Emotionalism

[true2yeshua]

EMOTIONALISM!
What are the components of true Worship?
Rob Cobb
Part I


CHRISTIANS are being told that there is a revival of worship in the western culture church today. It is certainly true that there is much talk about worship as well as the variety of 'contemporary worshp songs' that are being written. Most major Christian artists are recording "Praise & Worship" CDs and including a worship set as part of their concerts. Many periodicals and books are being written related to what has been designated the 'worship movement'. Although some good fruits have been produced through this movement, there are valid reasons for concern.

To examine this supposed revival of worship, we should first ask the question, "Can we have a revival of worship without a revival of theology? This is a haunting question that demands an answer. Without a proper understanding of theology, we are, like the Samaritan woman, 'worshipping what we do not know' (Jn 4:22). I am afraid that we have attempted in contemporary society to recreate God in our image. We have created a God that is like us. Even the pagan joyfully worships this self-contrived god. However, this is not the God of the Bible.

The root of this problem lies within the church. When churches are searching for a worship leader, the focus of their search often centers around music and musicianship alone. Certainly, a worship leader should be an excellent musician, but he should be, first and foremost, God-centered and theologically minded. Many of our schools and seminaries are good at training musicians, but these institutions often only require a cursory introduction to theology. This is a serious mistake, with devastating consequences. We have musicians in churches all across America who are more than capable musically but anemic in theology, at best.

Since music has a prominent role in Scripture, an increasing understanding of the nature and perfections of God is a proper prerequisite for one who would desire to lead in worship. Music is not required for one to truly worship God, but a basic understanding of doctrine is certainly required. How can we worship the God of heaven without a proper understanding of who He is, as revealed in the divine Revelation? When I ask music pastors what they are reading, the response is rarely anything of theological value. Music leaders need to get back to studying the Bible and the 'dead guys', who so tediously expounded upon its content. Often music leaders are simply following the wayward path of many preachers who have abandoned proper biblical study for the new paradigm of pragmatism. So what are the fruits of such a precarious trend?

One devastating fruit is an anthropocentric focus on emotionalism. Often the measure of 'success' of a worship service is the manifestation of emotions. If that is our measure, then our goal, quite simply, is to move people emotionally. This approach is, to put it bluntly, a resurrection of 'Finneyism' in our generation. It is not as though emotion does not play a part in our worship experience, but it is certainly inappropriate as our motivating or moving force.

Conversely, how often have legitimate believers been overcome by genuine emotions as they consider the greatness of God? We cannot sing about His grace and mercy which have displayed toward His elect without being impacted in our emotions. However, it is not because we are 'playing to the emotions'. Emotions should not be stirred primarily by musical notes but by biblical truth.

Another negative result of worship services void of a theological foundation is a selfish 'me-ism'. Songs that talk about what 'I' think, what 'I' feel, what 'I' have done are prevalent. As those who have been saved by the grace and mercy of God, we shoud be declaring the attributes of God, as well as His mighty works. At one time the church sang about herself as sinners with descriptive terms like 'worms' in the context of the greatness of her Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Too much of what happens in worship services Sunday-by-Sunday across our land is horizontal in nature rather than vertical. This is true both in our music and in our preaching.

Among other dangers of today's modern worship movment is the mentality movement of 'performance' or being an 'artist'. Often a soloist is placed on a platform to sing in a worship service just because he/she has a nice voice. Woe to the church that uses corporate worship to showcase talent. We would be wise to first and foremost know the spiritual condition of the one singing.

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[goinghome]

I've found worship a difficult thing to get a handle on because of the way various churches have taught about it and used it. Personally, the times I am alone, often in my car, and I think about God and some aspect of His wonderfulness, I break out into made up songs and happy thank you's, woo hoos, laughter, general elatedness etc. The corporate worship in churches never, honestly, touches me and gets me excited. I participate, but mainly I'm trying to read the words to the songs on the overhead screen because they keep changing the songs and I can't remember the words from one month to the next. I've always thought that true worship is what we do with our lives, what we think upon, our everyday honoring of Him. The psalms were some of the greatest examples of worship we have. And they were mostly guys alone with God, talking to Him, honoring Him, expounding on all of His graces on a very personal level, just the man and God. So maybe I need some teaching on this, some scripture backup, but why is the "worship team" in a church so important, and why do we get berrated for not showing up before the singing starts, but coming in the middle of it. I think I'm missing something.

[true2yeshua]

Emotionalism
What are the components of true Worship?
Rob Cobb
Part II

The Scripture is full of many warnings for those who attempt to worship outwardly when the heart is far from God. We are reminded that 'man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart' (1 Sam. 16:7).

In the book of Amos, God gives great warning to the people of Israel and Judah through His prophet. The people were living in a time of prosperity, much like America enjoys today. Yet, their hearts were turned from the Lord and many had turned to idol worship. They continued to go through the motions of service to the Lord, which included their corporate worship. They went on singing their songs and giving their offerings. After continued warnings, they refused to repent. See what God says regarding their music and worship:

"I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in our solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fatted animals, I will not look upon them. Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen. (Amos 5:21-23).

God is not impressed with the quality of our music and musicianship. Instead, He looks at the heart of the worshipper. God further warns in the following chapter:

"Woe to those who lie on the beds of ivory and stretch themselves out on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock and calves from the midst of the stall, who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp and like David invent for themselves instruments of music." (Amos 6:4-5).

These words should invoke fear and trembling in the heart of any Christian musician who seeks to lead others in corporate worship. These passages should motivate us to consider how much of our musical expressions of worship please the Lord. These realities should evoke sobering thoughts in the heart of every Christian.

A much deeper malady is exposed in Amos 8:11-12:

"Behold, the days are coming," declares the Lord God, "when I will send a famine on the land - not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the LORD, but they shall not find it."

This is certainly a description of many pulpits across America. We will never get the music right until there is a faithful proclamation of the Word of God. In our generation we have often abandoned the biblical mandate to be "a pillar and buttress of truth" (1 Tim 3:15). It seems that our primary mission today is to fill our buildings with as many people as possible - and to further insinuate ourselves by using whatever means necessary, whether biblical or not, to do so.

Please do not misunderstand. I amall for musical excellence. There is nothing of inherent value in poor musicianship, but there is great value in our music and songs growing out of a proper theological understanding. Musical excellence is of little value if not coupled with a heart-felt expression of the greatness and wonder of God. This includes all His perfect attributes and His mighty works, especially the salvation of His elect.

Those who have the greatest understanding of the great doctrines of the church and the nature of God should be the most passionate and sincere worshippers.

Charles H. Spurgeon, who has been described as "the prince of preachers", explains it this way:

It should never be forgotten that every Christian, as he grows in grace, should have a loftier idea of God. Our highest conception of God falls infinitely short of His glory, but a mature Christian enjoys a far clearer view of what God is than he had at the first. Now the greatness of God is ever a claim for praise. "Great is the Lord, and" - what follows? - "greatly to be praised." If God is greater to me than He was before, let my praise be greater.

Spurgeon continues:

Open your mouths. Let the praise pour forth. Let it come, rivers of it. Stream away! Gush away, all that you possibly can. Do not stop the joyful speakers. Let them go on forever. They do not exaggerate, for they cannot. You say they are enthusiastic, but they are not half up to pitch yet. Go on, go on. Pile it up. Say something greater, grander, and more fiery still! You cannot exceed the truth.

It is clear from Holy Writ that music and theology should walk hand in hand as lovers. Music must be important because the emphasis it receives in Scripture. But it must be coupled with a biblical understanding of the One to whom it is directed.

We sing to Him ... for He alone is worthy!

Charles Finney was a lawyer turned preacher who believed that salvation was a psychological experience, thus opening the door for the use of carnal methods in convincing people to make decisions for Christ.

Charles H. Spurgeon, The Practice of Praise; Springdale, Pa.: Whittaker House, 1995, p. 44

Spurgeon., pp. 25-26

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Wanted to share this article because in a few churches we have attended it was more like being at a concert than singing to prepare our hearts for the reading of the Word. Also the music portion of the service seems to crowd out the time for preaching. Has anyone else had this experience?

[true2yeshua]

I've found worship a difficult thing to get a handle on because of the way various churches have taught about it and used it. Personally, the times I am alone, often in my car, and I think about God and some aspect of His wonderfulness, I break out into made up songs and happy thank you's, woo hoos, laughter, general elatedness etc.

:yeah Glad I'm not the only one that does this! Not quite sure the birds appreciate my interrupting their beautiful songs while hanging my laundry, but I agree it brings such joy. And, thankfully, God doesn't care what we sound like or if we rhyme. :lol2 (lucky for me)

The psalms were some of the greatest examples of worship we have. And they were mostly guys alone with God, talking to Him, honoring Him, expounding on all of His graces on a very personal level, just the man and God.

OH, the psalms are wonderful! Songs written in the 1700s and 1800s are so focused upon God. It just doesn't seem to be so as much today.

why do we get berrated for not showing up before the singing starts, but coming in the middle of it. I think I'm missing something.

Poses a problem for those of us with kids!

[Sing4Him]

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/y/myrdeemr.htm


My degree is in music. A believer who is a music director is held to the higher standard than the norm because of his being a"teacher" and the love of his "teacher"

It would be vanity indeed should the director focus solely on the pleasantry of sound, appearance etc.

Utmost attention must be paid to the message of the song. It is the director's commitment to the Lord to bring understanding to the musicians below him as to what is being sung or played about.

The lyrics are pertinent.. the connection with God's Word is pertinent.
In obedience, they musician too must hold the music up against scripture to deem free of a faulty Biblical message.

This too pertains to the "worshipper". What is the song? What is the message?

Is this a vertical piece that solely incorporates worship between singer to the Lord? OR is this a piece that contains a message (horizontal) to the singer "from' the Lord.

Another area that is so oftened neglected is the area of the platform (shall I say) musical missionary.

To sing/play before the congregation/ audience is a situation that requires prayer, a conviction to bring a message to the listener's ear.
The positon "up front" is one of a missionary (horizonal message).. the glory to the Lord goes to Him, not only from individual praise but also to those who may receive the prompting of the Holy Spirit to come to Jesus as Lord and Savior and those who DO come to know the Savior through song.

This is why when one decides to sing/play for the Lord in any setting, one must realize this blessing of doing so must be taken with great prayer, and thankfulness to the one who created sound, and the deep thoughtfulness and thrill of whom may hear the beckoning of the Holy Spirit through the gift of music.


ie: praise music.. much is vertical
ie: hymns/gospel music.. much is horizontal

I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. Ps. 104:33

[JoelH]

I think a great majority of these Christians have deceived themselves that this is the Holy Spirit's prodding, when in fact it is their own fleshy emotions rearing their ugly faces.

[Mitsy]

I think a great majority of these Christians have deceived themselves that this is the Holy Spirit's prodding, when in fact it is their own fleshy emotions rearing their ugly faces.

I agree.

Someone once pointed out to me that it can also be put down to crowd hysteria. All those fans who scream and yell and carry on, most wouldn't do it if they were on their own, but as a crowd they go nuts. How many of these people are just being swept up by what is going on around them?

[Faline]

I've found worship a difficult thing to get a handle on because of the way various churches have taught about it and used it. Personally, the times I am alone, often in my car, and I think about God and some aspect of His wonderfulness, I break out into made up songs and happy thank you's, woo hoos, laughter, general elatedness etc. The corporate worship in churches never, honestly, touches me and gets me excited. I participate, but mainly I'm trying to read the words to the songs on the overhead screen because they keep changing the songs and I can't remember the words from one month to the next. I've always thought that true worship is what we do with our lives, what we think upon, our everyday honoring of Him. The psalms were some of the greatest examples of worship we have. And they were mostly guys alone with God, talking to Him, honoring Him, expounding on all of His graces on a very personal level, just the man and God. So maybe I need some teaching on this, some scripture backup, but why is the "worship team" in a church so important, and why do we get berrated for not showing up before the singing starts, but coming in the middle of it. I think I'm missing something.

I think my new church thinks I'm nuts. I go way to the back of the church so that when they sing and praise, I can praise on my knees with hands raised without anyone seeing. However, yesterday, they started singing, "Behold He comes, Riding on the Clouds, Shining Like the Sun...etc." and I just stood up, threw my hands up and put my head back as I sang. Believe me, this wasn't group hysteria...I was the only nut there!

They think I'm nuts. :fear :aha

For me, it's not emotionlism (I show more emotionalism watching the Redskins **try** to win!). For me, it's sheer love and it's gonna burst if it doesn't come out when someone starts singing about Jesus coming on the clouds and shining like the sun.

Oh, man. MARANATHA!

[true2yeshua]

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/y/myrdeemr.htm

To sing/play before the congregation/ audience is a situation that requires prayer, a conviction to bring a message to the listener's ear.
The positon "up front" is one of a missionary (horizonal message).. the glory to the Lord goes to Him, not only from individual praise but also to those who may receive the prompting of the Holy Spirit to come to Jesus as Lord and Savior and those who DO come to know the Savior through song.

This is why when one decides to sing/play for the Lord in any setting, one must realize this blessing of doing so must be taken with great prayer, and thankfulness to the one who created sound, and the deep thoughtfulness and thrill of whom may hear the beckoning of the Holy Spirit through the gift of music.


I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. Ps. 104:33


:thumb I will be able to, like King David, use tamborine, harp, flute and make a joyful noise unto the LORD! Dancing with indescribable joy in a glorified body before His Throne :woo

[Mitsy]

I think my new church thinks I'm nuts. I go way to the back of the church so that when they sing and praise, I can praise on my knees with hands raised without anyone seeing. However, yesterday, they started singing, "Behold He comes, Riding on the Clouds, Shining Like the Sun...etc." and I just stood up, threw my hands up and put my head back as I sang. Believe me, this wasn't group hysteria...I was the only nut there!

They think I'm nuts. :fear :aha

For me, it's not emotionlism (I show more emotionalism watching the Redskins **try** to win!). For me, it's sheer love and it's gonna burst if it doesn't come out when someone starts singing about Jesus coming on the clouds and shining like the sun.

Oh, man. MARANATHA!

A mature Christian in the Lord will not be swept up by the crowd. If they truely desire to express themselves with dance and hands swaying in the air, then Praise God they have that kind of feeling for the Lord and His Word.

I have had what I call my Praise God moments also. A few times what was being preached at Church hit a spiritual nerve and I spent the rest of the service crying (a bit embarrasing but I couldn't help myself). I have had a few over the top joyful moments and really joined in song as well .

This is different to following the crowd because you don't want to seem out of place or doing it because that seems to be the norm etc.. Or I'm sure some even do it to draw attention to themselves. Not all people who hold up hands and dance around are doing it out of a pure motives to Praise the Lord. I am concerned about those who fake it to be part of the crowd because they need to know it is OK to just sit quietly and listen to the Praise Songs or the Sermon as not everyone is moved to display their affection for the Lord in an outward display.