Asaph Music Co. presents this unique blog about Biblical music principles for Christians. http://www.asaphmusic.com en-us Copyright 2010 Tue, 9 Mar 2010 10:17:00 CST Tue, 9 Mar 2010 10:17:00 CST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss webmaestro@-nospam-asaphmusic.com (WebMaestro) 60 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=89 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=89 I once heard a Bible college professor state, It is not as important where you are in life, as in what direction you are headed. Consider for a moment the fact that we are all broken, sinful creatures, trying to make sense of the broken, sinful world around us. Blogs Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=88 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=88 Whose idea was it, that men should utilize music in the praise and worship of the Lord? Did the plan come from the imagination of a king, prophet, priest, or musician? According to the Scriptures, God Himself ordained that music be used as an integral part of corporate worship. And he [Hezekiah] set the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king's seer, and Nathan the prophet: for so was the commandment of the LORD by his prophets. Blogs Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=87 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=87 Please read the following passage concerning the reign of King Jehoshaphat carefully. I believe this story has interesting applications to the ministry of church music: So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about. Blogs Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=86 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=86 Paul and Silas were in prison, in stocks, for preaching the gospel in Phillipi. They were bruised and bleeding from being beaten for their crime. Blogs Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=85 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=85 My heart is burdened this week for the families of America. I have been involved with Christian school education my whole life, from kindergarten, through high school, college, master's program, and four different Christian schools since graduation. Blogs Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=84 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=84 As I write this post, it is Monday morning. Yesterday was a great day in the house of the Lord. Blogs Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=83 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=83 Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery. (Psalms 81:2) A case could certainly be made for the idea that the harp is the most significant musical instrument in the Bible. Blogs Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=82 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=82 Have you ever seen members of the congregation who stand stone-faced and stoic during the singing portion of the church service? Sometimes, the absence of a desire to sing is an indication that a person is experiencing a difficult time in his life, or that he is depressed and discouraged. Many times, I believe, the lack of singing belies the fact that an individual has spiritual issues that need to be dealt with. Blogs Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=81 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=81 Have you ever needed encouragement? Have you ever longed for someone to care about your struggles? I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Blogs Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=80 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=80 A new year always brings with it a sense of new beginnings. In our culture, the concept of New Year's Resolutions means determining to go on a diet, spend more time with the family, learn something new, etc. Blogs Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=77 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=77 And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. (1 Chronicles 6:31) All these were under the hands of their father for song in the house of the LORD, with cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king's order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman. Blogs Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=76 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=76 One of the more common musical instruments associated with Christmas is bells. Think of songs like Ring the Bells, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, Carol of the Bells, Ding, Dong, Merrily on High, Hear the Bells Ringing, Jingle Bells, etc. Blogs Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=75 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=75 The well-prepared singer understands the importance of making his music beautiful, full of meaning, and having a depth of communication capable of reaching into the listener's soul to clearly present a powerful message. But what should be the response of the listener? What responsibilities does he have? Take a look at this interesting passage in the book of Ezekiel which references the fact that Ezekiel's congregation refused to be moved to action: Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD. Blogs Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=74 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=74 The beginning of a new year is always a good time to stop and think about where your music program is headed. As the music director, you should take some time to brainstorm about what you can do to improve the music program at your church. Blogs Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=73 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=73 Mixed choirs had a long history of usage in the Old Testament. It appears that male Levites were the primary musicians in the temple, but women are noted for their musical abilities as well. Blogs Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=72 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=72 The church piano and the church pianist give your church music program it's own unique flavor. And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? (1 Corinthians 14:7-8) Uses In many traditional churches, the piano is the most important musical instrument. Blogs Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=70 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=70 The number three is considered by Bible scholars to be the number of perfection. For example, the Trinity consists of three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Blogs Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=69 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=69 The body is a marvelous organism, uniquely and creatively designed by our wise and loving Creator. God designed mankind specifically for the task of caring for the rest of God's creation, the plants and animals that surround us in this earth. Blogs Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=68 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=68 The New Testament principle is clear: as believers, we are to be bright, shining lights in the midst of an ever-darkening world. Ye are the light of the world. Blogs Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=67 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=67 Musical activities, such as singing or playing the piano, as well as other artistic endeavors, are considered to be primarily right-brain activities. The left side of the brain is the source of logical, analytical, and mathematical types of thinking. Blogs Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=66 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=66 During a typical church worship service, there are only two activities in which the congregation becomes actively involved. One of these is the offering time, and the other is the congregational singing time. Blogs Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=65 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=65 Hezekiah became king in Judah when he was twenty-five years old. Hezekiah was a good king, who tried very hard to obey the Lord and to restore his land to the worship of the one true God. Blogs Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=63 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=63 Revival is a very interesting concept. Many churches speak and preach of revival, pray for revival, and hold what are commonly called revival meetings. Blogs Mon, 21 Sep 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=62 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=62 Jehoram, king of Israel, called upon Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, to help him fight against the Moabites, who had risen up in rebellion. As the two kings took their armies to the battle, along with the king of Edom, they began to run out of water to drink and to give to their animals. Blogs Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=61 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=61 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. (Psalms 100:2) They come to church ready to sing, as volunteers, week after week, for no pay, and very little recognition. Blogs Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=60 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=60 When teaching music notation to small children, the teacher should do everything he can to make the concepts more concrete and less abstract. We are all aware of the fact that the more senses we involve in learning a subject, the better the student will retain the information. Blogs Mon, 31 Aug 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=59 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=59 Carefully consider the following Bible verses as to the effect our music should have on the listener: How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. Blogs Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=58 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=58 In 1 Chronicles 25, we find an incredibly fascinating phrase. The Levitical musicians, we are told, were set apart by David to prophesy with harps. Blogs Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=57 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=57 There are several passages in Scripture that give us an idea of the magnitude of the Jewish music program. Vocal and instrumental music was taken very seriously, and the worship music program was well-managed and highly organized. Blogs Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=56 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=56 I think it is important to remember when educating children that for something to hold their attention, it must be interesting to them . Many times, we are so focused on giving them things that are good for them, we ignore their need to be intellectually tickled. Blogs Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=55 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=55 In the Bible we find a very interesting phrase in reference to the Old Testament musicians. Scripture states that they were under the hands of their father as they sang and played their instruments. Blogs Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=54 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=54 The Bible gives the names of many of the Levitical musicians in the Old Testament. The following is a list of these men and what they did. Blogs Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=53 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=53 Paul and Silas were great men of God, who were ministering for a short period in the city of Philippi. They were on a mission, witnessing to those who needed to hear the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ, doing good deeds, uplifting people spiritually, and comforting and encouraging those who needed their help. Blogs Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=52 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=52 How do we determine whether or not a particular performance technique is good or bad? What is the ultimate standard whether or not a vocal or instrumental variation is appropriate for Christian music? I believe that we must determine the purpose behind using a particular performance technique, and compare that purpose with our definition of Christian music. Here is a short summary of what I believe Christian music is: Christian music consists of a clear, distraction-free message that is Biblical in content and delivery, Holy Spirit-filled, that is directed to the Lord, is performed as a means of edifying, teaching and admonishing fellow believers, and is testimony to the lost. Blogs Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=51 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=51 In the book of Nehemiah, we find a wonderful story of the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. When the work was completed, the Jewish people held a dedication ceremony, and a large part of this celebration included music. Blogs Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=50 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=50 One of the best ways to remove a bad habit from your life is to simply replace the bad habit with a good one. When facing a familiar temptation, determine to change the temptation into a catalyst for doing the right thing. Blogs Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=46 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=46 When we refer to music standards for the believer, I believe that it is important to understand that we are not discussing the performance level of the musician. I have met many people over the years who seem to equate the quality of their Christianity with the quality of their music. Blogs Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=44 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=44 What type of person is best qualified to talk about Biblical music standards? Is it someone who has spent hours studying the lives of wicked musicians? Is it someone who can tell you the titles of all the current pop songs on secular radio stations? Should the person who is trying to keep their music holy study the lyrics of popular tunes and analyze them according to the Scriptures? The answer may surprise you. The Bible teaches that we should be ignorant of what wicked people do. Blogs Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=43 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=43 If I had the ability to snap my fingers and give you anything in life you asked for, what would your request be? There have been numerous stories and jokes told about the mythical genie in a bottle, who pops out of the lamp when it is rubbed and grants the person whatever they wish for. If you were in the story, what would you ask to receive? Take a moment to stop and think about your answer for moment. Blogs Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=42 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=42 Music can be used as a great memory tool. Marketing experts understand this principle, and use music heavily in their advertising campaigns. Blogs Mon, 25 May 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=41 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=41 There are two ways of producing good sounding music: singing and playing by ear, or singing and playing by reading music notation. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Blogs Mon, 18 May 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=40 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=40 Here is a quick test of your knowledge of music in the Bible. What Bible character wrote 1,005 original music compositions? Perhaps you think it must be King David, the sweet psalmist of Israel (2 Samuel 23:1). Blogs Mon, 11 May 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=39 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=39 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment. Exodus 23:2 If everybody's doing it, it can't be that bad. Blogs Mon, 04 May 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=35 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=35 The focal point of your church music program ought to be the congregational singing. The primary focus of a church music department is not the special music, your best musicians, the church choir, your orchestra, your children's music program, your handbell choir, your music director, or anything else. Blogs Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=34 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=34 Have you ever stopped to consider what the point of your church music program ought to be? What should a mission statement for the music department look like? Biblically, the aim of our music is to: Praise the Lord (Psalm 69:30) Worship the Lord (Psalm 66:4) Remind believers of the goodness of God (Psalm 145:7) Reflect our personal thankfulness for what He has done (Psalm 28:7) Teach sound doctrine (Deuteronomy 31:19-22, Colossians 3:16) Be a convicting testimony to the lost (Psalm 40:1-3) Everything that is done musically in your church ought to revolve around these concepts. If you have never done so, you need to read and study all of the references to music in the Bible . Blogs Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=33 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=33 Just in case anyone reading this blog still thinks that the Bible does not have much to say about music, I have included here a fairly comprehensive list of references to music in the Bible. Anyone involved in the music program of a local church should be required to spend some time reading and studying what God says about music. Blogs Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=32 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=32 Consider the song Christ Arose. On Resurrection Sunday, this song is always a favorite. Blogs Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=31 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=31 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. Blogs Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=30 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=30 I am sure we would all like to be considered wise. I am also more sure that each of us would like to be wise. Blogs Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=29 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=29 Special music is an important part of the music program in most churches. Solos, duets, trios, quartets and other ensembles can really set the tone for the entire service. Blogs Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=27 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=27 Toward the end of the book of Revelation, as we read about events that will occur in the future, we come to the last reference to music in the Bible. This last song is a great song of praise to God. Blogs Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=26 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=26 My earliest recollections of singing go back to when I was probably about 5 years old. I remember the family devotion time that we had every week night. Blogs Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=25 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=25 It is said that when a violinist obtains a new violin, it can take years for the player to discover and optimize the unique voice that that particular violin has. His goal is to allow the instrument to sing with it's own special sound. Blogs Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=24 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=24 Does your music truly move the heart of the listener? Can you sense a deep level of communication with the audience when you sing? Are you performing with the goal of life change? It has been said that when you aim for nothing, you hit it every time. As a Christian musician, we must maintain the Biblical goals of teaching and admonishing fellow believers, and praising the Lord (Col. Blogs Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=23 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=23 You do realize, I hope, that some questions have no answer. The reason is that some questions are intrinsically flawed. Blogs Mon, 16 Feb 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=22 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=22 When a string on a stringed instrument is struck or plucked, a complex series of vibrations is set in motion. First, the string vibrates as a whole, creating the fundamental pitch, which is then perceived as the primary tone being played. Blogs Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=21 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=21 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (1Co 9:22) Based on 1 Corinthians 9:22, would the Apostle Paul have approved of the use of worldly music to reach unsaved people? What about this idea that you meet people where they are, using their own habits, addictions and lifestyles to relate to them so that you might have the opportunity to present them with the Gospel? It becomes clear through a careful reading of the passage that Paul is not discussing engaging in unscriptural practices in order to somehow gain a more favorable opinion of himself. Blogs Mon, 02 Feb 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=20 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=20 Philosophically, I am a Bible-believer; that is, I have made a conscious choice to accept the teachings of the Bible as truth. I accept what the Bible says at face value. Blogs Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=19 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=19 2 Chronicles 20 tells an incredible story. King Jehoshaphat heard the unsettling news that the Ammonites and the Moabites, as well as the armies of other antagonistic nations, were coming to fight against him. Blogs Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=18 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=18 The Bible teaches us that we are to desire to be knowledgeable, educated, instructed, skillful, and wise. Consider the book of Proverbs, which is filled with admonitions concerning gaining wisdom and knowledge. Blogs Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=16 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=16 The Christian music performer's goal is to point each listener to Christ. The audience's attention should not be drawn to the singer, nor to the song, but to the Savior. Blogs Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=15 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=15 I am sure many of you have seen the ever-popular motivational posters, or success posters. They generally consist of a striking, eye-catching photograph of some kind, labeled with an emotion-rich word, followed by a thought-provoking quote. Blogs Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=14 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=14 When I was a small child, I really enjoyed going to the park to play on the playground equipment. I think my favorite may have been the twister slide, you know, the one that seemed like it was a mile high and went down in a corkscrew shape. Blogs Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=13 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=13 Because music has the ability to communicate a message, music can be judged to be good or bad. Using the Bible as our standard of what is right and wrong frees us from the subjective quagmire of personal opinion about whether or not a particular piece of music is appropriate for us to hear. Blogs Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=12 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=12 Have you ever heard someone make the statement, It doesn't matter what kind of music I listen to. It doesn't affect me at all? Are we really impervious to any influence that music may have on us? Remember the story of King Saul in I Chronicles 16, where the Bible says that the Spirit of God departed from Saul and an evil spirit troubled him? His servants, wanting to help, told him he should let them find a musician to come and play for him. Blogs Wed, 21 May 2008 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=11 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=11 Have you ever stopped to consider what the bottom line is when it comes to your life? You know, the age-old question of why am I here? and what is the meaning of life? Those who truly seek for honest answers find one of two conclusions: either life as we know it just happened as a result of some freak accident of nature, or we were created by some superior, intelligent being. In our current culture, (and apparently throughout history, I might add) these two ideas are war with one another, as seen in the evolution vs. Blogs Fri, 02 May 2008 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=10 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=10 How many times have we heard from the proponents of contemporary Christian music that only the words matter? Musical styles, they say are amoral, which means that music apart from lyrics cannot be labeled as right or wrong. Music and musical style could be labeled amoral if, indeed, music does not communicate anything apart from the lyrics. Blogs Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=8 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=8 Before you label me a heretic, consider the following: God never changes, God has always been, and always will be. The Bible teaches us that this eternal, unchanging God encourages, enables, and participates in musical activity. Blogs Sat, 12 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=7 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=7 Jubal is called the the father of all such as handle the harp and organ in Genesis 4:21. Jubal was the 7th generation from Adam. Blogs Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=6 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=6 He is, you know. When he was created by God, the Bible tells us in Ezekiel 28:13 that tabrets (tambourine, a percussion instrument) and pipes (probably something like a flute, a woodwind) were made as a part of his body. Blogs Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=5 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=5 Musicians who perform in local churches have the responsibility to maintain certain ideals. The person who stands to sing or play a musical instrument in a church service should do everything in his power to remove anything in his life and presentation that would be a distraction from the message of the music he performs. Blogs Fri, 28 Mar 2008 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=4 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=4 I clearly remember another experience in which a singer touched my soul. I was sitting in the choir loft behind the singer that day. Blogs Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=3 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=3 Id like to share a story with you. This event has had a profound influence on how I view the subject of music and the possibilities that music presents for the communication of a heartfelt message from the performer to the listener. Blogs Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=2 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=2 Let's be perfectly candid here. Church music in America is a mess. Blogs Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:00:00 CST http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=1 http://blog.asaphmusic.com/blog.asp?BlogID=1 The ark of the covenant had been strangely absent from the land of Israel for many years. Finally, King David feels the time has arrived for the ark to be brought to the city of Jerusalem. Blogs Tue, 18 Mar 2008 08:00:00 CST