Lyrical Down Grade

Move, Mercy Me

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia Hamre) — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 17:28:00 +0000

This morning I heard this song...Move by Mercy Me. It is catchy...It sounds good. It doesn't read well though. Most songs I listen to on the Christian radio don't read well.

Ahhhhhhh, when will we Christians be done with feasting on the fat portions of human arrogance and syrupy sweet presumption!? Main stream 'Christian Music,' is full of these two things. A belief that regardless of scripture, somehow we have a hand in salvation's process, and we sing praises of presumption that because we are "believers," we can expect only good things to happen to us. That is where this song comes in, here is one line of many syrupy sweet presumptions.

"This hurt is getting heavy But I'm not about to cave Everything is about to change There's gonna be brighter days..."

When is it going to change? I just want to post a scripture, did the apostles sing this sort of song to new disciples even? Nope!

When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. Acts 14:21-22

Things won't always be 'peachy' in fact, great tribulations may come, and get this, it may never end until you reach glory! No wonder so many people who eat these modern 'christian songs' are depressed when trouble comes their way. They presume everything is beautiful in this life of believing, quite the contrary, the burden that Christ said was light is regarding our freedom from bondage to sin. Wearing Christ's clothes is a joy even when trouble is raining down.

And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we await for it with patience. Romans 8:23-25

Trouble can be eating our flesh and we have Hope! Hope in our life to come with Christ, not in this one. We can't hope in anything tangible here on earth, scripture says that hope is set in something you cannot see! We all know what that unseen hope is in Christ!

Let us remember lest we forget, our sanctification, our change is more important than what we may think is good for us. The ultimate good, is whatever gives God the greatest Glory!

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30

Douglas Wilson should rewrite a song for Mercy Me to sing...

Thinking through songs with you,

-Lydia

Dare You To Move - Switchfoot

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia Hamre) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 05:54:00 +0000

Let me just start by saying that this is not a Christian song and anyone who would defend it as Christian is greatly mistaken. The popular band name, Switchfoot might have been trying to be clever with their band title but they are not fooling me. Their name sounds like it walked straight out of John Bunyan's, Pilgrim's Progress; he was a master at naming characters in his book and I think I know what he would have meant if he used "Switchfoot" as one of his characters...You figure it out.

This song is a bunch of random words put in a random order that means absolutely...Nothing. It is completely void of scripture's truth.

Here is an interview with Jon Foreman, the dude who wrote this song. See if you can see anything godly about this narrative.

Dare You To Move I love to write songs; I’ve been at it since I could reach the piano. It’s one of my favourite ways to pass the time. Music helps me sort out who I am, so my songs usually end up being somewhat autobiographical. I’ve always felt the deepest connection with honest songs, so I try to write with sincerity. This song is an attempt to honestly face the gap between who I am and who I want to be; between the way the world spins and the way the world should be. I’ve heard that we only use a small part of our brain. Maybe out soul is the same way. And maybe we’re half asleep most of our lives, simply reacting to the stimulus our brain receives. Action, true action is rare indeed.This is an anthem of action and responsibility. Who will live our lives for us? Who will seek the Lord in these dark days? What generation will arise and be the salt and light of hope to this starving world? Salvation is here! This is a very emotional song for me. This song is my challenge to myself. And when I sing it, I sing it to myself, daring myself to live like today never happened. The last chorus is really a cry from my soul to live.

If you are reading this, I plead with you to think through your songs and your, "bands."

Thinking through songs with you,

-Lydia

Matthew West, Forgiveness

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia Hamre) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 01:47:00 +0000

It isn't often that I come across a song written lately that surprises me with its solid doctrine. Today surprised me with this song, Forgiveness by Matthew West. The lyrics are pleasantly solid and brings to light from scripture truths about forgiveness in a Christian's life. Here are some lines from his song I appreciate.

It flies in the face of all your pride It moves away the mad inside It’s always anger’s own worst enemy Even when the jury and the judge Say you gotta right to hold a grudge It’s the whisper in your ear saying ‘Set It Free’

These two verses come to mind in regard to these lyrics.

Good sense makes one slow to anger,and it is his glory to overlook an offence. (Proverbs 19:11 ESV)

Whoever covers an offence seeks love,but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9 ESV)

We get chances to forgive everyday, usually offences that seem terrible at the moment but really are rather small. I believe it is a great mercy from God that rather big offences are placed in our lives that we must forgive. The ones that seemingly tear us apart, but the ones that really free us from being a prisoner of selfishness. Matthew West's quote sums it up well...

It’ll clear the bitterness away It can even set a prisoner free There is no end to what it’s power can do So, let it go and be amazed By what you see through eyes of grace The prisoner that it really frees is you

Thinking through songs with you,

Lydia

Now And Not Yet By Matt Searles

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia Hamre) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 22:28:00 +0000

Here are some really simple yet lovely songs done up from the Psalms. Enjoy!

Thinking through songs with you,

-Lydia

now and not yet by Matt Searles

Dara Maclean, Yours Forever

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia Hamre) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 23:29:00 +0000

I don't want to sound presumptuous but sometimes I feel like "christian" music artists purposely leave their songs ambiguous. I think Dara Maclean's song, Yours Forever is a great example. If she is writing about her Lord in this song she refers to him as, "My love." Maybe "Christian songs sell so well because you can insert your ideas or your boyfriend/girlfriend here_____.

Thinking through songs with you,

-Lydia

Satellite Kite - Beautiful Eulogy - Entitlement

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:45:00 +0000

Here's a song that was recently released that I can't get enough of because the lyrics are so well thought out, very edifying, and full of tons of scripture.

Lazy songwriters take note, 3 white rappers from Portland just made your watered down mainstream music look like Barney's Sing Along.

The bar has been set.

Satisfied In You (Sing Team)

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia Hamre) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 23:52:00 +0000

These words are deep and beautiful from Psalm 42

Link to song and album here

I have lost my appetite
And a flood is welling up behind my eyes
So I eat the tears I cry
And if that were not enough
They know just the words to cut and tear and prod
When they ask me “Whereʼs your God?”

Why are you downcast, oh my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
I can remember when you showed your face to me

As a deer pants for water, so my soul thirsts for you
And when I survey Your splendor, You so faithfully renew
Like a bed of rest for my fainting flesh

When Iʼm looking at the ground
Itʼs an inbred feedback loop that drags me down
So itʼs time to lift my brow
And remember better days
When I loved to worship you and learn your ways
Singing sweetest songs of praise

Let my sighs give way to songs that sing about your faithfulness
Let my pain reveal your glory as my only real rest
Let my losses show me all I truly have is you

So when Iʼm drowning out at sea
And all your breakers and your waves crash down on me
Iʼll recall your safety scheme
Youʼre the one who made the waves
And your Son went out to suffer in my place
And to show me that Iʼm safe

Why am I down?
Why so disturbed?
I am satisfied in you

credits

from Oh! Great Is Our God!, track released 03 April 2012
Written by Brian Eichelberger / E on the Eye Chart (BMI)

The Place of Music and Singing in Church by Vaughan Roberts

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia Hamre) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 16:17:00 +0000

The Place of Music and Singing in Church

by Vaughan Roberts

Very interesting article on music and singing in church. I highly recommend you take some time aside and read it. It is very thought provoking, especially when addressing the wide idea in Christianity today that the feelings conjured during music/singing is a personal encounter with God.

*The title is the link to the article.

strong enough- part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Matthew West's Strong Enough--- All scripture used is from the NASB

God is sovereign, that is where we started in part 1 of Strong Enough. We need to understand for ourselves and then teach our children that God is sovereign. He is in control of all things. All things are done for His purposes and according to His good pleasure. (Read part 1 if you don't know why we are talking about this.)

Our children ask lots of questions, like: "Why am I this way?" or "Why did God let that happen?" or "Why won't God change it?" Lets face it, lots of bad things happen, things that are hard to explain. Often times we want to blame these things on sin and death, a broken world or the will of men. Yes, these are the means by which bad things happen, but, hear this, always and only for the end purpose of God's sovereign will. If God did not want it to happen, it would not happen. So the questions come from our little ones, "Why daddy?"

This is why we must next understand for ourselves and then teach our children that God is righteous in all He does and all that happens. We don't have to understand "why?", but we have to accept that God is righteous. This simply means that God does rightly, always. Everything that happens, the way each of us were created with our gifts and talents or all our shortcomings, God did this rightly. He is all knowing, He is all powerful, He, not only sees all, but is in the past, present and future at all times.

In the book of Job, all Job wanted for the first 37 chapters was a hearing before God, to let God know that what was happening to him was not right, not fair. Starting in chapter 38 God finally answers him: Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, "Who is this that darkens counsel By words without knowledge? "Now gird up your loins like a man, And I will ask you, and you instruct Me! (38:1-3 NASB) God goes on to ask Job question after question after question about who made what and where Job was when it all went down (read it, chapters 38- 42). Job had no answer for God. Then the LORD said to Job, "Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who reproves God answer it." Then Job answered the LORD and said, "Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You? I lay my hand on my mouth. (40:1-4) After this God goes on with another round of questions that Job again has no answer for. Job repents, understanding that God does rightly in all He does, even if he couldn't understand it all.

You may be asking by now, "Jeff, what does this have to do with the song?" In my first blog, I mentioned what I saw my purpose for being a part of Lyrical Down Grade. I feel that music is a perfect way to live out Duet 6:4-9 "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one. "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. "You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Music is being played in our cars and in our homes. A wise parent will make sure that music is an integral part of their children's lives. Use it to help you teach your children diligently to love the Lord with all their hearts, souls, and might.

As for the song, use it, ask questions to your children on the way to school, shopping, as you rise, as you sit down. Ask questions like: "What things are you really good at?"; "Why are you good at that?"; "Where does that strength come from?". As you ask these questions, you can start teaching them that it is God who has made them the way they are. God has given them the gifts that they have. Teach them to be thankful to God for making them just how He has made them. Psalms 139:1-18 would be a great passage to read together, helping us to understand that God knows us intimately, is with us continually, He made us intricately, and thinks about us inexhaustibly. Check it out. Read it with your kids. Teach them.

What if your children aren't good as things? Even children who excel at some things, struggle to do others. Some children stink at almost everything. This can be a heartache for children and their parents alike. Again use this song, ask questions: "What things are you bad at?"; "When do you feel really weak?"; "Why do you think God made you this way?" 2 Cor 12:7-10 and 1 Cor 1:26-31 are some passages that should be read and discussed with your children. Paul recalls in 2 Cor 12:7-10 God's response to a prayer to take away a weakness, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." And then he concludes... Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. In 1 Cor 1:26-31 we see that God uses the weak things in this world to shame the wise. This is all done to bring God the glory... let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.

The song "Strong Enough" does a pretty good job of conveying this:

I know I'm not strong enough to be

Everything that I'm supposed to be

I give up

I'm not strong enough....

Lord right now I'm asking you to be

Strong enough

The song also uses Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. This verse is often used out of context. As Matt Chandler would say, "This verse has nothing to do with sports". This verse is all about contentment. (read verses 10-13) This verse could have something to do about sports if it is used correctly. If, when your child scores the touchdown, or when your child strikes out, they are encouraged to trust God is in it, and be thankful in it what ever happens. I can be contented in all the things that God has chosen for me to walk in, with His strength. Whether these things are what we excel in, or are great weaknesses. God is sovereign, God is righteous, God knows us, and He is glorified in our weaknesses as we trust in Him and are contented in God's perfect plan for our lives, and our kids lives. God is glorified when anything that is good in us is viewed and celebrated as a gift from God. John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.--Jesus

Awake and Alive, by Skillet

noreply@blogger.com (Ryan) — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:40:00 +0000

If I was driving to work, and during my commute I found myself in the worst traffic this planet has ever seen, and at that very second you asked, "Which do you find more frustrating, this traffic or mainstream 'Christian' radio music?" I would have to think about it. Probably overnight. I actually don't know which I would choose. Although I know my frustration in traffic is probably my own sinfulness, but my frustration against "Christian" radio music is righteous, because much of what it has to offer maligns God's Holiness.

So... let's get into one song that makes me white knuckle it faster than being stuck behind a slow moving cement truck that I sometimes wish was driving over me instead of in front of me when this song comes up.

"Awake and Alive" by Skillet

For critical review purposes, as much as I would like to post the entire song's lyrics, I will review the chorus that follows-

I'm awake I'm alive

Now I know what I believe inside

Now it's my time

I'll do what I want 'cause this is my life

right here (right here), right now (right now)

And the music video can be found here-

Ok, so... if you pause the video at exactly 1 minute and 0 seconds, you will face the following comedic pleasure-

"And I love you random Skillet fan."

The similarities are uncanny; if only they had a stage of water.

Let's think of a recipe for bad Christian music.

Trendy black clothing - Check
Hipster tight pants - Check
Trendy female vocalist - Check
Wicked guitar solos - Check
Edgy sounding - Check
Screaming repetitive nonsense - Check
Unbiblical Lyrics - Check

Looks like we have a work of art.

Right off the bat we might notice that these lyrics join the ranks of other equally "Christian" lyrics from Bon Jovi and Gwen Stefani.

Bon Jovi-

It's my life

It's now or never

I ain't gonna live forever

I just wanna live while I'm alive

Gwen Stefani-

It's my life

Don't you forget

It's my life

It never ends(It never ends)

Although, Gwen's is a little nicer to think about because she touches on the eternal nature of the soul. Bon Jovi's sounds more like Skillets', it's all about the right here and right now. Great minds think alike.

The theological nonsense in just the chorus is astounding. There's enough in the chorus alone to review, we could have multiple reviews, theological inquiry, and practical application. But I want to shoot this song into the ground with a single review.

"I'm awake, I'm alive"

With this portion of the verse, I will assume that it is speaking about salvation. With this line and the first verse, I think it is safe to conclude that the song is geared towards a "saved" individual. Fair enough. I have no issue with this, because prior to God saving me there is a sense that I was not awake, and I was completely dead in my trespasses. After this, the song takes a dip into the rabbit hole, where things just get weird.

"Now I know what I believe inside"

Of course you do. If you didn't know it, you wouldn't know it to be able to believe it. You can't believe something you don't know. This is generally what is known as a "truism". I'm not a music artist, so I can only postulate, but I imagine they needed another line that sounded trendy, catchy and screamable, so by putting their collective heads together they produced this train-wreck of a line.

"Now it's my time, I'll do what I want 'cause this is my life, right here (right here), right now (right now)"

Pow, there goes the shot across the bow. If there is a single battle cry that sums up this entire awful sheet of music, this is the line.

It's my time? No, it's God's time. I'll do what I want? No, you'll do what God wants. This is my life? No, your life belongs to God. Right here? Yes, right here, right now, this is not your will, this is not your life.

What happens any time in Scripture where people start thinking that their life is theirs and they can do what they want? People stray from God. Every time. Adam and Eve, Abraham went into Hagar, David, Israel, etc.

Jesus came to save us from ourselves! God saves us from our decision making!

Hold on, let me add some emphasis to the previous sentences because it's pretty important and it shatters the whole song.

Jesus came to save us from ourselves!

God saves us from our decision making!

Jesus came to atone for the church, so the Holy Spirit could work in the church, so that the church could worship God.

What did Jesus say in the garden? Luke 22:42, "not my will, but yours"
What does Paul say in Acts 20:24? "I consider my life worth nothing to me"

Jesus gave his life for the Church as an atoning sacrifice that He gave to God. There's even a theological aspect to this in that the Father sent the Son.

We can go in depth into other bad aspects of the song that just makes me want to hug a toilet, so here are some further thoughts for you to dwell on.

From the song:

"I'm at war with the world cause I aint never gonna sell my soul"

Really? Is this why you're at war with the world? Cause YOU "aint never gonna sell" your soul? This doesn't even make sense. What does being at war with the world have anything to do with losing your soul? Is it the world's fault if you lose your soul? You believe you can lose your soul? Egads.

"Forever hold this heart that I will give to you"

Nothing says American Christianity like a big dose of synergism. How about the Biblical account about God changing our heart of stone into a heart of flesh. No one seeks God, God has to seek out man. Man is at war with God, and God crosses the battle line to end the war. There is not a whole lot about natural man holding out his humble little lovable heart to God found anywhere in Scripture.

I'll leave you with a choice quote from the wife of the lead vocalist, who is also a leading band member, and song writer-

"Our lyrics are hopefully theologically sound and all that kind of stuff."

-Korey Cooper

No Korey, I'm sorry to tell you, your lyrics are not "theologically sound and all that kind of stuff."

Strong Enough To Save, Tenth Avenue North

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia Hamre) — Mon, 14 May 2012 03:00:00 +0000

This song is an exceptional example of liberal evangelism. The song is speaking to an unbeliever, where is the gospel being presented? We know that scripture says, "faith comes from hearing and hearing from the word of God" (Romans 10:17). I find no scripture in this song. Biblical words like, 'grace' are used but it is completely destroyed in its meaning.

In verse two of the song we hear:

Look now is not too late lift up your head let the rain fall on your face you're not far from grace, you're not to far from grace

The title, "Strong Enough To Save" indicates God is strong enough to save, true. In verse two of the song we see that God has grace on those whom he saves. Unfortunately this unbeliever is the farthest from grace as he can get, as every unbeliever essentially is. In verse 1 of the song in question, it says, "open up your eyes," this indicates that this unbeliever has a role in his obtaining grace. This just isn't true, the very definition of grace disproves this is how we are saved. A great definition for grace is, unmerited favor. If we could just 'open our eyes' and reach out for salvation then it would not be unmerited favor, it would not be grace!

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. (Romans 11:6 ESV)

The unbelieving listener needs a song where the gospel is being presented with scripture. His own sinful state needs to be revealed to him and the individual needs to be shown that his depraved nature is in opposition to God. Natural man can do nothing to obtain salvation, this includes "lifting up your head." Only God can change hearts, and all the hearts He freely chooses to change have been (and are) completely wretched.

Here is a great example of the gospel in this famous song!

Rock Of Ages

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure; Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
[originally When my eye-strings break in death]
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

Lets think through our songs ;)

John Bunyan's Hymn, Who Would True Valor See

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia Hamre) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:13:00 +0000

Who would true valour see,
Let him come hither;
One here will constant be,
Come wind, come weather
There’s no discouragement
Shall make him once relent
His first avowed intent
To be a pilgrim.

Whoso beset him round
With dismal stories
Do but themselves confound;
His strength the more is.
No lion can him fright,
He’ll with a giant fight,
He will have a right
To be a pilgrim.

Hobgoblin nor foul fiend
Can daunt his spirit,
He knows he at the end
Shall life inherit.
Then fancies fly away,
He’ll fear not what men say,
He’ll labor night and day
To be a pilgrim.

Our church's adult Sunday school class is going through John Bunyan's, The Pilgrim's Progress. In class we learned about Bunyan's love of music. In prison he carved a flute from one of the chair legs in the prison. How awesome is that? He also made his own violin, wow! His ingenuity was astounding not only with the writing with which he is most famous for but also for lyrical rhythm and song. I posted a hymn that is included in, The Pilgrim's Progress. I hope you will read more about him and more of what he wrote.

Lift Me Up, The Afters

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia Hamre) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:16:00 +0000

There wasn't a whole lot I was gonna say about this song until I read the lyrics over and over and watched the music video a few times. As I watched the music video and re-read things I began to find things that I was not seeing before. This song was a great example to me about listening without my "ears" on. At first it all seemed semi-dandy and then the error started jumping out at me after I paid the correct attention to the song

The first problem I find with the song.

1) Not understanding how we actually know God's Will.

"Waiting for a sign

That I’m where you want me to be"
(Lift Me Up, The Afters)

A great many Christians struggle everyday concerned about the will of God. Are they in it? Can they know it? The act of "seeking" God's will in today's Christian culture has become a search fundamentally for signs. The more I read the more I cannot find anywhere in scripture that associates the will of God as something you have to figure out or find. I don't think we should spend our time concerned about whether or not we are in the will of God by looking for extra biblical signs, but take constant care to make sure we are doing the Will of God by searching the scriptures and being obedient to them. I think this verse puts it well in context...The will of God is obeying Him.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
(Romans 12:1-2 ESV)

Here are some more verses to study concerning the Will of God.

The second problem I find with the song.

2) Having an attitude of complacency with our sin.

"I know I’m not perfect

I know I make mistakes

I know that I have let you down

But you love me the same"

(Lift Me Up, The Afters)

We review lyrics here, not the musical aspect, nor the music videos made for them...I think in this case the song makes more sense when the official music video is watched. I found the music video heightened the lyrics above to mean what they really wanted them to mean. There is a gal in a bathroom being portrayed as insecure about her appearance, seeing her "ugly" self she breaks the mirror and proceeds to cut herself with the mirror shards.

This is obviously not a believer who is just "making mistakes." This is someone who doesn't even understand the scriptures. If this girl had known God and His Word appropriately this would not be happening. Her vanity would be revealed to her and there would be a great repentance for where her sin lies. Believers do fall...But deliberate and outright rebellion to God, worshiping the creature rather than the Creator (Romans 1) is not the picture of a true believer.

The Christian realm repeats these things a lot. "We are human and not perfect." "We all make mistakes, but God loves us anyway". "You can't do anything beyond His love." I agree with all of this But we are missing a huge word here, SIN. This song doesn't even name sin, they name it as "mistakes." Be wary of someone who calls sin mistakes or letting God down.

I find that Christian music is so fast to condone sin as natural rather than a war against it as being "unnatural" for the regenerated believer. In Hebrews we find this.

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
(Hebrews 10:26-31 ESV)

If we were to read this scripture every morning out of bed we'd get the right idea about our sin. A believer sins. Someone who claims to be a believer and still is a slave to sin should question their standing with God.

Let's think through our songs ;)

Martin Luther on Music

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia Hamre) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:10:00 +0000

I, as always find myself greatly satisfied after reading a portion of something Martin Luther has written so long ago. I picture an old, crusty, direct man whom I would enjoy sitting down to coffee with just to hear him expel all his unyielding opinions.

This quote I find very interesting.

"I, Doctor Martin Luther, wish all lovers of the unshackled art of music grace and peace from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ!
I truly desire that all Christians would love and regard as worthy the lovely gift of music, which is a precious, worthy, and costly treasure given to mankind by God.
The riches of music are so excellent and so precious that words fail me whenever I attempt to discuss and describe them.... In summa, next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. It controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits...
Our dear fathers and prophets did not desire without reason that music be always used in the churches. Hence, we have so many songs and psalms.
This precious gift has been given to man alone that he might thereby remind himself that God has created man for the express purpose of praising and extolling God.
However, when man's natural musical ability is whetted and polished to the extent that it becomes an art, then do we note with great surprise the great and perfect wisdom of God in music, which is, after all, His product and His gift; we marvel when we hear music in which one voice sings a simple melody, while three, four, or five other voices play and trip lustily around the voice that sings its simple melody and adorn this simple melody wonderfully with artistic musical effects, thus reminding us of a heavenly dance, where all meet in a spirit of friendliness, caress and embrace.
A person who gives this some thought and yet does not regard music as a marvelous creation of God, must be a clodhopper indeed and does not deserve to be called a human being; he should be permitted to hear nothing but the braying of asses and the grunting of hogs."

- (Martin Luther, Foreword to Georg Rhau's Collection, "Symphoniae iucundae")

The Great Commission Confusion

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia Hamre) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:53:00 +0000

I heard another song today, (sad sigh). The Lost Get Found by Brit Nicole. This song completely rejects the biblical take on The Great Commission. In fact, its a different Commission altogether.

Here is Christ's Great Commission:

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)

Here are a couple of lines from Brit Nichole's song, The Lost Get Found. I'll call this, The You Have The Power Commission. (In case anyone is confused, the 'you' here is you, it isn't referring to a greater power of any sort.)

"Don't let your lights go down
Don't let your fire burn out
'cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe
Why don't you rise up now?
Don't be afraid to stand out
That's how the lost get found
The lost get found"

"So when you get the chance
Are you gonna take it?
There's a really big world at your fingertips
And you know you have the chance to change it"

The Word of God says to make 'disciples' of all nations. Discipling, witnessing, and showing love to others who may be hurting etc, are all different things. Brit Nicole's song briefly refers to, a girl on the streets crying and a man who's faith is dying. Our culture tends to witness by showing good deeds to others. Giving the guy on the side of the street, cold and shivering, a coat and a hug is not witnessing and not discipling. That would only be showing love. Witnessing would be sharing the gospel of Christ with His words. Deeds can and should certainly be done at the same time and/or followed, but good deeds are definitely not means by which someone is truly converted.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17 ESV)

The Great Commission has been so muddied. It isn't about witnessing and doing good deeds that lead an individual to conversion, its about discipling those who God saves and gives a new life while in your care. Far too many people are given some deed of service, asked to say, 'a prayer,' deemed saved and sent on their way with a pamphlet. The Great Commission is commanding us to disciple people. To teach them, train them in righteousness, walk with them for a while in their new legs.

This, You Have The Power Commission, completely glorifies man by suggesting we are the way in which someone or something on earth is changed. I agree God uses us as the means of these things, but only a vessel and if we were not around to do it...

He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
(Luke 19:40 ESV)

I'm not shrouding man's responsibility to adhere to The Great Commission I'm just trying to show we are but humble vessels and that God uses whatever means he wants...Even as we know, a donkey (Numbers 22).

I fear the song also is in danger of suggesting that if a believer doesn't do their job, someone might not be converted who would have been converted if that believer had done their job, (panting for breath in that sentence). If God is sovereign and just, no matter what we do God will have saved all who He had planned to save. It all works out to His glory and not ours.

Lets think through our songs ;)

strong recommendation- seeds family worship

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:48:00 +0000

As a family, music has always been an important part of our time together, especially driving here and there, to and from school, high school football games, church, and everywhere. Some of my favorite memories with my family are of times driving and putting in the new "car mix" CD that my son put together with all our favorite songs from several different artists. He even made "mom mix" CDs for mom with a little calmer music (he always would sneak a few harder songs on those CDs trying to get mom up to speed with the rest of the family).

One of our favorite family finds comes from Seeds Family Worship. They have put together several CDs that are Scripture put to music. I know what you are thinking... it is not what you are thinking. The music is very fun and progressive. Our older children even love this music, and our youngest listens to it all the time. Truly, it is some of my favorite music. There have been times at work, especially during hard days, my I-pod on, when the Scripture put to music by these talented artists have profoundly ministered to me. Praising God, right there in the middle of the shop. Mighty to Save (Zephaniah 3:17); His Love Endures (Psalm 136:1-6 & 26); Sing to Him (1 Chronicles 16:9-10) and many others, have provided much encouragement for my family and me. This music is a blessing to my family. We give this music away to every couple expecting a new child. I only wish it would have been around longer, while our older children were young. It is awesome to see your children sing and know Scripture by heart.

Here's a link, please check them out:

http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net

Our favorites are Seeds of Courage and Seeds of Praise, but they are all great!
When you buy a CD, the package comes with 2 CDs so you can give one as a gift. That is awesome!

Here, also are some links to videos showing the hearts of some of the creators:

We hope and pray that your family will be blessed by this music.

strong enough- part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:15:00 +0000

Matthew West's, Strong Enough is a song that has had a lot of play on Christian radio. I like what the song has to say, and see that it can be used by parents to train their children in some key Biblical truths. Are we strong enough? Do our children think that by themselves they are strong enough? Have you talked about strengths and weaknesses? Do they believe that they are NOT strong enough, but think that it is just because they are a big fat loser? Or, do they believe, because they are really good at the things they do, they are strong enough on their own? I would like to help parents use this song and others like it to teach their children how to think Biblically concerning themselves, their talents or lack of talents, the Gospel and God (Not necessarily in that order). But first lets lay some foundation.

When it comes to children and talents, there are two ends of the spectrum: one end, where the child seems to excel at all he does (we all know this child, usually not ours); and the other, where the child really struggles doing anything well. Fortunately for us, most of our children fall somewhere in the middle. They do well in some things and struggle to excel in others. Sports, school, friends, music, art...etc, these are the things that we as parents either, rejoice in, or are brokenhearted over, as our children become stars or misfits in what ever they are trying to do. You know, sometimes it is just painful to watch.

How do we as parents help our children navigate through the emotional minefields of: failure and shame; or victory and pride? As they "hit the home run" or "strike out looking"...again, what should we say? How should we teach them? Our children will be filled with pride as they hear from others, even adults, "you are awesome!" Shame could smother them when they hear, "at least swing at the ball you skinny little..." or things like that. These are serious things, that when handled with Biblical instruction, can open our children's hearts to understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ, by which we are saved. We need to understand that both failure and victory are dangerous when handled in a worldly way, with worldly philosophies.

Let us start where we should start, with God. Regardless whether your child is the star or the misfit, the first thing they must be taught is that God is sovereign over all people and things. God is sovereign over you, your child, and their abundance or lack of talents. God made them that way on purpose, He made them that way for His glory. In John 9:1-3, Jesus' disciples asked Him why a blind man that they saw was born blind. "Was it because of his sins or his parents sins?" They asked Him. In verse 3: Jesus answered, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.NASB This man was made this way from birth by the sovereign hand of God so that he would display the works of God through Christ and bring God glory. Consider Psalm 139: 1-16, David understood God's sovereignty not only in his every day life but in his very existence from before birth to after death: O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night," Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.NASB
See also: Proverbs 16:4,9,33; 19:21; 21:1; Psalms 50:10; 107:29; 115:3; 135:6; I Cor. 15:26; Amos 4:7; Nahum 1:3-6; Matt. 4:23; 5:45; Luke 8:24; Romans 8:38-39; 9:17-18; 13:2. There are many, many more.

It starts with this: God is sovereign. Before you can teach your children this truth in the midst of their failures and victories you have to believe it yourself. As a parent of 3, my wife and I have had to deal with both ends of the spectrum. We know how it feels to have a child that is struggling with disappointment after disappointment. Seeing a child cry in her bed, asking, "Daddy, why am I this way? Why am I not good at anything? Why do things never work out for me? Why Daddy?" When our hearts are being torn out for our children, do we believe that God is sovereign? We must, we don't have to understand it, but we must. God is in control of this situation, He has not lost track of my child. I think that at times in this life we feel like a child separated from his parents in the middle of Disneyland, wondering in fear if our parents have any idea where we are or what we are going through. God knows right where you are as a parent and exactly where your child is. In fact, God is in the situation. God is good, God is love. God is there.

Please read and meditate on these Scriptures.

To be continued...

Hold Me

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:53:00 +0000

Our daughter Lydia wants to enter the end of the year talent show with our home school group. The song she and a friend chose is "Hold Me” by Jamie Grace. This happens to be a song I particularly do not like because I think it sounds more like a boyfriend song than a song about God. So instead of commanding her to, “think again” her father and I decided to go through the lyrics with her and see how they stand up against the Word of God.
We started with the first line; "I love, I love, I love, I love the way you hold me"
We asked, "you love the way who holds you?"
"Uhh… God?" she replied.
"How does God hold you?" we continued.
"I dunno, why can't I just sing it?"
So we moved to the next question. "How do you know the lyrics are talking about God and not her boyfriend?"
She thought that was easy, "it says 'Lord' in it two times!"
We talked a little longer about the rest of the lyrics and there was nothing overtly unbiblical.
We said, "As you know the Bible tells us to do all things as unto the Lord. So how does singing this song bring God glory and not yourself?” (Colossians 3:23)
She quietly replied, “Because God gave me a voice to sing… I just want to."
We told her we would talk about it. We weren’t too thrilled with the whole idea of a talent show but she does love to sing. Then my husband remembered a verse;
John 10:27-29 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."NASB

We decided she could sing the song as long as she read the verse first so that it is clear to her and all listening that God and Jesus are holding her. She was fine with that but wasn't sure her friend would be. As it turns out she was right. Her friend didn’t want the verse read and suggested maybe they pick another song. Now her friend is starting to back out altogether.
A few nights later Lydia couldn’t fall asleep so she started to write the lyrics that were in her heart.

“O Lord protect those who believe in you. Please protect me and my family.

I will try to trust in You and not fear tomorrow!!! O Lord, O Lord,

I plead to You for strength forever.

Lord You are my only aim!! Protect us Oh Lord!!"

She is now thinking she could sing that song or one that clearly gives God glory and brings attention to Him. We were pleased with how this turned out. We could have just said straight up “no!” We could have instructed her again about not giving the appearance of sin (in this case a nine year old girl singing about a boy holding her, day dreaming about him, pretty much idolizing him). It could have been a battle with the result of a broken relationship, at least for a little while. While training and correcting our children we try to remember Ephesians 6:4, Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
We obviously don’t always get it right but this time, by God’s grace, we did.

John Calvin and His Thoughts on Music and Lyrics

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia Hamre) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:31:00 +0000

I read this yesterday and thought it so interesting. The fact that this was written so long ago really intrigues me in light of today's culture.

Importance of Music

Now among the other things which are proper for recreating man and giving him pleasure, music is either the first, or one of the principal; and it is necessary for us to think that it is a gift of God deputed for that use. Moreover, because of this, we ought to be the more careful not to abuse it, for fear of soiling and contaminating it, converting it our condemnation, where it was dedicated to our profit and use. If there were no other consideration than this alone, it ought indeed to move us to moderate the use of music, to make it serve all honest things; and that it should no give occasion for our giving free rein to dissolution, or making ourselves effeminate in disordered delights, and that it should not become the instrument of lasciviousness nor of any shamelessness.

Power of Music

But still there is more: there is scarcely in the world anything which is more able to turn or bend this way and that the morals of men, as Plato prudently considered it. And in fact, we find by experience that it has a sacred and almost incredible power to move hearts in one way or another. Therefore we ought to be even more diligent in regulating it in such a way that it shall be useful to us and in no way pernicious. For this reason the ancient doctors of the Church complain frequently of this, that the people of their times were addicted to dishonest and shameless songs, which not without cause they referred to and called mortal and Satanic poison for corrupting the world. Moreover, in speaking now of music, I understand two parts: namely the letter, or subject and matter; secondly, the song, or the melody. It is true that every bad word (as St. Paul has said) perverts good manner, but when the melody is with it, it pierces the heart much more strongly, and enters into it; in a like manner as through a funnel, the wine is poured into the vessel; so also the venom and the corruption is distilled to the depths of the heart by the melody.

Singing With Understanding Required

As for the rest, it is necessary to remember that which St. Paul hath said, the spiritual songs cannot be well sung save from the heart. But the heart requires the intelligence. And in that (says St. Augustine) lies the difference between the singing of men and that of the birds. For a linnet, a nightingale, a parrot may sing well; but it will be without understanding. But the unique gift of man is to sing knowing that which he sings. After the intelligence must follow the heart and the affection, a thing which is unable to be except if we have the hymn imprinted on our memory, in order never to cease from singing. For these reasons this present book, even for this cause, besides the rest which has been said, ought to be singular recommendation to each one who desires to enjoy himself honestly and according to God, for his own welfare and the profit of his neighbors: and so there is need of all of it being much recommended by me: seeing that it carries its value and its praise. But that the world may be so well advised, that in place of songs in part vain and frivolous, in part stupid and dull, in part foul and vile, and in consequence evil and harmful which it has used up to now, it may accustom itself hereafter to the singing of these divine and celestial hymns with the good king David. Touching the melody, it has seemed best that it be moderated in the manner we have adopted to carry the weight and majesty appropriate to the subject, and even to be proper for singing in the Church, according to that which has been said.

From Geneva, this 10th of June, 1543 [John Calvin]

Source: http://www.ccel.org/cceh/archives/eee/calvinps.htm

Page CXVI

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia Hamre) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:40:00 +0000

You'll be happy to hear we don't only critique the music that we feel is unsound but also the opposite. Considering that, I am going to share a group that I am glad to listen to. They are known as Page CXVI. Their vision is to get the general Christian public familiar with the hymns of old again. They have great musical accompaniment and of course I cannot argue with most the lyrics from old hymns.

Enjoy!

What Does Love Really Mean?

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia Hamre) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:54:00 +0000

I'll be chatting briefly about JJ Heller and Dave Heller's song, What Love Really Means. I've heard this song a couple of times and it has always bugged me. Some songs just sound so good, the melody has me, I start to hum along and then reality jerks my brain into gear. Throughout the song we get three stories that can speak to a vast array of people.

In this song we have:

- A desperate child, "He cries in the corner where nobody sees..." "...Could you send someone here who will love me?"

- A women who has been left by her husband who clings to self consciousness, "She's the woman whose husband has run away She'll go to the gym after working today Maybe if she was thinner Then he would've stayed..."

- A regretful felon, "He's waiting to die as he sits all alone He's a man in a cell who regrets what he's done."

A lot of us could identify with all three of these people, whether we have actually been in exactly the same situation being laid out in the song or not. I know what the Heller's are trying to do here and I understand it but I don't agree with it. Their agenda here is clear in the chorus. These three descriptive dramas are being told of not knowing what love really means because they have never been loved for who they are. The Heller's are trying to convey a gospel that is common in main stream Christianity today...Jesus loves you for you?

"Who will love me for me Not for what I have done or what I will become Who will love me for me ‘Cause nobody has shown me what love What love really means."

What is true here in this song is that we are not loved by God for what we have done or what we will become. Unfortunately this isn't the bell being rung in this song. I think the last quote that I will give of the song will prove that. Following the regretful felon's story this next piece is sung.

"Then he heard a voice somewhere deep inside And it said “I know you've murdered and I know you've lied I have watched you suffer all of your life And now that you'll listen, I'll tell you that I...I will love you for you Not for what you have done or what you will become I will love you for you I will give you the love The love that you never knew."

There are two wrong proposals being sold here.

1. Man is lovable in and of himself.

2. Man is the motivation for God's love.

Firstly, man is not lovable in and of himself. Scripture accurately displays the state of depravity we are born into.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
(Psalm 51:5 ESV)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
(Romans 3:23 ESV)
We are born sinful, with nothing good in us. There is nothing to love about us. There is something to love in us only if this is true of you...

For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
(Colossians 3:3 ESV)
Secondly, Man cannot possibly be the motivation for God's love.

Yet he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make known his mighty power.
(Psalm 106:8 ESV)
I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.
(1 John 2:12 ESV)

for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
(Philippians 2:13 ESV)

God created us for His good pleasure. In today's world we find a lot of people telling us a story that just is not true. God didn't create us to give Himself something to love and hopefully be loved back. This would suggest that God was lacking something and therefore created it to fulfill some unresolved desire. This would make God imperfect because He would be dependent on man.

God's chief end in creating the world and everything in it (including us) was for His glory alone. God is perfection. Since we understand from scripture that God desires all glory and deserves all glory we understand that it is precisely because He is perfection. Any piece of creation getting glory would be glorifying something that is not perfect. God's glory alone is the motivation for the love given to those who believe.

The Heller's song has clearly tried to sell two wrong theological proposals. They may have a catchy melody here but their lyrics are not catching Biblical truths.

This song exemplifies the importance of guarding our hearts and minds against worldly thinking. This song contains a subtle attack against scripture, against man's state, and ultimately against God's character.

Let's think through our songs ;)

My Purpose At Lyrical Downgrade

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:23:00 +0000

We are really excited about being a part of Lyrical Downgrade. There are a few perspectives that come to mind when I think of Christian music and my purpose for being a part of this blog.
    First: I love music. I love Christian music. Back in the '80's I listened to Christian music, I had such a huge crush on Amy Grant. The Imperials, The Resurrection Band (later The Rez band), Petra, Steve Taylor and so many others helped me though my teen-age years. This music gave me some direction and stability during such an aimless and unstable time.
   Second: God has given me the amazing privilege of teaching His Word, for several years Amy (my wife) and I have been able to speak into many young families' lives and have seen the power of God's Word change and strengthen marriages to His glory. Through our experience we have also seen the lack of solid Biblical understanding and teaching about marriage and family issues. Studying and sharing the truth of God's Word has become a passion.
   Third: I am a father of 3 children, children that love music. I have seen the value in being able to connect with our children through music. When my oldest, a son, expressed a love for music, it was clear that we as his parents should do our best to find music that he would enjoy and that would be edifying to him and the family. I did my best to find bands that he would like and we listened to the music together. Mom had to grow to like some of it, but she did, and we listened, as a family, to all kinds of Christian music everywhere we went in our minivan. Over the years I have gone to concerts with him and some of his friends, Red, Seven Places, Seventh Day Slumber, Disciple and more. Even to this day, my son now 21, and I share music with one another. Even though his tastes have developed past mine in some areas, we still connect over music. He finds some great bands and shares them with me, Abandon was the latest (I like them a lot). When I hear something I think he will like, I tell him about it. Music has been and is a blessing to our family.
   Although I love music, it is the last two perspectives that have really engendered my desire to be a part of Lyrical Downgrade. A love of the Holy Scriptures and desire to see them be taught accurately to the glory of God and for the sanctification of His saints. And a love for my children, understanding the value of music in the fabric of a healthy Christian family.
   My desire is to help parents choose music that will edify their families. To teach parents how to use the lyrics we hear, accurate to God's Word or not, to train their children to understand Biblical truths. To encourage and promote song writers and artists that are intentional about the Biblical precision of their lyrics. Maybe to help others think more about these things. And above all, to glorify God in the process.
   God bless. I'll be posting more soon.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead."You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
NASB