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this is a talk I gave in our church a while ago which descibes some of my thoughtsWorshipping a Creative God
Intro
Good morning, you have seen me up here many times before
but never preaching. I feel pretty nervous as I usually only feel
comfortable when I am hiding behind a guitar or keyboard (or maybe
these days twin turntables) I was asked to speak on Worship, but not given a title so
I have decided on �Worshipping a Creative God�. I will admit that I
have strayed rather onto creativity alone as well as creativity in
worship. As I was thinking and starting to pray I remembered some
excellent tapes of a talk by David Ruis from the Vineyard that I lost
after lending to a friend a number of years ago. I had tried many times
to get them back but with no success. So not really expecting much I
rang and had to leave a message with his wife as he was out. 10 minutes
later he arrived with them at my door! I was really surprised and
taking into account how disorganised he and his house is this
encouraged me that God wanted me to speak on creativity, so I hope I
manage to put across what God wants to highlight to us this morning.
Some of this talk comes from those tapes. I know that my main passion is music and
I am concentrating on this aspect of creativity. Of course I recognise
many other important streams of creativity and what I am saying is
probably relevant to these as well, but still I am going to focus on
music. God the Creator Genesis 1 1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2Now the earth was� formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3And God said, �Let there be light,� and there was light. 4God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5God called the light �day,� and the darkness he called �night.� And there was evening, and there was morning�the first day. God brought everything into existence but
it is so hard to take in how awesome God�s creativity is. The size of
the universe is staggering. In all the Sci-Fi I can think of, the whole
story remains in our 1 galaxy. Even at warp 9 it would take a space
ship 70 years to cross it. It contains 100,000,000,000 stars
like our own sun. And yet there are an estimated 100,000,000,000
galaxies, 1,000,000,000 have been mapped, each like our own. But it is not just the size, but also the
detail. The chemical reactions in one single animal cell are more
complex than we have yet discovered and the detail of one atom is quite
surprising. God is the God of too much. In the sea there are fishes and
creatures we are yet to discover, God didn�t just make a few birds, he
made an incredible variety. There are animals in the Rain Forest yet to
be found. There are too many beetles � 380,000 different species. There
are 50,000 types of weevils. And the
quality of God�s creation. Complex, beautiful, efficient, wonderful,
vast, glittering, lush, stark, flamboyant. Are we meant to be dull and passionless,
boring and austere? They created man in their image So I got to wondering what is the nature of mankind, what
did God make us like. Genesis 1 27
So God created man in
his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them. God made us creative like himself. He made us
tool-makers, musicians, artists. He made us to name and discover what
he had created. He made us capable of decisions, thoughtful, inventive,
complex, sometimes confused, able to determine right and wrong -
capable but not often successful. I found it interesting that in the garden of Eden the
only creativity I noticed was naming the animals which was probably
quite hard to decide really good names. But after the fall we made
clothes 3:21 - actually God made them the first time, we worked the
land 3:17 but we were forced to or starve, we starting playing music
4:21, we made tools from
metals 4:22, and
we were making boats 6:14 with design advice from God. The final vision in Revelation of mankind in Heaven is
not a return to the Garden of Eden � naked with nature. But in Rev 21:
9-21 a Holy City of God�s people with God himself living there. A
colourful creative city, the walls made of Jasper, the city of pure
gold, with foundations decorated with precious stone and gates of
pearls. The g g g g grandson of Cain was called Jubal. Genesis 4 19Lamech married two women, one named Adah
and the other Zillah. 20Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the
father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. 21His brother�s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who
play the harp and flute. 22Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who
forged all kinds of tools out of� bronze and iron. What happened here? Somehow all harp and
flute players, possibly all musicians are descended from this man. Did
God mess around with this man�s chromosomes in some fancy way and out
popped a musician. Am I a descendent of Jubal. It does seem clear to me
that God gave us music. All creativity comes from God I find it also interesting that many non-Christian
musicians have come to the same conclusion as they can�t explain it any
other way. I met a musician once who was visiting our church. He had
found it previously insulting when people said that his music came from
some higher source than himself. Then he slowly realized as he saw the
passion and inspiration in other peoples music that he was missing and
he was searching for that. He had came along to church with the main
aim to try and make his music better. To touch the Creator, the source
of creativity. A few years ago on a Friday I had just had a call that my
mother was very seriously ill � sent home basically to die. That
afternoon as I got ready to travel to see her, I sat at my keyboard and
played a piece and recorded it. Not just piano, but an arrangement of
guitar, strings and flute. I just played it straight, no thinking, no
preparation. I still am confused as I listen to it. There are
complexities to the harmony I had not dreamed of. I don�t think I could
compose a piece like that. Yet full of sadness and emotion it just came
out of my soul straight onto the recording. Maybe coming straight out
of God�s heart. I think most musicians recognize this � Christian or
non-christian. Lets look at Revelation 18 verse 21-24. Babylon in the bible
usually represents the kingdom of rebellious man or the Kingdom of the
Devil. At the end of all time With such violence
the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again.
The music of harpists and musicians, flute players and trumpeters, will
never be heard in you again. I think I am still prone to thinking that
in Hell there may be something attractive, loud music, free sex,
gambling, danger, excitement, really wild things. But this passage says
there will be no music. No workman of any trade will ever be found in
you again. In Hell there will be no creativity, no art, no houses, no
furniture, no gadgets, nothing even to sit on. Maybe we�ll just float.
Satan cannot create, only misuse or misdirect. All that is expressive,
inventive, creative, is from God. When finally those who reject God are
sent with the Devil to Hell, all that is of God will be taken away from
them. And I see now that that will really be Hell. As I have said to be creative is not just the arena of
the musician and artist. Anyone who creates, who makes, who designs,
who invents, some new combination, new thought, is using God�s
creativity or the creativity God has given them. Look around this room
we are in. The building has been created to be functional and to look
pleasing, the wood has been carved, painted, glass coloured, floors
varnished, the raw materials of metal, paint, plaster created by us.
Even the most analytical of us are creative in what we do. It is
probably one of the main characteristics of Mankind and it all comes
from God. God�s anointing in the world Does this passage then suggest that God�s creativity is
running through all music, non-Christian or Christian. I�m not saying
that all non-Christian music is good as such. There is of course a lot
of rebellion against God in it, but also something of God. I was thinking about what the common themes of popular
songs are (possible all song ever). I came up with two main ones. One
is about boy meets girl love, the other about dissatisfaction with life
and looking for more. Both of these themes can be very close to the
themes of worship music. Sometimes God�s anointing seems to really shine through a
song written by someone who doesn�t actually know Jesus. For instance
there was a 70�s band called foreigner who wrote the song �I want to
know what love is�. I have heard of a number of people becoming
Christians through that particular song, but not daring to admit it to
other Christians (words on acetate). Something in it is speaking of and
leading people to God, although it was written by a non-believer. There
is so much searching in popular music for an answer to life, the
universe and everything, sometimes of course suggesting wrong and
misleading answers. Another examples � One of the Spice Girls, Mel C had this
hit in the charts just recently. The words are excellent and I think
this would be make a great worship song (words on acetate). I know she
has a large Celtic cross tattooed on her shoulder, but I�ve not heard
that she is a Christian and some of the words imply this is about love
for another person. But our love relationships have a lot of
similarities to our love relationship with Jesus � like in Song of
Songs. A lot of things will end
eventually pass away, but music and singing will continue forever as we
worship our creator. There is singing in heaven as in Revelation 14
& 15. In Ecclesiastes 3: 11 it says �He has also set eternity in the hearts of men�. In the same
way there is a longing in all men and women to sing the songs of heaven. I would like to mention a number
of examples in the bible of God�s Spirit anointing non-believers. 1. 1 Samuel 19: 18-24. Saul was intent on killing David. Murder was in his heart, yet 23So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the
Spirit of God came even upon him, and he walked along prophesying until
he came to Naioth. 24He stripped off his robes and also prophesied in Samuel�s
presence. He lay that way all that day and night. This is why people
say, �Is Saul also among the prophets?� 2.
In Exodus 35 verse 32 it says � that
the LORD has chosen Bezalel an Israelite 31and he has
filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in
all kinds of crafts. Yet In 1 Kings 7:13-22
Solomon chose a man called Huram to make the decorations
for the first temple of God. His mother was an Israelite but his father
was from Tyre, not from the chosen people. And yet he had the best
skills, he was presumably filled with the Spirit of God to make objects
which would then be in the holy of holies, the most sacred place of God. 3.
In numbers 22 v 30 God even prophecies to Balaam through
his donkey. God�s anointing and his creativity will flow through who he
wants. Musical Styles �Music was
my first love�
I want to go on now to styles of music.
Too many times still I have heard Christians saying some style of music
or beat or instrument is of the Devil or just silently rejecting it. What sort of music is acceptable in
church to worship God? I feel there are two main principles in
tension. All styles
used to worship God
The first one is from what I have been
saying so far. All creativity comes from God and so I think that all
styles of music could be used to worship God although the origins of
that style may be impure. We have our acoustic guitar based folk music
in this church, which we use to worship God and it is good. Do we look
at heavy rock or at techno dance music and say that there is something
wrong about the music - it isn�t Godly and can�t be used to worship, or
do we just say that it isn�t for us. The club scene over the last 10-15 years
has been one of the most significant factors in the development of the
culture of the 18-35 year old people in England � the so-called
Generation X. This culture included dancing all evening, drugs mainly
ecstasy and a sense of everyone being everyone�s friend with of course
plenty of sex which is common to any grouping of young people or just
any grouping of people � A good film to visualize this is Human
Traffic. But if someone from this background converts to Christianity
should they also convert to our musical expression and our culture. Our
nicer, holier folk music � based on the culture and music of the late
1960�s with plenty of drugs � LSD which is probably more harmful, and
even more freer sex, but less dancing, eastern religions, a rebellion
against the past cultural rules! I think we sometimes mistake our
church music for holy music instead of it just being a previous secular
style. Probably the origins of all styles of music are impure like the
people who created them. Where did the old hymns come from? I know that
some of them at least came from German pub drinking songs. We sometimes seem to believe that if
everyone in our country acted like a Christian, spoke like a Christian,
looked like a Christian, sang Christian songs and played Christian
music then the place would be a whole lot better. But NO � the sin
would continue and the whole thing much boring and plain � sounds quite
horrific to me actually. We shouldn�t try to change people from the
outside in, the gospel works from the inside out. What we need is Jesus
in the center of our life, obedience and love is the most important.
Idolatry is the biggest problem. We need to redeem all this creativity,
not kill it off � leading to blandness and lack of passion in the
church. And more strikingly still - whenever the church is in a state
of revival then it tends to sing music from the culture
of the time. This has happened again and again throughout the history
of the church. I first started listening to music in
1981, when I was 16 and joined a small social club. We had twin record
players and took it in turns to DJ. Every month 100 of us packed in
this small room and danced all evening. I think in some ways I have
been looking to recapture this ever since. We listened to Duran,
Deplete Mode, Madness, David Bowie, The Jam. I came to University in
Bristol in 1983 and became a Christian in 1984 and came that week to
this church. I loved the atmosphere, the meeting with God, the
supernatural, the friendships and community - and I�ve enjoyed the
music and the worship � but it has never really been my music, my
roots, the music I am passionate about. It�s more like my older sisters
music! I converted to Jesus, not 60�s folk. I do understand that to have a service
with a wide range of people of different ages and backgrounds there
needs to be an appropriate music, probably of a rather middle of the
road sound. This is important and good. But I do sometimes long to
express myself to God with others in an expression more of my
background. I can and have worshipped God through many styles of music,
but some styles are closer to my heart and I can express myself deeper
through them. I have tried to keep us in this church in
touch with the songs the youngsters are listening to so that in 20
years time we won�t all be 50 with no younger people here, singing the
same style songs as now � and being sidelined as younger churches take
over � just as we did to older churches in the early 1980�s. I know I
have started these electro-dance worship evenings. I didn�t do this
primarily for the youngsters � I did it for myself. It may be just a
little fun or it may be something very significant in God�s plan � I
don�t know. I fear it is just my pride and passion out of control � but
I pray to keep this pure worship. The Mix at Woodlands every month has
louder rock worship and is aimed at teenagers. But I know many 20 year
olds and 30�s who go there as it is the only place they feel at home.
The idea that they would move on to the adult celebration meeting as
they get older just isn�t going to happen. It�s not their place. Be aware of
Associations
I mentioned a while back, two principles
in tension. The first was that all creativity comes from God. The second is to do with associations.
What Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 8 is relevant to this and quite
clear. There are associations attached to these musical styles and some
of this is really bad news and obviously evil in God�s eyes. We may
feel able to play this music, use the style, beats, patterns and
instruments without the associated bad culture affecting us. We also
may not be able to put it aside, so that it leads us into sin � so we
should avoid it. It is also clear from Paul that either way we
shouldn�t judge someone else who comes to another conclusion. I myself
would like to redeem and keep all musical creativity for God and use it
to worship him. This however may not always be wise. Other
tensions
There are a number of other factors which
may influence whether certain music is good for us. Certain styles or
beats are said to be repetitive or hypnotic, in a bad way � I am not
sure what to say on this. I love dancing to these repetitive beats and
find it clears my mind so that I can focus on God. Maybe this also depends not on the music
but our hearts on whether it is beneficial or harmful. Other factors to
consider which I haven�t time or possible answers - are whether evil
spirits can lurk in music. How much rebellion in the words or style can
we cope with� This is a little thought of mine - Some
things are powerful some are less so. The powerful things can do more
bad, but if done right can do even more good. Just of note - Is there even a pure
secular music? The origins of most modern popular music goes back to a
triad of styles called the Blues/Boogie/Gospel family. This was an
inseparable mixture of Christian and non-christian music and this first
came out of Big Gospel Camps in the mid 1800�s in the USA when blacks
and whites met together. One last
point
All creativity belongs to God and should flourish in the
church. But very creative artists often don�t fit in well in a church
as their ideas can be too new and different for us to cope with. But
God loves these people and the creative work they do. God always wants Christian
artists to be part of a church although they may need to express their
creativity in a wider arena. The church may not be the best place, but it is the only
safe place. This is of course true for the lone evangelists or
intercessors that we sometimes meet as well. Conclusion
This is a big subject I have touched upon
with many other aspects I have missed out. You may not agree with some
of my conclusions. Do come and talk to me further if you would like. I
have prepared a bible study for cell church about -Why do we sing new
songs? � which is closely related to what I have said today, but looks
at it from a different angle. I am not planning any dramatic changes in
our church�s worship although I am doing some experimenting in and out
of the services. My main aim is to help us meet God himself during our
time together. This is my heart � to meet God in worship. Steve Smith
said a few weeks ago - are we thirsty for the Holy Spirit like we
thirsty for water. Acetates for talk creative [kri �ytiv] adjective 1.
new and original: using or showing use of the imagination to create new ideas
or things 2.
able to create: able to create things 3.
resourceful: making imaginative use of the limited resources available 4.
FINANCE intentionally deceptive about
financial information: employing deceptive
methods to distort financial records (ironic)
� GOD 2000
In my life there�s been heartache and pain I don�t know whether I can face it again Can�t stop now I�ve travelled so far To change this lonely life I want to know what love is I want you to show me I want to feel what love is I know you can show me
Pop Adult New Romantic Teen Chart Euro Dance Ambient D 'n' B Trance Balaeric Techno Breaks &
Beats Hard House House Trip Hop Electro Disco Eclectic Garage UK Garage
Leftield Rock Emo Classic Contemporary Punk
Hardcore/Noise Rock n' Roll Soft/AOR Thrash Gothic Experimental Rock
Alternative Rock Metal Industrial Indie Alternative
Indie Indie Rock Lo-fi Urban R & B Nu Soul Soul
Funk Hip Hop No Skool Nu Skool Old Skool Classical
Orchestral Chamber Opera Choral Contemporary Experimental Instrumental
Vocal Global Spanish Arabic Asian Mediterranean
African Eastern European South American New Age Instrumental New Age Meditation Jazz Big Band Fusion Latin Acoustic
Modern Free / Avant-garde Jazz Funk Mainstream Swing Blues & Country Blues
Traditional Country Folk Acoustic Singer Songwriters Easy Listening Lounge Orchestral Reggae
Dub Ska Roots TwoTone
Recognise and respect the wide scope of
creativity in music, art, crafts, building, design, technology, words,
speech� All creativity from God � see and accept
the creativity in all mankind � while being wary of the
added rebellion (us and non-christians) Accept the non-christians affirming their
God-given qualities and drawing them and pointing
them to God the source of their creativity. We can be relevant to the world without
smudging our principles. Redeem everything for God (well not quite
everything). The Church may not be the best place, but
it is the only safe place Questions1.
Should all creativity have a purpose or is it OK in itself? 2. a. In what ways are each of you creative ? (for you are) share and encourage each other in this. God loves your creativity and what you do. b. How can you find an outlet for your creativity in or
outside of the church, and how can you give or dedicate it to God. c. Can this creativity help you to worship God or meet
God?
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