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MUSIC STANDARD of the LITZA'S

MUSIC CONTENT

"whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" 1Cor. 10:31

Psalm 33:1-3 "Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise."

Music in the church is to be used to prepare the musicians heart and the hearts of those who are listening for worship, and to praise God. (Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16)

"At all times whether in practice or performance, one must keep in mind this basic principle: if a ministry for the Lord is worthy of our service, it is also worthy of our very best effort and effective use of our God-given talent. To that end may our lives be dedicated and ministries blessed, that He alone might receive the honor and glory." - Kenneth W. Osbeck

There are at least seven principles of spiritual music.

1. It must be understandable (1 Corinthians 14:15)
2. It must be under the control of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18&19)
3. It must be "to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:1-9)
4. It must be thankful (Ephesians 5:20)
5. It must be in the name of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20)
6. It must be based on the Word of Christ (Colossians 3:16)
7. It must be sung with grace in the heart to the Lord (Colossians 3:16)

"The aim and final reason for all music should be nothing else but the glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit." - J.S. Bach

Webster's Dictionary defines music as the art and science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds or tones in varying melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre - so as to form structurally complete and emotionally expressive compositions.

We cannot condone, promote, or sympathize with any sort of "Christian Rock" or "Christian Pop" music. "Carnal music and spiritual words do not mix, they war against each other." Institute in Basic Life Principles - (Galatians 5:17). Biblical words do not make a worldly song Christian. (Haggai 2:12-13)

"Christians cannot make worldly music clean, worldly music will make Christians unclean." - **Institute in Basic Life Principles

There are times when taped music is needed, but we need to carefully critique the taped accompaniment, as to usage of a dominant beat or of a disorderly rhythm. (1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things . . .)

MUSIC MINISTRY

1 Corinthians 14:40 "Let all things be done decently and in order." In an effort to do this we try to adhere to the following criteria.

1. He or she must have experienced God's saving grace (by grace and grace alone) and redemption in his or her life. (Ephesians 2:8&9)

2. He or she must understand the place of music in the life of a believer and of the worship in the church. (Ephesians 5:19)

3. There must be a knowledge that he or she is a minister to the people, and not a performer. (Hebrews 6:10)

4. There must be an outward evidence of spiritual growth in his or her own life. (2 Peter 3:17&18)

Lastly, we believe that "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace..." 1Cor. 14:33. Therefore, we are striving to keep our music pure and clean, and in order before the Lord, so that those who hear it will be edified.

Psalms 98:1&2 - "O sing onto the Lord a new song, for He hath done marvelous things"

** - references to Institute in Basic Life Principles does not mean that we endorse or agree with all of their stands or beliefs, but in the areas mentioned we agree.