Psalms, Hymns, & Spiritual Songs

Paul tells Christians to "let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Colossians 3:16).

Throughout the centuries many Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs have been written. Many are unfamiliar to us for various reasons. Over the past ten years or so, I have been introduced to some of the unfamiliar psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. While being involved with mission work in Central America and in Southeast Asia, I was introduced to psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs of other cultures.

In the Fall of 1998, I was introduced to a hymn written by Basil Manly Jr., at a Founders Conference that has had a profound impact on my life. The hymn reminds me that I do not deserve God's grace, as a sinner the only thing that I deserve is his deepest wrath. Yet by God's grace and his grace alone, God allowed his Son, Jesus Christ, to take my place upon the cross. It is only through Christ's penal substitutionary death that I might have life.

Basil Manly Jr.'s hymn is:

"Lord, I Deserve Thy Deepest Wrath"
~ God, be merciful to me, a sinner.--Luke 18:13 ~

Lord, I deserve Thy deepest wrath,
Ungrateful, faithless I have been;
No terrors have my soul deterred,
Nor goodness wooed me from my sin.
No terrors have my soul deterred,
Nor goodness wooed me from my sin.

My heart is vile, my mind depraved,
My flesh rebels against Thy will;
I am polluted in Thy sight.
Yet, Lord, have mercy on me still!
I am polluted in Thy sight.
Yet, Lord have merch on me still!

Without defense to Thee I look,
To Thee, the only Savior, fly:
Without a hope, without a friend,
In deep destress to Thee I cry.
Without a hope, without a friend,
In deep destress, to Thee I cry.

Speak peace to me, my sins forgive,
Dwell Thou within my heart, O God,
The guilt and pow'r of sin remove,
And fit me for Thy blest abode.
The guilt and pow'r of sin remove,
And fit me for Thy blest abode.

Theology in Music

Where has theology gone? The great hymns of yester years where filled with great theology. But the Christian music that is being published and sung today lacks the theological depths of the songs of yester years. Yes, there are songs being published and sung today that contain theological themes in their lyrics. But there are more songs that seem to be lacking the theological substance that is needed to affirm believers in the faith.

Songs are a great method for teaching theology, especially to children. I have several close friends who home school their children. One couple was teaching one of the great hymns of the faith to their children. In the older version of the hymn contains the phrase "wretched worm." The couple's oldest child boldly stated, "I am not a worm!"

Can you imagine the parents response to their child's claim? They couple was presented with a great opportunity to teaching the theology behind the song. The Psalmist in Psalm 22:6 writes, "But I am a worm and not a man, a reproach of men and despised by the people" (NASB, 1995 update). In Isaiah 41:14 Jacob is even called a worm. If these two men are considered worms, what must we consider ourselves to be? Are you feeling a little wormy?

There is a place for the modern-day praise and worship music in our church services, as long as the music is theologically sound. But we must not forget the great hymns of the faith either for their lyrics contain great words of truth that need to be sung today.

One of my favorite praise chorus that we often sing at church is:

"Amazing Love--You are My King"

I'm forgiven because you were forsaken

I'm accepted, You were condemned

I'm alive and well

Your spirit is within me

Because you died and rose again

I'm forgiven because you were forsaken

I'm accepted, you were condemned

I'm alive and well

Your spirit is within me

Because you died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be?

That you, my king. would die for me

Amazing love, I know its true

Its my joy to honor you

Amazing love, how can it be?

That my king would die for me

Amazing love, I know its true

Its my joy to honor you

In all I do I honor you

I'm forgiven because you were forsaken

I'm accepted, you were condemned

I'm alive and well your spirit is within me

Because you died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be?

That you, my king would die for me

Amazing love, I know its true

Its my joy to honor you

Amazing love, how can it be?

That you, my king, would die for me

Amazing love, I know its true

Its my joy to honor you

In all I do I honor you

You are my king, You are my king

Jesus, You are my king

Jesus, You are my king

Amazing love, how can it be?

That you, my king, would die for me

Amazing love, I know its true

Its my joy to honor you

Amazing love, how can it be?

That you, my king would die for me

Amazing love, I know its true

Its my joy to honor you

In all I do I honor you

In all I do I honor you

The praise chorus is quite simple, yet rather profound theologically when one ponders upon the words looking at the theology behind the chorus. This particular praise chorus reminds me of the hymn written by Charles Wesley,

"And Can It Be?"

And can it be that I should gain

An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?

Died He for me, who caused His pain?

For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! how can it be

That Thou, my God shouldst die for me?

He left His Father’s throne above,

So free, so infinite His grace!

Emptied Himself of all but love,

And bled for Adam’s helpless race!

’Tis mercy all, immense and free,

For, O my God, it found out me.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay

Fast bound in sin and nature’s night.

Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray:

I woke—the dungeon flamed with light!

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread:

Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!

Alive in Him, my living Head,

And clothed in righteousness divine,

Bold I approach th’eternal throne,

And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Chorus:

Amazing love! how can it be

That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me!

It is important that we as believers remember the great hymns of the faith. But it is more crucial that we as believers evaluate the music that we listen to to make sure that it is theologically sound and biblical.

The Five Fundamental Doctrines of the Reformation

The Theological Doctrines that Shook the World

Much thanks needs to be given to God for raising up godly men in crucial times throughout history that were willing to faithfully follow his calling on their lives. One such man was Martin Luther who is credited as being the Father of the Reformation. But Luther was not the only godly man that God raised up during this period.

The forerunner of the Reformation, Erasmus of Rotterdam, laid the ground work for the Reformers to do the task God divinely called them. The most noted Reformers of the Reformation are Martin Luther, John Calvin, Phillip Melanchthon, and Huldrych Zwingli.

Out of the biblical, theological thinking of these men of God, a renewed interest in theology arose. There are five fundamental doctrines of the Reformation that shook the world. These five doctrines are still crucial to Christianity in our present age. Furthermore, these doctrines must not be forgotten.

The first doctrine is Sola Scriptura--Scripture Alone. This fundamental doctrine affirms that the Bible alone is the sole authority for all matters of the Christian faith and practice. Thus, Scripture and Scripture alone is the standard by which all teachings and doctrines of the church must be measured.

Listen to the profound words of Martin Luther:

"Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen."

Sola Gratia, salvation by grace alone, is the second fundamental doctrine of the Reformation. Sola Gratia affirms the biblical doctrine that salvation is by God's grace alone, and that we are rescued from his wrath by his grace alone. God's grace in Christ is not merely necessary but is the sole efficient cause of salvation.

The third great doctrine of the Reformation is Sola Fide--salvation by faith alone. Sola Fide affirms that justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. It is by faith in Christ that his righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God's perfect justice.

Solus Christus, in Christ alone, is the fourth of the fundamental doctrines of the Reformation. Solus Christus affirms that salvation is found in Christ alone and that his sinless life and penal substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient for our justification and reconciliation to God the Father. It is only through Christ's death served as the propitiation that satisfied God's holy wrath towards us. The gospel has not been preached if Christ's substitutionary work is not declared.

The fifth doctrine of the Reformation that shook the world is Soli Deo Gloria--To God be the Glory Alone. This Reformational doctrine affirms that salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God for his glory alone. Furthermore, Soli Deo Gloria affirms that as Christians we must glorify God always and must live our entire lives before the face of God, under the authority of God and for his glory alone.

The times in which we live are similar to those of the Reformers. If we desire to have a spiritual reformation in our day, we must realize that God and God alone will be the one who brings forth a reformation. The question remains is this, are you willing to be God's vessel if he desires to use you to help bring about spiritual reformation in our day?

Soli Deo Gloria.

The Power of a Simple Sneeze

God never ceases to amaze me. At times it is strange how God gets my attention, while at other times it seems obvious what God is doing.

I can only imagine what is being thought by those who read the title to this blog entry. I must admit the title is a bit puzzling. I will never again think the same way about a sneeze again. Roughly a month ago, my views on the simple sneeze changed forever. With suffering from allegeries for most of my life, I am accustom to sneezing on a regular basis, and frankly I have never given much thought about it before until several weeks ago.

Walking along at my normal pace, I simply sneezed...But this sneeze caused me to stop and think. There was something different about this sneeze. I hoped that the sensation of pain that I was feeling was just a pulled muscle or a strain on a muscle. This past week I learned that the sensation of pain that I have been feeling since that sneeze is going to require the medical attention of a surgeon. Thus, this is the story behind the title of this blog entry.

With being constantly busy and on the go, there are times that God gets my attention in strange and mysterious ways so that he can remind me to be still and know that he is God.

Take sometime out of your busy schedule and be still and reflect of who God is and what he is doing in your life!

Love the Lord with Your Entire Being: Part VI

Meditation Mark 12:28-34

In this posting I am going to list several books that deal with notion of the Christian mind, its importance, and its development. The material found within each book is diffinently thought provoking, so more than others. As with the majority of books that I read, I do not necessarily agree 100 percent with all the content found in the books. Each book listed below is, however, worth the read and does contain insightful information.

Blamires, Harry. The Christian Mind: How Should a Christian Think?

Blamires, Harry. Recovering the Christian Mind: Meeting the Challenge of Secularism.

Blamires, Harry. The Post-Christian Mind.

Boice, James Montgomery. Renewing Your Mind in a Mindless World: Learning to Think and Act Biblically.

Bloom, Allan. The Closing of the American Mind.

Gill, David. W. The Opening of the Christian Mind: Taking Every Thought Captive to Christ.

Holmes, Arthur. The Making of a Christian Mind: A Christian World View & the Academic Enterprise.

Hughes, Richard T. The Vocation of a Christian Scholar: How Christian Faith Can Sustain the Life of the Mind.

Hunt, T. W. The Mind of Christ: The Transforming Power of Thinking His Thoughts.

Kinlaw, Dennis F. The Mind of Christ.

LaHaye, Tim and David Noebel. Mind Seige: The Battle for the Truth in the New Millennium.

Moreland, J. P. Love Your God with All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life on the Soul.

Noll, Mark A. The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind.

Sire, James W. Discipleship of the Mind: Learning to Love God in the Ways We Think.

Sire, James W. Habits of the Mind: Intellectual Life as a Christian Calling.

Stott, John R. W. Your Mind Matters.

Veith, Gene Edward, Jr. Loving God with All Your Mind: Thinking as a Christian in the Postmodern World.

White, James Emery. A Mind for God.

Williams, Clifford. The Life of the Mind: A Christian Perspective.

I hope that the books that I have listed are found helpful.

Love the Lord with Your Entire Being: Part V

Meditation on Mark 12:28-34

On account of its inner orientation the fallen mind is in conflict with the mind of God and the mind of Christ. It is nevertheless capable of knowing God, being changed, and renewed by him.

The human mind is the seat of reason and decision making (see Job 12:1-3; 1 Chronciles 17:2; 2 Chronciles 7:11; Nehemiah 5:7; Psalm 19:14; 49:3; Proverbs 15:28; 19:21; Ecclesiastes 2:3; 8:16; Daniel 4:16; 5:12; 7:1; Romans 10:10; 14:5; 1 Corinthians 14:14-15; 1 Peter 1:13; Revelation 17:9).

The fallen human mind is fatally flawed by sin (see Jeremiah 17:9; Genesis 6:5; 8:21; 2 Chronciles 12:14; Psalm 5:9; 64:6; 73:7; Isaiah 32:6; Jeremiah 17:1; Romans 8:5-8; Ephesians 4:17-18).

The fallen mind tends to confuse the Creator with his creation (see Isaiah 44:16-18; Romans 1:21-25).

There are consequences of the human mind's sinfulness. (1) Sinful attitudes lead to sinful words and actions (see Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21-22; Romans 1:28-32; Ephesians 4:17-19; Colossians 2:18; 1 Timothy 6:5; 2 Timothy 3:8). (2) Sinfulness leads to death (see Romans 2:5; 6:23; Colossians 1:21). (3) Sinfulness leads to both doubt and instability (see James 1:6-8).

There is, however, great news! God can change the attitudes of the sinful human mind.

The fallen human mind can be convicted of sin (see Psalm 5:13; 1 Kings 2:44; John 16:8-11).

The fallen human mind can be changed (see 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 2 Chronciles 32:26; Job 42:6; Psalm 119:36; Acts 2:37; 26:17-18).

The fallen human mind is only enlightened by God (see 2 Corinthians 4:6; Deuteronomy 29:4; God may withhold understanding; 1 Samuel 10:9; Job 38:36; Isaiah 32:4; Jeremiah 24:7; 31:33; 32:39; Ezekiel 11:19; 18:31; 36:26-27; Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 3:14).

It is God who renews the human mind (see Psalm 51:10 and Titus 3:3-7).

Christians have had their minds enlightened, but Christians cannot stop with that. Christians are called to continually renew their minds and to have the same mind as Christ.

The renewal of the mind brings knowledge of God (see Colossians 1:9-10).

Renewal of the mind brings peace (see Philippians 4:7; Isaiah 26:3).

Renewal of the mind leads to obedience (see Romans 8:5; 7:25; 12:1-2; Colossians 1:10; 3:1-2; 1 Peter 1:13; Hebrews 8:10; 10:16; Jeremiah 31:33).

The believer's mind needs growth and renewal (see 2 Corinthians 11:3; Romans 7:22-23; Ephesians 1:17; Colossians 1:9).

Through the renewal of the believer's mind, the Christian's mind should become more and more like Christ's mind.

Christians should have the same mind as Christ in their attitude (see 1 Peter 4:1; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Isaiah 40:12; Philippians 2:5; 3:8; Colossians 2:2-3).

Christians should have the same mind as Christ in their knowledge of Scripture (see Matthew 7:28-29; 22:29; Luke 2:47; 24:27; John 5:39).

Christians should have the same mind as Christ in their awareness of God (see John 8:16, 28, 55; 14:10-11; 17:1, 6).

Furthermore, Christians show the same love that Christ's mind exercised (see Luke 11:42; John 14:23; 1 Corinthians 13:2).

The next posting in this series I will provide a list of books that focus on the Christian mind and its development.

Love the Lord with Your Entire Being: Part IV

Meditation on Mark 12:28-34

The center of Christ's thought, underdstanding, and motivation, is characterized by a total dedication to God. Christians are called upon to have the same mind as Christ.

Since Christians are to have the mind of Christ, it is important that believers know what the mind of Christ looks like.

Christ's mind was pure (see Hebrews 7:26). One can see the purity of Christ's mind being declared by his words and actions, and by his oneness with God, the Father.

Christ used his mind to (1) overcome temptation (Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 27:42; Mark 15:32; Luke 23:37) and (2) overcome opposition (Matthew 22:18-22; Mark 12:15-17; Luke 20:22-26).

The mind of Christ is more than mere intellect. Christ's thinking is supported by prayer (Luke 5:16; 6:12-13; 22:41-43; Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:35-36). Christ's thinking is tempered by understanding (Isaiah 11:2; Matthew 9:35-36; Luke 4:22; John 2:24-25). Christ's mind experiences anguish (John 12:27; Matthew 26:38; 27:46; Mark 14:34; Psalm 22:1; Luke 12:49-50; 22:44; John 13:21).

Christ's mind is extraordinary. Christ has unusual insight (Mark 2:8; Matthew 9:4; Luke 5:22; Matthew 12:25; Luke 11:17; 6:8; 9:47; John 1:47-48; 4:17-18; 11:4). Christ understands the future (Mark 8:31; Matthew 16:21; Luke 9:22; Matthew 26:21; Mark 14:18; Luke 22:34, 37; Isaiah 53:12; John 3:14; 4:49-50; 13:33; 18:4).

Christ's mind did not know all things (Matthew 8:10; Luke 7:9; Mark 9:21; 13:32).

The mind of Christ discloses the mind of God (1) in relation to righteousness, holiness, and the law (John 14:9-11; Matthew 5:17; John 15:10; 1 Corinthians 1:30) and (2) in mercy (1 Timothy 1:15-16; Matthew 9:12-13; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:31-32; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 23:23; Jude 21).

The mind of Christ is made known to believers by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 16:12-15; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 2:11-13).

Knowledge of the mind of Christ leads to holiness (1 Corinthians 2:14-16; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Peter 4:1-2).

This is by far only a brief examination into the mind of Christ. But the purpose of this posting is introduce the topic so that others will be encouraged to dig deeper into Scripture and to grow spiritually.

Love the Lord with Your Entire Being: Part III

Meditation Mark 12:28-34

Scripture stresses that the minds of believers must be shaped by the knowledge and love of God, as their ways of thinking and acting become more like the pattern set out in Jesus Christ.

It is for this reason that I am including a posting in this series on the mind of God. This posting, however, is going to state the primary ways that the mind of God is revealed to us, with Scripture references.

God's pattern of thought and attitude of heart is holy, righteous, and good. It is expressed in his law and his word, and also in the outworking of his mercy, but it is, ultimately, beyond human understanding and comprehension.

God's mind is expressed in his law and his word (see Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 6:1, 24-25; Psalm 119:4, 34, 66, 89, 105, 130).

God's mind is holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:7; Deuteronomy 4:8; Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; 2 Samuel 22:31; Psalm 18:30; Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 19:7-10; 119:68, 75, 137-138, 142; John 17:17; Romans 7:12).

God's mind is expressed in his merciful acts (Ephesians 2:4-5; Nehemiah 9:31; Psalm 123:2; Isaiah 55:7; Daniel 9:18; Hosea 11:8; Micah 7:18; Luke 1:78; Romans 9:18; 11:32; 12:1; 1 Peter 1:3; 2:10).

God's mind is, ultimately, beyond human understanding and comprehension because (1) of God's greatness (Isaiah 55:8-9; 40:13-14, 28; 44:6-7; Romans 11:33-36; ! Corinthians 2:16) and (2) of human lowliness (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2; 7:23-25).