1 Chronicles 6:31-32; 9:33;15:16 – Free to Work

1 Chronicles, Amplified Bible (AMP)

6:31 These David put over the service of song in the house of the Lord after the ark of the covenant rested there [after being taken by the Philistines and later placed in the house of Abinadab, where it remained for nearly 100 years during the rest of Samuel’s judgeship and Saul’s entire reign and into David’s reign].32 They ministered before the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting with singing until Solomon had built the Lord’s house in Jerusalem, performing their service in due order.

9:33 These are the singers, heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites, dwelling in the temple chambers, free from other service because they were on duty day and night.

15:16 
David told the chief Levites to appoint their brethren the singers with instruments of music—harps, lyres, and cymbals—to play loudly and lift up their voices with joy.

These old testament verses reveal something interesting. Although there are several differences between ‘the children of Israel’ back then and Christianity as we now know it, we can learn a lot from the Levites when it comes to serving as minstrels today. Continue reading 1 Chronicles 6:31-32; 9:33;15:16 – Free to Work

1 Thess 5:11-13, Know Each Other

1 Thessalonians 5:11-13, Amplified Bible (AMP)

11 Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.
12 
Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you [recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and appreciate and respect them all]—your leaders who are over you in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you.
13 
And hold them in very high and most affectionate esteem in [intelligent and sympathetic] appreciation of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Huh?! There’s not one mention of “praise” or “worship” in this scripture. However, I believe that it touches on a very important yet often under-emphasized concept of Christian living and, specifically, a having a successful praise team.

Continue reading 1 Thess 5:11-13, Know Each Other

The Gospel Music Continuum – Part 2: The Godly Axis

In the first part of this series, I summarized some of the issues: Gospel vs Secular, Good vs Bad, & more importantly appropriate vs inappropriate.  However, the accompanying graphic doesn’t use ANY of those words.  Yes, there is a rhyme and reason to the words shown and NOT shown, and what IS the deal with the slant?

Firstly, lets look at “The Godly Axis” Continue reading The Gospel Music Continuum – Part 2: The Godly Axis

Psalms 34:1-3, Leaders, LEAD in Praise Worship

Psalm 34:1-3, Amplified Bible (AMP)

1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My life makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble and afflicted hear and be glad.
3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.

This is another excellent scripture not only for congregations but for praise and worship leaders who are passionate about setting an atmosphere of unified praise to God in church services. Continue reading Psalms 34:1-3, Leaders, LEAD in Praise Worship