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PART FOUR
The Character of the Christian Musician- Personal Integrity and
Holiness
54. The Biblical model of
the musician originated from the Levitical priesthood, as
musicians were appointed by the Levites under King David's
command, to proceed in worship, with the priests, before the ark
of God. It's nature was prophetic to Israel and ecclesiastical in
role, i.e., used in temple worship. (1Chronicles 15; 16; 23:5;
25:5-6)
55. They were able to teach
and were skillful in craft. "The chief of the Levites was
Chenaniah, the master musician, who gave instruction to the
singers because he was skillful". (1 Chronicles 15:22)
56. They served in the
context of temple worship. "Of the thirty-eight thousand
Levites who ministered in the Temple, four thousand were appointed
to lead in worship, thanksgiving, and praise of the Lord."
The model is clear. Pastoral charge over the arts is essential. (1
Chronicles 23:5)
57. Those calling themselves
Christians are characterized by new life in Jesus Christ-old
things pass away, all things become new.(2 Corinthians 5:17)
58. The Christian singer has
a triumvirate charge of service to the Lord Jesus: Sound doctrine,
Christ-centered worship and holy living. These three pillars
elucidate the foundation of true Christian music and ministry and
godly character. (Psalm 119:54, 172)
59. Take away any one of
theses pillars and the structure topples. For example, an obedient
life given in worship to Christ absent of sound doctrine will be
empty praise and on the path to error. (Colossians 3:16)
60. Secondly, the sound
theology sung out of the beauty of holiness but lacking in
heartfelt worship to Christ leads to pride or self-glory and the
chastisement of the Father. (Hebrews 12:5-11)
61. Lastly, a powerful
doctrine sung in glory to Christ with an impure life is noise to
the ears of our holy God. Submission to the Lordship of Jesus
Christ and the obedience to the Word of God are marks of the
worthy walk of faith. However, when Biblical standard are
dishonored and unrepentant sin persists we must adhere to the
instruction of the Word-stop the music until life is right. (Amos
5:23-24)
62. Godly character
exhibited in response to sound doctrine is paramount in serving
the Lord. To live privately what we proclaim publicly is the
manifestation of genuine faith. That is why from the stockroom to
the stage Christ-likeness should evidence our behavior. God has
not called us to be successful but faithful. (2 Corinthians
6:3-10)
Theses
Opening Statement Theses Part
One:To Do All To The Glory Of God Theses Part
Two:The Authority And Sufficiency Of Scripture-The Hymnbook Of Heaven Theses Part
Three:The Character Of Christian Music Theses Part
Four:The Character Of The Christian Musician- Personal Integrity And
Holiness Theses Part
Five:Guarding The Trust- Accountability To The Local Church Theses Part
Six:To Not Be Unequally Yoked With An Unbelieving World Theses Part
Seven:To Be Above Reproach In All Business Activity Theses Part
Eight:Reclaiming Christian Music For Christ
Published at Worship.Com with permission of Steve
Camp, contemporary Christian music recording
artist and author of the 107 theses.
Visit the new
worship.com at www.worship.com
(1997) www.worship.com
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