Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Basic Reasons why I am "Pro-Acapella"

Basic Reasons why I am "Pro-Acapella"

1)  It's the Early Church.  The early church was acapella.  Some may argue they didn't have the means or buildings to use different modalities of worship in the first century.  Whatever the argument, they were still acapella.  Good enough for me.

2)   It's Simple.  The entire New Covenant seems to move Christianity away from the externals and focuses on the internals.  We already know God focuses on internal heart and motivation with passages like 1 Samual 16:7 and Micah 6:6-8.  But the people of the Old Testament didn't get it.  The Pharisees seemed to focus on every external law with visual showy additions.  They encumbered the simple plan that God had for His relationship with His people.  Yet in Jeremiah 29:29 He prophesies of a New Covenant to come that will be written on the hearts of men, with no need for externals like phylacteries, priests, animal sacrifices, and worship performed by the hired temple musicians.  Rather, the New Covenant seems to be that which strips away all the necessity for external stuff that we get focused on an idolize.  Acapella worship to me is the epitome of this simplicity.  It keeps us from "depending" on any one person or group to "lead" our praise to God.  It keeps us from idolizing bands and groups and instruments.  It's just simple, like the gospel, like the church.

3)  It's Efficient.  There's no setup and take down of instruments.  I don't have to pack anything to go to a third word country.  There's no time wasted in between songs of praise with tuning, switching instruments, or tons of practice by our worship leaders.  No offense, but I'd rather our worship leaders be out cleaning up tornado debris than having to practice for worship tomorrow.  It's even efficient in that most people can jump in and sing within the 3rd syllable of the 1st verse.  I love it's efficiency.

3)  It's Uncool.  As churches are increasingly tempted by American culture to be bound by entertainment, consumerism, marketing, salesmanship, showmanship, and spectating, the acapella worship is a theological breath of fresh air.  Acapella is anti-cultural, it's different, it's "peculiar worship" from a "peculiar people."  One article I recently read says, "only the church of Christ and the Eastern Orthodox church worship acapella in the entire world of Christianity."

4)  It's Inclusive.  Everyone is welcome to join.  No solo's here.  We're working on unity.  Sing until your heart is content.  Sing melody, sing harmony, whatever you choose, just sing with us.  We're not putting anyone on a pedestal here or excluding anyone.  We're just asking you to join in.  That's what acapella worship is all about. 

5)  It's What God Wants.  Simply put, the word "sing" is in Ephesians 5:19.  Paul wouldn't have penned that directive to the good people of the Ephesian church if God didn't want it.  Since God wants it, I'm going to do it and encourage everyone to do it.

6)  It's more like Jesus' Gospel.  Jesus had a heart for the poor and the destitute.  Most churches in the world can't afford amazing worship fineries.  When I go to third world countries and meet in their homes for church, what do we do?  We sing.  Singing is the poor man's praise.  I don't go toting expensive heavy setups to Honduras, we just pour our heart out in vocal song.  It's easy access to worship for anyone and everyone, you don't have to be privileged for it.

7)  Finally, it moves me.  When I pour my attention, time, effort, and heart into it along with Christians around me, it moves me.  It's passionate, it's encouraging, it's humbling... it's worship.  I love it.

I hope it's clear why I choose to worship in our services as acapella.  If it's exampled in the early church, it's intrinsic, it's anti-cultural, it's inclusive and it's what God wants, it's for everybody, and it moves me, then that's where I'll be.  Won't you come too?

"The Churches of Christ: What Makes Us Who We Are"

Ashley's Uncle Dan Williams preached this sermon recently in Arkansas.  I enjoyed it so much I just thought I'd share.


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Living Lessons: September 11th, 2011 - An Amazing Change


Jesus the Christ had a marvelous way of conveying deep spiritual truths by using stories and object lessons from the living world around Him.  As we endeavor to draw people to the foot of the cross, let us enjoy this effective style of sharing by following His example.

An Amazing Change:  It’s 10 AM on Monday morning, AND IT’S 62 DEGREES OUTSIDE!  As I stepped out of the church building I was greeted with that long missed feeling of strong breezes and cool air tickling your skin as it whisks by.  Three days ago, to go outside was to sweat, with a high temperature at 102 degrees causing us to pant and gasp for something to quench our thirst and repel the heat.  Then, in what seems to be the blink of an eye, the weather has back-flipped.  At this moment, we’re grateful for the refreshing change, the reprieve, the respite from the heavy heat. 

That same refreshing change that comes over the Earth in an instant is the same change that could come over us as Christians.   For those moments when life is swelteringly hot, a life with Christ offers us an instantaneous reprieve.  He’s right there beside us, offering us a cool refreshing drink of living water, all we have to do is accept.  Jesus calmed the worrying turbulent storms for His disciples didn’t He?  The peace-bringing Savior can give us a refreshing change from the oppressive heat storms of the world as well. If you enjoyed the wonderful change he offered in the weather outside, why don’t you ask him to change the atmosphere inside as well?  Don’t forget the best part of the reprieve Jesus offers us: while the outside weather will certainly cycle again away from the comfortable temperatures you enjoy, the atmospheric change Jesus offers inside us is here to stay.

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will become thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water I give them will never be thirsty again. The water that I give them will become a spring that gushes up to eternal life!”   John 4:13-14

Christopher’s topics of study for this week
Open communication is a great way for us all to share and grow together.  Letting you know what I’m studying in the office is a great way for you to share in prayer and study with me to improve the effectiveness of our church.
Preaching, Fred CraddockThe Formation of a Sermon
The Family Friendly Church, Ben FreudenburgConclusions
Christian Counseling, Gary CollinsDealing with Guilt

Monday, September 5, 2011

Living Lessons: September 4, 2011 - Don't let anyone look down on you for your youth.

Jesus the Christ had a marvelous way of conveying deep spiritual truths by using stories and object lessons from the living world around Him.  As we endeavor to draw people to the foot of the cross, let us enjoy this effective style of sharing by following His example.

Don’t let anyone look down on you for your youth:  It really is a small world after all isn’t it?  Most of you have come to know already that Gabriel is our outgoing, people-person while Ethan has to “warm up” to you a bit.  Yet on Monday, things would be different.  Ashley and the boys went to the YMCA for a little exercise when an older gentleman, Roy, came in to begin his routine.  Ethan shed all of his apprehension for people and went to the stranger, asking to be picked up so Ethan could view the swimming pool through the window.  But it didn’t stop there, Ethan next put his little hand in Roy’s and led him around the YMCA wherever the little child desired to go.  Ashley said the sweetness of the moment was just perfect watching this adorable child leading this 6 foot plus elder in his 70’s.  She hoped to see Roy again.

Monday evening I went to an arts council meeting where I made a great connection with a nice elder gentleman who would invite me to play tennis with his group on Thursday evening.  When fifth day of the week came around, I was itching to put my nylon strings on a fuzzy yellow tennis ball.  Ashley and the boys came to watch, and as I greeted my elder tennis inviter on the courts he finally put two and two together.  Roy grinned a huge boyish smile knowing something special had happened.  He confessed to me that my family had made a special difference in his week.  He came into the YMCA on Monday downcast, even depressed for various reasons, when a young boy in all of his tender sweetness brightened his mood by sharing a little love.  Hand in hand Roy’s mood elevated with each step they would take together.   It changed the outlook of his entire week which led to other meetings between Roy and my family.  On the tennis courts, Roy took a little extra time to play with Ethan.

1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you for your age.  Instead, make your speech, behavior, love, faith, and purity an example for other believers.” 

If Ethan can do it, I know we can too.  No matter what age you are, may you shine for others this week in such a way as to make a difference in the lives, bringing them hand-in-hand closer to our Father.

Christopher’s topics of study for this week
Open communication is a great way for us all to share and grow together.  Letting you know what I’m studying in the office is a great way for you to share in prayer and study with me to improve the effectiveness of our church.
Preaching, Fred CraddockQualities to be sought in a sermon: Memorizing
The Family Friendly Church, Ben FreudenburgQuantity vs. Quality Events
Christian Counseling, Gary CollinsAnger Management

Monday, August 29, 2011

Living Lessons: August 7, 2011: Like a Child


Jesus the Christ had a marvelous way of conveying deep spiritual truths by using stories and object lessons from the living world around Him.  As we endeavor to draw people to the foot of the cross, let us enjoy this effective style of sharing by following His example.  Read and then enjoy crafting a living lesson of your own!

Like a Child:

A million minus five?  While riding to the church building with our two wonderful kids in our swagger wagon (that’s minivan for those unfamiliar with urban lingo) Gabriel asked another one of those questions that evoke a smile and a moment of concentration.  “Daddy, what’s a million minus five?” Gabriel asked while I was navigating cumbersome curves between cornfields.  “Nine hundred ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred ninety-five,” wasn’t as easy to produce in reply as you’d think.  With Gabriel’s curiosity placated for the moment, we enjoyed asking him a little subtraction practice on the way to worship service.

We smile at the innocence and frequency of these questions from little children, yet God draws a parallel from them to us in Matthew 19:14 “Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.” Children have the innate ability to ask questions about everything.  The deep desire to acquire knowledge astounds and confounds many parents, yet the drive in these children persists.  God desires for us to be like children in this way as well.  What’s your curiosity level concerning spiritual things?  Do we read with a burning desire to know our God more?  Do we seek the wisdom of those Christians gone before us to know the ways we ought to live in God’s sight?  Our good Father always has answers to our questions ready to be delivered in His good time.

“For I desired mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” - Hosea 6:6

Living Lessons: August 14, 2011: Can You See the Dirt?


Jesus the Christ had a marvelous way of conveying deep spiritual truths by using stories and object lessons from the living world around Him.  As we endeavor to draw people to the foot of the cross, let us enjoy this effective style of sharing by following His example.  Read and then enjoy crafting a living lesson of your own!

Confession: Can you see the dirt?

What type of flooring do you have?  We were very encouraged by the many hands that showed up to help us move on Friday from our church family in Portland, TN and then on Saturday by our church family here in Washington.  Due to the swiftness of our hard working labor, some of our things were packed Friday without any preparation, leaving us slightly embarrassed to the number of dust bunnies still clinging to the normally hidden sides of our furniture.  When talking about the dust with one volunteer, she stated, “I’d rather have hardwood floors over carpet.  At least then I could see the dirt that I’ve got.”  Anyone who has ever removed old carpet in a home remodel knows the repulsive amount of dirt that can be hidden in the carpet pad below.  I appreciate the sentiment of the volunteer wanting to “see the dirt.”  Even though we have to do more frequent light cleaning on our new hardwood floors, at least we can see all the dirt that is there.    

Let’s face the truth; we all have dirt (sin) in our lives.  Many put an inordinate amount of effort into trying to keep their dirt hidden.  For those who follow Christ, there is an alternative to all the dirt hiding.  If we confess our sins; if we make our dirt known; if we rely on our church family to help us with our mess; God is faithful to remove the dirt.  God has even got the most powerful cleaning agent ever marketed that can remove any dirt we might have accumulated.  Jesus Christ our Lord.  With the dirt removed, we’re free to enjoy the wonderful life God has offered us.  Now that’s “good news.”
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  - 1 John 1:9

Living Lessons: August 21, 2011: Thorn in the Flesh


Jesus the Christ had a marvelous way of conveying deep spiritual truths by using stories and object lessons from the living world around Him.  As we endeavor to draw people to the foot of the cross, let us enjoy this effective style of sharing by following His example.

Thorn in the flesh:  What keeps you on your toes?  While I was out for a sunrise run one morning this week, I was shocked when I planted my heel firmly on the concrete sidewalk to hear a CRUNCH and felt a mild discomfort in my left heel.  The remnants of a glass bottle had conveniently decided to take up residence in my shoe, pricking the sole of my foot.  Stepping on that left heel was no longer an option and I didn’t want to take a break in the run since I wasn’t far from home, so I began running on my toes (forefoot).  According to the professionals, contacting the ground with your mid or forefoot is much more efficient and produces less injury than running on your heels.  Due to the glass shards lodged firmly in my shoe, I enjoyed running with proper form all the way home and realized how much less shock my knees were taking.  I was somewhat thankful for the little intruder in my shoe.

Thorns in our lives can often spur us on toward better things.  At the end of Judges chapter two, the Lord informs that He let some of small Canaanite nations remain unconquered so that Israel could be tested.  In James chapter one the brother of Jesus encourages those who were being persecuted to take joy in their troubles because they would be more complete with patience and perseverance in the end.  Paul even admits in his second letter to the Corinthians that he was given a thorn in his flesh to keep him from being proud and boasting.  Paul asked the Lord three times for this nuisance to be taken away, yet the Lord in His wisdom and goodness refused.  May we learn to take joy and appreciate the little thorns in our lives knowing that our Father allows them to make us stronger, healthier, and safer.  Be open to God’s goodness and He’ll keep you “on your toes.”

And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may overshadow me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Christopher’s topics of study for this week
Open communication is a great way for us all to share and grow together.  Letting you know what I’m studying in the office is a great way for you to share in prayer and study with me to improve the effectiveness of our church.
Preaching, Fred CraddockInterpretation: Between the Text and the Listener.
The Family Friendly Church, Ben FreudenburgHow faith development will change with a family focus.
Christian Counseling, Gary CollinsLoneliness.

Living Lessons: August 26, 2011 "The Great Value Brand"


Jesus the Christ had a marvelous way of conveying deep spiritual truths by using stories and object lessons from the living world around Him.  As we endeavor to draw people to the foot of the cross, let us enjoy this effective style of sharing by following His example.

The “Great Value” brand:  Are you getting the most out of your investment?  Admit it. You’ve done it.  You've gone there. You've shopped there. You've made use of their services. You may have even liked it. Shopping at Wal-Mart is something everyone has done but those of staunchest resolve.  Whether you’re a Wal-Mart supporter or a Wally-World hater, at some point in time, we have all had some sort of dealing with them.  Our friends stopped into Wal-Mart this week to purchase more sugar for our adventures in watermelon preserve making.  The normal process happens; go to the generic “Great Value” brand, hoist a five pounder, begin to exit the isle knowing that you can trust Wal-Mart’s “Great Value” brand to bring you the most savings.  Yet as they walked out, they spotted a leading brand name of sugar at a regular price below that of “Great Value.”  Who would have thought that the “Great Value” brand wasn’t really the “Greatest Value” money could buy? 

How often do we examine what we invest our lives into to see if we’re getting the “Greatest Value” from our investments?  We ask questions about events, movies, radio, books, games, sports, and even church events such as “Is this a bad thing to see?” or “Is this a bad thing to do?”  Sadly, we often reply, “It’s not that bad.  Let’s do it.”  In essence we’re saying, there are worse things out there for us to be invested in, so this event that I want to invest my time, money, and energy into must be a “Great Value.” Too often in life we settle for something the world markets to us as a “Great Value” rather than examining and investing in the “Greatest Value.”   The good news of Christ is that when we align our priorities to His, we can easily pass up those “Great Value” investments for things that are “God Value” investments.  After all, He is the Greatest Investment with the biggest return.  May God grant you peace in all you do because you are seeking Him.
But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”   Matthew 6:33

Christopher’s topics of study for this week
Open communication is a great way for us all to share and grow together.  Letting you know what I’m studying in the office is a great way for you to share in prayer and study with me to improve the effectiveness of our church.
Preaching, Fred CraddockQualities to be sought in a sermon: Unity.
The Family Friendly Church, Ben FreudenburgA New Position: The Family-Friendly Minister.
Christian Counseling, Gary CollinsDepression.