Doubtless many have seen reports on the discovery of a tomb in Jerusalem which the makers of a documentary suggest contains the remains of Jesus and his family.

Scholars have known of this tomb for over 10 years and there has never been so much as a hint of it being the “Family tomb of Jesus” until a book of that title (which is to appear in publication shortly), written by  persons without sufficient training in either archaeology or Biblical studies.

The chief archaeologist of the excavation of the Talpiot tomb has denounced the theory of the documentary’s makers as “nonsense” and that assessment is the assessment of the wider community of biblical scholars and archaeologists.

This “find” is a non- find and has simply been sensationalized and exaggerated for the purpose of selling books and television advertising space.

Rest assured, even if they discovered a tomb in Jerusalem with the name of Jesus inscribed on a box containing bones, there simply is no way, under any circumstances, to prove that those would be the “very bones of Jesus of Nazareth”.

There were a couple of fun things going on in Worship today.  First, one of the children’s classes sang at the opening of the service-

They did a fine job.  It was particularly good to see Ira back after a bout of illness.  And his son with him. 

Shirley had her little grandbaby with her today (along with the happy parents).

And, finally, today we celebrated the dedication of Brittany and Brent’s new baby. 

You see, when you miss worship, you miss rather a lot of fellowship too.

The Purpose of Music in the Modern Church

The Scriptures present only two purposes for music in the church: a) that of worshiping and praising God, and b) that of edifying the saints.

There are over 800 references to music and its use in the Bible. Though music was used in many different settings (on the shores of the Red Sea - Exodus 15, in the courts of the king - I Samuel 16, at the dedication of the temple - II Chronicles 5, in an upper room - Mark 14, in a jail - Acts 16) its purpose remained but these two.

We have no command or example from the Scriptures for music to be used for any other purpose, including the promotion of the singers or musicians involved. Some well-known passages can serve as examples and representative of others presented in God’s Word.

- II Chronicles 5:13 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 …
- Psalm 100:1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord …
- Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
- Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

In Scripture, music serves as opportunity for worshippers to turn their hearts to God and pay homage to his greatness and glory. God is always the object of musical adoration.

In the history of the Church, this, too, has always been the understanding of music’s purpose in the service of worship. Music prepares our hearts for our encounter with God and his Word. Music, in other words, is preparatory. It can set the mood for worship, or it can utterly undermine it.

In the period of the Reformation, in the 16th century, particularly in Switzerland, music had become such a problem that all musical accompaniment was forbidden. Musicians had become performers and the music they performed was aimed not at leading hearts to worship God, but to gaining them fame. Naturally, the Reformers saw this as a problem as it denied God the glory which alone was his. Singing without accompaniment became the normal means of Church music.

In the 18th century, musical accompaniment returned to most Baptist churches, although some still refuse, to this day, to make use of instruments and sing a capella.

Though Baptist churches make use of a variety of forms when it comes to music in the Church, from hymns to praise works, to anthems and the rest, all of them are aimed at turning the heart of the worshipping congregation in the direction of God’s presence. Historically, Baptists are in good company, since that was the purpose of music in both Ancient Israel and the Early Church.

When I am asked, “What do you think of our audience?” I answer, “I know two kinds of audiences only–one coughing, and one not coughing.” — Arthur Schnabel

The Big Emory Baptist Association VBS Clinic is Monday, April 9th at 5 pm- First Baptist Wartburg, or April 28th at Beech Park from 10 am to 1 pm.

Next Saturday, March 3rd, you are cordially invited to Brandon Foster’s wedding at 6 pm.

Week of Prayer for Home Missions: March 4-11; and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering will be received the entire month.

March 16th -17th: Youth Evangelism Conference. Be in prayer for the young people attending, as well as their chaperones!

April 1st -4th: Revival! Pray that God will send it. We can schedule meetings, but only God can soften hearts. Nothing prepares hearts for the celebration of Easter as well as a recommitment to the Risen Christ.

April 8th: Easter Sunday. Our sunrise service will be at 6:30 that morning

Click to enlarge

The thing that impresses me the most about America is the way parents obey their children. — King Edward VIII

And

There was a time when we expected nothing of our children but obedience, as opposed to the present, when we expect everything of them but obedience. — Anatole Broyard

[I'm sure you know as many of that sort of "parent" as I do.]

Preachers in Prison… that’s the theme of the Baptist Collegiate Ministry fund raiser today.  Pastor’s from around the Association were “incarcerated” until their church bailed them out.  Fortunately, none of us had to stay in jail as long as our congregations had hoped!  Below are some photos of some of those incarcerated along with the prison chow line.  Yes, we got lunch!  Click the thumbnail to enlarge.

Our snow policy: we never cancel services.

WATE-TV reports

Carson-Newman College President James Netherton has been appointed an executive vice president at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, officials announced Friday. Netherton will serve as executive vice president of administration and finance at Mercer starting October 1. He’ll stay on as Carson-Newman president through May 31. The move comes a little over four months after a majority of the faculty voted no confidence in Netherton’s leadership, citing declining enrollment and faculty demotions.

It was a long time coming and most certainly expected.  And even desirous.