What Music Should We Sing in Worship?

Are the words Scriptural and theologically sound? Hymnody has been an effective means of teaching theology in ages past. Is the music suitable to the words? If you are confessing sin, the music ought not to be bouncy and happy. Some of this is culturally relative but as a rule, confession of sin is a somber, holy event. On the other hand, singing a joyful anthem of praise to God for his wondrous works of creation, providence, and redemption should not sound or feel like a funeral dirge. A song of thankfulness for salvation perhaps should be happy and bouncy.
Access the article here.

Perry Noble's Justification of Women Preachers at Newspring

Perry Noble, pastor of Newspring church in Anderson, has had women to preach for him during their services more than once over the years. Recently another woman preached at their services. Perry wrote a blog post justifying the use of women preaching to their congregation. It was a pitiful defense of an indefensible practice. You can read it here.

Noble said:

1. "I do not have a problem with women preaching the Gospel because Jesus did not have a problem with them doing so."

Answer: People use the same argument in defending homosexuality, saying that Jesus never mentioned it, so it must be OK. Jesus' authority was given to his apostles, who were all men. Though women had much to do with helping Jesus in his ministry, none were called to preach. So, if you want to use an argument of silence, this would argue against women preachers. But the main point is that Jesus gave his authority to these men, not only to preach, but to write Scripture. And clearly the apostles taught in Scripture that, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent” (1 Timothy 2:11–12).

2. "Though I believe every word of it (the Bible) is true and can be fully trusted, there are passages that had more relevancy at the time they were written than they do today."

Answer: Noble is using the argument that the clear teaching of Scripture against women teachers and preachers in church is culturally irrelevant today. However, in the context of the 1 Timothy 2 passage Paul is dealing with the order of creation. The context has nothing to do with cultural matters at all.

3. "While I acknowledge Paul addressed the issue on a limited basis, I really do believe to base our view of women on these few passages means we have to ignore an enormous portion of Scripture that validates the preaching, teaching and leadership of women."

Answer: Noble is pitting Scripture against Scripture! Huge red flag here. Scripture does not contradict itself. And simply because the Bible only addresses the matter a few times makes no difference at all. If the Bible says it once that is enough to be authoritative for the church. But not for Noble, who picks and chooses passages he likes, while ignoring passages he doesn't agree with, in order to support his unbiblical position.

4. "I've often heard people call these ladies "exceptions" - but I see them as examples as I honestly do not believe women are forbidden to preach the Gospel."

Answer: Of course women are not forbidden to preach the gospel. They may preach it to other women, to their children, and even to other men in their personal witnessing. However, Paul said a woman must not teach or have authority over a man in the church. To invite a woman into the pulpit to address the church is to place that woman in a position of authority that the Bible forbids. Newspring went against Scripture and brought a woman in to preach at their services.  

5. "Let me conclude this article by once again saying I will not debate this, nor will I allow a theological cesspool to form on my FB page."

Answer: Noble has made up his mind and will not discuss it or allow dissent. Those who question him are usually asked to leave his church. But he is wrong here. This is a serious error that liberal churches have committed for many years. But because Newspring is successful, then no one must challenge what is said or done there. But even the apostle Paul commended the Bereans for examining the Scriptures in order to determine whether his own teaching lined up with them. Noble is wrong and no doubt others will call him out on his error. I pray that true believers at Newspring will cease to tolerate his false teaching on this. Here's a helpful article to explain what Scripture teaches and correct Noble's views.

Jesus Calling?

Christian bookstores and online booksellers prominently display the "Jesus Calling" books for unsuspecting Christians to buy.  The books claim to be the words of Jesus as directly revealed to some woman who writes them down.  I don't think so.  Read Tim Challies excellent review here.  So many Christians, especially women, are led astray by this false teaching.  And their husbands don't seem to be discerning enough or interested enough to correct their wives and get this junk out of the house and out of their minds.  Tim Challies calls it a "deeply troubling book" and points out "10 serious problems with Jesus Calling in the hope that you will consider and heed these warnings."  Read the review here:

http://www.challies.com/articles/10-serious-problems-with-jesus-calling 

True Faith

Westminster Confession of Faith - Chap. 14 - Saving Faith

By this faith, a Christian believes to be true whatsoever is revealed in the Word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein; and acts differently upon that which each particular passage contains; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life, and that which is to come. But the principal acts of saving faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ alone for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by virtue of the covenant of grace. 

Faith is a response to God's written word. Faith does not arise from ourselves or apart from Scripture. Test your own faith by this rule - What does Scripture say?  Whatever Scripture says, God says and I believe.