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On two nights Keith and Kristyn Getty brought their ‘Home For Christmas’ show (that surely is a significant definition of the event that is used in their announcement of it) to the SSE Arena, Belfast. on 19th and 20th December!

We are told in the ‘blurb’ announcing the affair that — ‘The Grammy-Nominated duo will be performing well-known carols and hymns along with new songs to fill everyone with holiday cheer’.

Considering the booze-induced ‘cheer’ that permeates society at this time of the year this is hardly a prospect that should encourage a true Christian to attend their ‘show’.

A brief examination of the event highlights yet again that the whole ‘Contemporary Christian Music’  is marked and corrupted with the spirit of the world and is therefore an offence to the Lord and ought to be offensive to the devout Christian.

The Lord says: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time,” 1 John 2:15-18.

There was every mark of the world upon this ‘show’ and Christians are left with no excuse for embracing CCM and believing it is of God.

I. THE FIRST THING TO BE NOTED IS THAT ALCOHOL WAS ON SALE AT THIS ‘CHRISTIAN’ AFFAIR!

Here is an official reply to a question sent by a Christian bother to the  Odyssey Complex regarding the sale of alcohol during the Getty event. (more…)

This an article penned by my son, Rev Andy Foster, minister of Penticton Free Presbyterian Church, Canada.

It sets out the Biblical principles which govern our worship of God, including how it is we are required by Him to offer praise.

In the light of the present controversy within our denomination, this is an important source of reference for us all.

I trust that you will print it out and peruse it carefully and prayerfully.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

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Principles of Biblical worship which affect praise and music

“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

To most Christians today the words “worship” and “praise” are synonymous. Yet the Scripture  makes it very clear worship involves much more than the use of song to glorify God. However, praise and singing is an important constituent part of Biblical worship.

From the beginning of time to the extent of all eternity to come, singing the praises of God will be a feature. The Lord speaks to Job of the angels singing as the earth is created, Job 38:6-7: and Revelation 15:2-4 gives an insight into the singing of the saints in Heaven.

God’s people are commanded to sing the praises of God. It is an important part of their duty and work here on earth. But—like every other aspect of our duty—that praise is regulated by Scripture! The general principles of what God requires of men apply to our praise. We are not to suppose that we can sing whatever we wish and however we like! There is praise that is acceptable to God as worship because it conforms to what He requires, and there is praise that, because it does not so conform, is an abomination and idolatrous in His eyes.

I.  THE ORIGIN OF PRAISE THAT PLEASES GOD.

‪1. The Scriptures. The primary and instructive role of the word of God in worship is seen in these words. This means that:

‪a. Biblical revelation is the sole source of our praise. It is to shape and inform every part of our singing! Praise is to be Biblical as far as its content is concerned. The theology of our praise is not to be sacrificed to the claims of poetic licence or musical appeal. (more…)

There is a need for a more expansive consideration of that problem which has arisen to distress devout believers within the Free Presbyterian Church and vex the unity of God’s people.

I do not have any ‘musical skill or technical knowledge’, but such is not needed to draw a right conclusion regarding the new style of praise that some are anxious to have embraced. A consideration of its origins and the settings in which these ‘praises’ are often sung — one day in a church assembly and also in what can only be termed a ‘religious disco’ — indicates that such are not suitable for the true and holy worship of God! Rev David DiCanio’s video vividly exposed this evil sham.  Discovering this truth will surely aid the discerning Christian in coming to a right conclusion in this matter.

This is a CCM ‘hymn’ being sung in a ’religious nightclub’ setting. Who is it will say that the use of such material is in keeping with the teaching of Holy Scripture?

Here are the words of a hymn by Keith & Kristyn Getty, leading exponants of ‘Contemporary Christian Music’, which has been sung in at least one of our churches. It has terms and phrases and words that are definitely linked to the gospel message and might easily be embraced and accepted.

What is our hope in life and death?
Christ alone, Christ alone
What is our only confidence?
That our souls to Him belong
Who holds our days within His hand?
What comes, apart from His command
And what will keep us to the end?
The love of Christ in which we stand

Oh, sing hallelujah
Our hope springs eternal
Oh, sing hallelujah
Now and ever we confess
Christ, our hope in life and death

What truth can calm the troubled soul?
God is good, God is good
Where is His grace and goodness known?
In our great Redeemer’s blood
Who holds our faith when fears arise?
Who stands above the stormy trial?
Who sends the waves that bring us nigh
Unto the shore? The rock of Christ

Oh, sing hallelujah
Our hope springs eternal
Oh, sing hallelujah
Now and ever we confess
Christ, our hope in life and death

Unto the grave, what will we sing?
“Christ, He lives, Christ, He lives!”
And what reward will Heaven bring?
Everlasting life with Him
There we will rise to meet the Lord
Then sin and death will be destroyed
And we will feast in endless joy
When Christ is ours forevermore (forevermore)

Oh, sing hallelujah
Our hope springs eternal
Oh, sing hallelujah
Now and ever we confess
Christ, our hope in life and death (oh, sing)

Oh, sing hallelujah
Our hope springs eternal
Oh, sing hallelujah
Now and ever we confess
Christ, our hope in life and death

Now and ever we confess
Christ, our hope in life and death

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However, compare its words with this well known hymn by Augustus Toplady. (more…)