New Online Course!

Thursday, June 03, 2010

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As of today, we have a new online video course available on our Asaph Music School website. Inspirational Improvisation by Greg Howlett is an incredible course designed for the intermediate to advanced pianist who wants to learn how to create their own hymn arrangements. Highly recommended!

Greg, of course, is a very accomplished pianist who has produced several tremendous piano recordings and regularly performs concerts in local churches

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Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs

Monday, May 03, 2010

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In two different passages of Scripture, the Apostle Paul admonishes believers to sing three distinct types of songs: psalms, hymns and spirituals songs.

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:19)

"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." (Colossians 3:16)

Let's take a closer look at each of these three diffent types of songs:

Psalm: a song taken from the book of Psalms in the Bible, or based directly on the words of Scripture

Examples:

O God, Our Help in Ages Past - Psalm 90
Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken - Psalm 87
He Owns the Cattle on a Thousand Hills - Psalm 50
I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord - Psalm 89

Hymn: a song of praise typically addressed to God, meant to be sung by a congregation; often has no chorus/refrain; extols the virtues of God

Examples:

Great Is Thy Faithfulness
And Can It Be That I Should Gain
Come, Thou Almighty King
O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing

Spiritual Song: a more personal, emotional expression concerning a Christian's walk with God

Examples:

Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary
Victory in Jesus
No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus

The singing in your church ought to have a good variety of the diffent types of songs. All are important in a well-rounded church music program

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Habakkuk - The Musical Prophet

Monday, April 26, 2010 (Edited 6/26/2010)

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Toward the end of the Old Testament, we come across a book in the minor prophets in which we discover the musical expression of a preacher named Habakkuk. The book of Habakkuk contains many stern warnings for the people of Judah. Like many of the prophets, he paints a picture of terrible judgements that will fall upon the wicked, those who turn their backs on God, and those who seek to oppress the people of God.

There are many passages in Habakkuk that have become well-known because of their succinct presentation of deep truth, and made famous by such men as Martin Luther:

• "The just shall live by his faith." (2:4)
  
• "Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor drink." (2:15)
  
• "The Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him." (2:20)
  
• "O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years." (3:2)

However, the book of Habakkuk ends differently than any other book of prophecy. Chapter 3 is a prayer offered up in the form of a song. The last verse even states that the preacher played upon stringed instruments.

"A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth. O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy. God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power. Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet. He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting. I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble. Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation? Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers. The mountains saw thee, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high. The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear. Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger. Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah. Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly. Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, through the heap of great waters. When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops." (vss 1-16)

And then, I love the ending of Habakkuk's song. It reminds me of that wonderful passage in the book of Job where Job states:

"The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21b)

What a beautiful attitude for every child of God to exhibit:

"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon min

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Musical Wisdom

Monday, March 22, 2010

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My mother used to say, "Learning is never wasted." The point she was trying to make was, any time we have an opportunity to learn something new, we should enter into the education process with eagerness.

God wants us to be educated, knowledgeable, and wise concerning our life and our work. God puts no premium on our ignorance. We ought to be constantly striving to learn and grow, and to know more about our subject matter.
"A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels." (Proverbs 1:5)

"My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path." (Proverbs 2:1-9)
Jesus Himself displayed growth in His education as a fully human young man.
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." (Luke 2:52)
We know from the Scriptures that true knowledge and understanding comes only from the Lord, and He desires that we ask Him for the wisdom we need.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)
Here are some practical steps we can take so that we can become better able to serve the Lord through our music:
• Take every available opportunity to learn more about music, so that you can better use music as a tool to serve the Lord.
• Find yourself a mentor, someone who can help you grow.
• Pray to God for wisdom.
• Read and study Bible passages that deal with the subject of music.
• Take a class or online course that will help train you in your area of ministry.
• Read good books dealing with music theory, music ministry, and music standards.
• Subscribe to Godly magazines that will help you become wise.
• Be prepared to help those who have genuine questions concerning Biblical music standards.
"Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." (1 Peter 3:15b)
We must learn and grow so that we can become wise and understanding, and walk in "every good path."

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Music for Resurrection Sunday

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 (Edited 3/17/2010)

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If your church is like ours, attendance in the worship service is always higher at Easter (which, by the way, I prefer to call "Resurrection Sunday"). Many people will come to church this one time during the year because of family tradition, or perhaps because a church-going relative invites them. This is a great opportunity to witness the love of Christ to those who have never heard it before.

Our entire belief in the concepts of salvation and eternal life as taught in the Scriptures hinges on the fact of the resurrection. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then neither will we. And if that is true, we are "of all men most miserable."
"Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (1 Corinthians 15:12-22)
Our music should be joyful, powerful and life-changing in order to effectively communicate the joyful, powerful and life-changing event of the resurrection. Find some great music, such as "My Hope Is Still Alive" by Ron Hamilton, or "Forgiven Forever" by Glenn Christianson and perform it with passion. Maybe even an Easter cantata would be appropriate, as long as the Gospel is clearly and powerfully presented. Choose music that will move people to make a decision for Jesus Christ.

It was the Apostle Paul's desire to know Christ and the "power of his resurrection" (Phil. 3:10), and it was this desire that motivated him to become such a powerful testimony to a lost world of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Let's allow the "power of his resurrection" to be reflected in our songs. Sing with excellence and passion. Stir the hearts of your audience to desire to experience the resurrection for themselves. Thank the Lord from the depths of your soul for conquering death and hell. Praise the Lord!

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Which Direction Are You Headed?

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

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I once heard a Bible college professor state, "It is not as important where you are in life, as in what direction you are headed." Consider for a moment the fact that we are all broken, sinful creatures, trying to make sense of the broken, sinful world around us. We must, in the midst of conflicting ideas and personal desires, decide which direction we are going to head. Are we going to give God and the Bible the benefit of the doubt, seek God's will in our life, and obey Him? Or, are we going to listen to the lies of the devil and of our own flesh, and follow the paths that lead to our own destruction?
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Pro. 14:12)

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Mat 7:13-14)
You see, in the midst of these confusing days, there are some tremendous battles being fought, with eternal consequences.

1. Satan is at war with the plan of God.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (1 Pet. 5:8-9)
2. Our flesh is at war with the Spirit of God.
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." (Gal. 5:16, 17)
A decision must be made. No one can be neutral in these conflicts. We are all headed one direction or the other.

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. 6:24)
Now, whose side are we going to be on? Which direction are we going to head?

Many people have never made a conscious decision to live for God. They say they love God, but are headed in the direction of the world and the flesh. These folks are going the wrong way. They will not experience the presence and the blessing of God on their lives.

Others have lives that are not yet perfectly conformed to the will of God, but they desperately desire to know God and long to have the victory over their flesh. They are going the right way, but have not yet "made it." These are the folks who are going to be used by God.

Our music is a reflection of the direction we are going. It will either exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, or it will be fleshly and worldly. Maybe it is time we stopped and asked ourselves the questions, "Which way am I going?" and, "What does my music say about my desire to live for God?"

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The Commandment of the Lord

Monday, March 01, 2010

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Whose idea was it, that men should utilize music in the praise and worship of the Lord? Did the plan come from the imagination of a king, prophet, priest, or musician?

According to the Scriptures, God Himself ordained that music be used as an integral part of corporate worship.
"And he [Hezekiah] set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet: for so was the commandment of the LORD by his prophets." (2 Chronicles 29:25)
Under King David the music program in the tabernacle, and later in the temple, was firmly established. However, we need to realize that the importance of music in the worship of God did not originate with David, or the chief musicians, men like Asaph, Ethan, or Heman. The music program began as a direct command from God Himself.

I believe this has some important implications that we need to consider:
• Believers who are able to sing, but do not do so, are living in disobedience
  
• Adequate resources ought to be allocated to the music department
  
• The pastoral staff must encourage and support participation in music making activities
  
• Great care must be exercised in keeping the music holy and Biblical
  
• Music must be performed regularly, and be consistently within high musical and moral standards
  
• Musicians must be fully prepared to the best of their abilities
  
• Musicians must be in submission to their spiritual leaders - pastors, music directors
  
• Musicians must have a blameless walk with God
We need to heed God's will for our lives and live in obedience to the command to serve Him with our songs

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The Heart of the Matter

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

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Please read the following passage concerning the reign of King Jehoshaphat carefully. I believe this story has interesting applications to the ministry of church music:
"So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about. And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: he was thirty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD. Howbeit the high places were not taken away: for as yet the people had not prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers." (2 Chronicles 20:30-33)
Notice that, though Jehoshaphat personally was "doing that which was right in the sight of the Lord," the people "had not prepared their hearts unto...God." As a result, the nation as a whole was in disobedience to God's will.

Have you ever tried to motivate singers whose hearts were obviously not interested in the things of God? What if you are dealing with a group who do not have the "joy of heart" mentioned in Isaiah 65:14?

Music issues are almost always primarily spiritual issues. The heart of the matter of singing is indeed a matter of the heart. The best thing you can do personally for your singing is to make certain your heart is right with God. The best thing you can do for musicians with whom you work, is to be absolutely certain their hearts are right with God.

I believe there are some things that we can do to motivate our singers to have a heart for God:
• Expose them to strong preaching that encourages them to decide to live for God
• Train them to encourage one another in the matter of holiness and clean living
• Teach them to daily submit themselves humbly to the will of God in their lives
Only as we purify our mind and hearts can we as singers truly fulfill our responsiblity to sing to the Lord with a new song of praise.
"O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation." (Psalms 95:1)
Let's prepare our hearts unto the Lord, so that we can serve Him fully in the matter of music

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"And the Prisoners Heard Them"

Monday, February 15, 2010

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Paul and Silas were in prison, in stocks, for preaching the gospel in Phillipi. They were bruised and bleeding from being beaten for their "crime." And yet, they still had a song in their heart and, just as importantly, a song in their mouth. They did not just sing softly, hoping not to disturb anyone. Instead, they sang loudly, with energy, so that all could hear the joy in their voices.
"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. (Acts 16:25)
As believers, we have the responsibility to sing God's song in such a manner that those who are prisoners of sin hear the wonderful message that God loves them, and offers them freedom through Jesus Christ.

We have a message to deliver that has the power to change lives, and influence people for eternity. We ought to consider the idea that our song should be performed with great energy and excitement.

One does not have to look far into the world of popular music to see performers who put their whole being and energy into communicating a wicked and worldly message. How much more ought the child of God sing to the Lord with energy and passion!

There are several examples in the Old Testament that illustrate the fact that Godly musicians can, and should, exert great passion when singing to the Lord. Read the following passages carefully.

Bringing the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem

"And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets." (1 Chronicles 13:8)

"And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet." (2 Samuel 6:14-15)
The rebuilding of Jerusalem:
"And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer. Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off." (Nehemiah 12:42b-43)

"And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off." (Ezra 3:10-13)
Would people describe your music as energetic and passionate? Do you sing from the depths of your soul? Are your body, soul and spirit all involved in delivering the song with excitement? The Lord is certainly worthy of our focused energies.

Let's open up and sing loudly so that the "prisoners" of this world will hear us and know that we serve the true and living God

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We're Failing Our Children

Monday, February 08, 2010

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My heart is burdened this week for the families of America. I have been involved with Christian school education my whole life, from kindergarten, through high school, college, master's program, and four different Christian schools since graduation. I have worked with students of all ages, from all different sorts of ethnic backgrounds, different levels of family wealth, different levels of spirituality.

Over the years, I have observed the shift in the culture of Christian homes. Where once hot preaching warned our families of the dangers of worldliness, popular culture, secularism and humanism, today, many churches (and Christian culture at large) have embraced much of what used to be avoided.

And it shows.

Today, many early elementary students act as though singing is a foreign concept. Music is something to be consumed, not performed. Music is something that makes them move, not something that touches their heart and changes their life. Singing on pitch is a struggle, instead of a joy. Energetic participation in musical activities is viewed with suspicion.

I have come to have the distinct impression that most families in today's culture fail to sing.

And that's a shame.

The Christian home should be filled with music. Never before in history has great music been more available for listening to. Everything from good clean folk music to the great classics to soul-searching Christian music should be played often, so as to increase the children's musical vocabulary.

Parents should be singing to their children often. Family devotion time should be a priority in the home, and families ought to spend much time learning psalms, hymns and spiritual songs during this important family activity.

When was the last time you sang a song to your children? When was the last time you sang a song with your children? Do you provide them with instrument lessons? Do they see you singing in your church choir? Do they hear you singing God's praises loudly and joyfully during the time of congregational singing at your church.

In your family, you will get what you honor. More importantly, you will get what you demonstrate.

Be aware of the importance of passing on the gift of music to the next generation.

By the way, the picture included with this blog posting is of the John Marshall family, who have been a special blessing to my family and my home church for many years

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