The music program in the local church is vital, and it’s impact—for good or bad—on a church service is immeasurable. While some may view music as simply a form of entertainment and emotional conditioning, godly music plays a much larger role in a church.

Scripture gives at least seven purposes for Christ-honoring music. Use these principles as a gauge to evaluate the biblical soundness of your music ministry:

1. The Purpose of Worship—“And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded: and all this continued until the burnt offering was finished” (2 Chronicles 29:28).
2. The Purpose of Thanks—“Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God” (Psalm 147:7).
3. The Purpose of Rejoicing—“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm” (Psalm 98:4–5).
4. The Purpose of Consecration—“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts” (Psalm 139:23). (Spoken in song!) “Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation” (Psalm 111:1).
5. The Purpose of Edification—“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).
6. The Purpose of Evangelism—“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:3).
7. The Purpose of Preservation of Faith—“One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works” (Psalm 145:4–5).

May the music of our churches bring glory to the Lord and lift our hearts in His praise.

Note: West Coast Baptist College is hosting Bible Truth Music’s National Church Leadership Conference this week, February 10–12. This is a preaching and teaching conference focused on the biblical principles that apply to music. It is primarily aimed at the pastor and all music ministry leadership.

One of the highlights of the year at Lancaster Baptist Church is our annual winter revival with Dr. John Goetsch. I look forward these meetings every year—both for my own spiritual growth and for the growth it brings in the lives of our people. Several days of concentrated meetings are spiritually fruitful because the culmination of attending each evening allows the preaching of God’s Word to gain momentum in our lives as we press on in spiritual battle.

Dr. Goetsch preached on the theme of “Humanly Impossible,” and each service highlighted God’s ability to overcome the humanly impossible strongholds in our lives and give us victory through Christ. The messages (audio and video) are posted at http://preaching.lancasterbaptist.org/winter-revival-by-his-spirit. You will be blessed, convicted, challenged, and encouraged by them.

I rejoice in the privilege of knowing and serving a God with whom nothing is impossible! Please continue to pray for Larry’s healing and for his strength during these weeks of chemotherapy treatments.

Each December our Christian school performs a Christmas play. This year’s presentation is at 7:00 tonight—”We Worship Him.” Parents, grandparents, and family friends come to watch the children’s production. From before the play begins until the last child in costume exits the stage, one can feel the enjoyment of the audience.

But the play really begins long before the audience arrives. Months before the performance, teachers have begun the work of preparing for the play—writing the script, selecting the cast, practicing with the choir, constructing the costumes, and preparing the props.

With far greater precision than the most elaborate school production, God meticulously and precisely prepared and set the stage for the birth of Christ. From eternity past this event was planned. Prophets foretold it; Old Testament saints watched for it; and God’s people longed for it. (more…)

My new grandson, Camden, has reminded me just how much a baby changes things. This one little person has the incredible ability to change the schedule, plans, and budget of every adult in our family. And he doesn’t even realize the stir he has created!

Every mother can attest to the changes a baby brings, but when that baby is the Son of God, He changes everything! This evening and Sunday evening our church choir, orchestra, and drama team will present the musical “A Baby Changes Everything.” Watch it via livestream at http://www.lancasterbaptist.org/live.asp—6:00 pacific time. Please pray for the many visitors who are coming from our community to see this presentation on the birth of Christ. Pray they will respond to the Gospel and allow the Lord Jesus to change everything in their lives—especially their eternity!

We’re praying for our West Coast Baptist College ladies’ volleyball team today as they play their first NCCAA national tournament game in  Kissimmee, Florida. This year was the Eagle’s first season in the NCCAA, and the team is currently ranked seventh in the national standings.

More than athletic skill, however, I’ve appreciated our girls’ Christian growth and heart for the Lord. There are three things in particular that have impressed me about our team.

1. Attitude—They have a willingness to learn and to be taught. They have been teachable and responded well to Coach Shaw’s instruction and the devotion presented at every practice.
2. Testimony—They have done a tremendous job of representing the Lord and West Coast Baptist College in their modesty and in their spirits. Some women’s sports programs seem to lack in femininity, but our girls have worked for balance. They are both competitive and gracious.
3. Soulwinning—We praise the Lord that our team has been able to see three people saved on their road trips this season. The girls have faithfully gone soulwinning and handed out tracts on every trip. I’m thankful for their perspective of knowing that, while volleyball wins are exciting, winning souls produces eternal fruit and is far more important.

Thank you, Lady Eagles, for your dedication to having a great attitude, a Christ-honoring testimony, and a heart for souls! I’m praying for you at the tournament!