The Song of the Lamb

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The Song of the Lamb Music Philosophy for the Children of Asaph By Curtis D. Hollembeak

Chapter 3: Biblical Principles of Musical Selection and Performance

I. What a Biblical philosophy is not.

A. The mere opinions of men, regardless if they are born again or lost

B. What we like

C. What we want to hear

D. Entertainment

II. Precursors to a Biblical philosophy

A. The Bible is our sole authority. It alone is truth, not man's opinion.

B. I surrender my will to His will, as revealed in Scripture.

C. I will obey the Bible, whatever it may require of me.

III. A Biblical philosophy of music

A. Our Music Must Be in Harmony with the Direct Commands of Scripture

1. Agrees with Scripture

Col 3:16 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.

2. Holy Spirit led and directed

Eph 5:18,19 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.

3. Directed toward God
Ps 96:1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.
At least 20 times we are commanded in Scripture to "sing unto the Lord."

4. Edifies, encourages, teaches the believer
1 Cor ? 15-17 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

Col 3:16 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.

B. Our Music Must Follow Music Principles Gleaned from Bible Examples

1. Performed by believers with solid Biblical character--not by hypocrites or entertainers

a. Levites
b. Bible Seers/Prophets
c. Moses and Miriam
d. David
e. Deborah and Barak
f. Isaiah

2. Excellent music

3. Performed by skilled musicians

4. "New song" principal

5. Follows the Example of Biblical Themes

a. God's holiness
b. Worship
c. Praise
d. Judgment
e. Personal experience

C. Our Music Must Follow Applicable Bible Principles

1. Separated from world

2. "New song"

3. No appearance of evil -- be careful of styles

4. Not worldly--does not exhibit lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life

5. Not a stumbling block to lead others to sin

6. Importance of a servant's heart, humility

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