For centuries, scholars have tried and often failed to give an accurate description of the trinity of God. This has used illustrations such as an egg, water, and other tangible means to try to explain an intangible being. I take a different approach.

Consider music. Like God, music is a trinity; Melody, Harmony, and Rhythm.

God the Father

God the Son

God the Holy Spirit

We see the Trinity at work in Creation.

The Father spoke and Spirit moved over the face of the deep and the Word formed
all things and by Him, all things exist.

We see the Trinity at work in Redemption.

At the baptism of Jesus, the Father spoke, the Spirit descended and the Son of God began his earthly ministry of redemption.

In music, the Melody speaks of the vastness, holiness, and beauty of God and His creation.

“Nothing penetrates the heart faster than the melody,” Carlos Santana.

“The song is ended, but the melody lingers on,” Irving Berlin.

“I’ve forgotten many things, but I’ll never forget a melody,” Michael Jackson.

“Music creates order out of chaos,” Yehudi Menuhin.

“You can study orchestration, you can study harmony and theory and everything else, but melodies come from God,” Quincy Jones.

In Harmony, there is the intertwining of at least two tones. They can be dissonant or harmonic, but in either case, they are codependent and coequal. Thus we have a clear picture of the dichotomy of Jesus Christ, the God-man. One hundred percent God and one hundred percent man. The theological term used to describe this is the hypostatic union. (Christ’s humanity and divinity united in one personhood).

The third aspect of the trinity of music is Rhythm. This speaks of movement.

Without it you have one long boring tone like a fog horn. Rhythm, like the Holy Spirit, functions in sync with the melody and harmony, never against them. When the rhythm is out of balance it distorts the picture of God’s character. If the Rhythm throbs— you’re injured. If it pulsates—you’re sick. If it’s offbeat—you’re confused. If it has polyrhythms—you’re having a heart attack. Since God is holy (unique, distinct, and different) it goes without saying that His music should also be the same.

The spoken word involves breath; the movement of air across strings, vocal cords, a reed, etc. In the same way, holy men of God wrote the scripture as they were moved, or carried along by the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God conveyed the Word of God (Jesus Christ) which is the exact expression of the Thoughts of God. In the same way, Rhythm moves the Melody and Harmony along. together, they make music.

There is yet another aspect to the trinity of music that we must explore. In practical application as beautiful as melody, harmony, and rhythm are, they form only one part of the whole. Melody needs participation. The morning stars sang on creation morning, the angels sang the morning of Jesus’s birth. Jesus led His disciples in a hymn after the Last Supper and before He went to the cross. Jesus, speaking of that grand and glorious day in which He gathers His family of believers together said, “Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee, Hebrews 2:12. The Apostle Paul encouraged the church to sing and make melody in our hearts to the Lord.

In Ephesians 5:19, we are instructed to speak to ourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. To sing and make melody in our hearts to the Lord. here is the music; the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs gives us the second part of the whole. Along with the Melody, there is the Message of Music. It is vital to the worship of God that we maintain the highest standard in choosing the words to our worship music. Paul, please give us the guidelines. Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs.

The third aspect goes without saying, but I will mention it as we conclude our thoughts and that is the Focus of Music. We who participate in singing must focus our attention, energy, and praise on Him who is worthy, singing, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.” Revelation 5:12.

By Bryan M. Powell
ACFW, CAG, PCWG
WebSite | Facebook

Excerpts from the book “Biblical Principles for Financial Decisions”

A steward is the Bible word for a manager. Abraham had a steward named Eliezer of Damascus,
who helped Abraham manage his growing wealth (Gen. 15:2). Joseph had a steward in Egypt
who managed his affairs (Gen. 43:19). Elah had a steward in Tirzah named Arza who did not do
such a great job (1 Kings 16:9).

Jesus gave several parables about stewards. One of the best known is found in Luke 16, where
He described an unjust steward who had been wasting his lord’s money. In Luke 12:42, after
delivering a parable, Peter asked Jesus if His words were only for the disciples, or for everyone.
Here was Jesus’ response:

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make
ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that
servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that
he will make him ruler over all that he hath. (Lk. 12:42-44)

From Luke 12, we realize that Jesus has entrusted every one of us with some of His possessions
as a test of our stewardship (management). If we manage well what has been entrusted to us,
then there is the promise of more management to come. If we mismanage our stewardship, then
there is judgment to come. The reward or judgement is based proportionally upon what has been
entrusted into our care.

…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men
have committed much, of him they will ask the more. (Lk. 12:48b)
Understanding that God has entrusted us with a stewardship, how ought we to live?

Stewardship Principle #1

The Lord has entrusted me with His resources, therefore I will not use my money in a way
that would displease God. (Psalm 24:1; Deuteronomy 8:18)

Some people spend much money on entertainment that displeases God. Some people spend much money on causes that displease God. Many Christians spend money on investments that
displease God. Should I invest God’s money into a company that displeases God?

“Would God be pleased with my stewardship?” You cannot justify a 5 percent yield if God
would be dishonored. You cannot justify a 5,000 percent yield if God would be displeased! You
must dive into the Scriptures and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading to determine if God would be
pleased with how you are investing His money.

Stewardship Principle #2

The Lord has entrusted me with His resources, therefore, I will use my money in a way that
would please God. (Luke 14:28)

The converse of the aforementioned principle #1 is also true. What would please God? Those are the causes I will support, those are companies in which I will invest, and those are the companies I will patronize.

The key to making a budget is to ask the question of good, better, and best as it relates to God
and stewardship. How much would God be pleased with my giving line item? How much would God be pleased with my housing payment? How much would God be pleased with my food budget? How much would God be pleased with my entertainment budget?

A budget is your friend. If done correctly, it will help you determine how God would want you to disperse His money. Remember, it all belongs to Him; you have simply been given charge of His money.

Stewardship Principle #3

The Lord has entrusted me with His resources, therefore, I give away my money to God’s
causes. (Romans 12:6-8; 2 Corinthians 8:7)

Giving is a spiritual gift. Some are more talented in the gift of giving, but we can all grow and
abound in this grace if we practice using the gift. We must learn to give according to God’s
principles.

I must, as a good steward, only give to causes with which God would be pleased! If I believe
God would have me deploy some of His funds to feed the poor, should I contribute to a Christian organization that feeds the poor and teaches Christ, or a LGBTQ organization that feeds the poor and teaches abominations? If I believe God would have me deploy His funds to provide water to third world communities, should I contribute to a Christian organization that brings water and the Living Water of Jesus Christ, or to a secular humanitarian effort that provides water, but has no message of hope?

Stewardship Principle #4

The Lord has entrusted me with His resources, therefore, I will also use God’s money to
supply my needs. (1 Corinthians 9:7-10)

Every single thing we have ever been given belongs to God, but God has entrusted to us the
stewardship of it. And the Bible makes it clear that we are to use His resources to supply our
needs. But this must not be done out of order. We must take care of God’s purposes first, and
then we care for our own!

It was to a giving church in Philippi that the promise was given, “My God shall supply all your
need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). It was a promise from Jesus
Himself in Luke 6:38 when He said, “Give and it shall be given unto you.” And it was in the
Sermon on the Mount that Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mt. 6:33). The Lord has set the priorities: God
above self.

Stewardship Principle #5

When my stewardship is right, God may also provide abundance. (Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 5:10)

God has promised to provide for all our needs as we diligently, prayerfully, and carefully take
care of His stewardship (Phil. 4:19). Sometimes, God will even go beyond our needs, and supply
some of our wants! He does this because He is a good God, and as in the parable of the talents,
He chooses to reward those who are faithful.

Not all rewards will be in this life. Most rewards will be reaped in the life to come. But there will
be rewards for those who faithfully administer their stewardship. When the Lord returns, He will reward those who are faithful.

Conclusion:

I believe most Christians get into debt problems when they think their income is all theirs. They
spend it on the abundance they want, and as a result they waste God’s provision for their necessities. Then, they must take on debt to pay for their needs, because they squandered the
talent God provided.

Make a budget. Organize according to God’s plan, prioritizing what is good, better, and best.
Diligently care for the stewardship provided to you by giving, spending, saving and investing
according to what God would have you to do. Don’t splurge on your wants unless God provides
a blessing of abundance above the normal stewardship.

By Rev. Scott McFeters
Pastor of Greater Portland Baptist Church, Gresham, OR.

Here are the first steps to preserving the history of your church.
Note: When possible, write the first and last names of the people that are mentioned. Fifty years from now, no one will member who Mary, or John were.

First Step

When was your church founded?

Who was the founder(s) of your church? Optional, (but still god to know).

Why was your church started? (What were the events that lead your pastor to start your church?)

Second Step

Identify all the pastors that have pastored at your church.

What is the name (Frist and last name) of each one?

What were the dates that each of these pastors ministered at your church?

Start to collect one or two good photos of former pastors of your church.

If you cannot identify the exact dates that a pastor was at your church, do your best to at least find their first and last names and the order in which they ministered at your church. If your church is over 50 years old, it is possible that you will be unable to find the first and last names of all the pastors (if they are not in the church minutes). Sometimes you many only have the first name of a pastor and the name of his wife. (ex. Pr. Phillip and his wife Edna). Put in the information you have on them in your notes or history. It will help those doing research on your church in the future.

Third Step

Who were the founding members of your church? (Use complete names when possible, at least first and last names).

Fifth Step

Eventually you will want to have a photo of each of the pastors that have served as the Senior pastor. A second photo of he and his wife and then another of his family would be nice. Try to get photos from about the time he pastored at your church. If someone pastored your church when he was 19 years old, you may not want a photo of him when he was 88 years old. The church leaders should be the ones responsible for contacting the former pastors (or their families) to ask for photos. It should not be the responsibility of the one writing the church’s history to try to find out where all the former pastors are. When you finish writing the history of your church, put the photos that have been collected in an envelope and name it: “Photos of former pastors.”

Sixth Step

Identify and share a little about the long-time members that have helped the church or been a blessing. Try to write a paragraph or two about each deacon of the church. Sunday school teaches, youth leaders, choir directors, bus directors, or bus captains that served faithfully for years should be written about as well. Important observation: on the back side of each photo, identify who is in the photo and when the photo was taken. For church historians, at least try to identify the decade that the photo was taken.

Seventh Step

Once your Project is completed, have some of the church leaders and/or long-time members read your manuscript to verify the facts and give their input. Then make some copies and distribute them to some of the members and put a copy of it in the church file or safety deposit box for safe keeping. Send a copy to your local genealogical library for them to put in their historical files.

Eight Step

If you are able to collect enough information on your church, put it in print. Amazon and others have print-on- demand book services that a free to use and one only pays for the books printed. There is no minimal run for the author.

Some final observations

What were some of the best years in your church’s existence? Write more about that stage of your church’s history.

As a historian, collect the facts and do not try to interpret why certain events happened. You want the people that read your history to say: “Yes, that is what happened.” You do not want to become involved in an old church fight and reopen a can of worms where people on both sides are going to attack you. You want both sides to be satisfied with what you wrote. It is better not to include certain events in the written history of your church that can cause problems (especially in a short history of just a few pages).

Simi-Halo Effect

Write about the good they did and leave the rest out. Tell about the good that people did and leave out things that could cause you problems later. Do not exaggerate in your praise of them. If someone was arrested for something they did to the church, it is public record and can be mentioned if you deem it necessary. (I would probably leave it out).

What you write today about your church’s history will probably be used as a guide or starting point for all who write something about your church’s history if the future. Verify your facts and dates the best you can.

Do not present as fact dates, events, or names of people involved when you are not certain of the facts. If you have certain doubts about a date or an event at church, note what you are not 100% sure about everything (or better yet, that the members gave conflicting details about a date, or of an event).

Remember: Something is better than nothing. If you only write a short two or three-page history of your church, that will be a longer and more complete local church history than what most churches have (which have nothing written down on paper). A short pencil is better than a long memory.

Should one Include membership lists in a printed History of the church?

All churches should have lists of people that were members of their church. The question is whether one can or should put it in printed form for the public. It has been my practice not to include current or recent membership lists in the church histories I have written and published.

Membership lists that are older (35 to 50+ years old), can help people doing genealogical research nail down when their ancestors were in a certain area.

Olan Mill’s Photo Directories for Church

Olan Mills Photography produced quality church photo directories from 1932 until 2019 when they were bought out by Lifetouch. Many others have provided similar services and some still do even today. These church photo directories are a good place to get a fairly complete list of families that attended a church at a given time. Not everyone listed in a church directory was a member. At times, the wife and a few children were members, but the husband was not.

That being said, published photo directories lists people connected to the church during a certain year. The photos in the directories are copyrighted by the company that took the photos and produced the directory. You cannot use those photos in your book even if a member gives you a photo and says you can use it (they do not own the copyright). The names listed in the book have been public for many years and can be used. Just be sure to reference where the names came from and who published the directory.

If someone does give you a studio photo of a former pastor, graciously accept it, place the pastor’s name on the back of the photo in ink, and put it in the “Photos of former pastors.” Do not use the photo in your book. In 75 or 100 years the church will be able to use the photo once the copyright goes out and the photo becomes “public domain.”

Other Ideas

Once you have a list of former pastors of your church, ask one of your long-time members to write what they can remember about each one of the pastors, his family, or something he did for the church. Once that has been written, do the same for deacons and Sunday School teachers that served for years.

Deacons

Names of current deacons. When did they start serving (ordained). Tell a little something about each deacon. If possible, have each deacon write a brief testimony of Salvation (to have one on file and save).

By S. David Smith

In today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world, staying grounded in our faith can be challenging. Society is filled with conflicting messages, shifting values, and an increasing distance from biblical truth. However, no matter how much the world changes, one thing remains constant—the Word of God.

Studying the Bible is not just a practice for theologians or pastors; it is essential for every believer. It strengthens our faith, provides guidance, and equips us to stand firm in truth. But why is Bible study so crucial, especially in modern times?

1. The Bible Provides Guidance in a Confusing World

We live in an era where truth is often seen as relative, and moral standards are constantly shifting. It’s easy to feel lost or uncertain about what is right and wrong. However, the Bible offers timeless wisdom and absolute truth.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we gain clarity and discernment to navigate life’s challenges. God’s Word is not outdated; it speaks directly to our circumstances today, offering answers to the difficult questions we face.

2. Scripture Strengthens Us in Times of Trial

Modern life is filled with struggles—whether it be financial hardship, emotional stress, or societal pressure. When we study the Bible, we equip ourselves with the spiritual armor needed to face these challenges with faith rather than fear.

Jesus Himself said:

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Through the Word, we are reminded that no matter what difficulties arise, God is in control. The promises of Scripture offer encouragement and hope, helping us stand firm in our faith.

3. Bible Study Deepens Our Relationship with God

Faith is not just about believing in God—it’s about knowing Him. And the best way to know God is through His Word. When we study the Bible, we learn about His character, His love, and His will for our lives.

In today’s digital world, it’s easy to spend hours scrolling through news, social media, or entertainment, yet struggle to find time for Scripture. But investing in Bible study strengthens our relationship with the Lord, helping us grow spiritually and develop a deeper connection with Him.

4. A Strong Biblical Foundation Helps Us Share the Gospel

As believers, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ. However, in a world that is increasingly skeptical of Christianity, we need to be well-equipped to defend our faith.

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” – 1 Peter 3:15

By studying the Bible, we can confidently engage in conversations about faith, answer tough questions, and share the love of Christ with others.

Final Thoughts

In modern times, when distractions and doubts abound, the importance of studying the Bible cannot be overstated. It is our guide, our strength, and our source of truth. At ABBCIS, we are committed to equipping students with a deep understanding of God’s Word so they can stand strong in their faith and impact the world for Christ.

If you are looking for a place to grow spiritually, develop your calling, and build a firm biblical foundation, we invite you to explore what we have to offer.

Stay rooted in the Word. Stay strong in your faith.

By Alberto Kunghel