, Steve and Vikki Cook, Mark Altrogge, and the other songwriters that are a part of this ministry. Our local church and seminary community have been greatly blessed by these Christ-centered, gospel-rich songs. If you would like to hear Bob teach on issues relating to Christian worship, go to www.sbts.edu/icw and click on “listen to past lectures.”] Have a great week. Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Music and Worship The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky www.carlstam.org www.sbts.edu/icw =========================== WORSHIP QUOTE OF THE WEEK: To subscribe, unsubscribe, or view a complete index of worship quotes, please visit http://www.wqotw.org ===========================