the EMPOWERED VISION

NEW ADDRESS

2010-09-14T13:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Thank you for taking the time to visit us here at faithspianist. The link to our blog will be changing soon!!! I would like to invite you to our home page which is updated frequently. To do so, select http://www.evangelistjongroves2.blogspot.com/ Be sure to visit there soon! Feel free to take advantage of the facebook and twitter buttons on either side of the page. You will also find useful links by selecting the "sites to visit" button at the top of the page. God Bless!

Jon Groves, II
jonnyboy =)

Firsts

2010-09-07T14:34:00.001-07:00

“Let us watch well our beginnings, and our results will manage themselves.” –Alexander Clark

If you sit and listen to others talk for any length of time you will hear constant reference to firsts. As humans, our minds continually take us back to the initial incident that led us to where we are today. Parents of young children reminisce of first birthdays, first Christmas, first tooth, first words, or first steps. You may hear adults talk about their first car, their first job, or their first relationship. People put a lot of stock in “firsts.” First impressions determine how we will think of someone for the remainder of the time we know them. Firsts seem to be extremely important. Walking would be impossible had we not taken that first step. Life would not exist without that first birthday. At the same time, an alcohol addiction would not exist without having taken that first drink. Lung cancer would not be so prevalent if people didn’t indulge in that first smoke.

Maybe you have found yourself saying, “If only I could just start all over again somewhere. That would make life better!” When we get our self in a rut, we look for a NEW BEGINNING! Sadly, life rarely offers a do over. So, how do we avoid the troubles that plague us day to day? START RIGHT

Over the past several months my life has been filled with many firsts. I wish I had the time to list them out because the majority of them have been spectacular. My favorite of many firsts happened this last week. I met my adopted family, the Jones, for the first time. I played songs I had heard for the first time, for the first time in a praise band. I looked out across the crowd and for the first time saw an entire group of people truly praising and worshiping the Lord. On Monday I had my first one on one talk with ‘padre jones’ who reminded me to be careful of firsts. After that I began a whole new set of firsts on Monday, September 6, 2010 at about 11:30. The firsts that I’ve experienced over the last few days seem to be pointing in the most exciting direction of my life. I know there are more firsts to come in this area and I am awaiting them with anxious anticipation.

God has been so good to me. He continually allows me to serve him in the ministry he called me to. The song says, “If the pen of a writer could write everyday, even the world could never contain how I have been blessed.” Music is my ministry and passion. Be in prayer as the Lord continues to provide “firsts” for me in this area. If we will make an effort to start right, then ending right will not be as much of a challenge. Is the song of your days ending on a bad note? Check out the source of your song! When the source of our song is the Savior, he won’t just be another song on Sunday. He will be the reason we sing. If our ‘first’ notes are in tune and on time, our song will develop into one we will enjoy singing.

I've been there...that's why im here

2010-09-04T00:00:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,

As Christians, we try to take the 'high road' in every situation. God has specified the ways to take care of problems. You must first go to the person, second time you take a witness, and third time you go to the church. I have taken the first two options and since it is impossible to present the case to the administration of the church concerned, I will present the facts in a similar format which the lies are also presented in. Before continuing on, realize that there will be responses to this post on other blogs, through emails, and phonecalls. The parties concerned will do their best to put me and this ministry in a bad light as they have the past many years. If you chose to believe the fallacy that will flow from their mouths (part of that will be their feeble attempt to say that the facts I will be presenting are false.) so be it. The side of this chapter in my life which will be presented from other blogs and people is a tainted view that cannot be supported. I am looking very much forward to reading and hearing what they try to say though :)

First, I will present a legal side before I share my testimony. It is against the law to publicly post a photograph, name, or information of a person who has expressed a desire for those items not to be shared. Others have pictures of me on their various blogs and websites claiming I am a current part of their "happy" family. The words "my son" Jon L. Groves are being used in an attempt to make sure everyone who discovers my name will also discover theirs. The pictures being used on the internet, whether on facebook, blogger, or on their personal website also have me in them. I have expressed a desire for them to be removed. They have NOT been taken off. This is an illegal action on their part. Disobeying the Laws that God has allowed to be put in place is a SIN. But, I've found through personal experience that using Bible with these parties is of no avail because they will interpret it to cover their situation. No need telling them they are sinning, they'll have a way to say that they aren't. (They've tried to say this same thing about me. LOL)

There are an abundance of LIES (prayer requests as they call them) floating about amoungst our "independent baptist" brethren. I don't have near enough time to cover them all so I'll just present a few that I'm most familiar with. NO, my father is not trying to hide our existence. ( because here I am :) NO, my biological mother was not abandoned. YES, my father did support us financially (I'll get to that one more in depth in a bit.) NO when you visit the hilarious blog that claims to be "evangelist jon groves 2's mom" there is not information about my ministry on their family page. THAT'S A LIE FROM THE DEVIL. NO, she is not "raising and feeding four teens". . . its only three. NO, she does not work all the jobs she claims to work.

Many theories have been presented as to why everything came to be. Today, I'm here to uncover the story. One night, while living in the fifth wheels, I woke up in the middle of the night. This was unusual for me, but I had to use the restroom. I quietly slipped down the ladder from my bunk and slid the pocket door open. Directly in front of me was my mother in the lap and arms of a man (not my father.) This struck me as odd but I continued on to the bathroom. I stepped back out into the main room and my grandfather was gone. My mother wanted to make sure before I went back to bed that I didn't have a question about what was going on. She passed it off as "there are things that girls need that only guys can give. . . I just needed a 'hug.' You'll understand when you're older. Your grandpa is worried you might have thought the wrong thing." You as the reader can take that situation how you want, but many a church member had witnessed things even I didn't see.

The divorce case goes to court......Yes, my dad was required by law to support us. This money was extracted from his paychecks. But, with money comes privilege. He was granted visitation rights twice a week. Well, seeing as he knew a little more than they wanted him to, he was taken to court and sued for full custody. My grandfather was to be granted financial custody. BTW I was not allowed to attend the court hearings. . . . guess my information would've messing things up a bit. There were stories told such as "his father held him by the throat up against a wall." This was not true. ( I have been pushed, shoved, slapped, smacked, and hit out of anger by some other relatives though.) My father had tapes of everything to back up every claim he made. (no they weren't doctored tapes. . . nice try though :) The judge realized that my mother and grandfather would lose the case if they were played. My mother's attourney realized he was being lied to and he QUIT ON THE SPOT! I have read their dialogue in the public court papers. So, you're wondering, "how did they win when your dad had proof?" Well, a financially influential person in our church at that time (now deceased) told my dad he would lose because of the connections my family had with the court system.

I wasn't allowed for the longest time to see my little brothers. I was led to believe I didn't have the right. Later I uncovered the legal documents that stated my rights otherwise leaving my mother in contempt of court. ( I love my brothers and I was just sick and tired of hearing them called bastard children all the time. My grandpa's dad had a wife and children before he had him but no one went around calling him a bastard child. We've got the birth cirtificates and records to prove it. Not to mention I now have the opportunity to be in contact with the two great uncles I never knew I had.) Well, when the fam found out I had been with my little bro's they took my phone, car, and computer.

God has so graciously allowed me to be part of a thriving ministry. Not one that has been driven to the ground from 600 people to 50. . . on a good sunday morning. When people ask, "how can you even still go on?" I can only respond, I've been there, and that's why I'm here. The things I had to go through in that house have provided perspective that God has used in allowing me to help other struggling teens. The things I experienced in that church provided perspective which we are using to rescue churches that are quickly burning out.

If you have a question, you are more that welcome to contact me through email or by visiting our website at www.thegrovesfamily.org. I hope this better helps you to grasp our circumstances. Praise God he has allowed me to maintain peace with him and joy through my trials. I've been there. . . . .and that's why I'm here.

The Armour Bearer

2010-08-19T20:45:00.001-07:00

I was asked to bring a devotional to some teen boys about an old testement character and the choices they made. My, how the list is enormous with people who made wise to very foolish choices. Two unnamed characters of similar occupations caught my attention. I began to study two chapters in I Samuel.

In one chapter I found the story of David and Goliath. This excerpt from I Samuel is commonly known because it is taught to every young child. As God gives the description of Goliath, one man is made mention of in these verses as well. I believe he is called "one bearing his shield." This "one" went before Goliath. Now, though no major details are recorded about this man, we would assume that he was a mighty man of battle himself. He must have been of great strength to bear such a massive protective instrument before the mightiest warrior of the Philistines, and we would not be crazy to assume that he was of great stature as well in order that he might protect this giant. I would surmise that he had been in battle with Goliath before, but something is odd about this particular battle. As the young and ruddy teen boy advances toward this behemoth of a man. . . no armour bearer is found. Where did he go? What caused this protector of Goliath to flee from the presence of an insignificant Jew?

Just a few chapters prior to David's story, the armour bearer of Jonathan is brought into light. In this story, Jonathan takes his armour bearer and tackles a garrison of the Philistines. Jonathan surmised and rightfully so, that God could defeat his enemy by many or by few. So, these two men advanced and began to melt away the Philistine forces of this garrison. The difference between these two armour bearers: Jonathan's trusted the heart of his master.

These men were in a place of protection. Each had a military if not royal assignment to protect valuable assets of each army. Both were in a position of provision. These men had the job of providing any assistance to Jonathan or Goliath that they might require. Both armour bearers protected persons of power, but Jonathan's had a passionate prayer. (And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that [is] in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I [am] with thee according to thy heart.)

The challenge before us today is twofold. First to be a Jonathan. Are you someone who's heart is so intertwined with God's that someone is willing to put their life on the line because the know you will follow God? Be the Jonathan who can lead people into the battle for Christ, and be used in a might way.

Secondly, to be an armourbearer. No, not the kind that Goliath had who turned away at the first sign of trouble, but rather the armour bearer of Jonathan. Stand up and protect those who you know to be servants of God. Don't allow others to shoot arrows at your pastor or such as that. Be a Jonathan to someone today, and be an armour bearer for a servant of Christ today.

Six Month Update

2010-08-05T22:43:00.001-07:00

Someone once said stepping out into the ministry is like watching your child walk out into a busy street. He might survive but no one wants to take that chance. Well, by the Lord’s hand I’ve “crossed over to the other side.” I stopped and realized the other day it has been a couple months since graduation and I have not updated many as to how the ministry is going. For those who don’t know, God has allowed me to travel in full-time evangelism with my dad, Dr. Jon Groves. The Lord has certainly opened many doors for the Groves Family Ministries. It’s no bitter story that I’d like to share today.

Since the end of May we have been in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. With no time to spare we have moved from church to church, revival to revival and it has been a BLAST! When the Lord made it clear this was the direction he had for us in September, 2009 we began praying immediately for the new needs we would have. Since May 2010 God has GIVEN us everything we asked for. We prayed for a keyboard, sound system, recording opportunities, and some way to get our name started in Southern Gospel. A man called one day and asked if he could ship us a package. Two days later an eighty pound box is arriving at the church we were at. In that box was a Roland keyboard which was the make I had prayed for. Another man asked where we were. He drove from Florida to Kentucky where we were at the time and gave us some great sound equipment. Two recording studios have asked to be a part of our ministry. We were also featured in the SGN Scoops magazine, Gospel Music Today, and Karen Berka Live! We never mentioned these needs out loud. God in his omniscience just provided.

Music has always been a major passion in our lives. We kick started our group “Jon Saw” at the Branson Gospel Music Convention. Here I was also able to play and sing with McMillan and Life, Al Brumley, the Piano Extravaganza, and the JayStone Singers. We also graduated from the Steve Hurst School of Music. Here we not only learned a TON but we were also privileged to sing with Mark Trammel and also the Booth Brothers. I especially enjoyed being with some of my great friends Matt Holt, Josh Singletary, Steve Hurst, and Mark Trammel. (Check out my piano trio with Matt and Josh on facebook.) We also made some new friends with an up and coming group called “the Camerons.” We cannot wait to go and be a part of the school next year!

I was able to be part of the ministry at Camp Victory this summer. I think I enjoyed this summer best of all. A lady from IN told one of my coworkers prior to camp “ There are definitely changes in Jon, you will see for yourself.” Not only did others see the changes, I noticed myself. I was able to take joy in the lesser tasks which made the bigger ones even more enjoyable. Doors were opened about fifteen times for me to preach whether in a service, flagpole, team meeting, or even a cabin devotional. At Camp Victory, the emphasis is always on souls. I began praying prior to camp that God would allow me to win ten to the Lord this summer. He exceeded my expectations and gave me twelve souls this year! Praise God from whom all BLESSINGS flow! As Bro. George would say, “the cleaner the heart, the less it takes to entertain it.”

We serve a mighty God who empowers our vision each and every day. Many have asked, “why do you do what you do?” All we can answer is, God is allowing us to do what we do for reasons that only He knows. Others could be out there in that Prevost bus, but God has called us to do that! PTL One favorite moment from the year so far is a man who got a little upset with the preaching coming his way. He told some folks, “They both are desperately trying to get people to believe they are justified. But in order to do that, they have to disregard the Word of God. I think that is why they seem to be able to get along with backsliders, since those are people who have already disregarded the Bible to some extent.” We took his revelation as a compliment. Jesus was also accused of being with the “publicans and sinners.” Why he even fellowshipped at Zacheus’s house! We praise God for the opportunity to go after each and every soul we come in contact with. Don’t get too upset with that fellow though. I think it's possible for him to turn back and do right and overcome the mistakes he has made. We serve a God of mercy and grace. It would mean that he would have to swallow alot of pride though. I just pray that he will allow the Lord to get a hold of his heart. We have to die to ourselves daily and live for Christ in order to realize we just can’t do this in our own power. Only God can continue to allow this ministry to thrive.

What problem are you facing today? Does it seem too difficult to handle? Never lose sight of the fact that our amazing Heavenly Father always has his hand on his children. He’ll go with us through every fire. If you’re not facing some opposition, check and see which side you’re on! Everyone who lives for Christ will suffer persecution. If its coming from people, you’ll just have to come to the same conclusion that I have. Their problem is not with us, their problem is between them and the Lord. Keep on trucking for Jesus and don’t forget to be in prayer for the Groves Family Ministries!

A Quick Update

2010-04-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I apologize that I haven't been faithful in keeping you updated. The last few months along with the following two will be extremely busy. School @ CCS is going great! Our Bible Quiz Team, Choral, and Ensemble all took state this year. We will be competing at the National competition at Bob Jones University. I will also have the privilege of preaching in the national competition as well.

Faith Baptist Church is now in Maxwell, Indiana! God has provided this church with an actual church building. This week we have enjoyed a wonderful revival with Evangelist Terry Kendrick. On Friday night we saw two come to know Christ as their personal Savior. Please be in prayer for the Dedication Sunday which will take place on Easter Sunday. We will here preaching from Rev. Charles Savage, and Evangelists Terry Kendrick, George Griffis, and Danny Long.

Check back soon for more updates. Keep God First!

Choral Direction

2010-02-09T15:10:00.001-08:00

Questions for the Music Director - - - By Brad Boroff

Q: (From a choir director in Ohio)
I am a music director, and I have about a month under my belt. From the start I've noticed that practice time can be easily wasted. Sometimes I feel like we get songs ready just in time, and we don't sing them our very best. What tips do you have for making choir practice time more effective?

A: Your question is one that plagues all of us. It seems that there is never enough practice time. Many things can be done to make practice more effective, and some methods may even seem to contradict each other. We have to find what is working for our group at the moment. Here are a few thoughts that may help.

1. Begin on time. In order to do this, someone has to be there to make the necessary preparations like getting the music ready. In most cases, this is the director, but you may have someone who would be willing to help you with this faithfully.

2. Begin with a few vocal warm-ups. This creates a more disciplined atmosphere as well as making it easier on the singers' voices. We learn faster when we are ready to learn.

3. Begin with an energetic song. (If you are really pressed for time, or for variety, you may skip the warm-ups and start here.)

4. If you practice on Sunday evening before the service, begin with the song or the opener for that evening.

5. Focus on the problem spots. Go over them ahead of time, and have a plan for how to help them learn the music. Then, in practice, when there is a problem at the end of the chorus, go right to that place and work through it. When they have it, then give them just enough context to allow them to feel confident, then move on. It is easy to waste time singing the parts they know well over and over again.

6. When you are working with one section (soprano, alto, etc.) of the choir on a part, only cover a phrase or two and then go back and work with another section. If you go too far, those who are not singing will start talking; and talking wastes everyone's time.

7. Work ahead a little each week. Spend time on next week's music and even the following week’s. Sometimes this seems impossible, but if you have the courage to try it, you will fiProxy-Connection: keep-alive
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that you will get more done in the long run. When we only practice something one time, it is like cramming for a test. We can only do so well. When we have worked a little on a song each week for a month, it makes it much easier for the average choir member to feel confident on the day the song is presented.

Choral Direction

2010-02-09T15:09:00.013-08:00

Choral Direction

2010-02-09T15:09:00.011-08:00

Questions for the Music Director - - - By Brad Boroff

Q: (From a choir director in Ohio)
I am a music director, and I have about a month under my belt. From the start I've noticed that practice time can be easily wasted. Sometimes I feel like we get songs ready just in time, and we don't sing them our very best. What tips do you have for making choir practice time more effective?

A: Your question is one that plagues all of us. It seems that there is never enough practice time. Many things can be done to make practice more effective, and some methods may even seem to contradict each other. We have to find what is working for our group at the moment. Here are a few thoughts that may help.

1. Begin on time. In order to do this, someone has to be there to make the necessary preparations like getting the music ready. In most cases, this is the director, but you may have someone who would be willing to help you with this faithfully.

2. Begin with a few vocal warm-ups. This creates a more disciplined atmosphere as well as making it easier on the singers' voices. We learn faster when we are ready to learn.

3. Begin with an energetic song. (If you are really pressed for time, or for variety, you may skip the warm-ups and start here.)

4. If you practice on Sunday evening before the service, begin with the song or the opener for that evening.

5. Focus on the problem spots. Go over them ahead of time, and have a plan for how to help them learn the music. Then, in practice, when there is a problem at the end of the chorus, go right to that place and work through it. When they have it, then give them just enough context to allow them to feel confident, then move on. It is easy to waste time singing the parts they know well over and over again.

6. When you are working with one section (soprano, alto, etc.) of the choir on a part, only cover a phrase or two and then go back and work with another section. If you go too far, those who are not singing will start talking; and talking wastes everyone's time.

7. Work ahead a little each week. Spend time on next week's music and even the following week’s. Sometimes this seems impossible, but if you have the coProxy-Connection: keep-alive
Cache-Control: max-age=0

age to try it, you will find that you will get more done in the long run. When we only practice something one time, it is like cramming for a test. We can only do so well. When we have worked a little on a song each week for a month, it makes it much easier for the average choir member to feel confident on the day the song is presented.

Choral Direction

2010-02-09T15:09:00.009-08:00

Questions for the Music Director - - - By Brad Boroff

Q: (From a choir director in Ohio)
I am a music director, and I have about a month under my belt. From the start I've noticed that practice time can be easily wasted. Sometimes I feel like we get songs ready just in time, and we don't sing them our very best. What tips do you have for making choir practice time more effective?

A: Your question is one that plagues all of us. It seems that there is never enough practice time. Many things can be done to make practice more effective, and some methods may even seem to contradict each other. We have to find what is working for our group at the moment. Here are a few thoughts that may help.

1. Begin on time. In order to do this, someone has to be there to make the necessary preparations like getting the music ready. In most cases, this is the director, but you may have someone who would be willing to help you with this faithfully.

2. Begin with a few vocal warm-ups. This creates a more disciplined atmosphere as well as making it easier on the singers' voices. We learn faster when we are ready to learn.

3. Begin with an energetic song. (If you are really pressed for time, or for variety, you may skip the warm-ups and start here.)

4. If you practice on Sunday evening before the service, begin with the song or the opener for that evening.

5. Focus on the problem spots. Go over them ahead of time, and have a plan for how to help them learn the music. Then, in practice, when there is a problem at the end of the chorus, go right to that place and work through it. When they have it, then give them just enProxy-Connection: keep-alive
Cache-Control: max-age=0

gh context to allow them to feel confident, then move on. It is easy to waste time singing the parts they know well over and over again.

6. When you are working with one section (soprano, alto, etc.) of the choir on a part, only cover a phrase or two and then go back and work with another section. If you go too far, those who are not singing will start talking; and talking wastes everyone's time.

7. Work ahead a little each week. Spend time on next week's music and even the following week’s. Sometimes this seems impossible, but if you have the courage to try it, you will find that you will get more done in the long run. When we only practice something one time, it is like cramming for a test. We can only do so well. When we have worked a little on a song each week for a month, it makes it much easier for the average choir member to feel confident on the day the song is presented.

2010-02-09T15:09:00.007-08:00

Questions for the Music Director - - - By Brad Boroff

Q: (From a choir director in Ohio)
I am a music director, and I have about a month under my belt. From the start I've noticed that practice time can be easily wasted. Sometimes I feel like we get songs ready just in time, and we don't sing them our very best. What tips do you have for making choir practice time more effective?

A: Your question is one that plagues all of us. It seems that there is never enough practice time. Many things can be done to make practice more effective, and some methods may even seem to contradict each other. We have to find what is working for our group at the moment. Here are a few thoughts that may help.

1. Begin on time. In order to do this, someone has to be there to make the necessary preparations like getting the music ready. In most cases, this is the director, but you may have someone who would be willing to help you with this faithfully.

2. Begin with a few vocal warm-ups. This creates a more disciplined atmosphere as well as making it easier on the singers' voices. We learn faster when we are ready to learn.

3. Begin with an energetic song. (If you are really pressed for time, or for variety, you may skip the warm-ups and start here.)

4. If you practice on Sunday evening before the service, begin with the song or the opener for that evening.

5. Focus on the problem spots. Go over them ahead of time, and have a plan for how to help them learn the music. Then, in practice, when there is a problem at the end of the chorus, go right to that place and work through it. When they have it, then give them just enough context tProxy-Connection: keep-alive
Cache-Control: max-age=0

20allow them to feel confident, then move on. It is easy to waste time singing the parts they know well over and over again.

6. When you are working with one section (soprano, alto, etc.) of the choir on a part, only cover a phrase or two and then go back and work with another section. If you go too far, those who are not singing will start talking; and talking wastes everyone's time.

7. Work ahead a little each week. Spend time on next week's music and even the following week’s. Sometimes this seems impossible, but if you have the courage to try it, you will find that you will get more done in the long run. When we only practice something one time, it is like cramming for a test. We can only do so well. When we have worked a little on a song each week for a month, it makes it much easier for the average choir member to feel confident on the day the song is presented.

2010-02-09T15:09:00.005-08:00

Questions for the Music Director - - - By Brad Boroff

Q: (From a choir director in Ohio)
I am a music director, and I have about a month under my belt. From the start I've noticed that practice time can be easily wasted. Sometimes I feel like we get songs ready just in time, and we don't sing them our very best. What tips do you have for making choir practice time more effective?

A: Your question is one that plagues all of us. It seems that there is never enough practice time. Many things can be done to make practice more effective, and some methods may even seem to contradict each other. We have to find what is working for our group at the moment. Here are a few thoughts that may help.

1. Begin on time. In order to do this, someone has to be there to make the necessary preparations like getting the music ready. In most cases, this is the director, but you may have someone who would be willing to help you with this faithfully.

2. Begin with a few vocal warm-ups. This creates a more disciplined atmosphere as well as making it easier on the singers' voices. We learn faster when we are ready to learn.

3. Begin with an energetic song. (If you are really pressed for time, or for variety, you may skip the warm-ups and start here.)

4. If you practice on Sunday evening before the service, begin with the song or the opener for that evening.

5. Focus on the problem spots. Go over them ahead of time, and have a plan for how to help them learn the music. Then, in practice, when there is a problem at the end of the chorus, go right to that place and work through it. When they have it, then give them just enough context tProxy-Connection: keep-alive
Cache-Control: max-age=0

20allow them to feel confident, then move on. It is easy to waste time singing the parts they know well over and over again.

6. When you are working with one section (soprano, alto, etc.) of the choir on a part, only cover a phrase or two and then go back and work with another section. If you go too far, those who are not singing will start talking; and talking wastes everyone's time.

7. Work ahead a little each week. Spend time on next week's music and even the following week’s. Sometimes this seems impossible, but if you have the courage to try it, you will find that you will get more done in the long run. When we only practice something one time, it is like cramming for a test. We can only do so well. When we have worked a little on a song each week for a month, it makes it much easier for the average choir member to feel confident on the day the song is presented.

2010-02-09T15:09:00.003-08:00

%3Cstrong%3EQuestions%20for%20the%20Music%20Director%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%0A%0A%3Cstrong%3EQ%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%26nbsp%3B(From%20a%20choir%20director%20in%20Ohio)%0A%26nbsp%3BI%20am%20a%20music%20director%2C%20and%20I%20have%20about%20a%20month%20under%20my%20belt.%20From%20the%20start%20I've%20noticed%20that%20practice%20time%20can%20be%20easily%20wasted.%20Sometimes%20I%20feel%20like%20we%20get%20songs%20ready%20just%20in%20time%2C%20and%20we%20don't%20sing%20them%20our%20very%20best.%20What%20tips%20do%20you%20have%20for%20making%20choir%20practice%20time%20more%20effective%3F%0A%0A%3Cstrong%3E%26nbsp%3BA%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Your%20question%20is%20one%20that%20plagues%20all%20of%20us.%20It%20seems%20that%20there%20is%20never%20enough%20practice%20time.%20Many%20things%20can%20be%20done%20to%20make%20practice%20more%20effective%2C%20and%20some%20methods%20may%20even%20seem%20to%20contradict%20each%20other.%20We%20have%20to%20find%20what%20is%20working%20for%20our%20group%20at%20the%20moment.%20Here%20are%20a%20few%20thoughts%20that%20may%20help.%0A%0A1.%20Begin%20on%20time.%20In%20order%20to%20do%20this%2C%20someone%20has%20to%20be%20there%20to%20make%20the%20necessary%20preparations%20like%20getting%20the%20music%20ready.%20In%20most%20cases%2C%20this%20is%20the%20director%2C%20but%20you%20may%20have%20someone%20who%20would%20be%20willing%20to%20help%20you%20with%20this%20faithfully.%0A%0A2.%20Begin%20with%20a%20few%20vocal%20warm-ups.%20This%20creates%20a%20more%20disciplined%20atmosphere%20as%20well%20as%20making%20it%20easier%20on%20the%20singers'%20voices.%20We%20learn%20faster%20when%20we%20are%20ready%20to%20learn.%0A%0A3.%20Begin%20with%20an%20energetic%20song.%20(If%20you%20are%20really%20pressed%20for%20time%2C%20or%20for%20variety%2C%20you%20may%20skip%20the%20warm-ups%20and%20start%20here.)%0A%0A4.%20If%20you%20practice%20on%20Sunday%20evening%20before%20the%20service%2C%20begin%20with%20the%20song%20or%20the%20opener%20for%20that%20evening.%0A%0A5.%20Focus%20on%20the%20problem%20spots.%20Go%20over%20them%20ahead%20of%20time%2C%20and%20have%20a%20plan%20for%20how%20to%20help%20them%20learn%20the%20music.%20Then%2C%20in%20practice%2C%20when%20there%20is%20a%20problem%20at%20the%20end%20of%20the%20chorus%2C%20go%20right%20to%20that%20place%20and%20work%20through%20it.%20When%20they%20have%20it%2C%20then%20give%20them%20just%20enough%20context%20to%20allow%20them%20to%20feel%2Proxy-Connection: keep-alive
Cache-Control: max-age=0

onfident%2C%20then%20move%20on.%20It%20is%20easy%20to%20waste%20time%20singing%20the%20parts%20they%20know%20well%20over%20and%20over%20again.%0A%0A6.%20When%20you%20are%20working%20with%20one%20section%20(soprano%2C%20alto%2C%20etc.)%20of%20the%20choir%20on%20a%20part%2C%20only%20cover%20a%20phrase%20or%20two%20and%20then%20go%20back%20and%20work%20with%20another%20section.%20If%20you%20go%20too%20far%2C%20those%20who%20are%20not%20singing%20will%20start%20talking%3B%20and%20talking%20wastes%20everyone's%20time.%0A%0A7.%20Work%20ahead%20a%20little%20each%20week.%20Spend%20time%20on%20next%20week's%20music%20and%20even%20the%20following%20week%E2%80%99s.%20Sometimes%20this%20seems%20impossible%2C%20but%20if%20you%20have%20the%20courage%20to%20try%20it%2C%20you%20will%20find%20that%20you%20will%20get%20more%20done%20in%20the%20long%20run.%20When%20we%20only%20practice%20something%20one%20time%2C%20it%20is%20like%20cramming%20for%20a%20test.%20We%20can%20only%20do%20so%20well.%20When%20we%20have%20worked%20a%20little%20on%20a%20song%20each%20week%20for%20a%20month%2C%20it%20makes%20it%20much%20easier%20for%20the%20average%20choir%20member%20to%20feel%20confident%20on%20the%20day%20the%20song%20is%20presented.

2010-02-09T15:09:00.001-08:00

What God Took

2009-12-25T14:39:00.001-08:00

Dear Reader,
Today has been a great day of reflecting for me. Christmas is often a time where families get together, enjoy fellowship, food, and exchange gifts. It is also a time of remembrance. Not only do we recall the birth of Christ, but also Christmases past. While sitting at the table today my great grandmother told of Christmas traditions from her childhood. She also spoke of gifts she had received through the years. I began to think about gifts myself. Often, gifts are the first thing that comes to our minds when we think of Christmas, but the Christmas story is overlooked.

The meaning of Christmas is not just the birth of Christ. Christmas for me encompasses the cause of his coming, the birth of the Christ child, and the future consummation of everything. So, as we look at Christmas, let’s not put our complete focus on what God has given us. Let us also notice what he has taken away.

Let’s thank God today. Not for the things we remember every day. Not for blessings he’s given us, the promises he’s given, not the peace and joy that we so often experience. Those are great things! But, today let’s thank God for what he took from us. Christ came into this world and took our sin and our shame. All of the blame for each transgression against God, Christ took is as his own. In Matthew 27 he opened his hands without a fight. Though he had done no wrong, just like a guilty man he took MY nails and wore MY crown of thorns. The death, not only spiritually but physically that I deserved he took upon himself on Calvary. THANK YOU LORD for taking all these things away from me.

I’m truly thankful for all the things that God has given through the years. I know that he will continue to bless as I continue to serve him in whatever capacity he provides. Upon comparing the things God has given me to the things he took from me. . . . well, the worth of the “things” I have pales in comparison. Forgive us Lord, for only thanking you for the tangible things you give us every day. We get so concerned and focused on the treasures of this life that we lose sight of what we really have >>> a Savior. Thank God today for what he’s given you, but most of all thank God for what he’s taken from you!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Psalm 23

2009-12-24T19:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,
Many preachers have said, “When you read the book of proverbs your relationship with man will improve, and when you read the book of psalms your relationship with God will benefit.” This principle has been especially true in my life. Reading through Proverbs everyday has helped me allow God to direct my thoughts and actions toward others. [Of course, there’s always room for improvement, so I continue to do that. =) ] Until recently, I hadn’t really examined the book of psalm. God has divinely directed my attention toward this book. He allowed me to descend to a place where it seemed the only place I could look was up. Thank God for doing that sometimes! So, I began to search the book of Psalm for comfort and encouragement. Working my way through I came to a very familiar psalm, chapter 23. It is here I would like to pause and magnify one phrase in particular.

Before we look at this phrase, notice with me some grammatical details of this chapter. It appears that each sentence in this chapter is a declarative one. “The Lord IS my shepherd; I SHALL NOT want.” No questions asked, no options given, this chapter reveals what the Lord is and forever will be to the believer. With this in mind, take a look at verse five with me. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;” Once again this is a declarative sentence. God DOES PREPARE a table for his sheep.

Many have said, “I’m just not being fed!” Some have claimed to be feasting on the goodness of God, while onlookers notice the leanness in their spiritual body. Others are starving, having never been fed at all.

What is the problem? Well, allow me to point out the problems with each of the three conditions mentioned above. First, let’s notice the Dieting Christian. “I’m just not being fed” they say. Notice the verse in psalms once again. “Thou preparest a table. . .” Unlike the shepherd, in verse two, “making” the sheep to lie down, here we see an option. Christ prepares a table for us each and every day in the wilderness that is life. All you have to do is come and sit at it! If you aren’t being fed, its because you’re not choosing to eat. The table is ready, reserved just for you, and running over with food. It’s time that you went to the table and received a little food! Stop dieting and go to where the real soul food is.

Well, “I’m being fed. . . I’m just not growing!” Yes, ridiculous as it sounds, many individuals and churches claim this for themselves. I would like to call this the Deserting and/or the Desserting Christian. In the verse the table is prepared in the presence of the enemy. So, it is out in plain view. The enemy can see the table and the source of sustenance and so can the Christian for whom the table is prepared. However, many Christians have decided to desert the table of God and seek after the dessert they believe will sustain their spirit. The Bible says, “by their fruits ye shall know them.” If someone isn’t growing its because they don’t posses the same fruit to partake of. Many times we get stuck in not just the hoop and hollering preaching that makes us feel good, but also the knit picking folks who’d like to call it standards. Both have their place, but neither one should be the main focus. I’ve been in churches where the people shouted because of the excitement of their pastor, but no one was really receiving anything because you couldn’t understand a word the guy was saying. Similarly I’ve been in places where people get so stuck in their “standards” whether it be music, money, or even dress. Many are instantly turned away from both because they can feel the lack of true spiritual meat that they need. Don’t be a desserting Christian, only eating the foods that you think are important and trying to shove them down other’s mouths. Likewise don’t be a deserting Christian who leaves the principles of God’s word to chase after your own inhibitions.

Finally, let’s notice the Dying. These are those who have never eaten of the food that we so readily enjoy. The Question: What do they need? The answer is simple: SALVATION! Please go out and offer the free food and show them to their place at the table of faith. Folks, this is a family style meal! Our shepherd has prepared the table for us. Let’s eat and bring others with us.

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;” I suppose to figure out whether you are a sheep or an enemy is to look at whether or not you’re being fed. Across America we find churches that are slowly dying. They’re dropping in number every service, facing discouragement constantly, never seeming to grow. Their problem is unanimously this: They’re not getting ALL the nutrients they need. They’re just picking out what they like. Many are turning their nose up at the table that has been prepared. Many have never tasted of this miraculous food. Are you growing spiritually? If you’re not, you need to get back to the table. As I’ve learned over the past couple years, once you start eating, you notice many claim to be eating but they’re rapidly losing weight. Is your church growing? If not, examine the food you’re eating.

There are four kinds of people: The Desserting/Deserting Christian, the Dieting Christian, the Dying Citizen, and the Growing. Which are You?

NIU

2009-11-22T18:08:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

We made it back from NIU safely. Most people talk about how they hate trips....I LOVE them. I'm never happier than when I'm on the road. The trip from the tip of Wisconsin all the way to Indy is quite a long one, and that's alright with me. We did end up winning the entire tournament. This would be the first tournament that my school has won first place at in several years, so we were VERY excited. Stay tuned for an article we are working on called : "The Order of Service."

NIU

2009-11-21T07:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

This week has been truly amazing! I along with the Varsity basketball teams have been priviledged to be part of the Northland International University basketball invitational. We left Indy at seven on Wednesday morning and made it in time for a delicious dinner and the evening service with Ken Ham. This man is truly amazing and brings new and exciting evidence for creation every time I hear him speak. We had two, two and a half hour sessions with him which were packed with great info.

The basketball tournament began early on thursday morning and has continued on until today. Colonial Hills has won all their games and will compete in the Championship game this afternoon against Community Baptist, (also from Indiana) which could be called one of our arch rivals!

The campus of Northland is a rather amazing place. Unlike BJU which could be described as a miniature city, this place is literally in the middle of no where! The buildings are all spread out and surrounded by beautiful scenery. It has been sort of like being at Camp Victory once again. Of course, one question people always ask about a college is: "How's the food?' Well, I've enjoyed each and EVERY meal here! A few of the sweet highlights have been the 24 hour soft serve ice cream, the snickerdoodle cookies (Couldn't even tell you how many of those I've had!), and the "Daily Grind." The "Daily Grind" is the campus coffee shop which has amazing smoothies, lattes, and my all time highlight for the week: SUPERMAN ICE CREAM! I used to get that with my dad at baskin robins and I haven't had it in years. . . so it was great.

The Lord is really using this place for his glory. Several of my classmates have confirmed in their hearts that this is where God would have them get their college education. It is very exciting to see a place that takes a stand for the Lord, and enjoys great gospel music. NIU is truly a haven for many. I have personally enjoyed the peace and quiet here. But especially the peace! : )

Please be in prayer for me as I travel back this evening. . . I'll be getting back to Indy at around 2 -3 in the MORNING! So until then. . . "SAIL ON"

The Armourbearer

2009-11-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

I was asked to bring a devotional to some teen boys about an old testement character and the choices they made. My, how the list is enormous with people who made wise to very foolish choices. Two unnamed characters of similar occupations caught my attention. I began to study two chapters in I Samuel.

In one chapter I found the story of David and Goliath. This excerpt from I Samuel is commonly known because it is taught to every young child. As God gives the description of Goliath, one man is made mention of in these verses as well. I believe he is called "one bearing his shield." This "one" went before Goliath. Now, though no major details are recorded about this man, we would assume that he was a mighty man of battle himself. He must have been of great strength to bear such a massive protective instrument before the mightiest warrior of the Philistines, and we would not be crazy to assume that he was of great stature as well in order that he might protect this giant. I would surmise that he had been in battle with Goliath before, but something is odd about this particular battle. As the young and ruddy teen boy advances toward this behemoth of a man. . . no armour bearer is found. Where did he go? What caused this protector of Goliath to flee from the presence of an insignificant Jew?

Just a few chapters prior to David's story, the armour bearer of Jonathan is brought into light. In this story, Jonathan takes his armour bearer and tackles a garrison of the Philistines. Jonathan surmised and rightfully so, that God could defeat his enemy by many or by few. So, these two men advanced and began to melt away the Philistine forces of this garrison. The difference between these two armour bearers: Jonathan's trusted the heart of his master.

These men were in a place of protection. Each had a military if not royal assignment to protect valuable assets of each army. Both were in a position of provision. These men had the job of providing any assistance to Jonathan or Goliath that they might require. Both armour bearers protected persons of power, but Jonathan's had a passionate prayer. (And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that [is] in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I [am] with thee according to thy heart.)

The challenge before us today is twofold. First to be a Jonathan. Are you someone who's heart is so intertwined with God's that someone is willing to put their life on the line because the know you will follow God? Be the Jonathan who can lead people into the battle for Christ, and be used in a might way.
Secondly, to be an armourbearer. No, not the kind that Goliath had who turned away at the first sign of trouble, but rather the armour bearer of Jonathan. Stand up and protect those who you know to be servants of God. Don't allow others to shoot arrows at your pastor or such as that. Be a Jonathan to someone today, and be an armour bearer for a servant of Christ today.

Jon 2

2009-11-04T18:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

In Job chapter 2, Satan approaches God and tells him to touch Job's body. Satan's reasoning was, if God will touch Job's body, Job will curse him. Satan may have been correct. But WAIT! God didn't give Satan what he wanted this time. God told Satan that he would allow HIM to touch Job's body. (God didn't do it.) While Satan messed with Job, God stood right there beside him to comfort and protect him. The LORD giveth and taketh away, BLESSED be the name of the LORD. No matter what Satan throws your way, God is in front protecting, behind backing you up, and beside you when you need to lean on him.

God has been really blessing me this year. The school year is going great so far. It's always a joy to be with my friends. We've had some amazing times of revival in our chapel services with various speakers. My favorites are Pastor Regier and Evangelist Mike Manor. God has always used them to give me just what I need during the day. I became the editor of our Yearbook this year along with editor of CCS's newest publication: the CURRENT! The CURRENT is a monthly newspaper that is written and published by the senior class for CCS and CHBC. It has been tons of work, but very rewarding.

We've also had some good times at FBC this fall. We had a great revival with Evangelist Brian McBride. I always enjoy hearing them sing and Bro. McBride preach. But, my major highlight is playing the guitar with their family! I'm really looking forward to preaching while Dr. Groves is gone to Burma this winter. Be in prayer for me as I seek God's face on what message to bring to the people of Faith. Pray also for FBC's R.U. ministry, bus ministry, and thos who God has called to be a part of them.

Through good times and bad, God has always been there. I look forward to what God holds for my life the remainder of this year. Thank you for your prayers. God bless!

Jon Groves, 2

Encouraging and Uplifting

2009-10-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

I'm a senior at Colonial Christian School. We have a teacher that is constantly saying "be encouraging and uplifting." My class had always taken this as a challenge to reach out to other students. But, God really gave me someone the other day who was encouraging and uplifting to me. I was going through a rough time and God allowed one of my friends to give me a call. It's amazing how God can use someone to turn your day around. I just want to thank Tim for being my new adopted Big Brother and reaching out to someone a whole state away. So, readers, you never know what you may accomplish in the lives of others by just a simple phone call or a prayer on their behalf. So my challenge to you, as my teacher's is to me: Be encouraging and uplifting!

Quick Update

2009-09-27T17:20:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,

These past several weeks have been a busy, exciting, and trying time
all at the same time. I was able to travel quite a bit with my school
which is always a blessing. Last week we were at Parker's Chapel
Baptist Church for their annual camp meeting. God really moved and
blessed. Each message was right on target and just for me. God has
been so good! Please pray for several thing with me over the next few
weeks. First, for Faith Baptist's Fall Revival with Evangelist Brian
McBride. Secondly, I have an opportunity to visit Ambassador Baptist
college so pray with me that God would work all of that out according
to his will. I'm very thankful for all that God has done over the
past few weeks and am looking forward to what God will do in the future.

School Starts

2009-08-26T19:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I apologize for the gaps between posts. Our trip to Ohio went very well. We were in the Wednesday evening service at Freedom Baptist Temple. The Lord has blessed us with several new songs, many of which were written by my friend Joseph Habedank.

School has begun and this is my final year. I am a proud member of the class of 2010! To end finish up the first week of school, we will be going to school camp. This is really a school wide revival. Many of the spiritual decisions I have made have been at school camp. To top it all off, one of my favorite evangelists will be there. His name is Mike Manor. He is a combination of other of my favorites. I think he's a mix of Evangelist George Griffis and Evangelist Danny Long. I'm looking forward to seeing many decisions made at school this year.

Pray for me. . .

On the Road Again

2009-08-19T12:05:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,

The summer is rapidly ending...Hope everything is going great. Pray
for us cause we'll be on the road the next couple days. More updates
coming soon!

Jon L. Groves, II
www.faithspianist.blogspot.com

This Week

2009-08-10T13:34:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,

The camp season was great! To date we have seen 101 souls come to know Christ. I'm so excited about Fall Frenzy and Family Camp, both coming up over the next couple months. After living there for another 7 weeks, my heart aches for the place that I love. I feel like I'm suffering from "Camp Withdraws." It seem as though the summer has gone by quickly. I'm so excited about what God has for us next summer at camp. Please be in prayer for me as I make decisions regarding life after high-school. God seems to have opened several different doors, so I'm waiting on what he has for me. On the home front....we're having our FALL REVIVAL this week with Evangelist Danny Long. Please come out and visit us one night during the week. We've already had two great services and are looking forward to five more. For directions, visit our website: www.indy-faithbaptist.com Can't wait to see you!

Camp at a Glance

2009-07-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

The summer is rapidly approaching an end! I cannot belive how quickly it has flown by. Though some look at summer as a relaxing time to catch up on all the lost sleep from the school year, with five weeks of camp behind me and one soon to come I've had everything but sleep! I'm pausing just for a moment now to reflect on the events of the past five weeks. I have been able to win at least a soul to the Lord every week of camp. For me, that has probably been the biggest highlight. Serving at a church camp has provided me several opportunities to preach each week as well as sing constantly. I've had to learn to channel my vocal energy from yelling and cheering for my team to singing tenor in a special just minutes later. I'll never forget the first week where I had been screaming my head off for my team at the morning competition. Then, Dr. Griffis asked me to sing in the morning service just moments before it began. I was already nervous enough at the large number of people but the knowledge of my failing voice only added to the tention. I reached the pinnacle of the song and just as I hit that note!!!.....my voice popped. I've never felt so embarrassed in all my life. I was able to make up for it the next day.

I've learned so much from Brother George Griffis these past several weeks. He impressed a burden on my heart for lost souls. For someone who isn't usually quite as emotional as most, shedding tears for people looked to be a difficult task. But, as the summer progresses I don't find it as difficult to be constantly on my knees for these campers. It has especially been great to see the fruits of our labor in prayer when the altar is flooded, the lost are saved, the backslidden are reclaimed, and people are called to the ministry. We'll never know on this earth what an impact we've had on the world by being part of this amazing ministry.

Now, I must confess, camp is not all about spiritual stuff. We've had TONS of fun these past 5 weeks. Below you'll find some of the pictures from the worker's trip to "Short Creek." This is a creek that flows from a cave and into a second. We had tons of fun traveling there (even if we were in a Ford) and exploring the cave. The only drawback was the FREEZING, FRIGID, 20 DEGREES BELOW ZERO water!!! But, we did find that after a while....your body goes numb and you don't feel a thing! : )

I've made some awesome new friends this year and I look forward to going back again next year. Please be in prayer for our final teen week of the summer. Pray that God's power would be on the Preacher and the Preaching. Pray that hearts would soften even before reaching the camps gates. Finally, pray that this would be the greatest week of camp that we've ever seen. We long to see it "get out of the banks" before Wednesday.

"The cleaner your heart is, the less it takes to entertain you." - Evangelist George Griffis, D.D.

On the Road Again

2009-07-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I am headed back to Camp Victory. I'll be there for the next four weeks. For specific dates check out my itinerary by clicking the link on the right. I'm so excited to see what God will do for me and each and every camper over these next few weeks. Please be in prayer for 1. Power on the preacher, 2. Power on the preaching, 3. Finances of the camp, 4. Safety for each camper, 5. the spiritual wellbeing of each worker. This is the Lord's doing....Marvellous in our eyes.

Update for the Week

2009-07-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

The camp season has started out very well. The first two weeks of Junior Camp have been relatively small weeks with an average of about 150-175 kids. During the very first week we were able to see 14 souls saved on campus. We received word that some returned home to win their families to the Lord. We were really blessed to see an abundance of 25 saved the very next week! It has been great to see the Holy Ghost really work in each and every services. The dynamic preaching of Dr. Griffis, Pastor Mike Griffis, and Evangelist Sam Robinson has been a tremendous blessing. We look forward to what the Lord will do in these next four weeks of the camp season.

On a more personal note, I celebrated my 17th birthday at the end of June. I was able to go today and get my long sought after driver's liscence. I passed the tests with absolutely no mistakes. So continue in prayer not only for me at camp victory, but even more so for the folks who will be traveling the roads beside me. We are 261 souls away from our goal of 300!

Camp Victory

2009-06-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Please be in prayer for me this summer. I am working at Camp Victory in Somerset Kentucky. The camp is a Baptist church camp that is run by Dr. George Griffis. If you would like to know a little more about the camp visit its website by clicking here. I am hoping to see at least 300 come to know the Lord this summer. Pray that God's hand will be upon me and the camp.

In His Service,

Jon Groves

Don't forget to visit our media page by clicking the link on the right.

Camp Meeting at a glance.

2009-06-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

Camp Meeting went very well. Of course rest was one of the main priorities. Here, Matt and Justin enjoy one of their many naps on the trip. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with preachers such as Brother Ferris and Dr. Tony Hudson.

I do have to say that one of my very favorite parts was the keynote speaker:
Dr. Larry Groves. The messages that he brought were amazing and a great blessing.

Flying High

2009-05-21T13:34:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,

Here at our house we are "flying high." School has finally come to a close. While I enjoy the schedule and fellowship that school entails, I'm definitely ready for a break. I'm really looking forward to Camp Meeting at Camp Victory here this next week. Then after a short trip to Ohio, its off to camp for the summer. God has really blessed me with the opportunity to work there. If you haven't taken time to visit the camp's page you should do so. Its www.campvictoryky.blogspot.com

As Paul said, "I've finished my couse." My junior year has come to a close. Be in prayer with me as I begin the final stage of my high-school career. The Senior Year!

Groves Family

2009-05-06T13:41:00.001-07:00

The Groves Family
I thought I would share this picture with you all. So often on the news you hear of the disappearing family table. Above you see the Groves Family. Our slogan has been "The Real Thing." We're a real family working together for the benefit of Faith Baptist Church in the service of the Lord.

Lazy Church Mentality

2009-04-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I have been pondering this matter for quite some time. I would like to entitle this " Small Church Mentality." When I say "small" I'm not saying small in size but rather in vision. The name might mislead one into believing that this mentality is possessed solely by those in a small church (not every small church though) , but quite a few "large" church members maintain this mindset. So, what is Small Church Mentality? This begins with People. If you have ever been to church you have probably seen some of those people who are satisfied with "us four and no more." Visitation is a foreign thing to them. They want to complain about not having friends and church finances, but don't want to put forth an effort to reach others outside their little circle.

They are situated in their pews. A pastor in Ohio tells the story of an old Indian woman who came in late to church one Sunday morning. Upon finding another member in her seat, she stood in the middle aisle while the message was being preached. The pastor had to stop and ask the other woman to move so that the Indian lady might cease from being a distraction. Should the Lord ever bless a church with visitors, they ought to feel welcome to come in and have a seat without fear of being rebuked. A church will never grow unless it is friendly. So what!? if you lose your spot on the pew your grandma paid for the plate on, for one service! GET OVER IT!

A third "people aspect" is that a small church thinker find themselves inferior or second to the "Mega-church." God doesn't always bless each called out assemble to run a thousand people. While that would be really nice, God uses smaller churches to do things that large churches can't do. This doesn't mean that we don't try and grow. A church that is truly alive should put forth a large effort into the expansion of their membership. Not by stealing other church members or bribing the world, but by WITNESSING!

The second aspect to the Small Church Mentality is Punctuality. It's not just the lay people that are showing up late to God's house anymore. It's the people in positions. "You just don't know what I go through at home..." Well you wouldn't be going through that if you would leave on time for church!, "I need coffee..." Leave early so you can stop on the way or it won't kill you to drink the coffee the church provides in the fellowship hall., " I had a headache..." SUCK IT UP NANCY!!! Paul had a thorn in the flesh too. , " My kids...." Get them in the habit of getting up on time and leaving on time. Practice makes permanent. They way you treat God's house will be the way your children will treat their future employer. So what should I do?

Be IN TIME! "For what?" >>> EVERYTHING You expect the pastor to be there to shake your hand as you enter. Go early and try to help him out greeting people.

Be ON TIME! What does that mean? If you aren't there at least 10 minutes early.....you're late! If You're on time >>> you're late! PLan ahead. Be ahead. "What does this have to do with Small Church Mentality?" If you were part of some large church you would expect everything to run smoothly. The service always starts on time. Why? Because there are tons of other people beside you. So don't get in the habit of being late because you know the pastor will wait on you. THAT'S NOT RIGHT! Pastor, you be there early to prepare for the message. Song-leader, you be there early to actually pray over what songs GOD would have you sing and give the list to the musicians ON TIME!!!!! Musicians, you be there extra early as well. When I was real little and I heard the piano start to play before the service I knew that it was almost time to start. Now everyone just stands in the back and talks as the piano plays because the piano player is always late too.

Be in time, on time, EVERY TIME! Why every time? Can't I slack off/ live in the flesh and be late once in a while? NO!!! For one, God never was, isn't, and never will be late for anything. So neither should you. This is a matter of testimony folks. Your consistency may be what brings some soul to Christ. I heard a preacher mention how he won his neighbor to the Lord because the neighbor noticed that the preacher's family left the house at the same time every sunday service. Awkward set backs in the service to wait on the bus, song-leader, musicians, pastor, or other worker cause people to turn their ears off because we give a sloppy appearance.

The third aspect of Small Church Mentality is Preparation or Practice. This is a Requirement not a Request. When pastor says, "Choir, be here at 4:30 to start practice." BE THERE! God must have laid that time on his heart for a reason so don't disrespect GOD. Even if the pastor just likes things done early HE'S YOUR PASTOR! Practice enables smooth transitions in the service and God to be glorified with the best of our abilities. Church is not the time to "wing it." The phrase: "Y'all pray for spit whilst the choir practices on you this morning" is such a turnoff to the gospel. That lost person expects to receive something that has been prepared for GOD. It is extremely disrespectful to the Lord. If we're gonna grow, we have to be prepared. It is a necessity not to be viewed as a nuisance.

The final aspect of Small Church Mentality is the misappropriation of power. I've been around pastors long enough to see the people who think they control the church and the pastor. The ultimate power belongs to Christ. But, Christ has placed a Candlestick in each church. HE HAS THE SAY! ( and yes....it's a "HE") The power doesn't belong to the Committee. When we have the Small Church Mentality we tend to think that since 82% of the church is related to us, we can outdo the pastor. That's not the way it goes in large congregations.....It's not going to go that way in smaller churches either. Follow your candlestick. Don't live with Small Church Mentality. God always wants to bless us with more. Job 42:12

WE WON!!!!!!

2009-04-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

THE COLONIAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ENSEMBLE WON FIRST PLACE AT NATIONAL COMPETITION @ BJU!!!!!!!!!! I now sing with the best choir in the whole country.

Quick Update

2009-04-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I apologize for the long delay in my posts. These past few weeks have been quite hectic. We are having a wonderful revival with Dr. John O'Malley. He is one of my favorite preachers of all time. Since my ensemble won first place we had the opportunity to compete at Nationals down at Bob Jones University. As soon as I find out how we placed you all will be the first to know. I was also able to secure a job at a place called Snapperz. It has been quite a bit of fun. I love working with people and especially kids. Pray for me and my church these next few weeks as we conclude our attendance campaign. I'll be updating again soon.

Jon Groves

Update

2009-04-09T15:27:00.001-07:00

Check out the videos at the bottom of the page.

W/Out Braces

2009-03-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers, (this time one in specific)

I have been requested to post a picture of me without braces. This isn't my favorite pic. but I hope that special someone who's been asking for it will enjoy.....

Just a suggestion: Check out "Celtic Thunder" on Youtube...they're my new favorite group of all time.

A Life of Influence

2009-03-23T17:21:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,
Here's just a short thought from my message that won FIRST PLACE IN
THE STATE OF INDIANA! PRAISE GOD!

In Matthew chapter five Jesus introduces the guidlines for a blessed
life. We often referr to these as the beattitudes. In verse 12 of
Matt.5 Christ refferres to the prophets that were before us. He then
concludes this listing with a simple command that is often overlooked
in our complex lives. The command is this: "Ye are the salt of the
earth." Why would God choose salt as a metaphor for the Christian
life? When was the last time someone described your testimony as
"Salty"? So my question for you today is :"Are you living a life of
influence?"
First lets take a look at the Declaration of Christ. "YE" is the
subject of this command and referres to all Christians. It definitely
referred back to those prophets in verse 12. Theses were men of great
influence. The continue to impact our lives today. We find many of
them in the "Hall of Faith" or Hebrews 11. The ye also referres to
you as a Christian today. Because you are saved>you are salt. There
is no excuse or exeption. This is a edict from Christ. The second
word "ARE" is a liking verb which links the salt to the ye. It is a
state of being verb as well. The prophets were the salt. YE ARE the
salt. There is also a Danger that lies in this verse. "But if the
salt have lost his savor..." The danger is that salt can lose its
savor or ability to season. As a christian you should stand out in a
crowd as something different. In Bible-times if one impurity made
its way into their salt reserve it was "good for nothing." Just like
their salt, if we allow the impurities of this world to inhabit our
lives we will lose our effectiveness as a Christian. God will no
longer have a use for us and we will be cast out and trodden under the
foot of men. Are you living a life of influence?
Secondly lets take a look at the Distinction of Salt. Again, why
would God use salt as the metaphor? Well, because it has a distinct
taste. Everything else is in comparison to salt. When we eat
something one of our major responses is, "Oh, that was salty!" Salt
stands out on everything it is put on. Your presence should be
manifested in every environment. Salt also has a distinct task. I
would like to nickname this, Operation Preservation by Purity. Like I
mentioned before salt has to be pure in order to season. It can't be
mixed in with anything else. Job 6:6 says, "Can that which is
unsavory be eaten without salt.. . ." Something that is stale, of
course, doesn't taste good without salt. My sister won't eat alot of
foods without salt. Just like that, the Bible is a stale book to
those who aren't saved. Christians being the salt are to enhance the
flavor of the word of God. How can they hear without a preacher. Are
you living a life of influence?
Thirdly and finally lets notice God's Desire for Salt. His first
desire is that we be separate. Christ isn't looking for the commodity
salt, he is looking for the influence of it. You cannot be effective
unless you are separate. His second desire is that we realize THIS IS
NOT A STEALTH OPERATION. This is pretty self explanatory so I won't
go into detail. We've seen Christ's declaration: YE (the Christian)
ARE (presently) the salt, The Danger: You can lose your ability to
season, the Distiction of salt, it has a distinct taste and task, and
God's DESIRE for salt. So I will finish with my question:

ARE YOU
LIVING A LIFE OF INFLUENCE?

P.S. This is our 100th post!

Braces and stuff

2009-03-19T16:57:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,

It has certainly been a while since I have posted anything. Life
here in Indy has been quite busy! I love it. This short note it to
let you all know that I GOT MY BRACES OFF WEDNESDAY! Ya....it really
did hurt to get them off. The retainer is an adjustment so pray that
I don't lose or break it. I preached Tuesday at Colonial Hills
Baptist and will be preaching again at Grace Baptist in the Muncie/
Anderson area on Friday. I have been working on a couple "spiritual
thoughts" for you so check back again soon!

In His Service,

Jon Groves

The Dobro

2009-02-24T16:21:00.000-08:00

As you know I love music. I have been practising my newest instrument for about a month and "premired" it in church last week. I now play the guitar, mandolin, piano and DOBRO! The banjo and bass are still a work in progress. Don't forget to visit our media page by clicking the link on the right.

Good News

2009-02-23T19:02:00.001-08:00

Dear Readers,

I had one of the most amazing evenings! I had the privilege of going
with three of my best friends to the Good News Mission in downtown
Indianapolis. This is a shelter for homeless men. In this place they
are required to be employed and to attend the chapel services nearly
every evening. Tonight's service opened with a trumpet/sax trio by
Jordan, Dan, and Mark (my friends). They played "Be Thou Exalted."
Then I sang and opened the service up to congregation music. We only
expected there to be maybe one or two songs but God moved in and we
sang probably ten to fifteen songs. Pastor Jon Fry from Colonial
Hills preached a great salvation message. Then we sang another
closing song. We thought the service was over, but people flooded the
aisles to seek Biblical council. I can't wait to go back. Hopefully
next time we go I will be able to preach. But, as for tonight, God
gave us an amazing service. Be in prayer for us as we strive to serve
God.

Don't forget to visit our media page! Just click the button on the
right.

"One Sound"

2009-02-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to
make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when
they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and
instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good;
for his mercy endureth forever: that then the house was filled with a
cloud, even the house of the LORD; so that the priests could not stand
to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had
filled the house of God. II Chronicles 5:13-14

These verses are taken from the account of the dedication of Solomon's
temple. Many years of labor and untold resources were invested in the
completion of this magnificent structure. During this dedication
service, in impressive building became a holy temple when God's glory
filled the house.

As I ponder this passage, I think of the preparation that went into
every phase of the building project and every facet of the dedication
service. You may rest assured that the musicians practiced. It says
that they made one sound. This means that they were together. That
does not happen without practice. The larger the group, and the more
difficult the music, the more important it is that we practice.

Surely the temple musicians were serious about this service.It was the
dedication of God's temple. In the New Testament Age, the body of the
believer is the temple of the Holy Spirit. In our church services, we
strive to be a witness for Christ to those who are unsaved and
encourage those who are saved to love the Lord more and serve Him with
all their hearts. We should be serious about anything that we do for
God, but especially the music that we prepare for church.

One purpose of a music rehearsal is to enable us to make one sound.
Here are a few thoughts about music practices in general and some
ideas that will apply to choir practices in particular.

1. Attend practice. I know that this is a novel idea, but it
actually works! If you are not there, you do not know what happened in
practice. A choir member may think, I know all of the songs that we
will work on in tonight's practice, and that may be true. But a person
who is not in practice will not carry the same emotional energy into
the service. He will not sense the same tempo and therefore will not
be able to fully participate in one sound.
2. Get to the practice early. Find your music, get in your place,
and start thinking the music before the practice begins.
Instrumentalist may need time to tune their instruments. Vocalist
would do well to do some stretching and vocal warm-ups so that they
are ready to sing. When the director or the person leading the
practice is ready to begin, everyone else should be ready as well. The
larger the group, and the more difficult the music, the more important
it is that we practice.
3. Pay attention. If you have gone to the trouble to be at the
practice, you might as well know what is going on. Choir members,
watch the director. Everyone, focus on what is happening during the
rehearsal. Even when the group is rehearsing another part, follow
along. Knowing more about what other members of the group are doing
will help you to achieve one sound.
4. Invest yourself in the rehearsal. Many people have the idea
that the only thing that matters is when we sing in church. If we can
"get through it" during the service, then everything is OK. That may
be true, but "getting through it" and having one sound are two
entirely different things. Wake up, be alert, get excited, and allow
yourself to understand the message of the music and let that message
stir your heart. (For more on this subject, see October's article
entitled Music From the Heart by Dr. Mike Zachary.)
5. Watch the director. There is no substitute for this one. If we
are going to make one sound, we must all be watching one person. You
may use peripheral vision if you need to look at your music, but you
must be able to see the director, and you must be following not only
the tempo, but also every nuance of energy and interpretation. A group
of people who will discipline themselves in this one area will have a
completely different sound from a group who will not. There are no
shortcuts here, and no exceptions. Even if your instrument has a
difficult passage that demands your attention, you still must find a
way to absorb what is being communicated from the director.

These are simple ideas, but most special music groups and most choirs
would be totally transformed if only 75 percent of the people involved
would implement them. However, we are not going to be satisfied if one
fourth of the group is still not with it, because we are striving for
one sound.

By: Brad Boroff
NVBC music Director

Contemporary ?

2009-02-16T14:14:00.001-08:00

It is sometimes amazing to think of the many different implications of
a single word. The word contemporary is such a word. For starters,
this word may be used as both a noun and an adjective. We might read
that "George Washington was a contemporary of Thomas Jefferson," or
"President Bush's official portrait employed more contemporary
painting techniques than you would find in the official painting of
George Washington."

When it comes to churches and music, the word contemporary has many
different meanings. On one hand, the word contemporary might mean
"existing at this time." So you could say, "All the churches in
America are contemporary," meaning only that "All the churches in the
United States exist at this point in time." Actually, it would be hard
to imagine a situation where such a sentence would even be useful.

On the other hand, the word contemporary is often used to contrast
with old-fashioned in the sense that an old-fashioned church proclaims
the Word of God and some contemporary churches believe that even
carrying a Bible to the pulpit is offensive to today's churchgoers. An
old-fashioned church looks to the Book of Acts for its pattern of
operation; a contemporary church may send out questionnaires to the
community to ask what kind of a church they would like to have.

In the area of music, a very old tradition divides music into several
categories: church music, theater music, and concert music. This
traditional idea essentially acknowledges that church music should be
different from other styles. In some contemporary approaches to church
music, it is believed that all musical styles are perfectly
appropriate for church, whether it is a traditional hymn of praise to
God or a modern dance style with new words. It is this notion of the
word contemporary that gives us pause. I am not aware of any sensible
person who thinks a song is wrong simply because it was written within
the last twelve months; when the term contemporary is used in a
negative sense, it is used to convey the idea of church music that
embraces traditional church music, modern dance music, and essentially
all styles as equally suitable for the church service.

Pastor Trieber has long stated that he believes in using old-fashioned
music in an old-fashioned church service. By this, he does not mean
that a fresh coat of paint may not be used or the church may not
purchase new buses. He means that he still adheres to the idea that
the doctrine of the church should be guided by the Bible, and the
music of the church should be separate and clearly distinct from the
music of the world.

By Dr. Mike Zachary
North Valley Baptist Church

Heroes

2009-02-12T17:22:00.000-08:00

Evangelist George Griffis with Dr. Larry Groves

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them]; -II TIMOTHY 3:14

Dear Readers,

This will be just a short post today. As soon as the dust settles from all the traveling I've been doing I have several thoughts to share with you. Today, I would just like to pose a question to you. Have you ever stopped to think about who your heroes are? Two of mine are pictured above. It is my desire to be a Timothy to these men. Are the heroes in your life "Paul-material?" I've done quite a bit of studying of the life of Paul. At one point, he had to be imprisoned because the "young preacher boys" and others were not preaching and doing the things they should. My question: " Who are your Pauls." My challenge: Today, be the right kind of Timothy so that the "Pauls" can stick around for a bit longer. If you can't live right, just to live right, then live right so I can hold on to my Pauls. Don't spoil someone's ministry or life because you don't have the common sense to follow God.

Meeting the Mayor

2009-02-05T14:45:00.001-08:00

Dear Readers,

I've had a great week this week. No snow days so far. I'm very excited about longer sunlight and warming temperatures. But, the highlight of my week was meeting with Mayor Greg Ballard of Indianapolis. I had the opportunity to ask him some questions and chat with him for a while. Hope all of you have a great week!
Jon L. Groves, II

Rocks, Rocks, and Rocks

2009-02-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

For many years, Chevrolet has used the slogan "Like a Rock." I began
to ponder different allusions to rocks during a recent message from
our pastor. As I studied my concordance I found three rocks that
really stood out to me. I'm working on putting these in a message,
but I thought I would share them with you today. For sake of time and
space I'll not include all of the scriptures, but simply allude to
them throughout the rough outline I have put together. I found the
Rock of Rejection. Jesus was referred to as the rock that the
builders rejected. Even though he was rejected he turned out to be
the "Chief Cornerstone." After his crucifixion there was a Rock of
Restraint placed in front of his tomb. Praise God the rock at the
door couldn't hold the Rock of Ages! With all of these things to
praise God about, we fail sometimes to outsing the Rocks of
Rejoicing. Jesus said that if we fail to praise him, even the rocks
would cry out. Today as we think back to the Rock of Rejection and
the Rock of Restraint, let us CHRISTIANS not fail to be the Rocks of
Rejoicing. Stand firm "Like a Rock" as we praise the Rock of our
salvation.

This Week

2009-01-28T10:09:00.001-08:00

Dear Readers,

The trip to Marquette Manor was great! I received a great blessing.
I was able also to coach a Junior High Bible Quiz team. Out of about
20 teams, we placed 9th. That was a blessing. Tonight we conclude
our Revival with Evangelist George Griffis. So far it has been amazing.

Marquette Manor Baptist Church

2009-01-21T17:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

Life here in Indy is going great. Please be in prayer for my
church's Revival with Evangelist George Griffis next week. My main
prayer request from you this weekend is traveling to Marquette Manor
Baptist Church. If you'd like to visit their site go to http://mmbm.org/
. I'll be reporting back to you in a few days about my trip there.
Have a great rest of the week and day in the Lord's house.

Back Home Again In Indiana

2009-01-19T14:23:00.001-08:00

Dear Readers,

I'm reporting back to you from my trip to Quentin Road Bible Baptist Church. It was great! Traveling is one of my favorite things in the world, so of course, the road trip was great for me. It was so cold outside (approx 20 below) that the vehicle's heat could not keep up with the frigid temperatures. We made it to the hotel successfully and enjoyed a refreshing time in the hot tub and sauna. The service in the middle of the day Friday was great. Dr. James Scudder preached. On the left, you'll see me with Pastor Jim Scudder who is the executive pastor of QRBBC in the Christian school's gymnasium. I thoroughly enjoyed the R.U. service that Friday evening. It was great to be in another church almost just like mine. I did get to take a tour of the Bible college while I was there. It was nice to see another King James school that could be a potential option. I am praying that God will allow me to be in a smaller sized school or a place where I can practise what I am learning. I made it back home safely Saturday night. Thanks for your prayers.

In His Service,

Jon L. Groves, II

Don't forget to visit our other pages by clicking on the buttons below!

Quentin Road Baptist Church

2009-01-12T18:57:00.001-08:00

Dear Readers,

Be in prayer for me this weekend as I travel to Quentin Road Baptist
Church in Lake Zurich, Illinois. I'll be leaving Thursday and I'll
be there until Saturday evening. I'm looking very much forward to
being in their Reformer's Unanimous on Friday night. If you get the
chance, check out their website. You can find the link on our "Sites
to Visit" page.

Watch-Night Service

2009-01-01T11:18:00.001-08:00

Dear Readers,

Last night/this morning, FBC had our watchnight service. This is one of my favorite times of the year. The service starts at 8 and goes on past 12. Below are some pictures of the highlights of the evening (at least for me.) It was my privilege to preach, sing, and co-host the fun-time game we called "Don't forget those lyrics." Members had to try and recall a few words from popular hymns in the book. Watch a few hymns on our media page. Just click the link to the right!

Singing "The Upper Hand"

Preaching from II Corinthians 10:3-4 (Outline to come soon!)

Leading the FBC Youth Ensembe in "Jesus Saves" and "Here Am I Lord"

Another Pic of Preaching @ FBC

Playing and singing "At the Cross"

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T21:53:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Our theme for FBC this year is Refine O'Nine.

Make a resolution not to make resolutions this year.

From Jon L. Groves, II

Definition of a Backslider

2008-12-29T09:55:00.001-08:00

Dear Readers,

If you are a member of any Baptist church, you have heard the term "backslider" over and over again. As I was reading in my devotions, I was impressed with the perfect example of one. It never ceases to amaze me how I can begin my devotions and find something completely new every time I read. Every time I need to change something in my life, God seems to show it to me through whatever I'm reading. This is what God gave me, and I would like to in turn pass it on to you. I found my example of a "backslider" in the book of Jonah.

In Jonah 1:3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. In this verse, Jonah displays the first characteristic which we should find quite disturbing. God has a job for Jonah but Jonah does not want to perform it. I'm not completely familiar with the attitude that Jews might have had toward these people, but from my point of view this is a simple task. We find the second characteristic is this same verse. Jonah is attempting to flee from God's presence. Jonah is trying to run from God. While those who are right with God realize and appreciate that this is impossible, those who aren't right, still attempt this action.

Jonah 1:6 says, So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not. Here we find the third characteristic of a backslider. This example is found in the New Testament as well. While others in our church are praying and working for Christ we are sleeping. Are you willing to get up and go on Saturday visitation with your church? Are you at church for every service? Are you doing something for God? If not, you exemplify this characteristic of a backslider.

Jonah 1:8 Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil [is] upon us; What [is] thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what [is] thy country? and of what people [art] thou? The lost people of this boat don't recognize any difference between themselves and Jonah. They have to ask him what people and occupation he is. If people in our school and workplaces can't recognize that we are not of them without us wearing a WWJD T-shirt we are backsliding on God.

Jonah 1:12 says And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest [is] upon you. Here we find the fifth characteristic of a backslider. Jonah is willing to die just to keep from doing what God wants. Today, many might not be willing to die, but are willing to pay any price to keep from doing what God wants. We need to examine ourselves and see just what we are willing to sacrifice to avoid God.

In verse 14 the men of the boat call unto the Lord, then in verse 16 they offer sacrifices unto God. It seems that these men fear the one true GOD more than Jonah does at this point. That is a definite problem! With all of these negative characteristics of a backslider, I do have one positive one left for you to dwell on today. Move in your Bibles to Jonah chapter 3. Here we find that JONAH DID WHAT GOD WANTED ANYWAY! It doesn't matter how much we resist, how far we go, or what we sacrifice. God will still have his way. When we stop and think about it. It's just not worth being a backslider of an Almighty God.

"The Holy Grail"

2008-12-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

Today I would like to expose a fallacy that has been presented in
Sunday-school classrooms around the world. This morning our pastor
(Dr. Groves) preached an amazing message on Joseph. His message
focused on what kind of man God picked to raise his Son. As an
introduction to his message he showed us what a Jewish man had to do
to be espoused to a woman. I won't go into great detail but I'll list
a few things. He had to, in essence, propose to the father of the
girl. He would then drink from a cup and hand it to the father. If
the father approved he would give it to the girl. As I looked through
Matthew 26:42, Mark 14:36, and Luke 22:42 Jesus says to his Father,
"if it be thy will, let this cup pass from me..." Jesus is not
asking God to give him a way off the cross. I heard one man say, "His
divine nature said I'll have to pay this price, but his humanity cried
"Lord any other way!" This isn't so. I realized this morning that
Christ had drunk from this cup and was asking his Father to extend it
unto us. The Father, said you are able to support this bride. Jesus,
then had to then forsake his Father and bring on himself all of our
sin. Thanks for taking time to read! You'll never run out of things
to find in God's Word.

P.S. Don't forget to visit our new channel @ www.youtube.com/faithspianist

Mark 6

2008-12-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

Mar 6:48	And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
		But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

I have just a short thought for my readers today. Jesus, in this chapter has just finished feeding the five thousand. Jesus has sent his disciples away while he goes to pray. In the midst of a storm where the disciples are toiling and rowing on the sea, Jesus walks toward them. Jesus would have gone past them to the other side, but they cried out. This small section from Mark is truly amazing. Application: As we toil and row through the storms of life, there is one still on the sea with us. He may not always be in the same boat, but he is still on the water. All we have to do is cry out. Storms may manifest themselves in may forms. Maybe its your family that is the rocky sea. Perhaps it is your workplace or school. All you have to do is cry out. You may not be rescued from the ship, but God can certainly calm down the sea.

NEW MEDIA PAGE!

2008-11-23T13:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Followers,

We have a new addition to our page. Please visit the media page (jgmmedia.blogspot.com) or click the title. At this location you will find biweekly updated videos of the FBC song service, special music, and offertories by Jon Groves. You can also subscribe to our channel on YouTube, and soon to come, our Google Video Channel. Also, be sure to check out our recommended sites page. Check back often for more updates. Have a great day in the Lord's House.

New Piano

2008-11-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

I hope that as you search the net you will think of us and use Good
Search. Just go to http://www.goodsearch.com/ and type in Faith
Baptist Church in Indianapolis. Help us raise money for our new piano.

In His Service,

Jon L. Groves, II

FBC
Colonial Christian

The Progression

2008-11-10T14:33:00.000-08:00

There is a progression that has been shown clearly in what was once our independent fundamental baptist churches. This progression is one that takes a church from the traditional form of worship into the new and improved contemporary style. I find it best described in II Timothy chapter 3. You will notice in verse 5 that they have a form of godliness. This form of godliness is represented in either good lyrics with bad music or bad lyrics with good music. Just because the music you are playing or using to sing your song is completely acceptable doesn't mean the message is. In verse 6 we find these people are those that "creep into houses." Who's house? Answer: God's house. In verse 7 the Bible says, " Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." The contemporary users and audience can explain their method away whether they realize they are participating in it or not, but that does not make what they are doing pleasing in the sight of God. I believe this shift in our churches to be a sign of the "perilous times" or Last days mentioned in verse one of that same chapter. So let's also look at verse 12 that says, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Let me just put it to you straight: If you can't find someone that disagrees with you, you're wrong. If you get along with everybody and can't find an enemy in the world, then you are not living the right way. The way a true Christian lives ought to rub the world the wrong way. If someone who is getting into a contemporary style of music can sit through your service and not feel the least bit uncomfortable. There's something wrong. You might ask, "then what about the extreme conservatives? Should they feel a little out of place in my church as well?" The answer to that one hinges on your definition of extreme conservative. Find the place where God would have you be. Not the place that is convenient because if you replace your style of music, then you might have some upset church members who won't understand. There should be varieties and different levels to your music and preaching. It is a blessing to have that four year old boy get up and sing Amazing Grace, the young ladies sing in a group, a men's ensemble sing and old convention song, or your choir get up and sing an amazing song of praise to Almighty God. Not everything should be the same. My mandolin shouldn't fit in every song that is sung in our church. Just the same the choir shouldn't be able to pick up just any song your soloists sing. Don't be deceived by the evil movement that has gripped our nation and continues to move and destroy our churches. Take some time to search the Word of God and you too will come to this conclusion. Yes, I'm just a teenager, but if I can study enough Bible to find the happy medium so can you. Am I telling you to make EVERYTHING Bob Jones style. NO NO NO NO NO! Bob Jones has a great music program, but should not set the pace for our churches. The Word of God should. Don't get lost in the monotony of solely having that kind of music. Nor the same problem of having just Souther Style gospel. When your friends want to listen to that new group that has just started and you don't, yes you will get made fun of. Just refer to Second Timothy Three Twelve. Don't worry about. "Why have you focused so much on music here of late?" Because it is part of what GOD has called me to, It is near my heart, and I hate to see so many churches loose valuable membership and gain unwanted trouble simply because of this issue. "Can music really do that?" Music is one of the major driving forces behind your church. My pastor once said our choir brings people together that otherwise would have nothing in common. " So what kind of music is defined be the word contemporary?" Let me answer that with a question. What instruments come to mind when you think new age contemporary? Wasn't the answer you were looking for was it. "Do I need to throw those out of my personal listening?" Yes. "But the younger crowd doesn't like that." "Having a form of godliness.......Ever learning but never able.....Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution......But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived... BUT CONTINUE THOU..." I could have the best intentions and the greatest heart while singing "Lean on Me," but that doesn't make it appropriate. Take some time and think about it. Good music is founded upon the lyrics, the music, and the style and manner in which each are presented. Where does your mind go when you hear certain songs? It's about time we turned back towards the old paths.

Weekend

2008-11-08T12:27:00.001-08:00

Dear Readers,

God did something very cool in my life this last week. There was a youth rally in northern Indiana that I really wanted to go to. I had been looking forward to it for months. Then about a week before it was to happen it turned out I wasn't going to be able to go. There was a choir workshop in Illinois that was also going on during that time as well. So since I wasn't going to get to go to New Paris I wanted to go to this. At the very last minute God used someone anonymous paid my way to go. I had an amazing time with Dr. Warren Cook of BJU and Dr. Allen. I also got to spend alot of time with Ron Hamilton's sister. Though I didn't get to do what I was hoping, God provided a way for me to learn alot of great choir stuff. I'd like to quickly give you a quote from Dr. Cook. " You don't know what you like, you like what you know." Application: It's not that you don't like the good kind of music such as Choir music and pretty much good lyrics with music lacking rocky drums and electric guitars, but rather you don't know anything else. Friend, if it takes broadening your horizons and only listening to good choir music to get you off your contemporary garbage, it is completely worth it. You will soon find that there is more than just the BJU choir. Here's a short list of some artists you should look into:

1. BJU choral

2. Pensicola

3. Grace BBC Choir

4. West Coast BBC choir

5. Golden State BBC Choir

6. Mark Rogers

7. Scott Roberts

8. Ambassador BBC choir

9. Bible Truth Corale

10. Daniel and Heidi Fox

11. Galkin Evangelistic Team

12. Hamiltons

13. McBrides

14. Lonnie Moore

15. Russ Brothers

16. Steve Pettit

17. Wilds

Just a few you should look into, and of course you can order He Touched Me and All the Glory by Jon Groves

I AM PEER PRESSURE!

2008-10-30T19:00:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,

I just spent a whole day at a Christian Leadership Camp with Keith
Webie JR. We sat through several sessions which were each great. God
did give me one thing in particular I'd like to share with you. It's
not really scriptural so bear with me.

>>>>>> Many basketball players on a college team had been getting
into some major trouble. They had done many things that caused them
to get suspended from playing the game. With all this the news media
turned their focus to the Number one player on the team. This model
student and player had not placed himself in harm's way even once. An
interviewer asked, "How do you avoid all this peer pressure that
surrounds you every day?" The basketball player responded, " I AM PEER
PRESSURE." WOW!!!! If you are doing what's right you are the peer
pressure for the world. My challenge to you today is simply this: Be
the peer pressure that moves your colleagues toward God.

Sarah Palin

2008-10-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

I thought these photo's were awesome! They were taken by Leah Sandlin. Her photo page is www.preciousphotography.shutterfly.com

Prayer Request

2008-10-16T13:49:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

I have the opportunity either to go to a youth ralley or a Choral
Workshop. Both are great opportunities. Pray that God will supply the way to go.
Thank you

Walk on... when you're walked on

2008-10-16T13:46:00.001-07:00

It is very interesting to search through the Bible and take a look at different family and government relations.

2Sa 15:31

And [one] told David, saying, Ahithophel [is] among the conspirators with Absalom. ......

Here we see that one of David's men and his son turned against him. I'm not going to give you an outline because I am going to use it the next time I preach. My though to leave you is WALK ON....when you are walked on. You friends will walk on you. Your family will walk all over you as well. Don't let anyone discourage you from serving the Lord. Search your heart, and keep on walking. Live for God. Walk on when you're walked on.

TRUE WORSHIP

2008-10-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

The Bible says in John 4:24 that God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. Oft times worship receives a bad name. The word worship among our Independent Fundamental circles has a bad connotation. I would like to show you today what TRUE worship is. True worship is not the jump up and down "Praise and Worship" we see on television. True worship is not the contemporary movement of our young people today. Nor on the other side of the spectrum is worship going to a funeral and our church services being solely pomp and circumstance. Our fundamental circles have been filled with people who do not recognize what true praise and worship of our Almighty Unchangeable God really is. For sake of time and space I will not include all of the applicable scripture references nor the illustrations that may be appropriate. Rather I will leave you with the main points and a few extra thoughts.

I. Worship is a Presentation of Funds.
TITHE and OFFERINGS are worship. Just as Barnabas and the widow who gave all they had, so can we worship God with our money. Don't worry about what you think you're "able" to do. If God will give you a car, He will give you the means to use it. God won't give you anything he won't give you the means to use.
II. Worship is Praise through Music.
I don't have near enough time to go in depth with this. Realize that music prepares and softens the heart for the message. Don't skip out on the song service. Not only is that not pleasing to God, you miss out, and in turn cause yourself to SIN. "By missing the song service or even one song?" YES !!!!
III. Worship is Service.
This phrase will suffice. God through your pastor says, " _________________" You say, "God/Preacher I'll be there ON TIME!"
IV. Worship is Prayer

Wed. night service

2008-10-09T09:34:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,

Thank you so much for praying for me while I preached the prayer
meeting service last night. I started out really nervous, but God
gave me confidence as I took the pulpit. I preached a message about
worship which will be posted to my blog very soon. The Lord allowed
me to go for a little over an hour. My grandpa said, "son, you're
getting long winded in your old age." I'm still not near as long as
him! : ) I can't wait for the next opportunity I get to preach.

Camp Meeting

2008-09-27T17:24:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,

I just spent a few of the most amazing days of my life at this Camp
Meeting in Alabama. The main speaker for the week was Pastor Jimmy
Walker of Southside Baptist in Michigan. We started service each day
at 2:00 pm and ended around 9:00pm each day. I wish I could give you
the outlines and messages of each preacher, because each of them was
amazing. You really had to be there to understand. It was Awesome!
I was able to play the piano for the entire meeting. That in itself
was a blessing, but then the pastor in charge (David Long) asked me to
preach on Friday. It was kind of unnerving to preach to a bunch of
preachers. I think I only went about 5 minutes, but I had a good
time. The service on Friday night was probably the best of them all.
Only one preacher got to preach. We also had two saved. I can't wait
to go back next year. Thank you for praying for the meeting.

A Small Update

2008-09-18T16:29:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,

I just wanted to give everybody an update on what's going on in life
here in Indy.
School has been great. I have many different kinds of classes. Some
of which I enjoy and some that I utterly despise. I hope to learn to
go through them. I have been taking Government which I enjoy. I am
also taking chemistry that I don't particularly care for. I have been
missing Camp Victory so much. I miss the definite schedule, and being
in church all the time. I do get to relive a little bit of that here
in the next couple weeks. I have been asked to go to a preachers
meeting and take over the music with my grandpa for the whole
meeting. I am really looking forward to that. I also have been asked
to speak at our church on October 8th for the entire service so pray
for me. I began working on the message weeks ago. I'm a little
nervous, but with the Lord's help I think we'll do o.k.
God has blessed our church with another great Faith's Promise
Missions year. God has also allowed our church to begin a Reformer's
Unanimous Ministry. Pray for our church members while they actively
attend and work in this ministry. God continues to show his hand in
our building project as well. We do ask that everyone keep Faith
Baptist Church in their daily prayers. Have a Blessed Week.

Jon L. Groves

Church Music

2008-09-02T18:42:00.001-07:00

I did not write this article. It is credited to http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/church's-song-service.html I just thought everyone should read it. It is great.

SOME REASONS WHY SONG SERVICES BECOME LIFELESS

1. LIFELESSNESS CAN BE A REFLECTION OF SPIRITUAL DEADNESS

"Public worship is only the manifestation of private worship. The reason our public services are dead is that our private devotional life is dead" (Tim Fisher, The Battle for Christian Music, p. 108).

In many instances song services are dull because so many of the members sing only half-heartedly, if at all. All too often is obvious that many don't have their minds on the service. In many cases, if someone really desires to lift up his or her voice in praise to God, people look at him like he is strange. Too often we are just going through a religious ritual with our song services. It might as well be a Latin mass. The words are merely being mouthed without consciousness of the glorious message of the lyrics and without heart-felt enthusiasm toward God. This is a great sin. It is dangerously close to "having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof," which is a mark of apostasy (2 Timothy 3:5). Is it not an evidence of having left our first love (Revelation 2:4)?

2. LIFELESSNESS CAN BE CAUSED BY TREATING THE MUSIC AS A RITUAL TO BE "GOTTEN THROUGH."

The fact that song services are often mere rituals is evident in many ways. It is evident by the aforementioned half-hearted manner with which we sing the songs. The ritualism of many song services is further evidenced by the haphazard manner in which the songs are sung. Though there is no obligation that a church sing every stanza of every song, all too often it is evident that the reason certain stanzas are sung is not because the lyrics of those particular stanzas have been carefully selected, but because that is the ritual and no serious thought and preparation has been given to it! Many times the third stanza is necessary to complete the message of the song. Why skip it? All to often the candid answer would be, "Because that is how we do it, and we don't think about it any more deeply than that."

I once thanked Bro. McNeily, one of the song leaders at Fairhaven Baptist Church in Chesterton, Indiana (and a teacher at Fairhaven Baptist College), for singing all of the stanzas of the songs and hymns at a conference I attended there. His reply was informative. He said simply, "We are in no hurry." Amen. Why are we seemingly in such a hurry with our song services? Is it not, too often, because it is merely a ritual that we are rushing through with almost no thought or heart-felt involvement?

The ritualism might also be reflected in the "stand up, sit down" routine. All too often there is no good reason for standing.

"It seems that no one likes a church when they are constantly being asked to stand for something, to sing a song, to pay tribute to something, etc. One or two standings per service is about all you can get by with and not alienate some people. There is usually a groaning when people have to stand too much. People plan to get their exercise in other ways. Besides, it is extremely hard on elderly and crippled persons. Some churches that we've noticed have the congregation stand at the opening of the service for a few songs. It is felt that standing improves the singing and creates a more enthusiastic service. People generally cooperate, but it's very obvious that many are disgruntled by having to stand. It is hard to win a soul that is irritated. So it behooves us all to make the church service as enjoyable as possible for everyone. And if you take a poll you'll find very few are for standing. Since it's felt that people sing better if they are standing up, if the song leader can't get the people to sing well enough sitting down, then change song leaders" (Bob ~~Bob~~ Hinds, Double Your Church Attendance, p. 52).

I agree with this observation. I love congregational singing, but I personally find it very distracting and uncomfortable to have to stand through most of the songs. It is so much more pleasant to be able to sit down and sing to the Lord and meditate upon the wonderful words of the hymns. I have always thought it is strange for song leaders to force the people to stand and sing. On midweek services people have worked all day and are tired. Why can't they be allowed to come to church and sit down and relax while they sing the songs of Zion?

A challenge about congregational singing was given by Henry Halley, author of the Halley's Bible Handbook: "The dearth of congregational singing is the greatest lack in the average Sunday morning church service. There ought to be ten times as much as there is. Omit some of the show-off stuff in the choir loft, and make time for it. A continuous song service is better than one that is continuously interrupted with remarks by the leader, or the reading of a stanza, or by other parts of the service. That ruins the effect. Do nothing but sing, for twenty or thirty minutes, so as to give it a chance to make its impression."

3. LIFELESSNESS CAN BE CAUSED BY AN IMPROPER CHOICE OF SONGS AND A FAILURE TO UNDERSTAND THE PURPOSE OF THE SONG SERVICE.

Ephesians 5:19 gives two basic purposes for Christian singing: "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." One purpose is to exhort and encourage and instruct one another in Christ, and the other purpose is to praise the Lord. The songs and hymns in a standard hymnbook in Baptist churches can be grouped into one of these general categories.

In this light, the choice of songs is very important. There is not a lot of genuine worship to God if we sing songs like "Church in the Wildwood," with its nostalgic but over simplistic message, or if we sing something that contains actual doctrinal heresy, which some of the popular songs and hymns do, or if we sing songs that most people do not understand without explaining the lyrics. God must be worshipped in truth. "I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also" (1 Corinthians 14:15).

If we are going to worship God in song we have to use songs that are worshipful. This is allegedly the purpose of standing for some or all of the song service, but too often the songs that are selected having nothing to do with worship.

A proper selection of songs and hymns is therefore basic. The song leader must understand the purpose of the various songs and hymns and make a wise, Spirit-led choice for each service.

4. LIFELESSNESS CAN BE CAUSED BY UNQUALIFIED AND UNPREPARED LEADERS AND MUSICIANS.

The position of song leader is important. Just as orchestras need effective conductors and armies need effective officers, churches must have the right song leaders if they are to have effectual song services. An individual can worship God alone effectively if he is so inclined, but a congregation must be led. That is why God has ordained leaders and has set forth high qualifications for them. It is true that the New Testament does not spell out the position of song leader or music director, but the Old Testament plainly sets forth this pattern and there is no need to restate it in the New. Sanctified common sense dictates its necessity.

"And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was for song: he instructed about the song, because he was skilful" (1 Chronicles 15:22; see also 1 Chronicles 25).

In Israel the music associated with the worship of Almighty God was carefully prepared and skillfully performed with godly oversight. We should have no less in the churches of Jesus Christ. Yet all too often the song service is led by individuals who know almost nothing about what they are doing and/or do not have the enthusiasm and spirituality to do the job.

No wonder many are tempted to go to a church that has an enthusiastic contemporary worship service. No wonder young people often think of church as dull. I received an e-mail recently from a woman who informed me that her family left an independent Baptist church that was lifeless and boring and that they are now happy members of a lively, contemporary Southern Baptist congregation. I wonder how many people have turned away from the truth because it was presented in an incredibly boring manner!

Friends, church does not have to boring, and the godly solution is not found in the contemporary direction!

If a church is young and the congregation small, it is understandable that there might not be proper musicians and song leaders. No one expects a young church to have everything that a more established church can have. Under such conditions, the church must do the best it can with what it has. We are referring here to established churches that could do better in this department but don't simply because it is not a priority.

5. LIFELESSNESS CAN BE CAUSED BY IGNORANCE ABOUT MUSIC.

Oftentimes the chief problem with a church's music program is simple ignorance. In these cases, the pastor does not understand music himself, and he does not provide training for someone who is qualified to direct the music. This is understandable in a new work with a small membership, but the pastor should make it a priority to see that a properly trained, spiritually qualified individual is set over the music as soon as possible. If no one is currently available, there is not a lot one can do but pray and be patient. Frequently, though, the problem is a lackadaisical attitude toward church music so that it is not made the priority in prayer and planning that it should be.

For those who speak English there is no excuse for ignorance about spiritual music and effective song leading. There is a wealth of good material available. At the Way of Life web site we have a list of such materials in the article on "Helpful Music Resources." This can be found in the Music section of the Apostasy database -- http://www.wayoflife.org.

There should be continual education in the church pertaining to music, both positive and negative. We should be continually warning of the danger of worldly music and continually educating on the nature of spiritual music. New members are coming into the church and young people are growing up who need to be trained; and people forget what they learned a few years ago. In fact, they forget it much quicker than that!

6. LIFELESSNESS CAN BE CAUSED BY LACK OF VARIETY AND IMAGINATION.

All too often there is little or no imagination and serious preparation given to the music service. The same songs are sung every service. "Victory in Jesus" is a wonderful song, but when it is sung every week for fifty years, even a wonderful song can grow tiresome! There are hundreds of songs in the hymnbooks, but many churches sing only a few of them. Variety is the spice of life, dear friends. The largest book in the Bible is Psalms, and God has provided 150 different psalms in this inspired hymnal.

In the following section on song leading we give some tips for introducing variety into the service.

MARKS OF GOOD SONG LEADING

1. LEADERSHIP

Good song leaders lead rather than follow. Some song leaders seem to think that their only job is to announce the song numbers. Actually their job is to lead the congregation in singing unto the Lord, and that entails many things. They should lead out with their voices and with their enthusiasm. They should lead by teaching the people how to sing properly unto the Lord and by explaining the message of difficult songs. They should lead by introducing variety into the services, and in many other ways. It is said that "everything rises and falls on leadership," and there is great deal of truth to that. Consider the following examples from the Psalms. Note how the Psalmist exhorts the people to sing and praise God with him. He does not berate or scold. He encourages and instructs and leads, reminding the people why they should praise the Lord.

"Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness" (Psalm 30:4).

"O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together" (Psalm 34:3).

"Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. 7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding" (Psalm 47:6-7).

"Exalt the Lord our god, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy" (Psalm 99:9).

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands" (Psalm 100:1).

"O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works" (Psalm 105:1-2).

"Praise ye the Lord, O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever" (Psalm 106:1).

"Praise ye the Lord. Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord" (Psalm 113:1).

"O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us; and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord" (Psalm 117:1-2).

'Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the name of the Lord; praise him, O ye servants of the Lord" (Psalm 135:1).

"Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely" (Psalm 147:1).

"Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints" (Psalm 149:1).

"Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. ... Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord" (Psalm 150: 1, 6).

2. PREPARATION

The song leader represents the church and Jesus Christ, and he should therefore be well prepared. He should be prepared week by week by prayerfully seeking the Lord's will for the service, by choosing the songs prayerfully and wisely, by preparing his own heart before the Lord.

He should also prepare himself by doing all he can to learn how to be a better song leader. (There are materials that can help with this. See "Helpful Music Resources" at the music section of the Apostasy database at the Way of Life web site -- http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/helpful.htm.)

It is not absolutely necessary that the song leader be able to read music, but it is a great advantage if he can. Learning how to read music it is not that difficult if a person is willing to make the necessary effort.

He should be prepared by studying the lyrics to songs and hymns and even the backgrounds to the songs. Pastor Ken Shaver, Greater Cumberland Baptist Church, Hopkinville, Kentucky, has led singing in large churches. He observes: "Another thing that I would mention is how important it is to learn the story behind the song. Knowing that H.G. Spafford wrote 'It is Well' after his children drowned in a shipwreck and that 'Amazing Grace' represents the testimony of a former slave trader, I believe adds so much depth to the songs. 101 Hymn Stories and 101 More Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck (Kregel Publications) are both excellent publications."

The song leader should also be prepared by understanding how to discern the difference between sacred and contemporary music. (Again, there are materials that can help with this. See "Helpful Music Resources" at the music section of the Apostasy database at the Way of Life web site -- http://www.wayoflife.org.)

3. EDIFICATION

1 Corinthians 14 is about church services and spiritual gifts, and the theme is edification. Twenty times in that chapter we find the words "edify," "know," and "understand." Paul says, "Let all things be done unto edifying" (1 Cor. 14:26).

This means that music used in church services should not be for entertainment. That is not the purpose of church services. The objective is spiritual edification.

According to Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, our music should minister in three directions: toward the Lord (Eph. 5:19), toward ourselves (Eph. 5:19), and toward others (Col. 3:16).

This means that each song should be selected because of its message. If the message is weak, there is little or no edification.

Further, if the message of the song is spiritual but couched in words that are not understood by the congregation, there is still no edification. Many of the old hymns use words that must be explained. The song "Beulah Land," for example. What is Beulah? Unless the people know the meaning of that word, the song will be nearly meaningless. There is the same problem with "Here I raise mine Ebenezer, hither by thy help I'm come" in the song "Come Thou Fount." The song "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" contains these words: "Lord Sabaoth is His name, from age to age the same..." Unless the people know what Sabaoth means, they will not be edified by that part of the song.

It is the song leader's job to explain such things in a concise manner. I don't mean that he takes 10 minutes to discuss each song. That can become tedious and can discourage the people. The song service is not about the song leader explaining things; it is about actually singing the songs of Zion to one another and to the Lord (Eph. 5:19). The song leader must be careful that he not interpret the service continually with lengthy testimonies and discussions, but it is important to take a moment to define lyrics that might not be understood and to briefly reinforce the message of the songs.

The people need to be taught and reminded to think about the words of the songs. No matter how spiritual the songs are, if the people are not meditating on the message, no edification is accomplished. It is a song leader's job to lead the people in this matter, to help them focus their attention, not to berate them but to encourage and lead them.

Something as simple as this can do the job: "Folks, let's sing unto the Lord today. Let's put aside the cares of life and turn out hearts to Christ. Let's think about the words of these glorious songs and let's let the message sink down into our hearts."

4. SPIRITUALITY

The Lord Jesus Christ said, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (Jn. 4:24).

Our song services should be spiritual. The music should not please the flesh, should not be worldly. In this day when the world's music is creeping into the Lord's house, song leaders must be on guard continually against this type of thing. If it sounds like the world's dance or sensual entertainment music, it is not fitting for the house of God!

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (1 John 2:15-16).

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God" (James 4:4).

5. TRUTH

Not only are we to worship God in spirit but also in truth (John 4:24). Thus all of the songs should be doctrinally sound, should conform to the truth of God's Word. The song leader should go through the lyrics of each song, making sure that it is preaching truth. This is true for the older hymns as well as for the newer ones. For example, the chorus to the song "We've a Story to Tell to the Nations" says, "For the darkness shall turn to dawning, and the dawning to noonday bright, and Christ's great kingdom shall come to earth, the kingdom of love and light." The second verse says, "We've a song to be sung to the nations that shall lift their hearts to the Lord, a song that shall conquer evil and shatter the spear and sword." That presents the unscriptural post-millennial view of prophecy, that the return of Christ's kingdom will be gradually brought in as the gospel overthrows the evils of this world. The song "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" by Charles Wesley has the Methodist doctrine of a second blessing and entire sanctification in the second verse: "Let us find that second rest; take away our bent to sinning..."

An example of a popular contemporary song that contains false teaching is "Majesty." The author, Jack Hayford, is a popular Pentecostal preacher who believes in tongues speaking, healing in the atonement and such, and his song reflects his theology. The song says, "Majesty, kingdom authority..." What is this kingdom authority? It is the unscriptural charismatic doctrine that believers have apostolic authority here and now.

Thus the song leader must ever be on his guard against false doctrine, so that we are worshipping God in truth.

6. ENTHUSIASM AND A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

There is no reason why our song services should be boring, and the song leader has a lot of responsibility in this regard. If he has no enthusiasm and leads in a boring manner, the congregation will probably reflect that.

Pastor David Earnhart of Fundamental Baptist Church, Escondido, California, who has been in the ministry for many years, observes: "I ALWAYS avoid scolding the crowd for not singing! That only makes them resent me! You must give them a positive reason (surely there are many!) for singing heartily. And repeating old clichés ('Folks, lets just raise the roof on this verse') SOON becomes old, and does not work. The song leader must help interpret the meaning of the song and why it should be sung with enthusiasm. That always brings better results."

7. WISDOM

An important part of a song leader's job is choosing the songs, and this requires that he understand the different categories and purposes of the songs. Ephesians 5:19 gives two basic purposes for Christian singing: "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." One purpose is to exhort and encourage and instruct one another in Christ, and the other purpose is to praise the Lord. There are songs directed toward man and others directed toward God. The songs and hymns in a standard hymnbook in Baptist churches can be grouped into one of these general categories.

SONGS DIRECTED TOWARD MAN

Songs of Exhortation

Take the Name of Jesus With You
There Is Power in the Blood
We'll Work Till Jesus Comes
We're Marching to Zion
Will Jesus Find Us Watching?
God Will Take Care of You
God Leads Us Along
Jesus Never Fails
In Times Like These
His Way With Thee (Would you live for Jesus)
Is Your All on the Altar?
Yield Not to Temptation
Trust and Obey
Take Time to Be Holy
Tell It To Jesus
Make Me a Channel of Blessing
Our Best
Count Your Blessings

Songs of Encouragement

Sweet By and By
Face to Face
There'll Be No Dark Valley
My Savior First of All
Where We'll Never Grow Old
Beulah Land
When We All Get to Heaven
He the Pearly Gates Will Open
Saved by Grace
When He Cometh
Is It the Crowning Day?
Some Golden Daybreak
Just When I Need Him Most
Does Jesus Care?
Day by Day
Near to the Heart of God
All the Way My Savior Leads Me
'Til the Storm Passes By
Each Step I Take
Anywhere With Jesus
Never Alone
Trusting Jesus
Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary

Songs of Commitment

Where He Leads I'll Follow
Wherever He Leads I'll Go
If Jesus Goes With Me
Living for Jesus
Higher Ground
Give Me Jesus

Songs of Evangelism

Room at the Cross for You
Kneel at the Cross
Are You Washed in the Blood?
There Is Power in the Blood
There Is a Fountain
Look to the Lamb of God
Ye Must Be Born Again
Whosoever Will
Look and Live
Christ Receiveth Sinful Men
Jesus Saves
He Is Able to Deliver Thee
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
The Light of the World Is Jesus
Verily, Verily
Once for All
Honey in the Rock
Jesus Is Calling
Have You Any Room for Jesus?
Through Out the Lifeline

SONGS DIRECTED TOWARD GOD

The second broad category is that of "singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." There are four basic types of worship songs and hymns that come under this category: (1) those with lyrics that are directed to God or in direct praise about God; (2) those that are meditative and that reflect upon God; (3) those that are testimonies about God, and (4) those that are prayers to God.

Worship Directed to God or in Direct Praise about God

Glory to His Name
I Need Thee Every Hour
Lead Me to Calvary
Jesus, Lover of My Soul
Rock of Ages
Come, Thou Almighty King
To God Be the Glory
Our Great Savior
All Hail the Power
My Jesus, I Love Thee
Jesus! the Very Thought of Thee
Jesus, I Am Resting
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
O Worship the King
To God Be the Glory

Meditative Worship about God

What a Wonderful Savior
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Jesus Paid It All
Near the Cross
Blessed Redeemer
One Day
The Old Rugged Cross
At the Cross
And Can It Be That I Should Gain?
Nothing but the Blood
Wounded for Me
In the Garden
Alas and Did My Savior Bleed?
Hallelujah for the Cross
He Lives
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
Like a River Glorious
He Hideth My Soul
All That Thrills My Soul
No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus
Blessed Be the Name
I Am His, and He Is Mine
Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know
It's Just Like His Great Love
The Love of God
He Is So Precious to Me
No, Not One!
The Lily of the Valley
If I Gained the World

Some hymns are a combination of encouragement to the believer and worship directed to God. "Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us" is an example of this. The lyrics are all directed to Christ, and sometimes they remind us of his tender care and sometimes they are pure worship: "Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus, Thou hast bought us, Thine we are..."

Worshipful Testimony

These are in the category of worship to God because the believer's testimony is all of God and because of His love and grace.

My Faith Has Found a Resting Place
My Anchor Holds
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
A Shelter in the Time of Storm
The Heaven of Rest
I Know Whom I Have Believed
Blessed Assurance
We Have an Anchor
It Is Well With My Soul
The Solid Rock
Love Lifted Me
My Savior's Love
Such Love
Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus
He Keeps Me Singing
I Will Sing the Wondrous Story
Since Jesus Came into My Heart
My Redeemer
Only a Sinner
Grace Greater Than Our Sin
Wonderful Grace of Jesus
He Included Me
Builded on the Rock
Surely Goodness and Mercy
Jesus Is All the World to Me
A Child of the King
Moment by Moment
Christ Liveth in Me
Nor Silver Nor Gold
Hallelujah, 'Tis Done
A New Name in Glory
The Cleansing Wave
I Love to Tell the Story
Since I Have Been Redeemed
The Old Account Settled
Amazing Grace
Saved, Saved!
Redeemed
Saved by the Blood!
Now I Belong to Jesus

Prayers to God

Come, Thou Fount
Whiter Than Snow
Open My Eyes, That I May See
My Faith Looks Up to thee
Take My Life, and Let It Be
More Love to Thee
Just a Closer Walk with Thee
O to Be Like Thee!
Make Me a Blessing
Draw Me Nearer
Revive Thy Work
Lead Me Gently Home, Father
Cleanse Me

If we are going to worship God in song we have to use songs that are truly worshipful.

A proper selection of songs and hymns is therefore basic. The song leader must understand the purpose of the various songs and hymns and make a wise, Spirit-led choice for each service.

8. SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT

Those who are in charge of the church's music must have spiritual discernment so they can select godly songs and reject those that are worldly and that appeal to the flesh. One of the chief ways that contemporary music enters churches is through the specials. I witnessed this on a recent preaching trip to 12 churches in three countries. About half of the churches allowed special music that was at least mildly contemporary. In each of these cases, the congregational music was traditional, while the special music was contemporary. I learned that the men in charge of the music did not know how to discern contemporary music.

A friend wrote recently, "'In Christ Alone' is a song that has been sung several times at our church. This song was popularized by Michael English (CCM) and was written by Shawn Craig of the CCM group Philips, Craig and Dean. It takes a strong pastor and a strong song leader to help guard from the wrong music coming in." (We have addressed this in a video presentation entitled "Learning to Distinguish between Sacred and Contemporary Styles of Music," which is available from Way of Life Literature.)

9. PATIENCE AND HUMILITY

The following suggestions were given to me by Vince Londini:

"In my 10-years as a song leader, and at times a choir director and ensemble leader, I found that 'working with people' was an important skill. With regard to leadership, instead of being demanding or simply expecting, patiently work with the pianist. Plan ahead and give the numbers to your pianist well in advance. Encourage your pianist. If there's credit to dole out or blame to assign, take the blame for yourself and dole out the credit to the musicians. Too often I've seen a song leader stop, stare, or comment when the pianist made a mistake which subsequently embarrassed the leader. Don't take your embarrassment out on the musician. Be flexible and don't draw attention to others' mistakes (as if to make sure that everyone knows the mistake wasn't yours). Better yet, learn not to be embarrassed. Kill your pride, and let accidents and mistakes roll off of you graciously. A gracious attitude toward mistakes encourages the musicians to keep trying, knowing that a mistake or two isn't the end of the world. When I first started song leading, the pianist at my home church was very unskilled (having just taken up the piano) and very uncertain about what skills she had. She would often get the timing wrong. For a time, I picked only songs she felt comfortable playing, and at times my arms waved in submission to her timing. We learned to sing it her way, without any public comment or criticism from me. I just tried to work graciously with whatever happened. As her skill improved, I could point out the timing issues, which she could now properly address. Because her heart was dedicated to serving the Lord, she practiced and practiced until she became a good church pianist. But, in the beginning I submitted myself to her and worked with her within her abilities, to help her get up to speed. It was an important lesson for me, as a young man, to submit to others rather than lord over them."

10. LIBERTY AND DIVERSITY

Too many churches are stuck in a rut with their song services. Variety is the spice of life. You don't have to look far in creation to see that God is a God of diversity and variety.

Suggestions for Introducing Variety into a Song Service

New songs should be introduced regularly and then sung frequently until they become an integral part of the church family's ever-enlarging song repertoire. In recent years Majesty Music published a new hymnbook which contains many beautiful songs which were written in the last few decades. (For the address for Majesty Music see the aforementioned article "Helpful Resources on Music" at the Way of Life web site.) This music is contemporary in the sense that it is new but it is not contemporary in style. (We must warn that some of the new Patch the Pirate children's tapes are, in our opinion, moving in the direction of contemporary sounds.)

Pastor David Earnhart says: "For many years we have used the Chorus of the Month. And don't forget the 'old songs.' I have often used songs like 'Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul.' Last year many raised their hands to indicate they did not know that song (even if it was 'old hat' to us old-timers!). This brings new Christians into the 'common fold' of music shared by Christians over many miles, and even generations."

Pastor Don Williams, Believers Baptist Church in Winona Lake, Indiana, says: "As for learning new songs, my family regularly picks out a new song from our hymnal and works on learning it for a couple weeks. Then we introduce it to the congregation as a special and begin to sing it in the song services. Our church has learned a lot of new songs that way."

Singing Scripture is a wonderful way to praise the Lord and edify the saints. During the Sunday evening services, for example, some churches sing Scripture songs. Two sources for these are North County Baptist Church, 221 W. 9th Ave., Escondido, CA 92027 and Tri-City Baptist Church, 4500 Selsa Rd., Blue Springs, MO 64015. Not only do these introduce variety within the music program, but nothing surpasses the actual words and verses of Scripture for doctrinal purity.

Even the most familiar songs can be made more interesting by an imaginative change in the manner of presentation. For example, on some verses the accompanying musicians can drop out while the congregation sings A cappella. Or one verse can be sung by the women, then the next by the men. The choir, singing group, or soloist can be accompanied by the congregation in places. The timing of the song can be altered, etc., etc. The chorus can be sung with a little more enthusiasm and volume as the song progresses. There are endless means of singing old songs in new ways (without going contemporary).

The song service can also be spiced up with the multiplication of musical instruments. Some of the most enjoyable song services I have participated in have been those accompanied by small orchestras. The Majesty Hymnal offers complete orchestrations for each song in the volume.

CONCLUSION

I will conclude with these comments from Pastor Doug Hammett, Lehigh Valley Baptist Church, Emmaus, Pennsylvania: "Keep the service alive! A song leader who is anticipating meeting with the Lord in the service will display that in his countenance, tone of voice and attitude. It will catch fire with the people as well. Encourage the people to participate. Don't berate them, encourage them. Keep the service warm! Speak to the people as friends. Don't be afraid to encourage one person by name, all the others will pay close attention to what you are saying to him. Keep a record of what you sing and don't get in a rut!!! Singing the same old songs all the time may be easy for you, but it will put the people to sleep mentally. Remember you are preparing for the preaching! Starting the service with lively music and bringing the mood to a thoughtful, reflective manner before the message is a good plan."

A MAN? with a musical side note

2008-09-01T17:58:00.001-07:00

Exd 32:23

For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for [as for] this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

If you have been in your Bible for any amount of time, you know the story behind this verse. Moses went atop the mountain to receive the ten commandments. As he returns to the camp it is pure "pandelerium" (as my grandmother would say). The people had made themselves a gold idol that they were now worshipping. Aaron quotes the people and says, " Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt..." We find here that the people had completely forsaken Almighty God who had brought them out. There was no reference made to Him? Why? They left Egypt with the promise of a man...not the God who sent him. God made it clear several times in the Bible that He had brought them out. The beginning of the downfall of Israel in this instance was that they placed their faith in a man. This man was simply a tool of God. Yes, he was a godly and respected man, but still just a man. I find that the people of God today have this same fault. We place our faith and trust in what we can see. Whether it be a man, object, or organization we are still failing to live an effective Christian life. Place your trust in those who are at the forefront of the Christian battle: pastors, teachers, godly parents, elders, men of the church...... Place your FAITH in the ONE who will not fail.

As a "faithspianist music student" side-note: In verse 17 of that same chapter as Moses and Joshua descend the mountain, (Joshua) he said unto Moses, [There is] a noise of war in the camp. Moses responded, [It is] not the voice of [them that] shout for mastery, neither [is it] the voice of [them that] cry for being overcome: [but] the noise of [them that] sing do I hear. SO... if your music has a rock style drumbeat, electric guitar, or musical rhythm other than a proper (one...three) IT SOUNDS LIKE WAR. Being the or a type of the music of rebellion it is in fact the music of war (a war against God). Thus, it is rebellious and sinful. That sort of stuff is what you "sing" or listen to when you are worshipping false gods, living a wrong life, or just ignorant. Thats all! Just a tidbit to think about....

Jon L. Groves, II

Back To School

2008-08-15T11:35:00.001-07:00

Almost everybody is going back to school! Some are excited, and some are completely depressed. I am between the two. Depressed, because Camp season is coming to a close. I only have Family Camp left. Excited, because there will be a constant schedule just like at camp. I have lots of friends at Colonial too that I haven't seen all summer. Over the past few weeks I've been finishing my "summer homework" for Bible Quizzing. I can't wait for all the competitions to start at our school. I am already excited about the potential of winning state competitions and moving on to Nationals. With this back to school season full in swing I would like to give a challenge for those of us who are really going to school....and those who need to learn more.

If you have been in your Bible for any amount of time you know that the apostle Paul had a student/son of his own. His name was Timothy. But, in the book of Phillippians, Paul is writing to preacher boys. It seems that if you "read between the lines" of the Bible, that the young men of God were sitting back and letting Paul do all of the work. Maybe because he was a more effective preacher. Maybe because they felt insignificant in comparison with the great man of God, Paul. It really doesn't matter what the reason was, they weren't serving God to their full ability. Because of this neglegence God placed Paul in bondage. He says

Phl 1:14

And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

I don't want to be like the preacher boys of that time. I want to challenge the students of today both young and old, to serve God to their full potential. I would like to challenge you with my life verse:

II Timothy 3:14 says: But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them];

Be a Student of God's Word and God's man now. Continue in the thing which thou hast learned....and hast been assured of. There is no going out on a limb to serve God. He has proven himself time and time again. Knowing of whom thou hast learned them. If we don't serve God now for any other reason...Serve God so that he doesn't take the Pauls away from us. If we don't step up and be a Timothy, God will take our mentors away from us so that we will. Go Back to School...and get to work!

Jon L. Groves, II

www.ccsindy.org

Home Again

2008-08-09T14:42:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,

I am home from Camp Victory. The summer has been one of the best of
my life. Over the six weeks which included juniors and teens, we had
over 150 souls saved. I am looking forward to Fall Family Camp. If
you ever get a chance to visit the Camp you definitely should. Please
pray for the camp as it is preparing to build a new guys cabin and
other small projects. Also pray for the finances.
On a different note, I will be starting my Junior year this year at
Colonial Christian School. (www.ccsindy.org) I am looking forward to
the start of a new school-year. Please be in prayer for our family.

Jon Groves

www.campvictoryky.blogspot.com

Junior Week 3

2008-07-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

It has been wonderful being back at Camp Victory for this last junior week. It was an extremely small week this week. We had about 70 kids total but with this small number we had about 20 saved. It started out with a wonderful service on Monday. We have three senior camp weeks left to go. I look forward to how the Lord will work, but cringe at the thought of leaving my new "home" three weeks from now. This coming Sunday I will get to be in Brother Tony Hudson's church : Middle Tennessee Baptist. I hope to get back to you soon. Pray for us at Camp Victory.

In His Service,

Jon L. Groves, II

Summer Plans

2008-07-05T06:52:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,

Today I return to Camp Victory for the rest of the summer. Posts will
again be sparse. I will be home at the end of the summer to fill you
in on my time in Kentucky. I hope the Lord blesses you all with a
wonderful and blessed summer.

Awaiting His Return,

Jon L. Groves, II
www.faithspianist.blogspot.com

Small Update

2008-07-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

I am home for a few days vacation from working at Camp Victory. What
an excellent experience so far! We have had two junior camp weeks so
far and seen about 60 kids saved. These children's age ranges from
7-12 years. They have received some of the best and hardest preaching
in America. The souls saved only goes to prove that old fashioned
preaching still has the same convicting affect that it always had.
For those of you who don't know what Camp Victory is, I'll give a
brief overview. For 5 1/2 days campers come to a valley in Somerset,
Kentucky where they are secluded from any form of the world. There is
no: TV, radio, cell phones, iPods, gameboys, and such as that. Here
for these few days they receive preaching as well as three wonderful
home cooked meals every day. They are also entertained with
activities such as horseback riding, swimming, a gymnasium, human
fooseball, and many other fun activities. The main focus is on the
Bible so there is also a time of personal devotions and "Treasure
Hunt" where kids win points for their team by quoting portions of
scripture. It may sound boring but I have been going my whole life
and have had a ball every time I have gone. I will be returning in a
couple days for four more weeks to finish out the summer. I just
wanted to give you a small update on what I've been up to and I hope
y'all have a great rest of the summer.

In His Service,

Jon L. Groves, II

Music

2008-06-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC BRINGS GREAT CHANGES TO CHURCHES

Republished June 30, 2008 (first published August 11, 2003) (David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org; for instructions about subscribing and unsubscribing or changing addresses, see the information paragraph at the end of the article) -

Contemporary Christian Worship music is spreading across all denominational lines, and when it enters a church it brings more than a change in music. It brings a worldly philosophy of Christianity and a gradual lowering of all standards of morality and doctrine.

The late Gordon Sears, who had an evangelistic music ministry for many years and ministered with Rudy Atwood, was saddened before his death by the dramatic change that was occurring in many fundamental Baptist churches. He warned: "When the standard of music is lowered, then the standard of dress is also lowered. When the standard of dress is lowered, then the standard of conduct is also lowered. When the standard of conduct is lowered, then the sense of value in God's truth is lowered."

Frank Garlock of Majesty Music warns, "If a church starts using CCM it will eventually lose all other standards" (Garlock, Bob Jones University Chapel, March 12, 2001).

The late Ernest Pickering gave a similar warning: "Perhaps nothing precipitates a slide toward New Evangelicalism more than the introduction of Contemporary Christian Music. This inevitably leads toward a gradual slide in other areas as well until the entire church is infiltrated by ideas and programs alien to the original position of the church."

We can see the fulfillment of these warnings on every hand. Consider these examples:

LIBERTY BAPTIST CHURCH, LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA

The most prominent example of the changes that accompany the adoption of contemporary Christian music is Jerry Falwell and the Thomas Road Baptist Church of Lynchburg, Virginia. In the 1960s and '70s, Falwell featured traditional Christian music in his church and on the Old Time Gospel Hour program. He was an independent Baptist aligned with the Baptist Bible Fellowship International.

By the 1980s, Falwell had adopted the "music is neutral" position. Speaking at Word of Life in New York, he said, "Other than Heavy Metal and vulgar lyrics, it's all a matter of taste and has nothing to do with Christianity."

In 1985 the name of his school was changed from Liberty Baptist College to Liberty University.

By the 1980s, Falwell's Moral Majority was made up of at least 30% Roman Catholics and in his 1987 autobiography, Strength for the Journey, Falwell called them "my Catholic brothers and sisters" (p. 371).

In 1987, Falwell took over the leadership of the sleazy charismatic PTL ministry, claiming that it was "certainly worth saving" (Strength for the Journey, p. 442).

In 1992, Falwell endorsed Chuck Colson's book The Body, which urges Evangelicals to join forces with Catholics and Charismatics and which looks upon the Roman Catholic Church as a part of the "body of Christ."

In October 1995, Falwell praised Billy Graham for his "long and faithful ministry" and did not have one word of warning for Graham's great compromise, his yoking together with Rome, his praise of blaspheming modernists, etc. In 1997, Billy Graham was the commencement speaker at Liberty University.

In 1995 Falwell hosted a Promise Keepers conference. That same year a Catholic priest spoke at a PK meeting in Plainview, Texas. One of the PK directors was a Roman Catholic.

In April 1996 hard rocking dc Talk drew the largest concert crowd in the history of Falwell's university.

In 1996 Falwell joined the SBC, and in 1999 Liberty University was formally approved as an SBC school. (Falwell is also still a part of the Baptist Bible Fellowship and speaks at their meetings.)

By 1997 Falwell was yoked with the charismatic Integrity Music to train worship leaders at Liberty.

When Catholic Cardinal John O'Conner died in May 2000, Falwell praised him: "I am grateful that John O'Connor -- a man of courageous faith -- had such a profound influence on the Catholic Church through his fifty-five years of ministry. I pray that another pro-life, pro-family minister can be found to fill his significant and substantial shoes." Falwell said nothing about the fact that O'Conner's false gospel has sent multitudes to eternal hell. When the Apostle Paul was asked what he thought of those who preach a false gospel, his reply was quite different from Falwell's. Paul replied, "Let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:8-9).

In 2001 Falwell identified himself as a "contemporary fundamentalist," defined as "conservative in doctrine, moderate in attitude, progressive in methodology, and liberal in spirit."

That sounds impressive and doubtless plays well to the "progressive" crowd, but in reality, he is careless about doctrine (i.e., he allowed evolution to be taught at Liberty in order to obtain accreditation), moderate rather than strict in attitude toward apostasy, progressive rather than scriptural in methodology, and liberal in spirit toward many of God's enemies.

LANDMARK BAPTIST CHURCH, CINCINNATI, OHIO

Landmark Baptist Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, used to be an old-fashioned Baptist church with old-fashioned standards of music and dress and a commitment to the old English Bible.

In the 1990s the church took at turn away from its roots and at the heart of this change was music. In 1996 the church brought in a Campus Crusade band playing "high energy '50s and '60s rock and roll."

In 2001, Mat Holman became the pastor. The church web site says, "Being a firm believer that church should be fun and on the edge, Matt puts all his energy into making Landmark a place where everyone belongs."

The church now features a teen ministry called EnterRuption. "The purpose of EnterRuption is to create a relevant environment for students to bring their friends. We utilize a live band (secular and Christian music), dramas, skits and a relevant message." I wonder if Paul's message on Mars Hill, in which he boldly rebuked his listeners' idolatry and demanded repentance, was "relevant"? I have a sneaking suspicion that the messages presented at EnterRuption aren't exactly Acts 17 in nature. Somehow, such a message doesn't fit an atmosphere geared toward "fun" and bathed in rock and roll.

The pop group Jump5 performed at Landmark Baptist Church on Dec. 6, 2003. "The music of the Nashville-based group is thoroughly modern pop, high-spirited and 100% fun."

BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH, FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA

This church illustrates the changes that contemporary music brings. At one time this church was an old-fashioned Baptist church that believed in separation and was committed to the King James Bible, but for many years the church has been moving ever more gradually in a contemporary direction. By the time the 2002 Baptist Bible Fellowship International conference was held here the contemporary "worship team" was led by four women.

Today the Bethlehem Baptist Church has much gone about as far as you can go away from its roots in the matter of standards. In a letter dated July 3, 2003, Pastor David Stokes said: "With regard to dress and modesty issues, we enforce NO RULE on our folks. Š apparel issues are really of NO CONCERN to us" (emphasis added).

If the pastor really means what he says, then it would be fitting for a Sunday School teacher to come in her bikini! Of course, he probably wouldn't allow that, which proves that what he really means is that he has rejected the OLD strict conservative Bible standards and has replaced them with his NEW loose worldly standards. All churches draw lines in dress, but while some draw them using biblical principles, others draw them using the world's principles. Of course, the latter group consistently labels the first group mean-spirited legalists.

Stokes also led the church to drop its "King James Only" clause from the by-laws and he now preaches from the New American Standard Version and the New Living Translation, among others.

Recently the church's name was changed from Bethlehem Baptist Church to Fair Oaks Church.

One of the church's ministries is Skate Night, which is sponsored by secular skateboarding companies. Thus the church is blatantly yoking together with unbelievers in open defiance of Scripture (2 Cor. 6). A description of Skate Night was given by a local newspaper: "CHRISTIAN ROCK THROBS inside the small gymnasium off West Ox Road in Fairfax, just a few decibels louder than the clacking of wheels. ... It's Sunday night and more than 170 teenagers and young adults -- all but one of them male -- line the walls of the Bethlehem Baptist Church gym, waiting their turn to grind and swoop and dive over a maze of makeshift ramps and rails" (Washington Post, April 4, 2001).

The church testifies that it is using rock music and skateboarding to win young people to Christ, but the Skate Night web site's gospel presentation is so weak as to be almost meaningless:

"We're not talking about religion; we're talking about a relationship. It's about recognizing that you are not perfect. We've all made mistakes. From pimping and drug abuse to telling a little white lie, we are all in need of a Savior. He doesn't care what you look like, what bad things you have done, or even how good you may think you are. He just wants you to know Him!"

That is not the gospel message that we see in the New Testament. There is no clear explanation of man's sin problem. There is nothing about God's holiness and justice, nothing about what Jesus did to become our Saviour, nothing about His death, burial, and resurrection. Nothing about the blood. There is nothing whatsoever about repentance or turning. And as for God not caring how good a person might think he is, He most certainly does. If a person thinks of himself as good in any sense, he cannot be saved. Someone might get saved through Fair Oaks Church's Skate Night ministry, but it would be in spite of its gospel presentation and not because of it.

The Bethlehem Baptist Church paper in 2002 featured a photo of the church's new Youth Pastor, Rob Hoerr. Bedecked with a goatee, an earring, and a P.O.D. T-shirt, this independent Baptist youth director is proudly promoting the Christian rock lifestyle.

P.O.D. is a rock band. The initials are supposed to stand for Payable On Death. The tattoo-covered band members curse in interviews, smoke, watch R-rated movies, and criticize kids "who want to segregate themselves from the world." The group's leader said, "Jesus was the first rebel. He was the first punk rocker going against all the rest of it" (Sonny of P.O.D., www.shoutweb.com/interviews/pod0700.phtml). In another interview, P.O.D. said, "We're not passing out pamphlets saying 'Get your life straight or you're gonna burn in hell" (Sonny, Guitar World, Oct 2000, p. 78). Sonny says, "I like Slayer. I like Manson. I like music and this dark imagery" (2001 interview with Theresa McKeon of Shoutweb titled "P.O.D. The Fundamental Elements of God Rock"). He is talking about the antichrist rocker Marilyn Manson. P.O.D. guitarist Marcos says, "You know, everyone is free to rock ---. When we go on stage we go crazy. We are like four guys you should put in a mental hospital" (interview with Hwee Hwee Tan of Singapore, October 2002).

Is that the example you want your young people to follow, dear parents? I say woe unto the worldly youth directors who are leading young people in such paths, and woe unto those pastors who appoint such youth directors!

Thus we can see that Bethlehem Baptist Church has gone a long way down the road from its roots as a conservative, fundamentalist Baptist church, and music is at the very heart of the changes.

TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN

Another example is Temple Baptist Church of Detroit, Michigan. This church was pastored by J. Frank Norris from 1935 to 1950 and by G. Beauchamp Vick from 1950 to 1975. In past days, it was the most prominent church in the Baptist Bible Fellowship International (BBFI). Vick was one of the founders of the BBFI in 1950 and was president of Baptist Bible College. It was a conservative fundamental Baptist church that eschewed ecumenism, preached strong Bible doctrine, and promoted holy living and separation from the world. It also used only the King James Bible. Preaching in 1975 at the 25th anniversary of the founding of the BBFI, G.B. Vick said:

"It's become fashionable to use many different versions of the Bible today. ... Listen! This King James Version, our English Bible, the Bible of our fathers and mothers, is the one that has come floating down to us upon the blood of Christian martyrs, our forefathers. It has been, I say, the one text of the Baptist Bible College, and it will be as long as I have anything to do with this school! [loud amens and applause] ... Let's stick to the old Book."

In those days at Temple Baptist Church it was the old Book and the old Paths, but that changed in the 1990s.

In 1990 the church got a young new pastor named Brad Powell, and he began to lead the church into a contemporary direction.

The church's music today is described at its web site: "The PRAISE BANDS provide music for all services. The Praise Bands consist of the piano, synthesizer, acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar, and drums."

The church began having CCM concerts in the early 1990s, starting out with the softer rock groups. In September 1993, for example, they had Steve Camp. By October 1996, they featured Michael Card, who is radically ecumenical, working with Roman Catholic John Michael Talbot (who prays to Mary) and claiming that denominational distinctives are not important.

In February 2000 Temple Baptist Church changed its name to Northridge Church of Plymouth, Michigan, after taking a survey of the community and finding out that most people don't like the name Baptist.

The music style of the CCM groups at Northridge Church has gotten ever harder. In September 2003, the church hosted Sonic Flood, and Charlie Hall was scheduled to be there in October. In September 2003, the church was scheduled to host Darlene Zschech (pronounced check), who promotes ecumenism and unscriptural charismatic doctrines and practices.

SOUTHSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH, GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

Consider the example of Southside Baptist Church, Greenville, South Carolina. This church was founded in September 1946. From 1965 to 1996 it was pastored by Walt Handford. His wife Elizabeth is one of the daughters of the famous evangelist John R. Rice, founder of the Sword of the Lord. It was long associated with the Southwide Baptist Fellowship. It was an old-fashioned fundamental Baptist church until the 1990s.

Elizabeth Rice Handford is editorial consultant of Joyful Woman magazine, which in the 1990s began to feature ecumenical personalities such as James Dobson and Elisabeth Elliot, both of whom have close affiliations with the Roman Catholic Church.

In September 1993, the church hosted Ray Boltz for a CCM concert.

In 1993 Southside gave up the King James Bible in favor of the NIV. In support of this move, the speaker at Southside for the Sunday evening service, September 12, 1993, was Kenneth Barker, chairman of the New International Version translation committee.

By 1994 the church had a staff member who was also employed by the extremely ecumenical Campus Crusade for Christ. In an interview with Charisma magazine in 2001, Campus Crusade founder Bill Bright described his philosophy: "I have felt that God led me many years ago to build bridges. I'm a Presbyterian . . . and yet I work with everybody who loves Jesus, whether they be charismatic or Catholic, Orthodox or mainliners. ... I'm not an evangelical. I'm not a fundamentalist."

In 1996, Charles Boyd became pastor of Southside Baptist Church. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, both of which are New Evangelical to the core.

Southside Baptist Church recently changed its name to Southside Fellowship.

ARE THESE MERELY STYLE CHANGES OR ARE THEY DOCTRINAL?

It is good that these churches are changing their names, because they are certainly changing their philosophy of Christianity. In each case, they will profess that they have not changed anything important. Brad Powell of Northridge (formerly Temple Baptist of Detroit) claims that by following church growth guru Bill Hybels of Willowcreek, he has not changed anything of significance. For those who have eyes to see, this subterfuge won't fly. If Temple Baptist Church was right and scriptural in its early days, Northridge Church is wrong today, and if Northridge Church is right and scriptural today, the old Temple Baptist was wrong. The doctrine and practice and philosophy of the old church and the new are not compatible. For the Bible believer, the choice between the contemporary church growth philosophy and the old traditional fundamentalist philosophy is not "both and," it is "either or."

The pastors who follow the contemporary church growth principles claim that they are not changing doctrine, only style. That is simply not true. Many of the so-called "style" changes are doctrinal. To allow church members to dress immodestly like the world without any reproof or correction is a doctrinal issue. To borrow the music that the world uses for sexual pleasure and to incorporate that very music into the church program is a doctrinal issue. To claim that music is neutral is a doctrinal issue. To yoke ecumenically with charismatics and such is a doctrinal issue. To say that preaching should focus on the positive is a doctrinal issue. To take Matthew 7:1 and Romans 14:4 out of context to approve a non-judgmental, doctrinally non-controversial approach to the Christian ministry is a doctrinal issue. To use community surveys for planning church policy is a doctrinal issue. To adopt a New Evangelical philosophy is a doctrinal issue.

When a church changes its "style" in these areas, it is undergoing a radical doctrinal change; and continual boasting to the contrary is mere noise without meaning and only deceives the willfully blind. There is little doubt that J. Frank Norris and G. Beauchamp Vick would consider the current "style" at Northridge doctrinal issues.

CONCLUSION

We believe Gordon Sears was right when he said: "When the standard of music is lowered, then the standard of dress is also lowered. When the standard of dress is lowered, then the standard of conduct is also lowered. When the standard of conduct is lowered, then the sense of value in God's truth is lowered."

And Frank Garlock is correct when he observes, "If a church starts using CCM it will eventually lose all other standards" (Garlock, Bob Jones University Chapel, March 12, 2001).

A word to the wise is sufficient. "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump" (1 Cor. 5:6; Gal. 5:6).

--David Cloud

Birthday

2008-06-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today is My 16th Birthday!!!

Summer Plans

2008-06-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Today I leave for Camp Victory for the Summer! The Lord has blessed me with this opportunity to serve for the entire summer. Don't worry I am planning on coming home sometime. My posts will be a little sparse this summer. If you are desperately in need of some good reading, take a look at the blogs listed on my page towards the bottom on the right. Have a great summer!

Vote Democrat

2008-06-03T13:55:00.001-07:00

Looks a little like the last days to me. While it is sad it's exciting at the same time!

Revival Time

2008-06-02T12:46:00.001-07:00

I would like to take this time to encourage each and every reader to take about 15 minutes everyday on top of your devotions and listen to North Valley's Revival Time program. It is spiritually uplifting and you will receive a lot scripturally within that time. I promise you will enjoy it!

http://www.nvbc.org/RevivalTime/

Gone

2008-05-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Please pray for our family while we are at a Camp Meeting at Camp Victory for the remainder of the week. Check back on Monday for updates on the week. I'm really looking forward to hear Brother Tony Hudson preach again.

Terrorists Can See it but Bob Jones and Baptists Can't?

2008-05-27T18:12:00.001-07:00

Last week there was an article on the Fox News web site about an islamic web site created by a man in North Carolina. Among other things, the moslem man wrote:
"As for conquering the world, then yes. We will conquer the world with the Qur'aan in one hand and the Gun in the other and we will fight until Islaam is supreme over all lands in order to guide humanity from the darkness of governments and religions and into the broad light of Islaam."
Of course, we all knew already that they want to conquer the world. They have stated that again and again, and they have proven that they will resort to cold-blooded murder in order to advance their cause.
But, the next paragraph was particularly poignant:
"And how come the Qur'aan has no versions but the Bible has many? How can the Bible be trustworthy with so many different versions?""Sounds quite demonish to me for someone to follow something that has foundations which are outstandingly weak, contradictory and illogical."
How ironic that the pagans can see the truth about the Bible versions issue so much more clearly than most Christians! If we can't decide among ourselves what our "Holy Book" says, who in the world is going to take Christians seriously?
How foolish we must look to the unsaved, when they see us toting around dozens of different "Bible" versions – all saying different things – claiming all of them are the Word of God.
How foolish we must look, when they open up one of our Bibles and see footnotes which cast doubt upon whether or not a verse or portion of Scripture really belongs in the Bible.
How foolish we must look, when they open the cover of our Bible and see that it is copywrited by human authors.
Let us pray that Christians will open their eyes and see what infidels and unbelievers already see so clearly. We can't have 100 books that say very different things and call them all "The Bible". We can't use translations based upon a greek manuscript that didn't exist anywhere in the world before the 1870's (there go the NIV, NASV, NKJV, et al.).
Let's return to the King James Version, the 100% accurate Word in English, translated from the manuscripts used by Christians throughout the ages. It just makes sense.
*supplied by Baptist Ministries at baptistministries.us/blog

Question: "What is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis?"

2008-05-25T19:28:00.001-07:00

Question: "What is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis?"

Answer: Exegesis and eisegesis are two conflicting approaches in Bible study. Exegesis is the exposition or explanation of a text based on a careful, objective analysis. The word exegesis literally means "to lead out of." That means that the interpreter is led to his conclusions by following the text.

The opposite approach to Scripture is eisegesis, which is the interpretation of a passage based on a subjective, non-analytical reading. The word eisegesis literally means "to lead into," which means the interpreter injects his own ideas into the text, making it mean whatever he wants.

Obviously, only exegesis does justice to the text. Eisegesis is a mishandling of the text and often leads to a misinterpretation. Exegesis is concerned with discovering the true meaning of the text, respecting its grammar, syntax, and setting. Eisegesis is concerned only with making a point, even at the expense of the meaning of words.

Second Timothy 2:15 commands us to use exegetical methods: "Present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." An honest student of the Bible will be an exegete, allowing the text to speak for itself. Eisegesis easily lends itself to error, as the would-be interpreter attempts to align the text with his own preconceived notions. Exegesis allows us to agree with the Bible; eisegesis seeks to force the Bible to agree with us.

The process of exegesis involves 1) observation: what does the passage say? 2) interpretation: what does the passage mean? 3) correlation: how does the passage relate to the rest of the Bible? and 4) application: how should this passage affect my life?

Eisegesis, on the other hand, involves 1) imagination: what idea do I want to present? 2) exploration: what Scripture passage seems to fit with my idea? and 3) application: what does my idea mean? Notice that, in eisegesis, there is no examination of the words of the text or their relationship to each other, no cross-referencing with related passages, and no real desire to understand the actual meaning. Scripture serves only as a prop to the interpreter's idea.

To illustrate, let's use both approaches in the treatment of one passage:

2 Chronicles 27:1-2
"Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. . . . He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done, but unlike him he did not enter the temple of the LORD."

EISEGESIS
First, the interpreter decides on a topic. Today, it's "The Importance of Church Attendance." The interpreter reads 2 Chronicles 27:1-2 and sees that King Jotham was a good king, just like his father Uzziah had been, except for one thing: he didn't go to the temple! This passage seems to fit his idea, so he uses it. The resulting sermon deals with the need for passing on godly values from one generation to the next. Just because King Uzziah went to the temple every week didn't mean that his son would continue the practice. In the same way, many young people today tragically turn from their parents' training, and church attendance drops off. The sermon ends with a question: "How many blessings did Jotham fail to receive, simply because he neglected church?"

Certainly, there is nothing wrong with preaching about church attendance or the transmission of values. And a cursory reading of 2 Chronicles 27:1-2 seems to support that passage as an apt illustration. However, the above interpretation is totally wrong. For Jotham not to go to the temple was not wrong; in fact, it was very good, as the proper approach to the passage will show.

EXEGESIS
First, the interpreter reads the passage and, to fully understand the context, he reads the histories of both Uzziah and Jotham (2 Chronicles 26-27; 2 Kings 15:1-6, 32-38). In his observation, he discovers that King Uzziah was a good king who nevertheless disobeyed the Lord when he went to the temple and offered incense on the altar—something only a priest had the right to do (2 Chronicles 26:16-20). Uzziah's pride and his contamination of the temple resulted in his having "leprosy until the day he died" (2 Chronicles 26:21).

Needing to know why Uzziah spent the rest of his life in isolation, the interpreter studies Leviticus 13:46 and does some research on leprosy. Then he compares the use of illness as a punishment in other passages, such as 2 Kings 5:27; 2 Chronicles 16:12; and 21:12-15.

By this time, the exegete understands something important: when the passage says Jotham "did not enter the temple of the LORD," it means he did not did not repeat his father's mistake. Uzziah had proudly usurped the priest's office; Jotham was more obedient.

The resulting sermon might deal with the Lord's discipline of His children, with the blessing of total obedience, or with our need to learn from the mistakes of the past rather than repeat them.

Of course, exegesis takes more time than eisegesis. But if we are to be those unashamed workmen "who correctly handle the word of truth," then we must take the time to truly understand the text. Exegesis is the only way.

*This article is credited to gotQuestions.org

Be Thou My Vision

2008-05-21T18:13:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,

It is May 22nd of 2008. Wow! the year's not over but a whole lot has
happened. I am ending the school year today, so I thought it
appropriate to reflect back on the happenings of my sophomore year. I
guess we'll just start from the beginning.
We at CCS always start out the year with a school camp of some kind.
This year we went to a place called "Rainbow Camp." It has been around
for a while, so there is not significance to the name. The atmosphere
was great and we heard some powerful preaching. It was really a
refreshing time to get away with the whole high school student body
and the faculty. Among the activities was: a mudslide(which I did not
participate in......KC did!), a giant swing, paint-balling, and
activities that involved the whole school. It was a lot of fun. At
the time I was running a fever and very sick but I still enjoyed
myself quite a bit.
We returned home to begin the 2007-08 school year. My sophomore
class consists of 14 godly students who seek to serve the Lord in
every aspect of their life. We continued on in our legacy as "the
perfect class" this year. We welcomed a new student into our "class
family." His name is Joseph and he makes up the entire CCS track and
field team. He won 1st at a few of his meets!
For the past few years I have been a part of the CCS Bible Quiz
team. We travel throughout the midwest (plus a few other states)
competing to see how much knowledge of the Bible we can retain and
recite the fastest. It more than that but that is a basic overview.
We traveled to three tournaments and took first place in the state of
Indiana. We then traveled to Nationals and competed against about 40
states and took eighth place. (We'll talk more about Nationals later.)
I was also blessed and privileged to be a part of the CCS Ensemble.
This is a select group of students that travel and sing. I am also
part of the Colonial Concert Choir which performs for concerts and
state competitions. We went to state competition and won first place
with the songs : "Live-A-Humble" and "Before the Throne of God."
After winning state we traveled to the national competition at BJU and
won 2nd place out of the 46 states that were represented. We also
recorded a CD featuring 7 of our favorite songs from the year. That
was our fourth CD that we have made.
Well, I guess it would be appropriate to talk about the National
competition that I have made reference to a couple times. We traveled
down to BJU. It was so cool! The BJ campus was amazing. I
especially enjoyed the music and services that took place in the
amphitorium. Yes, Amphitorium is a word. The place was huge. I was
able to hear Dr. Bob Jones III, Chancellor and his son President
Steven Jones speak. My favorite was the main speaker. His name was
Steve Roberson. He is the son of the famous Rev. Lee Roberson. They
are both King James preachers. It was a breathe of fresh air to hear
that kind of preaching at Bob Jones.
I took several great classes this year which included: English 10,
Bible Quiz, Geometry, Speech I, and World History. Each class was
unique and enjoyable. I'm really looking forward to moving on next
year.
I was also on the yearbook staff. It has been my honor to serve as
the acting Business Manager for the Chronicle. It is a fun but
demanding job. I am in the running for the editor position next
year. Our theme this year was "Be Thou My Vision." That song has
been a blessing and challenge in my life. Fifty years ago Colonial
Hills Baptist Church was started in the building that is now called
the Annex. The ministry was founded by Dr. Wendell Heller, who had a
desire from God to start a church on the northeast side of
Indianapolis. Years later, in 1976, Colonial Christian School was
started by Dr. Heller and the church to provide a quality Christian
education for the children of the church and for others who wanted the
same valued education. In 1998 the Heller wing was added to
accommodate a growing church and school, just two years before I
went. These buildings which I have mentioned, though very nice are
just brick and mortar. This school is not just a place to learn
academics, but it is a place to be trained to serve our almighty and
great God. It is not what we are, but who He is. It is not what we
appear; it is Who we see through eyes of faith. We are striving
always to see and serve He who is invisible until the day that we
standing His presence and answer for the investment of time and
resources as faithful stewards. Until then our pray at CCS is "Be
Thou Our Vision."
Today I move on to another ministry the Lord has made provision for
me to be apart of. I will be serving my Lord at the Camp Victory of
Somerset Kentucky. I can't wait to get there. I will spend the
entire summer there under the direction of Evangelist George Griffiss
and the many preachers who will be present on campus throughout the
summer. Thanks for taking time to allow me to reminisce about the
school year and foreshadow God's plans for my summer. More will be
coming soon!

Guard Your Heart

2008-05-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Pro 23:26

My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.

My Grandfather once wrote: " Raising children in a Christian home is a ministry all in itself. It is a task that is the work of a lifetime. Contrary to society's philosophy of turning children out at age eighteen, there is no place found in Scripture which indicates or insinuates such a practice. Even though there is a point where an individual becomes accountable for their own decisions and actions, parents are still responsible for prayer and counsel.

Christian parents like to use Proverbs 22:6 as a "safety net" for raising children, but an important element seems to be overlooked in many cases and that is getting the heart of the child. If a child will not surrender their heart to the parent, there will be no training in the way they should go. One father said that if there was a single thing he could go back and do over in the raising of his son, it would be to teach his son to be a "giver" and not a "taker." This man never got the heart of his son and therefore, the boy grew up never having his eyes directed to observe the ways of his father. As a result, he lives a life of self rather than productivity.

How does a parent get the heart of their child? Ask for it. This is what our text indicates. If our Lord asks for the heart of the sinner in order to redeem them, the parent must ask for the heart of the child to raise them. The heart must be surrendered from a free will. Start when they are young. Ask with love. Ask often. Pray the child will be trainable and yielded to instruction. Then you better teach them something or you will raise "Cain" rather than a Christian."

From the perspective of a young person there are many people and things that will ask for your heart. Sports beg for the hearts of young people today. Technology and video games plead for the full attention of our youth. It is the responsibility of the older generation to guide mine in the right direction. There are people within our schools, churches, and family that will ask for our heart. The thing you give your heart to is the thing that you become servant to. You will become like the one you give your heart to. Notice in the verse at the top that Solomon says, "give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways." Don't give your heart to someone you don't want to be like.

Pro 23:17

Let not thine heart envy sinners: but [be thou] in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

Don't give your heart to sinners. (the world) I know that I've envied people that seem to get away with sin, but we need to be careful and guard our heart.

Pro 23:12

Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

I have also seen men in my life that have turned their ears away from the instruction of godly men. Be careful who you give your heart to. Your heart belongs to a godly leader in your life hopefully you have a Christian parent or grandparent. If not give your pastor your heart. Ultimately it belongs to God. Don't give your heart to anyone to who it does not belong. Allow Christ to Guard your Heart.

Vision

2008-05-15T16:23:00.001-07:00

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Let us First notice Christ's sight. In verse 36 Christ had a sight first for the harvest which is people. He recognized that the harvest is precious. Thank the Lord we are precious to our Savior. He also knew that the harvest is plenteous and perishing. Christ also saw the need for helpers. 10:1 And when he had called unto [him] his twelve disciples, he gave them power [against] unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Christ gave the helpers power. 14:19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to [his] disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. He will also supply his helpers with provision.

Secondly, let's take a look at His Stirring. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Christ was Moved. First we see he was moved with compassion. He love toward the multitude and not just criticism as we do so many times. In verse 38 we also see Christ made a prayer request. My pastor once said this is the only prayer request Jesus ever makes in scripture. It must be important then. After Christ's prayer request, he ministered. Do we have the Vision Christ had in scripture?

Quote for Today

2008-05-08T14:41:00.001-07:00

This is a quote from Rev. Charles Savage, II pastor of Freedom
Baptist Temple.

"The path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked."

SCHOOL PLAY!

2008-05-03T14:03:00.001-07:00

If you would like to view great photos of our school play visit my home page @

www.faithspianist.blogspot.com

Scroll down to the bottom

Prom?

2008-05-03T13:52:00.001-07:00

Dear Readers,

It's around this time of year when you hear about proms and such at schools. I would like to invite all of you to view a few teens who decided to skip out on the prom and its activities and have some fun while representing the Lord. Let me just tell you that if you went or are planning on going to a "prom" that is a wicked decision. Take a look at the fun you can have while being a Christian.

http://picasaweb.google.com/preacherskid1611/FBCPrim

www.faithspianist.blogspot.com

Play

2008-05-02T03:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Y'all pray for me on Friday May 2nd. I will be performing as one of
Joseph's brothers in an Academy of the Arts drama "God Meant it For
Good. I'm really nervous. I have just discovered that I have no
hidden acting talent. I think I'll stick with God's calling on my
life. LOL

Dating is for Dummies, but Courting is for Christians

2008-04-29T17:37:00.001-07:00

This is a message that our pastor has preached several times. I would like to share the basic outline with you.

A great example of someone who "dated" the wrong way was Dinah. We find her story in Genesis 34. She went out into the world where she shouldn't have been. By placing herself in the way of temptation she was defiled by a man of the land. She then polluted the name of her family. All of this could have been avoided if she wouldn't stayed under the training of her parents and if her parents and brothers would have been training and protecting her the way they ought to.

I. Dating provides temptation. (Romans 13:14, Ephesians 4:27, James 1:14)

A. Isolated conditions play a part in temptation.

B. Double dating with inappropriate companions provides temptation.

C. Imitation of colleagues such as we see on television or at school is a temptation. The consequences of these temptations are not clear until it happens to you.

II. Dating promotes Touching.

Our pastor will expound upon this a whole lot, but I will just provide you with a quote that he gives. "Touch not...Taste not" If you start with inappropriate handholding or hugging it will develop into things that are most especially inappropriate.

III. Dating Pollutes a Testimony ( I Thes. 5:22 , Romans 14:16)

A. Maintaining a good testimony is a responsibility you have to your family.

B.. It is also a responsibility you have to your future mate. You should be able to say that you have kept yourself completely pure for them.

IV. Dating Prevents Training. (I Samuel 3:12-13)

Remain under the training of an elder for as long as possible. This is why Christians court under the supervision of a parent or their pastor.

Handfuls of Purpose

2008-04-29T17:16:00.001-07:00

Ruth 2:16 And let fall also [some] of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave [them], that she may glean [them], and rebuke her not.

The phrase I would like to point out to you is: "handfuls of purpose." Boaz has commanded his servants to leave barley so that Ruth may pick them up. He has decided that life is going to be easier for Ruth. He intentionally leaves handfuls for Boaz Ruth to receive. Our eternal Boaz, Almighty God, intentionally leaves handfuls of purpose for us in many locations. Let us together take a look at both the supplier of these blessings and the servant that receives them both in scripture and as it relates to our day to day lives. First we find that Boaz is the equivalent to God (our spiritual kindsman redeemer.) These two are the suppliers of the handfuls of purpose. Their relationship to us is both kindsman and redeemer. Their instruction to us is that we might glean only in their fields. The field of Boaz is like the Bible. (KJV) Don't look for your sustenance in the field of another. We as the servants must heed the instruction of the supplier. We are commanded to seek out those handfuls of purpose. We are also to give back some of what we receive. The first thing Ruth did was give to her mother-in-law who had provided for her in the first place. God supplies us with money. Give him his ten percent, help the church, and supply for the missionaries. God has supplied for us in so many ways. Let's heed the suppliers instruction, receive the handfuls of purpose, and give back to our Redeemer.

How To Have More

2008-04-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

Job 42:12 So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning.

Our pastor was preaching a message along these lines but the Lord showed me some things through the book of Job that were a little different. I would like to share a few of them with you today. Many people today are looking for more in life and they want it to be free. Well, it does take something to increase. The first thing you have to have is salvation. After that, the things you want will change so more in life will be a little different than what you think. A beginning step to having more is to prepare for the path. In order for God to bless you, you must prepare yourself by having a surrendered or humble spirit like Job in chapter 40 and verse 4. You must also prepare for the hostility you will experience as is mentioned in Job 6:15. The second step to having more is the price that must be paid. The price in a Christian's life could be happiness for a short time. It could be your family. We see Job go through these things and many more. But, with the Path we take and the Price we pay we will discover the privilege of prosperity. You will find power with God, the Peace of God, the Protection by God, and giving the Praise to God. If you truly want more in life you'll have to prepare for the path and pay the price, but you will discover the privilege of prosperity.

Update on Nationals

2008-04-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

For all who were wondering our Bible quiz team placed 8th out of 30 states that were represented at the National Level. Our Choral Group placed 2nd out of 40 states that were represented at the National Competition. The Lord allowed us more than we thought we could attain. It was all God. If you would like to order our CD just send me an email @ jlgroves2@pastorgroves.com and I'll be happy to give you the pricing and ordering information.

A Question for some Thought

2008-04-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

I have had many peers that have said my articles on music are way too conservative. In response to questioning Biblical music standards I submit to you some questions.

Would you allow ALL the instruments on your church's platform as play in a soundtrack you allow to be used in your service? Would you allow an electric guitar and a full drum set behind your pulpit for praise and worship of our God? How long can we live in the gray areas? Can we maintain a stand for the King James Bible and allow our music ministries to slip slowly into worldliness? I'm afraid these questions must be answered by you.

Birth Announcment

2008-04-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

ANNOUNCING!

The birth of Joseph James Franklin Wilson.

Born on April 13th @ 11:01 A.M.

8 pounds 14 ounces.

I am now the proud cousin of three young boys: James Cecil Kurtis, Benjamin Marcus, and the newest addition Joseph Wilson!

CCM? Part 1

2008-04-14T13:24:00.002-07:00

What Is CCM?

Music is very important in the worship of God. Because of this importance, it is the focus of much attack by the world. In attempts to water down and pervert the gospel message of music we have been introduced into what is called “contemporary Christian music.” For time and space’s sake we will abbreviate this as CCM. The first question that comes into the mind of most people is, “what is CCM?” This question will be addressed in categories that classify as song as contemporary.
I think as we examine what makes a song Contemporary you will be surprised to find that some of the songs you have grown to love may be unacceptable in worship. I think an appropriate way to start would be to examine what the word worship means. The word worship is an English word, which means reverence or devotion. In my sophomore English class we learn to dissect words down to the root, prefixes, and suffixes. The word worship is broken down into two words: WORTH, which means to honor, and SHIP which means to create. So, worship literally means to create honor. Obviously as Christians this honor should be directed completely toward God. Strong’s Concordance translates the Hebrew word shachah to worship. This Hebrew word means ‘to prostrate, to bow oneself down, to humbly beseech.’ So worship should be a humble adoration of our Almighty God. These performers (because that is what they are) who exalt themselves while singing are not truly worshiping God. So as we approach a song we need to consider what worship is. Does this song exalt me over God. Do the vocals and/or music cause me to be the focus rather than God. I am in no way saying that those with great voices should not sing. There are people who I love to hear because through their voice they cause me to focus on the message of the song. We should however be careful not to do a lot of sliding with our notes or dancing around, for lack of a better term, on stage. Our voice and actions can cause a song not to be worshipful by taking the focus off of God and placing it on us. In the beginning stages of Rock and Roll, performers acted out these gyrations that were suggestive on purpose. Because of the blend of Rock and Gospel music, CCM singers have incorporated movements that resemble these. Now I ask you, “Is that truly worshiping God?” The reason that most CCM singers sing those particular songs is because they long for the attention/fame that their old Rock music provided for them. It is terrible that they deceive so many people today. Some sing these songs blindly, but I believe that most perform not to worship God, but to boost their egos in a spiritual manner. So we have come to the realization that the singer plays a very important part in the effectiveness of the song.
Finding fault or worldliness in a performer is not the most difficult part of the process to discovering what Contemporary music is. I have personally found that I have blindly listened to and sung songs that are indeed contemporary in nature. One of the first things you should look at to find a contemporary song is the drum beat. Some Traditional people will tell you that there is no room for drums in music. That is not so. Drums of many kinds have always been and were used in Bible times as well. The problem we face in our churches today is a drum that is used for rhythmic purposes. Rhythm is a wonderful thing to have especially when you love music. Without it your music is nothing. The problem we have is that the drum set has a tendency in every song to sound out what is called a backbeat. I will explain this concept to the best of my ability. Every song has a particular beat to it. When you listen to a song count to four. You will find that if it is a good song the emphasis will be on the number one mainly and a shorter beat on the number three. This is how music should be. Because this rhythm was created by God and manifested through our heartbeats we have a natural tendency to sing songs easily this way. The reason most people have trouble learning those 7/11 choruses is because there is a change in the beat. 98% of the time if there is a drum that is heard in a song (classical excluded) it is playing the backbeat and is therefore classified musically as: POP, soft rock, or CCM as we have come to know. I have always personally enjoyed listening to music. I loved many groups that called themselves Southern Gospel Quartets and such as that. I have come to find through my study of not only Biblical music principles but also the scientific aspect of music that these songs are unacceptable. You might be thinking, “Jon, this is way too conservative. There is no need to go to this extreme. Our choir at church sings songs that have a drum set present in it. As long as it is muted it is o.k.” My friend, we have been blinded by the change and shift in society that we believe so long as we are somewhat separate from the world we are all right. This is not the case at all. You will find that most churches have either good music or good preaching. I have not found many churches that have everything in line in both of those areas. I am in no way telling you that you must leave your church because of the unacceptable choir music or specials. I simply compel you to make it known that you are not a proponent of this change in standards. It has truly been a slow hill that our churches have fallen down. You may not be at the bottom, but take heed that your churches not continue on this constant spiral. However good the words sound they CAN and ARE ruined by the worldly music that accompanies it.

I will continue a series on godly music. Trust me. This is only part 1!

Traveling

2008-04-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

This is an informative post. I will traveling to Bob Jones University this week for the American Association of Christian School's National Competition. I will be competing in Bible Quizzing that takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday out of the books of Romans and James. I will also be competing with a vocal ensemble. We will also be recording a CD on Thursday. Please pray for all of these endeavors. I will attempt to email posts from the BJU network but if not I'll talk with y'all next week.

Godly Music Defined

2008-04-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

Over the past many years music has been an issue of major controversy in every Christian circle. People have left our Baptist churches because they are after the music and music programs offered by other liberal churches. It seems that people are more after the entertainment they can obtain from a service rather than the praise they can give God. Preachers have struggled to defend a Biblical view on what godly music is. Godly music is not something that evolves with time. Yes, the methods by which we enjoy it have changed greatly as technology evolves, but our standards cannot move with the world. I would like to show you what good godly music is and is not, with Biblical and scientific proof to back it up.
First let’s look at some scientific facts to get us started. If you do your science research you will discover that sound waves are the basis and lowest molecular state of anything. Beyond the cell, molecule, and atom is sound. This is supported in the Bible too if you think about it. God spoke everything into existence. So, God spoke everything into existence. Then what did he do? He turned around and made a whole mess of angels whose sole purpose was to praise God with music. Apparently God really likes sound, and more specifically music. Well as you know, everything was great until mankind had to go and mess things up. After the fall of man in the garden, everything God had ever created was corrupted by sin. Nothing in space and time save our Lord Jesus Christ and His Word have been perfect. So you are thinking, “Jon, what are you getting at?” Well, I have given you all of that so that you might remember one thing: God created music for his glory, but sin has perverted it in many forms.
Well music is not perfect, but neither are you and you can still serve God. So we come to the question, “what music is it exactly that is praising to God?” The Bible tells us in Romans 8:8 that they that are in the flesh cannot please God. If you are not presenting the right sacrifice of praise you are NOT pleasing God. As Cain found out in the book of Genesis, God has given specific instructions on what sacrifice he wants. So, what should our music be like? What should it do for the believer and unbeliever? First we find that our body is the temple of God (I Corinthians 3:16). We should always take care of His temple. Contemporary Christian music or CCM along with all of its kind (eg. Rock and Roll, Country/Western, and Pop) are known by doctors to affect your heartbeat. Music that has its origins in the world tends to have a beat that is contrary to our body’s natural rhythm. By listening to things that are not glorifying to God will affect your health. Our music should be healthy for our body. Secondly, our music should be joyful. God commands us in Psalms 100, Ephesians 5:19, and James 5:13 to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Music is split up into several subdivisions. One of these subdivisions is the singer. If the artist of a particular song sounds like they are in pain, more than likely they are putting on a show. God hates this. God judges the heart of the singer and listener to find what is glorifying to him. God reveals this principle in Luke 16:15. If your music is more focused on the problems and not God’s promises, the storm and not the Savior, the cause and not the solution, then you are not listening to / singing something that is glorifying to God. Thirdly, our music should be clear in its message. I have tried to listen to songs from different groups claiming to be Christian and have found myself perplexed at the message of encouragement they are attempting to convey. God says in I Corinthians 14:33 that he is not the author of confusion. Anything that God wants you to know he will show you clearly. God commands in Colossians 3:16 that we teach and admonish with our music. Our music should be healthy for our bodies, joyful to our God, and straightforward in its message.
We have gone through what music should be. You might say, “Jon, I know that there is good and bad music. I listen to the good stuff at church. There is a type for church and a type for whenever. As long as we don’t have it at church it is o.k. to listen too. Why can’t I have two types of music or maybe just that gray area CCM?” Dear reader, we cannot live on the fence between Christianity and worldliness. The worldliness side will always win when you ride the fence. God commands us in I John 2:15 not to love the world or the things in the world. Why is this necessary? It is necessary because in I Peter 2:9 God also tells us to be a peculiar people. Christians should be separated in every aspect to God. If faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God then our music should be completely different from the world’s in every aspect. It is so sad to listen to the “wicked music of the 50’s” and find that it is more meaningful, clear, and glorifying to God that the “Christian” music of today. Now, you will say, “NO! that 50’s music wasn’t more praising to God. You have to look past the music and get to the words. Then you can find what is godly and what is not.” That my friend is where many are stumbling today. As we mentioned earlier music is subdivided into many categories. Another of these subdivisions in the music itself. So now we have 1. The message; 2. The singer; and 3. The music. If any of these are out of place that music is no longer glorifying to God. Just listen to the music you like. If an instrument that is used in most every worldly song is prominent especially over the words there is a problem. If you find that an electric guitar, a drum set, or any other instrument that is not a traditional Christian element is present and/or prominent you my friend have a problem. Just to clarify what is meant by a traditional Christian element we are referring to instruments that do not maintain a rhythmic beat. A piano, an orchestra, or any other melodic/harmonic instrument are acceptable. Drums are said by some to be evil. They are not if they are used properly. Orchestras use all kinds of drums. However, if the drums you are referring to sound like a rock band’s then you are listening to something that is not glorifying to God. Any instrument can be used wrongly so be careful what you are listening to. I am not a super conservative. I love the old convention style music and up-beat piano music. But this riding the line “Gospel” music is sinful and not pleasing to God. When someone hears your song they will want to do one of two things. They will either praise God or move to the music. Of course, fast music is no problem, (I’m the church pianist so most of our congregational music is up beat.) but a song formed around percussion instruments is not of God. If you want to see if your music is acceptable just compare it with Ephesians 5:6-11 and Colossians 3:16.
We have come to the end of our discussion. We have looked at what music should do and what kind we should have. We will thirdly and lastly look at where we can have it and what we can have. Of course, in the minds of many people there is one standard for church and another for home. We addressed that problem in the last paragraph but we will look at why a gray area is simply nonexistent. I put to you the question, “Are you saved?” I hope that your answer is yes. If it is, then you realize that according to I Corinthians 6:19 ye are not your own. You completely belong to God. In II Corinthians 5:12 we find that we are a new creature. We cannot live in righteousness and keep the things from our worldly past. We need to deny ungodliness in any form according to Titus 2:12. If you are a friend of the world you are defined in James 4:4 and an enemy of God. My friend, whether I have convinced you of anything today just consider the verse that Paul used in I Corinthians 6:12. What you listen to or sing may be “lawful” for you and you may be fully convinced that it is on the line. Just remember that things could be lawful but not expedient. Do not place yourself under the power of anything other than God and something that is completely inspired by him. Our music should be healthy, clear, convicting, and completely belonging to GOD.

Exciting New Music

2008-03-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

As most of you know, music is a very important aspect of my life. I am always excited to find some new and touching conservative gospel music. I would like to encourage all of you to look up the Daybreak Quartet and also the Perry's new CD : Look No Further. The song that is most touching is called, "The Potter Knows the Clay." This song speaks of how we are the clay that the potter is very familiar with. To quote: "the potter knows the clay, how much testing it can take, how many times around the wheel until there's submission to his will." No matter what rough spot you may have or what problem in your life, The Potter Knows The Clay. I would encourage you to look up and purchase this CD as it will be a blessing to your heart.

- Jon L. Groves, II

The Scars of Sin

2008-03-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

In the context of this chapter Mary and others have gone to the tomb to find Jesus' body. Of course It wasn't there. AMEN! They return to the disciples to share the good news and the disciples are doubting whether or not the women are telling the truth. Jesus appears to the disciples later and we see in this verse where he shows them the scars that he bears on his earthly body. Now if you know you Bible, Jesus has appeared before Mary and when she went to touch him he told her not to because he was in his glorified body. What I found to be odd was that Jesus Christ in his glorified body, bore the scars of sin. Christian, today you may bear the scars of sin and strife in your life. These scars may be physical like a tatoo or a spiritual stain on your soul, but you can still serve Christ. Christ who was perfect in every aspect of his humanity bore the scars that sin had left. Don't be discouraged and hindered by your sinful past. Separate yourself completely from the world and focus on the person of Jesus Christ constantly and completely. Don't let the world and its pressures hold you back. Like Peter we need to stop focusing on the pressure (the storms of life) and focus on the person. "I press toward the mark." Fully Rely on God!