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Sold My Soul For Rock and Roll Pt 11
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Jun 14, 2011 7:52 pm
925 Views
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Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon and ruler of the world, made a colossal image of gold and set it up for worship on a plain located in Babylon. He then called for "all the officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image" (Dan. 3: 2). These officials came from all the nations of the world. Three of his officials, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were from his own
province in Babylon. When all of these officials came together and were instructed in the "worship" ceremony, they were informed that they were to take their "cue" from the music. A herald cried out "To you it is commanded O peoples, nations, and languages that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning
fiery furnace" (Dan. 3: 4-6).
This single reference in Scripture to "all kinds of music," which means both all forms and all sorts, is significant to the Church today, who has become convinced that the "all kinds of music"
that are of this world are acceptable to God. But this is not according to the Holy Spirit. Scripture does mentions in Psalm 150 all kinds of instruments that are regarded as being acceptable, but not all kinds of music, neither in worshiping of the Lord, nor for the edification of the saints. Just the
opposite is true. He calls for His music to be distinctly identifiable with a Holy God. He says "even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a
distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? For if a trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle" (1 Cor. 14: 7, 8 ).
The Holy Spirit's music is distinct and certain in its sound, just as certain as the sound that the disciples heard at
Pentecost was a "sound from heaven" (Acts 2:2), and just as certain as every calling of the Holy Spirit is a "holy calling" (2 Tim. 1:9) and that all gifts from the Holy Spirit are "holy gifts" (Ex. 28: 38 ). Musical instruments are to be used in a holy way in ministering to the "holy convocation"
(Lev. 23:2, 3 ).
As the world and its music continues to synthesize (blending one form into another) the Holy Spirit's true Church and its music will become even more distinct. Once again a people will arise
who will not be like the priesthood of old of whom the Spirit said "have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and the unholy, nor have they made known the difference" (Ezk. 22:26).
Music is continuing its purpose to condition the world for worship of the Antichrist in the new Babylon. Thus with Babylon's final destruction, will come an end to the influence of its music, and bring rejoicing to heaven "the sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore" (Rev. 18:22). Those who will be like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, not submitting to false worship, must today not allow the "beast and his image" (Rev. 14 : 11 ) to be formed in them by false music coming from the world or the Church.
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Sold My Soul For Rock and Roll Pt 10
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Jun 14, 2011 7:35 pm
913 Views
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Origins of people, places, things, and for that matter, even the names used in Scripture, can help to shed some beneficial light revealing more truth. "The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness ...the Word of the Lord is proven" (Ps. 18 : 28, 30 ). Origins may provide valuable information to take into consideration in an effort to arrive at the truth of a matter. Consider for example the issue of divorce that the Pharisees brought to Jesus in their attempt to catch Him in error. His answer to them required a look at the origin of marriage. "Have you not read that He who made
them at the beginning made them male and female" (Matt. 19: 4 ). The origin of marriage not only revealed the Author of it, but the depth of the bond between a man and woman joined together in
marriage. Likewise, much may be discovered by looking at music's first mention in Scripture.
The first mention of music takes place in Genesis 4 in the genealogy of Cain, mankind's first murderer, who followed after his "father the devil," who Jesus said was "a murderer from the
beginning, and does not stand in the truth" (John 8: 4 4 ), who through his deception "murdered" Adam and Eve. Cain's name has root meanings that imply to `strike a musical note," and to
"strike fast, as with a spear or a lance." Six generations later, to Lamech, a son was born who was named Jubal, and it is recorded that he "was the father of all those who play the harp and flute" (Gen. 4:21). Jubal's father's name, Lamech, means "overthrower," and in his own words spoken after he too became a murderer, he reveals the same pride that was in his forefather Cain. He displays self-confidence, disregard for human life, and is void of any respect toward God.
Within this heritage and influence, Jubal developed his "art" of music. Jubal's name means `stream' and is rooted in a word that means "to flow." Scripture says that he is the father (or originator) of those who play the harp and the flute. The word play, or in some versions, "handle," means to "manipulate" with a sense of "trying to capture." The playing of the instrument may address the manipulation that takes place through the playing of the instrument. Furthermore, the meaning of the word flute seems to have some significance. Flute, or in some versions, organ, is rooted in a word meaning "to breathe after," and even "to love sensuously," which may be a description of the attachment that men would have to this music, readily receiving it and even
"loving" it. Thus it appears that the music that would naturally flow out of the heart of man, like a flowing stream, would be designed to cause those who listen to it to flow with it.
Therefore, this "music stream" is in itself a weapon of murder, because its intended purpose is the death and destruction of the listeners. And in all of its various sensuous forms, whether they be folk, classical, ragtime, swing, jazz, country, rythym and blues, rock, , easy listening, or any other form, the music will have a deadly attraction to the eagerly listening ears that await it. And, unbeknownst to the listeners, this music will become a vital force in fashioning
them into a product of this world. Certainly what the Spirit has said regarding the world's wisdom, can also be said of the world's music, in that it "does not descend from above, but is
earthly, sensual, demonic" (James 3:15).
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Sold My Soul For Rock and Roll Pt 9
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Jun 14, 2011 6:12 am
1035 Views
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One who sows discord is one of the specific things that the Lord says that He hates. This person is further described by the Holy Spirit as "a worthless person [who] walks with a perverse mouth, perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord" (Prov. 6:12-1 4 ). (NOTE: This is a person who sows discord AMONG TRUE BRETHREN. But there is nothing wrong with separating oneself, and the deliverance of others, from those who are fake, false, and unsaved. There is NO FELLOWSHIP between light and darkness).
Perversity, or in some versions, `frowardness,' means to willfully do wrong, and to be a contradiction to what the evidence declares. Furthermore, being fully persuaded in his perversity, he strives to convert others to it, and as the Scriptures declare, even to the making of these new converts into "twice as much a son of hell as himself" (Matt. 23:15).
Any person can become a sower of discord when he insists on cleaving to that which is a contradiction to the evidence that is revealed by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. The doctrines of the Lord should not only effect our lifestyles, but our `tastes' in things-such as music. When the Israelites were converted to the beliefs and practices of the Canaanites, they became traitors to the truth. Furthermore, they sought converts from among their own, just as the Lord said would take place
"they will turn your sons away from following Me" (Deut. 7:4), forgetting that they were to be a "holy people to the Lord...a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth" (Deut. 7 : 7 ).
He sows discord in music whose lyrics speak flattery, rather than truth to God's people, and flippantly, even sensuously, "you comfort me with empty words" (Job 21:34 ). He sows discord who performs hilarious, satirical, and even crude songs that are in essence no different than a worldly "taunting song" (Lain. 3: 14, 63). He sows discord who performs music with a dominant or driving beat, which has found its way even into the 'new versions' of traditional hymns. A song with a continuous dominant or driving beat can be no less irritating than the irritation that Scripture says comes from "a continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman" (Prov. 27 : 15). He sows discord who insists that driving ( " upbeat" ) music even has a place in the Body of Christ when it is clear that the Lord doesn't drive His people (like a taskmaster), but He leads them like a shepherd. His children proclaim "He leads me "(Ps. 23: 2, 3). Even the Good Shepherd, the Son of God Himself, while on earth, was "led by the Spirit" (Luke 4:1). It is the sons of disobedience that are like sheep that have been "driven away" (Ez. 34:4). Driving music is designed to put a man on the same course as the possessed man of Gadarenes who was "driven by the demon" (Luke 8:29). Had not Jesus cast the driving spirit out of him, his end would have been
as the possessed swine that "ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned" (Luke 8:33).
He sows discord who does not reflect the Good Shepherd in his music of Whom it says "He will quiet you in His love, He will rejoice over you with singing," and Who inspires and uses music that conforms to His truth to "gather those who were driven out" (Zeph. 3:17, 19). He sows discord who, by his music, sows to the flesh, mocking God, caring not that "the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, and these two are contrary to one another." To him the Scriptures declare "God is not mocked" (Gal. 5:16; 6: 7 ).
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Sold My Soul For Rock and Roll Pt 8
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Jun 14, 2011 5:45 am
967 Views
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Error and confusion that surround today's contemporary
"Christian" music could be greatly lessened by the lessons of Scripture. Scripture says that "whatever things were written before were written for our learning" (Rom. 14: 4 ); and that
"these things became our examples" (1 Cor. 10:6). Therefore, all singers and musicians would do well to study intently the example of the Levites. This study would reveal that, along with their Levitical responsibilities for assisting the priests and attending to their duties of Sanctuary ministry, came their responsibility to assist in the declaration of truth.
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, knew that he would not have a strong kingdom unless he sent out the Levites to teach the people. "So they taught in Judah, and had the Book of the Law of the Lord with them and they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught the people" (2 Chron. 17:9). The revival of God's people under Nehemiah and Ezra was also assisted by the Levites who
"helped the people understand the Law; and the people stood in their place. So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they [the Levites] gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading" (Neh. 8: 7, 8 ).
Under David's administration, another dimension to the 'Word-based' Levitical role was added when "David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps and cymbals" (1 Chron. 15:16). The singing and even the musical accompaniment was to be provided by these men of the Word, as shown in 2 Chron. 7:6 "And the priests attended to their services; the Levites also with instruments of the music of the Lord," and "David offered praise by their ministry."
David himself, a man of the Word, knew that acceptable praise could only be offered with similar men in whose hands musical instruments served as an accompaniment to their prophesying who "prophesy with harps stringed instruments, and cymbals" (1 Chron 25: 1 ). Therefore it was fitting that David appointed thousands of Levites, making instruments for them, for it says that they "praised the Lord with musical instruments, 'which I made,' said David, for giving praise"' (1 Chron. 25:3).
On the contrary, the apostate Israelites under Jeroboam II's administration, having set up their own version of worship in rebellion to the instructions of God, were not holy unto the Lord. And since they were not men of the Word, they therefore could not prophesy to His people in their singing, and their musical accompaniment with their instruments was regarded by the Lord as merely noise making. Though they assumed that their music was acceptable, the Lord through His prophet Amos clearly declared that He thought otherwise. "I hate, I despise your feast days ...take away from Me the noise of your songs, for I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments ... who chant to the sound of stringed instruments, and invent for yourselves musical
instruments, like David" (Amos 5:21, 23; 6:5). Many of today's musicians and singers are under this same deception having followed the same false presumptions of the previous apostates.
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Sold My Soul For Rock and Roll Pt 7
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Jun 10, 2011 7:52 pm
942 Views
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Each worker chosen by the Holy Spirit to speak to the saints will be directed by Him to choose carefully the words for each song, measuring them by the truth, in a manner similar to a preacher. "The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what
was written was upright-words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. And further, my son, be admonished by
these" (Eccl. 12:10-12).
The richness of the Word of God that dwells in the worker will be evident in the fruit of his labor. He is in reality a sower of truth, as Jesus said, "the sower sows the Word" (Mark 4:14). The
sowing of the Word of truth will not be done sparingly, for the Spirit says "He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (2 Cor. 9:6). Nor will he hide the truth, veil it, or disguise it in any way. "My mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge" (Prov. 8 : 7-9).
He will neither gloss over truth, nor attempt to `crossover' truth (veiling truth to cater to worldly radio stations and listeners) for "those who want to pass from here to you cannot" (Luke 16:26), but he will faithfully and openly declare it. The worker who desires to declare the truth will not be hindered in any way whether he finds himself speaking to the saints, or to the world, whether to those of high status, or of low status.
"Hear this all you peoples; give ear all you inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor together My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall bring understanding. 1 will incline my ear to a proverb; I will disclose my dark saying on the harp" (Ps. 49:1-4 ). Furthermore, to hinder truth in any way contradicts the specific instructions of Jesus. "Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and whatever you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops" (Matt. 10:27).
In regard to words, the Holy Spirit warns against attempting to use words of no value. He has many descriptive phrases that declare His view regarding them, referring to them as "wisdom of
this world" (1 Cor. 3:19), "corrupt communication" (Eph. 4:29), `foolish talking" (Eph. 5:4), "empty words" (Eph. 5:6), "lies"
(1 Tim. 4:2), "profane and vain babblings" (2 Tim. 2:16), and
"great swelling words of emptiness" (2 Pet. 2:18 ). Those who would choose to excel in them, rather than in the truth, are either false teachers, or immature saints who are not hearing the voice of the Spirit. Of the first group the Spirit says to "note those who ... by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple" (Rom. 16:17, 18 ); and to the second group the Spirit implores, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man I put away childish things" (1 Cor. 13:11).
Promoters of these false or immature musicians, who do so by promoting either their songs or their performances, need to be reminded of their obligation to the Spirit of truth. The Spirit urges them to uphold the responsibility of godly parents, namely, that "the father shall make known Your truth to the children" (Is. 38 :19).
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Sold My Soul For Rock and Roll Pt 6
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Jun 10, 2011 7:41 pm
907 Views
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The most important purpose for a Holy Spirit musical composition is to convey truth. And it is for this reason that accompanying music be 'servant' to the words. The music assists in the transmittal of the truth in a message to the hearers, and will be used by the Holy Spirit as a `help' to the hearer in recalling it. "He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you" (John 14:26). An example of this is found in 2 Kings 3, when Elisha prophesied to the kings of Judah, Israel, and Edom. It seems that on that the particular occasion, the circumstances and individuals involved called for a special musical accompaniment to his message to the kings, "Now bring me a musician. And it happened, when the musician played,
that the hand of the Lord came upon him. And he said "Thus says the Lord... " (2 Kings 3:15,16).
Whatever additional reason there might have been for this unique incident, there was at least one specific use that the Holy Spirit would have at His disposal from that day forward. Should that music that was played in that wilderness ever again be played in their hearing, it would bring to their minds a reminder of the truths of God that Elisha had spoken to them. These would be `quickened' to their consciences as they heard the music so that they would once again "hear the voice of the living God, speaking" (Deut. 5:26).
This is all the more reason why songwriters, musicians, and singers need to be serious students of God's Word. The Holy Spirit emphasizes that we are to "Let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Col. 3:16). The mere fact that one is born again by the Spirit of God, having grace in his heart, and possessing musical talent of some kind, neither equips him for ministry to saints nor to sinners. It is the wealth of the Word of truth that is dwelling in the person that is his primary equipment. Needless to say, it is this lack of wealth that disqualifies the worker for the work.
The Holy Spirit states that Christ Himself gave us apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers, for the "equipping of the saints" (Eph. 4:11,12), who are are to be "speaking the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15). Songs birthed by the Holy Spirit continue His work of teaching and admonishing the saints who are to "grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ" (Eph.4:15), accomplishing this by the truth both in word and in song. Therefore, true workers know that it is only what the Lord says that will bring forth His blessing, as Jesus has said "the words that 1 speak to you are Spirit and they are life" (John 6:63). These workers are occupied with the truth, being instructed by it, conformed by it, and then declaring it to others. "I have instructed you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things, of counsels and knowledge, that I may make you know the words of truth, that you may answer words of truth to those who send to you?" (Prov. 22:20, 21).
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Sold My Soul For Rock and Roll Pt 5
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Jun 10, 2011 3:28 pm
922 Views
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The words "To the Chief Musician" are a lead-in to over 50 of the Psalms. These words, in and of themselves, contain much helpful instruction to all who would consider themselves to be
songwriters, performers, and promoters of Christian music. In these opening words there seem to rightly be a recognition that the One who has bestowed gifts of musical talents to men is Himself supreme in every individual element and aspect that pertains to music. The Holy Spirit confirms this when He says "that in all things He may have the preeminence" (Col. 1:18 ). The Lord is preeminent in music.
Some have simply thought that when these opening words in the Psalms were penned by David, that they were in reference to someone else. Perhaps one who had been appointed by
David, who was responsible for Temple worship. In David's administration this person was Asaph. However, the Scriptures more accurately refer to Asaph, and others, as director, stating
that the music was "under the direction of Asaph" (1 Chron. 25:2). Moreover, the title Chief Musician is one word in the Hebrew, and not two as in English translations, and is not used in reference to any person, musician or otherwise, outside of its use in the Psalms (with the exception of its use by Habakkuk). Furthermore, its translation seems to put its application far
beyond the attainmcnt of any mere human.
The title is rich with several meanings including to glitter brilliantly. Did not Jesus say that He is "that Bright and Morning Star" (Rev. 22:16), and nothing shines brighter than the "Light of the World" (John 8:12). Its meaning includes to be conspicuously outstanding and readily perceived. After all, He alone is truly awesome, says the Spirit, who declares "How awesome are your works," and, "He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men" (Ps. 66:3,5), therefore, "Let all the inhabitants of the earth stand in awe of Him" (Ps. 33: 8 ). And His created universe is not silent about Him. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world" (Ps. 19:1-4). It's meaning also includes the concept of a goal to be reached; a distant bright object that one is traveling toward. Even though Jesus is our only
"righteousness and sanctification and redemption" (1Cor. 1:30), it is still the objective of the Father that we be "conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom. 8:29). The sure reward upon the
completion of the Father's objective is sure to be a brilliant one. "I will give to him the morning star" (Rev. 2:28 ).
This lead-in of dedication seems not only to be an acknowledgement of the attributes of the One to whom each song is to be dedicated, but as well, the aspiration of the composer. That all who hear his song may be drawn near to Him as their object, and that they be transformed by Him! Furthermore, the song is to be a mirror, a reflection of the excellencies of the Godhead, not just in the words used, but in the musical arrangement of it, and even in the performance of it.
The prophet Habakkuk in awe by his revelation of the Lord, dedicated his hymn of faith (Hab. 3:17-19) to the Chief Musician, or in some translations, to the Chief Singer. Think of it. The Lord a singer! The Holy Spirit declares that His divine singing is one of rejoicing and gladness "He will rejoice over you with singing" (Zeph. 3:17). The cause of His rejoicing is truth, for "love ... rejoices in truth" (1Cor 13:4, 6). The objects of His rejoicing are his children who walk in truth. "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" (3 John 4). His singing is also joyful because of all that is to be accomplished by the cross "Jesus ... for the joy that was set
before Him, endured the cross" (Heb. 12:2). And since the Spirit instructs us to be "singing with grace in your hearts", (Col.3:16), we can be assured that His Divine singing is full of grace from His heart. His singing is also holy, because it is sung in unity with the Holy Spirit, even as Paul said "I will sing with the spirit" (1 Cor. 14:15), and He sings with "His glorious voice to be heard" (Is. 33:30).
The Lord is Himself a songwriter, as shown in Deuteronomy 32:1-43. Though referred to as `the song of Moses,' the Holy Spirit reveals earlier in Deuteronomy 31 how Moses came to compose the song. "And the Lord said to Moses" ... "Now therefore, write down this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel; put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for Me against the children of Israel." (Deut. 31:16,19). Characteristic of this song as well as all the other songs of Scripture, which includes the Psalms, is that it is truth revealed through song. Truth with musical accompaniment. Truth that is sung rather than spoken, but is consistent with whatever else is revealed in the Scriptures for "The entirety of Your word is truth" (Ps. 119:160).
Though we do not possess the original musical arrangements to any of the songs of Scripture, truly both the words and the music were in harmony with the Holy Spirit, perfectly penned, arranged, and dedicated to the Godhead. They stand as reflections of His holy perfections, and as examples to be modeled. Music that is truly birthed by the Spirit will neither conflict nor contradict His own magnificent works. Their purpose will be to declare truth, because that is what He speaks, and to magnify Him. "Oh give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; talk of all His wondrous works. Glory in His holy name; let. the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord. Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore. Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgements of His mouth" (Ps. 105:1-5).
The theme of holy music writers will be the Lord. "My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer" (Psalm 45:1). And when the holy performers who are commissioned with the divine privilege to magnify Him and reflect Him in song and music are truly under His influence, there will be a witness of Divine inspiration and outpouring for "both the singers and the players on instruments say, all my springs are in You" (Ps. 87 : 7 ). In other words, what springs or flows forth from the musician, will be directly flowing from the Chief Musician Himself.
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Sold My Soul For Rock and Roll Pt 4
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Jun 10, 2011 3:02 pm
906 Views
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Born again Christians are also called, according to Scripture, new creations because "old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). This new creation must be preceded by a death to the old self life, whereas one can say as Paul did, "I have been crucified with Christ" (Gal. 2:20). The new life in Christ is lived out in a daily denial of the old self life. As Jesus said "Let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me," and "whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple" , and also "whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple" (Luke 9:23; 14:27, 33). Thus it is through a continuous death to self, through the cross, that one can have a prosperous, continuous life to God. This new life as a new man can only be maintained as one yields himself to the commands of the Holy Spirit, who says "put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness" (Eph. 4:22, 23).
The Word of God says that the new man will issue forth a new song, a song that he cannot help but sing. "I will sing to the Lord because He has dealt bountifully with me" (Ps. 13:6). It is
likewise a song that he is commanded to sing. "Sing to the Lord a new song" (Is. 42:10). And it is a song that only the new man in Jesus Christ can sing. "Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For He
has done marvelous things, sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among the peoples" (Ps. 98:1; 96:2, 3). The new song is also the only song that will truly have an eternal impact for the glory of God on the spirit and soul of man. "He has put a new song in my mouth praise to our God; many will see it and fear and will trust in the Lord" (Ps. 40:3).
The new song, both in words and music, bears witness to the truth of the Lord, and is edification for the new man. Whether he's singing, or just listening, he will be renewed in the spirit of his mind (Eph. 4:22). Since the Holy Spirit is the source of the new song, it is unlike the song of the old man that Scripture refers to as the self-exalting and attention seeking song of the
harlot. "Take the harp, go about the city you forgotten harlot; make sweet melody, sing many songs, that you may be remembered" (Is. 23:1). It is unlike the old song that is like the harlot
herself "loud and rebellious" (Prov. 7:11), sung and played in order to resurrect the old man, in order to stimulate his whole being through music, and lure him back to the world of self, and
eventually put him in bondage to it once again "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they again are entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning" (2 Pet. 2:20 ).
Therefore the Holy Spirit warns "purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump ... let us keep the feast ... with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth" (1 Cor. 5: 7, 8 ).
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