Praise & Worship
Let’s talk about music…Let’s talk about the Bible
Whether you talk about music or an entirely different topic altogether, third parties opinions should not really matter to a Christian. Only the Bible, which is the absolute Authority, should take precedence. Does it not encourage us to “examine what is good unto the Lord”? (Ephesians 5:10/ 2 Corinthians 5:9)
Can the Bible teach us anything about a topic supposedly secular as music? Is God interested in music? Sure, He is!
Music occupies a very important part in the Bible: over 575 scriptures spread over 44 books are music-related, particularly in the Old Testament. It is the only form of art widely used by the ancient Israelites. Whether vocal or instrumental, religious or profane, benevolent or malevolent…: all aspects of Music are discussed in the Bible.
Its origins
Music has been present ever since the world was created! The undisputable evidence may be unearthed in the following text: “Where were you when I laid the Earth’s foundation…while the morning stars* sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” (Job 38, 4-7).
(*)The morning stars are very likely representative of heavenly beings.
The Purpose of Music
3 roles can be attributed to Christian Music:
1) To give glory and honor to God (Ps 150)
2) Exhortation and Instruction (Col 3, 16)
3) The joy of beings created by God
In Ezekiel 28, The Almighty speaks to a “covering cherub standing on the holy mountain of God”, “filled with wisdom and perfect in beauty”, who was “in Eden, garden of God” (verse 12-13) “until the day when iniquity was found in him” (verse 15). Many scholars in the evangelical arena think that this scripture does actually refer to Lucifer, i.e. Satan before His fall. Ezekiel reminds him: “Your drums and your flutes where created at your service, prepared for the day (or in the day) you were created”. (v13b)
Styles of music in the Bible
The Talmud distinguishes 3 different kinds of edges:
- Chanting and the Responsorial singing (also known as Rock Perakim)
- Antiphonal singing (also known as Bahad hadade)
- The Cantilation (also known as hakri’ya)
What’s the difference between the Antiphonal singing and the Responsorial singing?
In the first, two choirs alternate. In the latter, one choir or the Congregation responds to a soloist. Please note that the antiphonal singing is from an ancient age indeed. We already find it in 1 Samuel 21, 12; 28:6-7; 29:5 (Cf. Deuteronomy 27:14-26). We can read one example of such a song under the kingship of David when for the first time he ordered Asaph and his brothers to “celebrate the Praises of the Lord” (1 Chronicles 16:7). The soloist or the choir sang the lyrics of the Psalm verses, which were transcribed in the verses 8-35, and then all the people would sing the chorus that comes at the end of every book of the “Psalter” (v 36; Psalm 41:14; Psalm 72:19; Psalm 89:53 and Psalm 106:48): “Amen! Praise the Lord” (v 36).
The antiphonal singing is mentioned right after the exile in Nehemiah 12. In verse 8, we read about the Levites who were leading a Praise and Worship service, and in verse 9, two other Levites who, with their brothers “were in tune, or “alternated”, or “held responding choruses”(depending on the Bible translation used). In verse 24, mention is even made of two choirs holding hands and facing each other. “They were responsible for praising and worshipping the Lord according to the instructions of David, man of God, either group by group or in alternate groups, one choir responding to the other » ( The Bible of Jerusalem)
All these manifestations were witnessed by God, for His glory and for the joy of His children.
However, let’s emphasize that the Bible mentions some other form of Music whose effects were not spiritually healthy…
AT THE ROCK OF AGES CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY
To us Music is a means of communication whereby our spiritual being connects with God in perfect harmony and unity.
Our musical talents are just talents freely given to us by God for the sole purpose of ushering His people into His presence, through Praise and Worship. (James 1, 16-18)
Moreover, Praise and Worship is to us a vehicle that carries and pours out our hearts before God’s glorious throne. Praise and Worship are first and foremost an answer of Love in response to His goodness and His mercy. Above all, it is way of life that consists of a constant and a total submission to His will.
Indeed, when divine grace, through His Son Jesus Christ, meets our needs then from deep down our hearts should rise an ineffable expression of joy, and a song of thanksgiving to God.
In the light of the above-mentioned evidence and in accordance with the commands in Psalm 81 and Psalm 150, songs of different backgrounds and composed on various musical styles (old and modern), are sung in the Rock Of Ages Church.
Our team is made up of singers of diverse age-groups, motivated and devoted in serving the Lord with zeal and Excellence.
Join us for an unforgettable Praise and Worship service.
Let yourself be ushered into The Lord’s presence through our songs, and may the Holy Spirit help you better worship The Father!
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” (John 4:23)
Our Team
a)Leaders:
-Pastor Patrick Kabengele: -Pasteur Patrick Kabengele: Pkabengele@hotmail.co.uk /07944190817
-Papa Randy Kabasele: Mobile: 07454404670
b)Singers and keyboardists :
-Br Randy Kabasele
-Sister Lydia Kabasele
-Sister Bibi Pandi
-Sister Grace Kabengele
-Sister Eunice Kabasele
-Sister Myriam Kabasele
-Br Samuel Bounkazi
-Sister Merveille Kipanda
-Brother Israel Kabengele
Pastor Patrick Kabengele(Praise and Worship Minister)
