Worship Styles

There has been a lot of debate in Christian circles concerning the "style" of worship services. My focus here is in two areas...formal vs. informal dress and the type of music and instrumentation used.

I grew up in and spent my early adult years in more traditional churches where dress was pretty much formal. Of course, in my early years most churches were formal (1950's & 60's). I don't think clothing is really an issue at all, as long as it is clean and modest. I suppose "modesty" is very subjective so let me use the phrase "in general good taste" (probably not much better).

When it comes to worship music, as a middle-aged guy who grew up on rock and roll, I actually see both sides of the debate. The "perfect" church for me, musically speaking, would offer both traditional and "contemporary" music and instruments. I like the old hymns as well as the more recent praise and worship choruses. In my view, the music question can get complex. Some hymns have been taken, modified and turned into modern worship songs. There are all kinds of cross over. I totally disagree with a former employer of mine in Christian radio who believes that drums are "of the devil". Psalm 150 says:

3 Praise Him with trumpet blast; praise Him with harp and lyre.4 Praise Him with tambourine and dance; praise Him with flute and strings.5 Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with clashing cymbals.

A tambourine is a hand-held drum and the resounding and clashing cymbals speak for themselves. As long as our worship is God-centered and not man-centered, we should do well.

Guarded Excitement

I cannot say much now, but I am actually facing the possibility of relocating to another area where I would really like to live. A lot of things would have to come together for this to happen. It's an outside shot, but anyone reading this please pray God's will be done concerning this matter....Thank you!

Forgive!

I feel sorry for those who cannot forgive and forget. They do not realize life is like a vapor....it's here, then it's gone. There is no reason to harbor bad feelings from years past. Let it go and forgive.

Infant Baptism and a Puzzling Text

Infant Baptism and a Puzzling Text

Michelle Malkin » States rising up to fight Obama land grab: Alaska, Utah file suit

Michelle Malkin » States rising up to fight Obama land grab: Alaska, Utah file suit

Why?

I don't understand some people. You would think after forty years an old friend/acquaintance would want to make peace (if there is really anything that needs to be made peace about) and finish out our lives on good terms. There is really nothing to be forgiven. Things just happened the way they happened, but that's the way it goes in relationships sometimes. At that young age who really knew what was going on anyway? We are much older and supposedly wiser now. I pray my olive branch offering of peace will be accepted, but, right now, it's not looking very promising. I pray my old friend will at least acknowledge my existence and share a good word.

Anyway, may God bless you if you ever read this....and happy birthday (May 1st)!

The Death of Osama bin Laden: What Kind of Justice Has Been Done?

The Death of Osama bin Laden: What Kind of Justice Has Been Done?