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Music Appreciation
CGG WeeklyMusic holds a profound place in human culture and in the relationship between mankind and God. It is a powerful medium that has been regarded with extraordinary importance throughout history, used in various facets of life. Music captures and expresses thematic content, evoking emotions and preparing listeners for experiences, much like it introduces and shapes the narrative of a story. In the history of ancient Israel, music was central to life, used in songs to praise and worship God, as well as in everyday greetings and farewells. God Himself provided inspired collections of songs, such as the Psalms and the Song of Songs, expressing His nature and relationship with humanity. He even describes Himself as a composer, giving songs through inspiration, revealing His high regard for music. Music serves both spiritual and practical purposes. In one instance, David played his harp to soothe King Saul's troubled mind, transforming his mental state from torment to peace. This demonstrates music's power to change our mode of thinking, from stress to peace or fear to comfort, allowing God to use it to transform us. During worship, He commands His children to perform before Him, filling their hearts and minds with the sentiment of the music, humbling themselves in His presence. However, music's significant influence requires careful consideration of the spirit it carries, as satan, created with musical talents, can confer rebellious attitudes through it. In another instance, at the completion of Solomon's Temple, Levitical singers and priests with trumpets praised God in absolute unity, creating a beautiful, unified sound. In response, God filled the Temple with a cloud, signifying His approval. This shows that participating in music unifies those involved in a common experience, allowing them to express and share emotions and mental conditions with others. Singing hymns together fosters harmony and oneness of mind among believers before God. Music's dual effects—transforming emotional and mental states and unifying groups in shared experiences—highlight its importance to God. It enables believers to be in harmony, mentally and vocally, with one another during worship. This unity and expression of joy and praise should extend beyond hymns, reflected in everyday lives as a service and example to others, akin to the beauty of David's songs. Lives should be conducted according to God's Word, like musicians following sheet music, until singing a new song in perfect unity with the Father and Son in the Kingdom of God.
Music and Cultural Freefall
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe lyrics of popular songs show that what is on young Americans' minds is sex, rebellion, violence, and a feeling of exclusion. This bodes ill for the future.
Is It Proper to Use Musical Instruments to Worship God?
Bible Questions & AnswersThe Bible teaches that the use of musical instruments is proper when praising God. Revelation shows that God is praised in heaven with instrumental music.
The Godly Purpose for Music
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasEven music in religion can be a contentious subject! The Bible shows that music is a blessing from God and an appropriate vehicle for praise and worship.
Exalt With Music
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughMusic has an intense power to stimulate the emotions, trigger the imagination, set the mood of services, and serves as a teaching vehicle for instruction.
Psychological Manipulation
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Subtle influences seek to continually shape us; our mental state is influenced by our environment, seeking to move us in a direction away from God.
Things We Won't Get Rid Of
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The United States is of major concern to the world's nations because they witness America's profligate spending and realize that their economic futures are precariously linked to the American economic system. Americans cannot discipline themselves to go without, clinging to portable computers, high-speed internet, smart phones, movies, television, music downloads, pets, booze, coffee, and education. These indeed have become America's idols.
A Cure for News Depression
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The overwhelmingly depressing news must be counterbalanced by edifying news, namely God's Word. The Scripture, with its life-giving words, provides hope.
Our Participation in Services
Commentary by John W. RitenbaughWe should not trivialize the importance of music in helping our meditation and remembering spiritual lessons, especially regarding congregational singing.
Abstaining From Evil
'Ready Answer' by John O. ReidGod does not just want us not to sin, He also wants us not even to appear to be doing evil. We must guard their thoughts, words and deeds at all times.
Evaluating Culture
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughUnder humanistic liberalism, cultural standards exist on a sliding scale, depending on the tastes of the individual. In the end, there are no standards.
Moral Sympathy and Spiritual Confusion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMusic preference is a self-conscious declaration of the community with which people identify. The media has shamelessly pandered to the basest of cravings.
Submitting to Sin?
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughWe must analyze and evaluate everything that enters our minds from the media sources that primarily promote a leftist, secular humanist agenda.
An Exhortation for Young Adults
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Wisdom is not a trait valued or acquired by youth, but takes second place to strength, beauty, or fun. We get too soon old and too late smart.
Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe are open to invisible communication from the spirit world—communication designed to conform us to the course of this world. Recognizing it is vital.
Deuteronomy (Part 3)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur goal shouldn't merely be to be saved, but to finish the spiritual journey God has prepared for us, developing the leadership to help those who follow.
How Does Temptation Relate to Sin?
'Ready Answer' by Martin G. CollinsWe have been called to a life of avoiding, enduring and overcoming temptation. Here is the process of temptation, sin and their products, and destruction.
It's All Relative
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughWe frequently hear our culture labeled as postmodern. What is postmodernism? How is it related to relativism? Most importantly, what does God think?
A Leader in Every Man!
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs Joshua felt fearful at assuming leadership, most men also feel the same trepidation, but God Almighty has placed in their DNA the ability to lead.
A Place of Safety? (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe prophecies concerning the Man of Sin refer to a person with great political power with global significance rather than to a leader of a small church.

Frequencies
Sermon by Ryan McClureHuman bodies have frequencies and react to incoming frequencies. As we live in the Babylonian system, Satan's frequencies penetrate into our nervous systems.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhile drunkenness and gluttony show self-centeredness and lack of discipline, often leading to poverty and ill health, moderation is the way to glorify God.
Jesus in the Feasts (Part Three): Divine King
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe trumpet blast is both a memorial and a proclamation that Almighty God is present, powerful, and personal, reminding us how we must respond.
Rebuilding the Wall
'Prophecy Watch' by StaffA wall is a defense against undesirable forces gaining entrance to what is inside it. Spiritually, we need walls to keep Satan's world out of our lives.