Nations In Praise Blog

WE ARE A SPIRITUAL PRIESTHOOD

2008-05-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood . . ." (I Peter 2:9).
"Ye also, as lively (living) stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priest- hood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ" (I Peter 2:5).
One of the main duties of the Old Testament priest was to offer up the proper sacrifices unto the Lord. We are spiritual priests. We do not offer up animals and fruits unto the Lord. We offer worship out of a pure heart unto the Lord.
"For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts" (Malachi 1:11).

EXAMPLES OF THE POWER OF PRAISE

2008-05-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

1. Dedication of Solomon's Temple:
"It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;
So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God" (II Chronicles 5:13-14).
The glory of God did not fill the temple until the musicians and singers began to praise God in one mind and one accord--even though the temple was already finished, and all of the pieces of furniture were in their proper place. This teaches us that we can have everything in proper place in our lives, but we must worship God if we want to experience His glorious presence.

2. Judah's Victory Over Their Enemies:
"And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten" (II Chronicles 20:22).
Several nations of Israel's enemies joined together to fight against Judah. Judah was greatly outnumbered. Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, proclaiming a fast throughout all Judah. The spirit of the LORD came upon one of the Levites, who prophesied that the Lord would give them the victory. They would not even have to fight for it!
Singers were appointed to worship and praise the LORD, and as they did so, God fought for Judah and defeated their enemies. This teaches us that in the time of temptations, trials, etc., we can have the victory by praising and worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Paul and Silas Experiences Victory in Prison:
"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bands were loosed" (Acts 16:25-26).
Paul and Silas had been cast into prison for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead of moaning and groaning, they got their minds off themselves, and begin to sing praises unto their God. God sent a spiritual (and physical) earthquake. Because of this move of the Holy Spirit, Paul baptized the jailor and his household. (Acts 16:27-33)

WORSHIP TEAM REQUIREMENTS

2008-05-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

• Musical Gifting
• Church Membership
• Meaningful pastoral connection to the church through regular participation in G groups and the community life of the church
• An ongoing commitment to Biblical giving (time, money, etc.)
• Ongoing approval of involvement by spouse and/or family and pastors (leadership)
• A commitment to integrity in personal walk in recognition of the public ministry function of a worship team member. This includes examples in conduct, appearance, and relationships within the worship team, the church, outside of the church and in overall walk.
• A commitment to consistency, faithfulness, and excellence in attendance in worship team practices and activities and in personal preparation.
• A commitment to growth as a worshiper in both public and private worship. This includes “leading by example” when serving in a public setting (on stage).
• A commitment to growth. This includes both in skill as a musician and vocalist and in the knowledge and application of truth in personal life.
• A commitment to unity and integrity in relationships with other worship team members.
• A commitment to demonstrate servant-hood, flexibility and humility in dealing with inevitable technical, relational and schedule challenges associated with this ministry.
• A commitment to serve the larger purposes of the worship ministry of the church by following the directives of the pastoral staff and designated worship team leadership.
• Musical excellence is a significant factor in the effectiveness of the worship team. Because the worship team members are dependant on one another for effectiveness as a team, minimal standards of musical skill are necessary. Requirements:
o Ability to play a variety of styles of music
o An ear for learning parts off a tape
o Ability to play “by ear” and develop a part in a short period of time
o A basic understanding of music theory
o Ability to transpose
o Keep an ordered song book (chord sheet and music)

By Fariborz Ansari

BIBLICAL QUALIFICATIONS OF APPOINTED WORSHIPERS

2008-04-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

I. God's "Due Order" of Appointing Worshipers to Minister Continually in the House of the Lord is a Heavenly Eternal Truth Which Spans Both the Old and the New Testaments.

A. Ezekiel 28:13-19: God created and anointed Lucifer to minister praise in an appointed place in appointed garments with appointed movements. (See also Isaiah 14: 1 1-1 2)
B. lchronicles 28:ll- 19: David appointed singers, players and dancers based on the pattern he had seen in heaven, which was confirmed by the prophets Nathan and Gad. (2 Chronicles 29:2
C. Revelation 14:2-3; 4:9- 1 1 ; 15:2-4: Heaven is a place where appointed worshipers minister unto God with singing and movement.

II. In I Chronicles 15, David Applied the Lesson That He Learned the Hard Way in I Chronicles 13--God Has Stiff Prerequisites for His Appointed Worshipers:

A. Loyalty: "None ought to carry the ark but the Levites" (1 Chronicles 15:2)
1. "Levi" means "joined." a. In Exodus 32:26 the Levites demonstrated their loyalty to the Lord by joining themselves to Moses.
2. Appointed worshipers should be joined in spirit to the leadership of the local church.

B. Love of God's House: In Number 3:15, 23,29,35, we see that the Levites lived closer to the tabernacle than any of the other tribes. (1 Chronicles 6:31-32)
1. Appointed worshipers will demonstrate a special love for God's house through their punctuality at, proximity to and frequency in the church facility.

C. A Servant's Heart: The Levites were willing and able servants of God and God's people. (Numbers 8:15- 19; 1 Chronicles 16:37; Numbers 3:7)
1. Appointed worshipers don't only move and minister in the "limelight," but are willing and diligent workers behind the scenes.

D. A Teachable Spirit: The Levites were to serve under the high priest; young Levites were to learn their craft by being apprentices to the older retired Levites. (Numbers 8:19,23-26)
1. In 1 Chronicles 25:6-8, we see that the Levites and musicians continued this apprenticeship system.

E. A Sanctified Life-style: Before they could begin their public ministry, the Levites had to go through a specific voluntary cleansing ceremony which included: (Numbers 857)
1. Sprinkling (studying God's Word daily). (Ephesians 5:2527)
2. Shaving their flesh (applying God's Word daily to their behavior). (Hebrews 4: 12)
3. Washing their garments (keeping their attitude untainted by renewing their minds daily). Revelation 3: 1 8)
4. According to I Chronicles l5:l2-l6, David used only those musicians who took the initiative to go through this sanctification process.

Ill. After Applying These Special Spiritual Qualifications, David Then Began to Apply Musical Qualifications to the Prospective Appointees.

A Musical Flexibility: Notice that Asaph's music ministry included singing, percussion, orchestrating, brass, strings, composing, prophesying and teaching. (1 Chronicles 15: 15; 16:7, 37-42: 25:l; Psalms 73-83)

B. Musical Virtuosity: Excellence in musical technique was a hallmark of the Tabernacle of David.
1. Chenaniah "instructed about the song because he was skillful." (1Chronicles 1 5:22)
2. The musicians in David's Tabernacle were "instructed in the songs of the Lord" and were "cunning." (1 Chronicles 257)
3. We are exhorted to play unto the lord "skillfully" with "cunning." (Psalm 33:3; Psalm 1375)
4. We are to study to show ourselves approved unto God. (2 Timothy 2:15)

C. Musical Literacy: The levites did more than just play music, they recorded - it by writing it down. that is why we have the book of Psalms today. (1 Chronicles 16:4)
1. In David's day, the levites were the only Hebrews who could read or write; today appointed worshipers should develop their music reading skills.

IV. After David Sanctified and Qualified the Levites, He Installed Them Into Ongoing Public Ministry by the Laying on of Hands.

A. The sanctified Levites did not enter into public ministry until both leadership and congregation laid hands upon them. (Numbers 8:9-I 1 )

B. Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun were publicly installed by David, the elders and the people after they had successfully dispatched the assignment of bringing up the ark.. (1 Chronicles l6:4; 5, 37-43)
1. Successful fulfillment of an assignment came before appointment. (1Timothy 3: 10)

By Rev. Barry Griffing

The Role of Skill in Anointed Worship

2008-04-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

1. Skill brings beauty and excellence to our worship.
2. Skill in any art brings breadth and clarity of expression.
3. Skill reflects the cost and value of true worship.
4. Skill brings liberty in worship.
5. Skill brings authority to worship.
6. While skill is called for in our worship, the Bible places certain limitations on what it can produce. (Rev. 14:3 speaks of the song that only those which are redeemed from the earth could learn. Subsequent verses describe a standard of personal righteousness that must be maintained in order to sing this new song).
7. The pursuit of skill engenders Christian character (Skill involves our mind in worship, as called for in Matthew 22:37. The unskilled worship leader is not totally involved with his mind).

By Rev. Steve Griffing

Eight reasons why most local churches don not develop a scripturally solid music ministry

2008-04-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

(sometimes we develop a positive “Big Picture” from the “negative”!)

1. Failure to make corporate praise preeminent over everything else in church life.
2. Failure to obey Psalm 150 and utilize all the performing arts as acts of praise and prophecy.
3. Failure to design a sanctuary suitable for the sacred use of the performing arts.
4. Failure to set an adequate budget for music and the performing arts.
5. Failure to insist upon spiritual prerequisites as seen in the ministry of the Levits.
6. Failure to insist upon musical qualifications from those who meet the spiritual requirements.
7. Failure to ordain as deacons those worshipers who meet both the spiritual and natural qualifications for ministry (In the Old Testament the “priests”, as the Sons of Aaron, were the equivalent to the “elders” of the church in the New Testament and the “Levites”, the helpers of the sons of Aaron, were the equivalent of the deacons of the New Testament church.)
8. Failure to establish an ongoing performing arts training program within the local church.

David paid a high price for a place to worship the Lord (II Samuel 24:18-25) – Are we willing to pay that price today?

By Rev. Barry Griffing

So Are You A Chirsitian Musician?

2008-01-09T12:23:00.000-08:00

• Worship isn’t something we simply feel. It’s something we DO with our bodies in all of life.
• Our call is based on the Gospel
• No such thing as a musician who happens to be a Christian. No one is a musician first, and a Christian second. God doesn’t allow us that option.
• As a musician, our greatest need is to study of the Gospel, because the cross must motivate, define, and give direction to the way we use our music. Ask yourself…Do you love the Gospel more than music?
• As a musician, we must operate in the gifts of Holy Spirit.
• We should not be people who can’t worship God without our instrument, or our voice.
• Walking in obedience to God and church – Being accountable to the worship leaders, elders and Pastors
• A call to be different from the world - People are always worshipping something or someone. The question is WHO will we worship at each moment?
• It’s not wrong to enjoy music! However, we enjoy it because it dimly reflects His character, nature, and purposes on the earth.
• Self-glorification - There are many musicians seeking the "life on stage" for self-promotion, pride, the sinful benefits that life style affords (women, money, fame, etc.) – this is wrong!
• Christian musicians understand the limitations of subjective feelings rather than idolizing them (state of trance – khalseh or what Sufi practitioners call wajd and fana)
• Our music doesn’t create reality – it only attempts to reflect it.
• Ongoing commitment to Biblical giving.
• Serving is our primary motivation, not simply the desire to play music or sing to God.
• playing music outside the church only for the glory of God.

Freedom Album by Fariborz - An International Worship From Middle East

2007-12-03T17:33:00.000-08:00

Worshipers from Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Armenia and Assyria have come together and produced a high-impact international tribute to Christianity in their own ethnic languages. This is probably the first time these Farsi-speaking nations deeply influenced by Islam, have produced a joint album celebrating Jesus Christ, sharing His message in this album called "Freedom" or Azadi.

FarsiPraise highly recommends this album to our readers and viewers. You may click on the link above to listen to clips and buy the album.

Worship Training For Iranians on Satellite TV - Mohabat Network

2007-12-03T17:26:00.000-08:00

FarsiPraise has started to co-produce worship training programs to be aired into Iran. It is believed that the majority of the Iranian Christians in Iran are part of the fast-grwoing underground church groups. These home churches have lacked a systematic leadership training in the area of worship and praise. In a co-production between Mohabat Network and FarsiPraise Ministries, a series of teachings, music videos and practical tools are now made available and broadcasted over and into Iran.

To find out more about Mohabat Network, please visit www.mohabat.tv.

The Character of God

2007-11-02T14:39:00.000-07:00

Ex. 33:19; 2 Cor. 3:18; Rev. 5:8–14

Talking to us about Himself:

* His names

* His attributes

The God Almighty Gen 1:1; 17:1; 35:11

The Jehovah (Yahweh) Ex 6:3

The Provider Gen. 22:13-14

The Warrior Ex. 15:3

The Healer/Restorer Ex. 15:22–26

The Banner Ex. 17:8–16

The Rock/Fortress/Deliverer 2 Sam. 22:2

The King Ps. 10:16; Rev. 19:16

The Shepherd Ps. 23; Jn. 10:11

The Light/Salvation Ps. 27:1

The Defender Ps. 94:22

The Wisdom of God Prov. 8

The Strong Tower Prov. 18:10

The Bridegroom Song of Sol.

The Rose of Sharon Song of Sol. 2:1

The Counselor Is. 9:6

The Mighty God Is. 9:6

The Everlasting Father Is. 9:6

The Judge/Lawgiver Is. 33:22; 1 Sam 2:10

The Prince of Peace Is. 9:6

The Refuge Is. 25:4

The Water Is. 44:3; Jn. 7:37-39

The Redeemer Is. 59:20

The Faithful God Lam. 3:22-23

The God who is there Ez. 48:35

The Desire of Nations Hag. 2:7

The Refiner Mal. 3:3

The Dayspring Lu. 1:78

The Word Jn. 1:1

The Lamb of God Jn. 1:29, 36

The Dove Jn 1:32

The Bread Jn. 6:35

The Light of the World Jn 8:12

The Door Jn. 10:7-9

The Resurrection Jn. 11:25

The Way Jn. 14:6

The Comforter Jn. 14:26; 2 Cor. 1:3

The Vine Jn 15:1

The Wind Acts 2:1-2

The Cornerstone Eph. 2:20

The Fire Heb. 12:29

The Truth 3 Jn. 1:4, 8

The Alpha and Omega Rev. 1:8

The Lord of Lords Rev. 19:16

The Lion of the tribe of Judah Rev. 5:5

The Morning Star Rev. 22:16

Compiled by Vivien Hibbert

THE CALL OF THE CHRISTIAN MUSICIAN

2007-11-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Musician + Encounter with God = Transformed Musician (effective instrument of God)

1. Personal Standards to Godly Standards
2. Worldliness to Holiness
3. Joy of Performance to Immersion in Praise & Worship
4. Pride to Humility
5. Self Glorification to Glorifying God
6. Wants to be served to Servant
7. Stimulates feelings that are not Godly to Reveal God’s heart
8. Worship of Music to Worship of God through music
9. Music: Reflections of one’s character to Reflection of God’s character
10. Hide (take refuge) in music to his/her purpose in God
11. Easily gets tired to Can worship with his/her instrument for hours
12. Music speaks to their soul to Holy Spirit speaks to their soul
13. Puts music before many things to Puts Christ before music
14. Love for Music to Passion for God (doesn’t need his/her music to worship)
15. Solo or band to Obeys God & His Church; Serves in God’s Church
16. Blends in with “musicians” to Has chosen to be different from the world
17. May have basic skills to Strives to continually gain skill (even write songs)
18. Mediocre Christian to Born-again passionate Christian
19. Seldom reads the Bible to Has an appetite for the Word of God
20. Needs the instrument to worship to Can experience God even w/o the instrument
21. Routine Worship skills to Prophetic Worship (RIVER)
22. Traditional approach (vocal presence) to Zamar (Strong’s Lexicon 2167-to make music-to give praise)
23. Music as act of worship to His/her life is an act of worship
24. Subjective to Objective
25. Limited knowledge of Theology to Good, solid Theology

FarsiPraise on YouTube

2007-08-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A LIST OF ALL THE SONGS AND ARTISTS

2007-05-24T20:03:00.001-07:00

Music Video

2007-05-07T00:28:00.001-07:00

Hillsong - One Way

Music Video

2007-05-07T00:10:00.001-07:00

By Hootan

Forms of Worship Using Sacraments

2007-05-07T00:09:00.001-07:00

sac·ra·ment n.

1. in Christianity, a rite that is considered to have been established by Jesus Christ to bring grace to those participating in or receiving it.

2. sac·ra·ment or Sac·ra·ment- the bread and wine consecrated at Communion

3. something considered to be sacred or have a special significance

(Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.)

1. BAPTISM

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Also: Acts 2:41; 8:12–13, 36–38; 9:18; 10:47–48; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:5; 22:16; Rom. 6:3–4; 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4;5; Col. 2:12; Heb. 6:2)

2. COMMUNION

1Co 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? (Also: Matt. 26:20–30; Mk. 14:17–26; Lu. 22:14–30; Jn. 13:21–30; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 11:23–26)

3. FOOTWASHING

John 13:1–20 (Also: Matt. 26:6–13; Mk. 14:3–9; Lu. 7:38–44; Jn. 12–1–11)

Footwashing is not a common practice in worship. I have seen, and participated in footwashing services that have been very meaningful, and were powerful times of worship.

Music Training - 1-4-5 Chords Exercise

2007-05-07T00:07:00.000-07:00

1-4-5 Chords Exercise...Lots of songs have this pattern. Exercise used to play in every key

Music Video

2007-05-07T00:05:00.000-07:00

By Hootan

Forms of Worship Using an Implement - Banners

2007-05-07T00:03:00.000-07:00

2. BANNERS

Ex. 17:15 Jehovah Nissi ("The Lord my banner")

Banners are used in scripture as beacons or articles of warfare and as instruments of worship.

Other scriptures where banners/flags are used in worship or warfare:

Pss. 20:5; 60:4; Song of Sol. 2:4; 5:10; 6:4; 6:10; Is. 5:26; 11:10, 12; 13:2; 31:9; 49:22; 59:19; 62:10; Jer. 4:6; 50:2; 51:12, 27; Zech. 9:16

Contrast Num. 21:8–9 and Jn. 12:32. When Jesus is lifted up, all men are drawn to Him.

Music Training - Smooth Chords

2007-05-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

Smooth Chords

Music Video

2007-05-06T23:59:00.001-07:00

By Hootan

Forms of Worship Using an Implement - Musical Instruments

2007-05-06T23:58:00.000-07:00

1. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Ex. 15:20; Ps. 71:22; 144:9; 150:3-6; Rev. 5:8

There is a wide use of musical instruments in the Bible which are divided into three categories of instruments:

String Instruments - Wind Instruments - Percussion Instruments

The instruments are also able to be played prophetically. (1 Chron. 25:1-10)

Music Training - Worship Chords Extension

2007-05-06T23:53:00.000-07:00

Worship chords extension...A few chords to use when transitioning to a Worship atmosphere during service. Learn & practice the pattern in all keys

Forms of Worship Using the Mouth - WHISTLING

2007-05-06T23:51:00.002-07:00

6. WHISTLING (This is not necessarily a form of worship that is shown in the Bible to be a form of worship for the congregation. I have included it, however, as an example of a "sound" that comes from God.)

God whistles for the nations

Is 5:26— He lifts up a banner for the distant nations, he whistles for those at the ends of the earth. Here they come, swiftly and speedily!

God whistles for worshipers

Zech. 10:8—God whistles for His people (Judah)

Music Video

2007-05-06T23:51:00.001-07:00

By Hootan