My sweet lord, hallelujah
Hm, my lord, hallelujah
My, my, my lord, hallelujah

I really want to know you, hallelujah
Really want to go with you, hallelujah
Really want to show you lord
That it won't take long, my lord, hallelujah¹

Evangelical Christians have sought to adapt and be relevant in the modern world. They felt that Christianity should not be a relic of a bygone era. Sure, horse drawn carriages were useful in their day, but they are not suitable for modern transportation. So, the challenge has been to craft a message that answers the problems of the modern world. Was Christianity up to the new challenges? Could Christianity step out in faith and provide spiritual leadership?

Tragic problems abound, and they desperately need solutions. Marriages are falling apart. Kids are getting high on drugs. Sexual promiscuity enhances TV ratings. Our children's education is getting a failing grade. Abortion, homosexuality, TV violence, and immoral behavior by national leaders have driven home the urgency to provide a Christian message that focuses upon real problems. And, who could doubt that these were real problems?

To provide a solution to today's challenges, Bible colleges and theological seminaries began to train their students and seminarians with a practical focus. Of course, the Bible has a lot to say about kindness, love, patience, friendliness, joy, humility, peace, integrity, honesty, thriftiness, honor, pleasure, family, education, hard work, parents, children, national leaders, employers, and employees. So, there was no lack of biblical material to address personal, familial, and societal needs. Furthermore, who could argue against the need for a good sermon on being loving and kind to one's neighbor? Even Christ said, you should love your neighbor as yourself.

And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Matthew 22:39 (NIV)
The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:14 (NIV)

As the new practical emphasis began to catch on, it was easier to invite your neighbor to church to hear an inspirational talk on honesty, joy, leadership, or any one of the other relevant topics of the day. The numbers of those who began to attend church increased reinforcing the view that the evangelical church was meeting a vital need.

Music ministries played a prominent role in the adaptation of the church to the new effort to be relevant. Love, peace, joy, friendship, and the majesty of God's creation were celebrated in contemporary church worship. For example, the contemporary song, Such Joy, begins with,

Such joy! Such unspeakable joy,
Such peace, an everlasting peace;
Such love, a pure and holy love,²

As you can see from the words of the song, it is a celebration of joy, peace, and love. It is a message that the world community needs. Even the old children's song, I sing the mighty power of God, by Isaac Watts enjoyed a resurgence in popularity too. So, in addition to personal virtues, contemporary evangelical music devoted praise to God's creative wisdom and mighty power.

I sing the mighty power of God
That made the mountains rise;
That spread the flowin' seas abroad
And build the lofty skies
I sing the wisdom that ordained
The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at His command,
And all the stars obey.³

There should be no doubt that theism is an important aspect of most world religions. In fact, Christianity, Judaism, Baha'ism, and Islam praise and honor the majesty of the Creator. The sweet psalmist of Israel, King David, wrote,

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalms 19:1 (NIV)

People worldwide see the marvels of God's awesome creation. Certainly, it is appropriate for creatures to praise the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Everyone owes their very being and life to the Almighty, Majestic Creator.

'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' Acts 17:28 (NIV)

Muhammad recited in poetic language that, if all trees were pens and the oceans were filled with ink, the words of Allah's wisdom could not be written down. So, great is the wisdom and power of the Exalted One.

And if all the trees on earth were pens and the ocean (were ink), with seven oceans behind it to add to its (supply), yet would not the words of Allah be exhausted (in the writing): for Allah is Exalted in Power, full of Wisdom. Sura Luqman 31:27 (Yusuf Ali's translation)

So, we can see that praise to the Lord of all is vital to all the world's major religions. Hindus worship Lord Krishna too.

Always think of Me and become My devotee. Worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend. Bhagavad Gita 18:65 (Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's translation)

The evangelical Christian's emphasis upon personal virtues and God's majesty, power, and wisdom resonates with all the major world religions. In fact, it could form the basis for a world ecumenical church. The reason for this assertion is that the new emphasis has universal acceptance with everyone except the most stubborn atheist.

1. Doctrinally, it looks positive because the celebration of personal virtues and the Creator are not contentious issues. These truths are unifying for a growing evangelical congregation.

2. Socially, virtues are needful for personal growth, stable families, and civil societies.

3. Musically, the worship ministry is up-beat, creative, emotional, true, and involves congregational participation.

Sing, Shout, Clap.
Sing, shout, clap your hands,
Give praise unto your Maker.⁴

We Bow Down.
You are Lord of creation and Lord of my life,
Lord of the land and the sea.⁵

I Stand in Awe.
You are beautiful beyond description,
Too marvelous for words,⁶

I Want to be Where You Are.
I just want to be where You are,
Dwelling daily in Your presence,⁷

4. Religiously, there is nothing to offend the sensibilities of non-Christians in these lyrics. In fact, most non-Christian religions appreciate and affirm the truths of these Christian lyrics. For example, Muslims offer praise to God too.

Praise be to Him who when I call on Him answers,
slow though I am when He calls me.
Praise be to Him who gives to me when I ask Him,
miserly though I am when He asks a loan of me.
Praise be to Him to whom I confide my needs whensoever I will
and He satisfies them.
My Lord I praise, for He is of my praise most worthy.

Du'a for the 24th of Ramadan. 'Ali Zain al-Abidin⁸

The Kaddish is a famous and reverent Jewish hymn. Its words are,

May the great Name of God be exalted and sanctified,
throughout the world, which he has created according to his will.
May his Kingship be established in your lifetime and in your days,
and in the lifetime of the entire household of Israel,
swiftly and in the near future;
and say, Amen.

May his great name be blessed, forever and ever.
Blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, extolled, honored elevated
and lauded be the Name of the holy one,
Blessed is he above and beyond any blessings and hymns,
Praises and consolations which are uttered in the world;
and say Amen.
May there be abundant peace from Heaven,
and life, upon us and upon all Israel;
and say, Amen.
He who makes peace in his high holy places,
may he bring peace upon us, and upon all Israel;
and say Amen.⁹

The famous lyrics of My Sweet Lord by George Harrison are a ballad to Lord Krishna.

What concerns me is the lack of focus upon the Lord Jesus Christ and the gospel of salvation in today's evangelical churches. It seems that we have forgotten that our neighbors are sinners who are on their way to eternal damnation by a holy and righteous God. They need to be saved. The way to the Father is by the cross of Calvary where the Lord Jesus Christ died and shed His precious blood, so that sinners could come in faith seeking forgiveness for their sins.

Peoples' feeling may be elevated and soothed while singing about lovely virtues and praising the most High God of creation. No doubt, they feel uplifted, as they travel the broad road that leads to eternal destruction. A sinner may believe everything in many of today's songs and still be cast into the lake of fire at the Great White Throne judgment. Will they Sing, Shout, Clap then? Salvation depends upon the Lord Jesus Christ and His blest work upon Calvary's cross. Perhaps, the good news of the modern evangelical church is ecumenical and filled with excitement, motivation and upbeat music. Yet, without Christ, it is nothing in comparison to the eternal value of one human soul.

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26 (NIV)

We should not exclude the gospel of salvation from our music ministry and our emotionally packed messages that are heard in today's evangelical church. It is easy to become ashamed of the gospel of Christ. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ shows, on one hand, the love of God to man and, on the other hand, what sinful man thinks of our blest Savior.  It's not a popular message.

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16 (NIV)

King Jesus is a popular motif in the modern evangelical church.

All Hail King Jesus
All Hail King Jesus
All Hail Emmanuel¹⁰

Come on and Celebrate
Come on and Celebrate, Celebrate,
Celebrate and sing,
Celebrate and sing to the King.¹¹

Hail Jesus, You're My King
Hail Jesus, You're My King
Your life frees me to sing¹²

And, it is true that the Lord Jesus Christ will return in a blaze of glory to reign as King of kings and execute war and judgment upon the earth. King Jesus will appear in a robe dipped in blood, riding upon a white horse, having a sharp sword, and treading down sinners in the fury and wrath of God Almighty. King Jesus will strike terror in the hearts and minds of the inhabitants of the earth.

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war.
His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.
He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.
Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.
On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:11-16 (NIV)

The Lord Jesus Christ will reign as King of kings over the earth. It is a blest truth that should encourage us in our earthly pilgrimage. Yet, we must remember that, even if we believe in Jesus Christ as king, it has no salvific value. As King, Jesus treads down sinners in the winepress of the fury of God's almighty wrath. Today, the gospel message is the Jesus who died upon the cross to redeem repentant sinners. The Lord Jesus Christ was clear about his redemptive purpose upon earth. He would not be made king.

Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. John 6:15 (NIV)

Praise God! The Lord Jesus Christ refused to become a king. In stead, he became the sacrificial Lamb of God to take away sin. He became the dying, despised, rejected, mocked, beaten and scourged offering for sin upon the cross. He bore the wrath of God for my sins as well as the sins of all who have come in faith to Calvary. As our Savior, Jesus Christ had the wrath of God fall upon him. As our King, Jesus Christ will cause the wrath of God to fall upon sinners. What the world needs now is the Savior Jesus. Soon it will be too late, and Jesus will return as the King to visit fury, wrath, and fiery judgment upon unrepentant sinners.

The Apostle Paul warned us through the Holy Spirit of the dangers of preaching Jesus in a way that was different from the Jesus that the apostles preached. Today for example, some preach that Jesus Christ was a non-conformist and that he did not accept the status quo. Hence they argue that Jesus' message ought to be innovative and avant-guard in social thought. Others preach that Jesus opposed the strict legality of the Pharisee, so they opine that we should be accepting, liberal, and permissive in our views too. Now, it's true that Jesus did not conform to Jewish norms and that he opposed the artificial legality of the Pharisees. However, the central thrust of the mission of Jesus Christ was to save sinners.

For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. 2 Corinthians 11:4 (NIV)

When the Apostle Paul arrived in Corinth, his focus was on Jesus Christ and him crucified. As to his person, Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God. As to his work, Jesus was crucified upon the cross as an atonement for sin. So, the two-fold thrust of the apostle's message was the person and work of our blest Savior: the Son of God who gave his life in redemptive love for sinners.

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV)

Jesus Christ said that it was necessary to eat his flesh and to drink his blood to have eternal life. To eat the flesh of Christ means to believe that Jesus came from the Father in heaven. It is to believe that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God, the second person of the blest Trinity. To drink the blood of Christ is believe that the blood of Jesus shed upon Calvary atones for your sin. Together, the flesh and blood encompass the person (flesh) and work (blood) of Jesus Christ. To be saved, a sinner must believe in Jesus as the divine Son of God and believe in the efficacy of his precious blood to cleanse from sin. The life of Christ cannot free a sinner. In fact, as a standard of life, Christ's life only shows how wicked we are. It is the blood, and the blood alone, that affords remission from sins.  

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." John 6:51 (NIV)

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:54 (NIV)

The Lord Jesus Christ went to an upper room before his crucifixion to eat the Passover with his disciples. During the Passover, Jesus did something unusual. He took a Jewish custom that memorialized a loved one who had died and instituted this ancient Jewish custom as a remembrance memorial for his own death. This remembrance tradition is recorded in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. For example, Luke wrote,

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:19-20 (NIV)

A Jewish death memorial supper is mentioned in the writings of the Prophet Jeremiah. The topic is the death of a loved family member. The LORD says that the conditions in Israel were so bad that they may not enter a house of mourning to lament or console the bereaved. Furthermore, they may not break bread or drink a cup of consolation for a father or mother who had recently died.

For thus says the LORD, "Do not enter a house of mourning, or go to lament or to console them; for I have withdrawn My peace from this people," declares the LORD, "{My} lovingkindness and compassion. ...

"Neither will men break {bread} in mourning for them, to comfort anyone for the dead, nor give them a cup of consolation to drink for anyone's father or mother. Jeremiah 16:5,7 (NAS)

So, while the Jewish Passover was being observed, the Savior instituted a death memorial supper to be observed in remembrance of him. He told his disciples in the upper room, "Do this in remembrance of me." They obeyed Christ's request and observed the memorial after his death. However, in the upper room, Christ did not specifically instruct the Church to observe continually his remembrance memorial. This instruction came later, as we will see.

As the gospels record, Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, arose from the dead, and ascended to the Father's right hand in glory. His disciples began to preach the gospel, beginning at Jerusalem. Saul of Tarsus was active in capturing and taking Christians prisoners to Jerusalem (Acts 9:1-2). But, then the glorified Jesus spoke to Saul while he was on his way to Damascus to persecute those who were of the Way. Jesus said to him,

... "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. Acts 9:4-5 (NIV)

Saul learned a glorious truth that day—the Lord Jesus Christ is alive and exalted in glory. Later in his life, Saul's name was changed to Paul (Acts 13:9). He learned many things from the disciples who accompanied Jesus in Palestine, but he also received revelations directly from the Lord Jesus in heaven. In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul wrote about the importance of the Lord's supper. The cup symbolizes the blood of Christ shed from his spear-pierced side. The bread symbolizes the body of Christ given in death for us.

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,
and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NIV)

It is important to notice in verse 23 of chapter 11, the expression "I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you." This is significant because it tells us that the ascended Lord Jesus revealed to the Apostle Paul that the church was to "do this in remembrance of me." This expression is used twice. It is in verses 24 and 25 respectively. Additionally, our risen and glorified Savior told Paul that his church was to proclaim "the Lord's death until he comes" in the remembrance of the Lord's supper. Now, the church waits with anticipation the return of her bridegroom from glory. While she waits, she has the direct and clear command, "Do this in remembrance of me."

In the upper room, Christ had asked his disciples to "do this in remembrance of me." No doubt they felt deep love towards Christ and observed the Jewish tradition in honor and memory of his death. However, the practice might have ceased after awhile, since the request was directed just to those disciples who were with him in the upper room.  It was not specifically directed to all church. Hence, the Lord Jesus Christ gave the Apostle Paul a special heavenly revelation, so that the practice would continue in the church until he returns in power and glory. Jesus' words should encourage us too.

Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:17 (NIV)

Why did the Lord Jesus request us to remember his death? It was given as an ordinance to take our thoughts back to when the Lord Jesus was sacrificed upon the cross for our sins. The bread represents his body given in death for us and the cup represents the new covenant of his shed blood. The cross is the perfect display of God's love for rebellious humankind. We need to be reminded of our lost and rebellious condition and the love of the Lord Jesus and the price that he had to paid to redeem us. Jesus gave his all as a sacrifice for us. The Lord's supper takes us back to Calvary. And, when Christ return, the Lord's supper will no longer be needed as a reminder. When we are in his blest presence, we will see the scars of his nail-pierced hands and riven side, and they will remind us of the price he paid to redeem us.

In light of the Lord's request that his church observe the Lord's supper until he returns, why do many churches omit this observance from their Sunday services? Perhaps, it is observed once a month; and, in many cases, it is observed only on rare occasions, such as Easter and Christmas. Perhaps, the Lord's supper does not fit the evangelical church's emphasis upon virtues and God's majesty in creation. The person and death of the Lord Jesus Christ sets Christianity in direct opposition to all other religions. Whereas, good virtues and praise to God the Creator find welcomed common ground in all the world's monotheistic religions. The Lord Jesus and his death bear witness that human beings are lost and need to be saved. Self-improvement will not wash away a sinner's evil deeds neither will praise offered to the All-Mighty God of the universe remove a single sin.

Often, evangelical churches offer two types of worship services to meet the worship taste of its membership. Typically, there is a traditional service for those who are older and a contemporary one for its younger membership. Often the traditional services feature older hymns that are familiar with the elderly. While the contemporary services offer modern lyrics and tunes for the church's youth. This division is unfortunate because it divides the local body of Christ into age groups. The youth are separated from maturity of older Christians who, likewise, suffer because they lack opportunity to interact with the youth and enjoy their enthusiasm.

Essentially, this is an artificial division in worship style. The Holy Spirit is within the church today, and He gifts song writers to produce new lyrics. So, just because a tune is contemporary, it does not mean that it is not suitable for worship. Likewise, simply being an old traditional hymn does not mean that it is good. For example, the old traditional hymn, I come to the garden, while the dew is still on the roses¹³, may have a beautiful tune and lovely poetry, but its lyrics aren't specifically Christian. Some contemporary hymns teach things contrary to sound doctrine. For example, the lyrics of Create in me a clear heart, Oh God are contrary to sound Christian doctrine. A Christian will never be cast away from the presence of the Lord nor will the Holy Spirit be taken from him. The Holy Spirit has sealed, anointed, and indwelt every single believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me
Cast me not away
From your presence, Oh Lord
Take not your Holy Spirit from me¹⁴

There should be no division between traditional and contemporary worship. The central focus of Christian worship ought to be on the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the gospel of salvation. When Christian worshippers ignore the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, the worship is not Christian worship, per se. It may be theistic worship—a worship that is important to Christians too.  However, it is worship that is common to Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and other world religions. 

Today, we need to reflect upon the words in our worship songs. What are the words in the songs that are sung in your congregation? You need to look at the song sheets and see the actual words that are printed there. Is Jesus Christ mentioned by name? Is the death, burial, and resurrection mentioned. Is the redeeming blood of Christ there? Do your songs mention the return of Christ in power and glory? Holy scripture gives us the lyrics of the new, upbeat, contemporary hymn of heaven, it is,

And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." Revelation 5:9-10 (NIV)

As you read the lyrics of your hymns, would most of them be equally acceptable to non-Christian religions. Do your hymns prefer to use generic terms, like Lord, Master, You, Teacher, or King. Most religions use the terms, Lord, Master, Teacher, or King for their major deity or special prophet. While a Christian might be thinking Lord (Jesus), a Hindu would be thinking Lord (Krishna) and a Muslim would be thinking Lord (Allah). Believing in the Lord of creation is not special to Christianity. Whereas, believing that the Lord Jesus created the universe is special to Christianity (Hebrews 1:2).

It is important that young people are taught Christianity. Otherwise, when they grow to maturity, they may find other religions equally relevant to their lives. In fact, some religions may appear to be more relevant to them. For example, Mormonism stresses the benefits of the family. Hinduism stresses tolerance. Islam believes it offers a pure form of monotheism. You don't have to be a Christian to appreciate the family, tolerance, and monotheism. Some non-Christian religions offer inter-faith meetings to attract Christian youth to their faith with great success. Sadly, the sermons at these inter-faith gatherings are nearly identical to the sermons given by the pastors in the local churches where the young Christians attend.  So, it is a small step to another religious faith.  

Often, pastors avoid doctrinal teaching, because Christian doctrines can be a source of contention within a congregation.  As a result of neglecting doctrinal teaching for years, pastors have successfully dumbed-down many congregations.

Are your young people being taught the spiritual meaning of the Jewish sacrifices, and how they prefigure the Lord Jesus' sacrificial death upon the cross? Do they have a good outline of prophetic events, as described in the books of Daniel and Revelation? Spiritual food for the mind is vital for our Christian youth. Otherwise, they will depart from the Christian faith shortly after they leave home and attend college. Why, because they were not intellectually armed for the battle at home and in their local church. They were sent to the battle with neither the helmet of salvation nor the sword of the Spirit. Therefore, they lie slain by the enemy of their souls. If we could hear Satan, we would hear him singing, shouting, and clapping.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)

Firstly, we need to become more occupied with the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Scriptures. Secondly, we need to encourage and affirm anyone who speaks about the Savior of sinners, our Lord Jesus Christ. Thirdly, we should financially support those who specifically honor the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Many church pastors seek to have a large congregation because it provides them with a very comfortable source of income. So, church pastors have a financial motivation to give sermons with as broad appeal as possible. As a result, some pastor prefer not mention the precious blood of Christ and the dangers of hell, because some congregational members might find these terms offensive. Your financial support should go to those who speak well of the Lord Jesus Christ. Fourthly, it is important to interact with those who are involved in music ministry. Perhaps, they are unaware of how infrequently the gospel of salvation is discovered in today's hymns. Perhaps, they haven't considered the consequences of reducing church praise to mere repetitious theistic melodies. Fifthly, it is important that you teach your children the spiritual significance of the Jewish sacrifices and the prophetic events of the future. Sixthly, you should remember that you are the one whom God holds responsible for the spiritual development of your children.

May we focus upon the precious Savior, the Man of Calvary. And, may the closing words encourage us in our journey to glory,

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and 
the love of God, and 
the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 
2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)

Last edited July 15, 2001