Mt. Gilead Baptist Church

Music seems to be a kind of universal language. Different peoples with different languages can connect when they enjoy some great piece of music together. I’ve always loved music. From the grand symphonies to the indigenous music of the various cultures of the world, it brings joy to listen to the results of the creativity of talented musicians.

Music is also an integral part of worship. In both the Old and New Testaments, music brings the worshiper into the presence of God in a most wonderful way.

I have a little book, published in 1891 by the Baptist Book Concern in Louisville, Kentucky. It’s called “Manly’s Choice”, and was compiled by Professor Basil Manly, a Baptist minister and professor at the Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville. It is a collection of approved hymns for Baptist churches. The interesting thing about this little collection is that it was compiled in response to the trend of the day to leave the “old hymns” and focus more on the new modern hymns, “novelties”, as Manly described them. I suppose there have always been disagreements about styles of worship.

When John told Jesus the disciples had told a man to stop casting out demons in His name, Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:38-41) Rather than seeking for things to divide us, let’s join in affirming the fundamental truths of the Christian faith, and seek to serve Him all the days of our lives.

I hope you have a great week. I plan to.

Blessings, Pastor Lawrence

This entry was posted on Monday, March 9th, 2009 at 9:33 am and is filed under An Encouraging Word.