Keep sharing good news without ads.
BILL SHISHKO,
Pastor of
the Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Franklin Square, NY,
on
“WORSHIP that is ACCEPTABLE to GOD: Its Principles & Practice”
Live from the historic parsonage of 19th century gospel minister George Norcross in downtown Carlisle, Pennsylvania it's iron sharpens iron a radio platform on which pastors Christian scholars and theologians Address the burning issues facing the church and the world today.
Proverbs 27 verse 17 tells us iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another. Matthew Henry said that in this passage quote we are cautioned to take heed whom we converse with and Directed to have in view in conversation to make one another wiser and better.
It is our hope that this goal will be accomplished over the next hour. And we hope to hear from you the listener with your own questions.
Now here's our host Chris good afternoon, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania and the rest of humanity Living on the planet Earth who are listening via live streaming. This is Chris orange and your host of iron sharpens iron wishing you all a happy Wednesday on this ninth day of March 2016.
And I am so delighted to have a return guest who I Definitely have counted among my very favorite guests for years. Including the old iron sharpens iron broadcast and not only that one of my dearest friends.
His name is Bill Shishko. Currently pastoring the Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Franklin Square, Long Island, New York he is a truly gifted and awesome and powerful and biblically faithful preacher teacher Conference speaker and who knows maybe one day author if my prayers are answered.
And today we're going to be discussing a very important and highly debated topic a theme that has sadly created not only controversy controversy, but division amongst the professing body of Christ and This topic today is worship that is acceptable to God its principles and practice.
And it's my honor and privilege to welcome you back to iron sharpens iron Bill Shishko.
Hey, Chris, good to be back with you. What my what a collage you give me? I'm wondering if it's really me that you're talking. As far as writing books Chris, I'm doing it all the time. The Bible talks about writing epistles on the tablet of the human heart.
But by the spirit, so I'm writing books all the time. Amen.
Well, I hope you actually include the ink eventually as well because I think that you definitely you definitely have the gift to pursue that. And in studio with me again is my friend the Reverend Buzz Taylor and.
You two have something in common in that you're both Alumni of Bob Jones University. And on top of that both became Theologically reformed and even Presbyterian even after graduating Bob Jones. That is a good way of looking at it and Buzz won't you tell?
Pastor Bill where you have pastored. Because he was asking before we went on the air.
You never got a chance to answer that. Well, I was the assistant pastor for a couple years in the Independent Baptist Church in Depew, New York, which is near the Buffalo Airport and after that I pastored About 45 miles southeast of Buffalo.
I'm originally from Buffalo, New York. And I pastored in a little town of Sandusky South of Arcade if anybody knows where that is. Nobody knows where Sandusky is if you go 10 miles down the road from Sandusky, New York and say you're from Sandusky.
They say Ohio. Just one of those things but and of course, it's got it's it's a name of him for me now. We won't get into that, but I've also pastored a Church of God in Pennsylvania. That's the of the Church of God General Assembly the Finley, Ohio.
Church of God if you're from a non charismatic Denominator. Wesleyan Armenian predominantly and.
During that time I also went through a stint of Charismania and I was working with the Assemblies of God for a little while in for teen challenge and then all the while moving towards a reformed Presbyterian.
And That job finished when I moved to Maine and my last church was In the capital area of Maine in a little town called Fayette and Then I moved to Pennsylvania and I haven't been ministering I've done a few weddings and things but I have not actually taken a church.
I'm not close to that again.
It's just at this point in my life. It wasn't in the schedule and buzz is currently the member or should I say a member?
A member.
Yeah, I'm not the member. I'm a member. Yes a member of Carlisle reformed Presbyterian Church, which is a PCA congregation. And we are going to be discussing An issue that is rooted today in Hebrews 12 verses 28 through 29 Therefore since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken Let us show gratitude by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.
For our God is a consuming fire and I'm looking forward to having you Exegete that for us pastor bill and then also obviously expand the Topic into the broader areas of what? goes into worship and and we're going to be breaking up the the two hours in To the first hour being the principles of worship and the second hour the practice of worship, but before actually we start talking about that I I Forgot to have you give our listeners an update on yourself and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Franklin Square because people are really Very frequently is more than you might know Asking me if you are already retired or what the case was with Bill Shishko.
So if you could let our listeners know. So they're caught up to speed on that. I'd rather.
Well Radio in a sense doing what your dispaterian church is more exposed. I've had that burden. The second is our regional group of church more evangelism should dance after a lot called me a beginning Program called a visit to be similar in many ways Chris.
In fact, if you're looking at the thing is to follow up my pray for the pope for the and you may remember that.
Many years ago when I was working for WMCA radio I actually came up with the title of a special broadcast that you sponsored nearly annually a visit to this pastor study. Well, I'm gonna give out our our email address.
For those of our listeners who may want to ask questions. It is Chris Arnzen at gmail .com. Chr is Arnzen at gmail .com. Please give us your first name your city and state and your country of residence if you live outside the USA and Please only remain anonymous if it's about a personal matter.
Perhaps you have some kind of criticism about the worship of That's that takes place in the church where you are a member and you don't want to identify. In fact, we would prefer you didn't identify yourself if that was the case or or something of that effect.
But otherwise, please give us at least your first name city and state and country of Residence,. I think a good place to start would be. It may seem like a no-brainer or a simple question. But a definition of worship since there is disagreement over what falls under that category one blatant.
Unpainfully obvious reason why there is confusion about the definition is because the Church of Rome Insists that they are not worshipping Mary and the Saints and images of them. In all the activity that they do surrounding Mary and the Saints and the images which would include the kneeling.
Before praying to singing to all those kinds of things and of course even in them within modern Evangelicalism you have a differences differences of opinion and what is worship. Some think it's only about the singing and the playing of music.
But if you could give us a definition.
Yeah. Well, of course the Roman Catholic Church makes a distinction between Let's try and write the picture rather than the Creator and any form of self or anyone other than a forbidden Bible connected with a priestly activity Connected with other places of the world when it's translated into the absurd Range that now to get to your worship is used for what we call all life worship.
When Paul you present your bodies a living sacrifice. But the New Testament also, that's normally what we sent that sense in which the Priestly Old Testament are now fulfilled. We already have a listener who has a question for you.
His name is Porter in Palmetto, Florida. And he asked and I think it's a good way to start off some of the discussion about detailed definitions of worship. His question is the regulative principle of worship requires Exclusive psalmody.
Do you practice it? And obviously there are differences of opinion amongst even the reformed on that and even amongst the exclusive Psalm singers because some of them exclusively sing a cappella and some do not.
But if you could define the regulative principle since it's in his question and answer his question about the exclusive psalm.
Yeah, that's a that's a terrific question. Let me break it into nation, but as important was the Reformation of the whole church and that had almost highest unless something is and rightly We're to do only what the script and incidentally that doesn't make these questions easy.
Are the answers easy? But it does tell you where we're going to get the answers. You shall not add to them. We don't we don't take away from the neither. Do we add to it corporate? We're heightened. So that would be that's the basic answer.
I don't know Chris if you want to draw me out about that or you want me to do I think that.
You've been very detailed on the regulative principle unless buzz is a question. Then you can move on to the exclusive psalm. It'll be interested especially.
But I don't hold to say that.
I.
Say that very very care GI Williamson.
I've heard men of God preach from your pulpit like Ted Donnelly and Morris Roberts.
Who are exclusive songwriters? Yeah, and they and out of deference to my we're to speak a different. I just but I don't. The second. The second argument is fine itself. Arguably. And I realize it's a debate.
Arguably. Philippians to Him the church as a hymnic quality to it. But even if that's not the case, you have this. You have the songs in the book of Revelation. You have the song. Song of Moses and the song of the Lamb and the praise before.
I'm not person or my purse that the Psalms Represent what the writer of Hebrews called the shadowy times. It was the shadow where I'm yet. He's shown there and he is shown in all the hundred fifty Psalms.
But I have a real problem believing that. There there's a choice and I reject the view incidentally, but it's a violation and of course the added to what you just said.
Is that the exclusive psalmity? Position would prohibit Christians from Praising Christ by name. Specifically.
Some of these principles Probably at the time the person or that Emperor who was really he was for localized. Was that the was acceptable and sin showing that we're not Christians to the call of the God.
A but that's anyway. So he was and all of this culminates in chapter 12. We haven't come in the spirit and the writer said who hasn't been complete He is in the gathering of God's peach shaking of the day.
Then he comes to this. Therefore receiving the keep now always tell people that grateful No, he's shaken is those who know full of the thing. Let us all just sit down a lot day and really be careful. Now.
I assume that you have no.
Objection to people. You know sitting in Starbucks and not only praying but evangelizing.
As you know, certainly. Popular image today. Yes. Yes. I know we call God Abba means father, but but. With reverence is an irreverent. That's how that's how the old test like we probably have to break here.
But the word all here. It's a classical literature, but the word means fear. It's a fear that has even an element of and that's why this ends for. So in this magnificent text you have on the one hand is tremendous Gratefulness that we are there.
We're receiving a kingdom in which among others and never forget That our God is a professor Murray can't help but.
And just as you always were before you are quite the punctual individual and you stop speaking exactly when we need to go to a break and I am going to go to a break right now. And if anybody would like to join us on the air as Porter did with a question of your own our Email address is Chris Arnzen at gmail .com.
Chris Arnzen at gmail .com. And by the way Porter give us your full address. Because you have won a brand new new American Standard Bible and That is compliments of the publishers of the New American Standard Bible who sponsored this broadcast and who are now celebrating their.
74th.
Year of service to the church and we thank them for Being faithful sponsors of iron sharpens iron going all the way back to 2006 so I hope Porter that you're not a King James only advocate and This this Bible will be meaningless to you because I happen to know that a lot of the exclusive psalm singers happen to be Coincide coinciding with their views King James only advocates, but not all of them.
And but I hope they enjoy the Bible reporter and if anybody else would like to join us on the air We look forward to hearing from you at Chris Arnzen at gmail .com. Don't go away. We'll be right back.
With pastor Bill Shishko of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Franklin Square on our theme today Worship that is acceptable to God. Don't go away. We're going to be right back after these messages attention coin collectors and investors Long Island galleries of Wading River, New York as Brilliant uncirculated 19th century Morgan silver dollars for only fifty four dollars per coin With free shipping and handling for a limited time.
There's a 40 coin limit. So order now while supplies last call eight eight eight two six zero eight one one one Eight eight eight two six zero eight one one one visa MasterCard discover and American Express.
Welcome. Prices subject to change so call now at eight eight eight two six zero eight one one one eight eight eight two six Zero eight one one one if you prefer or in your brilliant uncirculated 19th century Morgan silver dollars by check.
Mail it today to Long Island galleries 9 Susan Drive Wading River, New York 11792 that's Long Island galleries 9 Susan Drive Wading River, New York 11792 remember, they're only fifty four dollars per coin with free shipping and handling and a 40 coin limit.
New York State residents must add sales tax. Long Island galleries is honored to sponsor iron sharpens iron radio. See the Long Island galleries display ad at iron sharpens iron radio.
Tom I'm James White of Alpha Omega ministries. The New American Standard Bible is perfect for daily reading or in-depth study used by pastors scholars and everyday readers. The NASB is widely embraced and trusted as a literal and readable Bible translation.
The NASB offers clarity and readability while maintaining high accuracy to the original languages Which the NASB is known for. The NASB is available in many editions like a topical reference Bible. Researched and prepared by biblical scholars devoted to accuracy the new topical reference Bible includes contemporary topics relevant to today's issues.
From compact to giant print Bibles find an NASB that fits your needs very affordably at NAS Bible Calm trust. Discover and enjoy the NASB for yourself today. Go to NAS Bible calm. That's NAS Bible calm.
Tired of bop store Christianity of doing church in a warehouse with all the trappings of a rock concert. Do you long for a more traditional and reverent style of worship? And how about the preaching. Perhaps you've begun to think that in-depth biblical exposition has vanished from Long Island?
Well, there's good news. Wedding River Baptist Church exists to provide believers with a meaningful and reverent worship experience Featuring the systematic exposition of God's Word. And this loving congregation looks forward to meeting you.
Call them at 6 3 1 9 2 9 35 12 for service times 6 3 1 9 2 9 35 12 or check out their website at wrbc .us. That's wrbc .us.
Wrote to the church at Galatia for am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please man if I were still trying to please man? I would not be a servant of Christ. Hi, I'm Mark Lukins pastor of Providence Baptist Church.
We are a reformed Baptist Church and we hold to the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. We are in Norfolk, Massachusetts. We strive to reflect Paul's mindset to be much more concerned with how God views what we say and what we do.
Than how men view these things? That's not the best recipe for popularity. But since that wasn't the Apostles priority, it must not be ours either. We believe by God's grace that we are called to demonstrate love and compassion to our fellow man and To be vessels of Christ's mercy to a lost and hurting community around us and to build up the body of Christ in truth.
And love if you live near Norfolk, Massachusetts or plan to visit our area. Please come and join us for worship and fellowship. You can call us at 508 -528 -5750. That's 508 -528 -5750. Or go to our website to email us listen to past sermons worship songs or watch our TV program entitled resting in grace.
You can find us at Providence Baptist Church ma .org. That's Providence Baptist Church ma .org. Or even on sermon audio .com. Providence Baptist Church is delighted to sponsor iron sharpens iron radio.
Welcome back. This is Chris arms, and if you just tuned us in our guest today is my old friend pastor Bill Shishko. One of my favorite guests of all time. He is of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Franklin Square, Long Island, New York.
And we are discussing worship that is acceptable to God in studio with me. Today is my co-host the Reverend buzz Taylor. And if you'd like to join us on the air our email address is Chris Arnzen at gmail .com.
We have an anonymous listener who says I am a member of a reformed church. That has some charismatic influence, but is not full-blown charismatic or Pentecostal and they believe that Dance is an acceptable expression of worship.
Because it is found in the Old Testament. This makes me feel uncomfortable. Should it. Yeah, definitely, let me just let our listener know be patient.
And.
Also, please give me your full mailing address a promise I will not identify you because you've requested to remain anonymous. But you will receive a free genuine leather. Actually, it's a bonded leather, but a very beautiful New American Standard Bible.
Absolutely free of charge compliments of the publishers of the NASB if you provide for me your full mailing address. But if you could continue where you left off about the Old Testament's clear and frightening warnings about Approaching God in an irreverent manner.
Yeah. Yeah.
But the text is wherefore and it's that thankfulness the word they're smelling saturation. We're talking about everyone at number one and other words with a creator. I love how we go from being. You know, we're caught.
The second thing is because you're caught up in God. You have necessity caught up in and in his works and it caught up in his Imagination and if you're not caught up again. A phenomenal theme. I love this theme.
Why were the Israelites brought out of each metaphor, you know, it was worship me and and of course Chris I love to say this to you is what Pharaoh wouldn't let the little children go with the Israelites.
Moses said no way the children.
I'm sure Chris needed that. Thank you very much. I'm sorry. We've run out of time.
Anyway, so but more to the point so they're delivered out of the land of Egypt. They're delivered through the Red Sea. There's the works of God. It's a consummate Old Testament image leading us to the to the resurrection of Christ.
And then what does God do? He's a savior. He's a redeemer and and so. So what does it mean temptations of Christ do it all to your glory of God? What does you know?
Some have I think Really diminished the awe and reverence and Very uniqueness Of the corporate worship of God by stressing that all of life is worship. So therefore they feel free To incorporate things that you would do in your common everyday life Into their worship service.
Because hey if everything is worship Then why shouldn't we be allowed to participate in this in a worship service?
Yeah.
Well, this is I was just making some notes for the second hour because of this.
Yeah, so I will definitely come back to that. I want to go back to the all of life worship when we get into the practice and.
The The thing the thing that I have heard about what you started off the program with The the regulative principle I've even heard that from some reformed people is that if you are really A sinner saved by grace and you recognize the joy and the freedom of being released from that bondage the regulative principle They will say is not even a biblical biblically binding principle itself.
Just like the Roman Catholics say solo scriptura is not scriptural.
That you really. Putting the joy and freedom of worship in a stranglehold. How do you respond? Yeah, that's a great.
That's a great question Chris that what it when I preach began we hear these will be worship. Worship because slaves. That's what you're getting. Because what if God says boy that were to end. And the way and the message basically precisely because We'll deal with Morgan or even burn.
And in language that that's Contemporary and with the other hand with traditional worship as we'll mention in the next. Remember that in our worship We are worshiping with and it is supposed to be access joy or serious worship services are full of lamentation.
Slaves, no, we're not slaves. The language of a free in crime deed, but you take his yoke upon you. So that's that's another false dilemma. Freedom. And that's that's a little bit more to corporate worship if you have a congregation of a hundred people.
It's not supposed to be a hundred people doing his or her own thing in worship. Personal worship. They'd be a little bit broader on what's done or fear of your parents. But then it right Chris right at the beginning.
Polar is it. We have a listener in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
BB who wants to know is it considered worship when a Christian during his private life outside of the corporate assembly is Using his gifts to praise God such as if he is a painter or dare say I a sculptor.
Not that he is creating images to be venerated. But that he is just creating Images as fruits of his gifts that God has given him for aesthetic pleasure. And while creating them he views it as an act of worship and thanks and praise to God for the gift He has received.
And as you know, there is some sharp disagreements though even amongst.
Like-minded brethren in all other areas men who may even share the same pew church. There's a sharp Contrast in the The view of whether or not any images are ever to be used even in an illustrated Bible I mean images of Christ that is Even an illustrated Bible even in the Children's Bible even an artwork in the home.
What is your view on that. In regard to even not only paintings, but even if someone were to have a Statue of Christ that was never to be used as an act or as a As a an object of veneration of worship, or it's just used as a meaningful.
Decoration in their home. Yeah. Well, I stand with what all We can't do that respect to people having image wise you and and when I Example our God is a consuming fire How how can that be depicted in a way that horror?
Reformers were unanimous and I need to study their arguments just for you reader for your listeners. John Owen Collected writings some of the most of one section in on as typical of Owen unanswerable now.
Did not Luther though take a different view than the other reformers on that.
Yeah, and remember that that Luther was and I love Luther. I took a class on Luther's. Really. Yeah praise the Lord for Luther. It's interesting the time magazine regarded 1999 when we came. Generation on liberty of conscience under the Word of God was Luther.
Probably Chris apropos so Liberty that he had a joy with the light with everything. And I think we got Bobby's. He was very sensitive to what worship. What was required and allowed Luther to go go in a broader way than we would.
Brothers has a question.
Well, yeah, and also I think at a time like this. It's also appropriate to let people know in case they ever saw this that the painting on your wall is John Calvin not Jesus.
Okay, I was talking about in my studio. There's a bearded gentleman in a painting on my.
I'm concerned about those who can't remain with us for the second hour and I just you know, I've. I want to make sure that I'm understanding the principle before we go on to the practice in the second hour.
You're saying then if I'm hearing you correctly, it can be summed up by Thankfulness and fear or reverence is reverence.
I mean, I think buzzes. We're gonna be going to another break right now.
And we do have a couple of listeners waiting to have their questions answered asked and answered on the air. And if you could be patient with us, we will get to you as soon as possible and Our email address if you'd like to join them as well is Chris Ornson at gmail .com.
Chris Ornson at gmail .com. Don't go away. We're gonna be right back with pastor Bill Shishko of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Franklin Square, Long Island, New York and Reverend buzz Taylor my co-host today as we discuss the theme What worship is acceptable to God.
Don't go away. We're gonna be right back. Paul wrote to the church at Galatia for am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please man. If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Hi, I'm Mark Lukens pastor of Providence Baptist Church. We are a reformed Baptist Church and we hold to the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. We are in Norfolk, Massachusetts. We strive to reflect Paul's mindset to be much more concerned with how God views what we say and what we do.
Than how men view these things? That's not the best recipe for popularity. But since that wasn't the Apostles priority, it must not be ours either. We believe by God's grace that we are called to demonstrate Love and compassion to our fellow man and to be vessels of Christ's mercy to a lost and hurting community around us and to build Up the body of Christ in truth and love if you live near Norfolk, Massachusetts or plan to visit our area.
Please come and join us for worship and fellowship. You can call us at 508 -528 -5750. That's 508 -528 -5750. Or go to our website to email us listen to past sermons worship songs or watch our TV program entitled resting in grace.
Thriving financial is not your typical financial services provider as a membership organization. We help Christians be wise with money and live generously every day. And for the fourth year in a row We were named one of the world's most ethical companies by the ethosphere Institute a leading international think-tank dedicated to the creation advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics.
Contact me Mike Gallagher financial consultant at seven one seven two five four six four three three again Seven one seven two five four six four three three to learn more about the thriving difference.
A new faith finances and generosity. That's the private story.
Lindbergh Baptist Church on 225 Earl Avenue in Lindbergh Long Island is teaching God's timeless truths in the 21st century. Our church is far more than a Sunday worship service.
It's a place of learning with scriptures are studied and the preaching of the gospel is clear relevant. It's like a gym where one can exercise their faith through community involvement. It's like a hospital for wounded souls where one can find compassionate people in healing.
We're a diverse family of all ages. Enthusiastically serving our Lord Jesus Christ in fellowship play and together.
Hi.
I'm pastor Bob Walderman and I invite you to come and join us here at Lindbergh Baptist Church and see all that a church can. Be call in Brook Baptist at five one six five nine nine nine four zero two.
That's five one six five nine nine nine four zero two. Or visit Lindbergh Baptist org. That's Lindbergh Baptist org.
Welcome back and I just want to thank Lindbergh Baptist On Long Island, New York near the Queens border for being a sponsor of iron sharpens iron Going all the way back to 2006 and I just want you to know that they are having a special celebration in honor of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on March 27th at 8 30 a .m. And 10 45 a .m.
And They are having a free hot buffet breakfast from 9 15 a .m. To 10 30 a .m At Lindbergh Baptist Church in Lindbergh, Long Island, New York. And I just hope that if you live near there and you don't have a Congregation of your own that you are a member of.
Or if you are planning to visit the Long Island area Please consider Lindbergh Baptist Church and give them a call for directions at five one six five nine nine 940 to five one six five nine nine ninety four or two.
Their website is Lindbergh Baptist org. Ly n Brok Baptist o RG. Thanks a lot to pastor Bob Waldemann Sal D 'Antonio and the whole team over there of Brethren in Christ who are sponsoring iron sharpens iron radio and Now we are back on the program to discuss Worship acceptable to God with our guest Bill Shishko pastor of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Franklin Square, Long Island, New York and in studio with me is the Reverend buzz Taylor.
I will never call him the right Reverend buzz Taylor no matter how much he insists upon it. Definitely not the most right Reverend but.
We are.
Transitioning. I believe unless you have something more you want to say, but the principles we're going into the practice of worship.
Well, you know since Bill you and I come from a similar background. We remember those chapel sayings of Bob Jones senior where one of them he said was there's no difference between the sacred and the secular and in the last hour talking about worship, we were talking about all of life worship and This has been an issue that I've come through Having gone as you heard in the first hour.
I've been kind of around the block when it comes to churches and It hasn't been until recently that I even Thought about the concept of worship in any kind of serious way because it used to be just you know.
Whatever was done with is what we did, you know, but I think you use the term recently kind of loosely you've been. For about a decade.
Even longer than that as far as reform. But it you know. It takes a long time once you've gone reform to learn all there is to reform theology.
Every true Christian is reformed in his or her heart because he or she believes that God saves.
Yes, well as one said we are not only the problem is we we hit the pause button back in the 16th century and we Are reformed instead of reforming so I've been still reforming and one of the areas that I've been challenged on Over and over again has been this matter of worship and then to be perfectly honest with you.
I have found it Rather confusing. I'm not sure if it's just that complicated or if it's just not being stated well or whatever. But I see, you know as I was mentioning Bob Jones saying there's no difference between the sacred and the secular and it seems to me we have a pendulum that swings both ways since we're talking about the practice of worship now that Some people believe that whatever you can do In the world is acceptable to bring into worship because there's no difference and then other people would say whatever you do in worship Cannot be accepted in the world because it's worldly, you know, it goes the other way and I remember our friends in Alberta, I think you know what I'm talking about we're dealing with me for quite a while and of course the two subjects of exclusive sanity and instruments only and They mentioned that you know, they'd like to go to jazz concerts and things like that.
And I'm thinking well, wait a minute now, but you know yet When it says in the Psalms praise him with the sound of the trumpet you don't dare try to do that because that's that's no Longer, you know biblical worship and that's the whole point there a good friend that I respect used to refer to look for example liturgical worship as Biblical worship and then there was all other.
What about this. Wow.
How many more programs. Okay, let me. It's important to worship. It's called worship of the evangelical church it is. It is basically how Perspective, although it's what dated is an REY chapel or than Rayburn does with and then worship.
That's a very thoughtful volume that I think would touch buzz and sort of come out of that college opinion and buzz. You know, there's no difference between the sacred and the second that view that one credit.
Yes.
Millennialists on surrounding me here. Well, that's good. It'll keep you straight. You know the Psalms 149 and those two of what all Eternity will be and up there will not be no. It'll be the full for the prophet even that even the bells appreciate the view.
Jazz concert is a jazz. It's a jazz concert. A movie's a movie and We buy what the Word of God says. Well, you know, I.
Think about passages like in the Old Testament. I'm good. I did not bring my concordance. So sorry. I cannot find it but I know that it was said to that. There were certain perfumes and incense that was to be used for worship that was not specifically we're told that is not to be used in your homes and.
It was it was for worship. Worship is to smell different. Then then non-worship, you know, and what's interesting is in the worship services I've been in where almost anything goes it is primarily by Dispensationalists who would look at all the things of the Old Testament and say well, that's not for the New Testament.
They tend to be very dispensational. And of course I'm talking more than your charismatic and Pentecostal circles there.
And of course you have the example of Nadab and Abihu Destroyed by God and they would have been perfectly right to burn that incense in their home If it was just to to cover up a stench or something, but when they used it as an act of worship.
That's a fascinating text. In relation to our God is a consuming fire. Remember that showing at that by the fire. Yes, so in God is teaching.
Precisely. Yes. Yes, okay, because that is the issue that well that Let me put it this way to this helps you to understand. My dilemma is I am a trumpet player and you know Let me just without any pride say not mediocre.
You know, I have a particular ability. Would you like to move to Franklin Square? We'd love to use you our worship service.
Yeah, please do.
Tempting very tempting. But you know, so I have to make the decisions here, okay, what's appropriate and what's not what. And of course. Like I said just in the past Years when I was in the charismatic and Pentecostal circles anything went so, you know I I don't want to swing the pendulum so far the other way.
Yeah, I appreciate that. See like search on that and you I think it's a section on standards and you'll get the ocean. That was one of the directory that has Lord God Almighty. I'm a man of Anna. And a coal of course and that that kind of skeletal structure.
Has been. And then your your three made the approach to go when God's people begin with a grace to you in Christ. It's not that it's not and there is certainly a confession of sin. It's good. No over against far is your.
I would agree there. Yes. One worship. It's. And then that in our church. Yeah, our exclusive solid. Yeah, go in a cappella as well. Yes, as well. So you don't casual but in the gap now, this is so that's.
Oh, yes.
Every time I hear buzz playing the trumpet, I'm hoping that is the last trumpet.
And laugh as we will but we're meant to it's a sign of victory. But but the other thing is string against in piano our view with the instruments. Yeah, but in the corporate word of Christ, but I just wanted to quick give a plug to some very valuable.
People that help support my intrepid Zion whenever you hear Bill Shishko or anybody else mentioning a good solid reform book immediately think of CVB BS Cumberland Valley Bible book service. Their website is CVB BS calm CV for Cumberland Valley BBS for Bible book service calm.
Whenever anybody wins a free book on iron sharpens iron or a Bible for submitting a question. The folks that are mailing that out to you at no charge to either you or iron sharpens iron or our dear friends Patty and Todd Jennings owners of CVB BS calm.
So just write that down wherever you listen to iron sharpens iron write it next to your computer or wherever and Make sure that you revisit them over and over again for the finest and reform literature and buzztail.
Of course Todd and I play trumpets together all the time. That's right. We're good friends.
So I just had to give that plug in there pastor bill, but go into some of the history behind reform the worship.
Yeah, give you an idea of what what that is and and and reform the worship. Kind of developed in that way in hot when they were dealing with the growth of Arminianism that was really beginning to ravage the church.
Churches happy free and creative in their worship and. It was very different. Because there you had three little stool. Yes. You know that you're not gonna put and and so for the Scots and and and buzz far back very much.
Direct to it really has been. It seems to me would argue. So anyway, so I mean these are the way our elders and we will eat.
Well, you know you mentioned bill the phrase footloose and it immediately reminded me of a question that was asked almost Immediately at the beginning of the first hour. Dance liturgical dance or otherwise in worship.
Well, you want to go with that.
Well, we had dancers in one of my churches not my churches that I pastored but the one I attended. They had a team of dancers and I'll say it was beautiful. I mean, but do you approve of it now? That's a tough one because of the fact that I do see it in the Old Testament, but you know.
Let me put it this way. I hesitate to quote Archie Bunker. On a program like this. But I remember one time when he was in jail and a guy was listening to Jesus Christ. Superstar. And he said he wants us to come on our knees not shake until all our parts fall off.
Well, you know I guess I Ecclesiastical dance, I'd say a couple things. One. There is certainly is no reference of worship in the Old Testament. Yes, so the David. David didn't like me. Yes on that that was a spot joy and delight and it was kind of like.
You know our children for you, you know, one of our children comes to faith and crying on jumps up and down. What am I gonna do? Is he violating the regular? So there's that and then of course there are the two references and yeah.
And there's when you do have that think the bottom line is right.
Yeah, and we're gonna go to our final break right now. If you'd like to join us on the air This is your final opportunity. We've only got about a half hour left and our email address is Chris Arnzen at gmail .com.
Chris Arnzen at gmail .com. I think a couple of you who have been who have been patiently waiting for your questions to be read and answered so we'll get to you God willing soon and Don't go away. We're gonna be right back after these final messages with pastor Bill Shishko of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Franklin Square, Long Island, New York and Reverend buzz Taylor my co-host as we discuss Worship that is acceptable to God.
Don't go away.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon's once said give yourself unto reading. The man who never reads will never be read. He who never quotes will never be quoted. He will not use the thoughts of other men's brains proves that he has no brains of his own.
You need to read. Solid ground Christian books is a publisher and book distributor who takes these words of the Prince of preachers to heart. The mission of solid ground Christian books is to bring back treasures of the past to minister to Christians in the present and future and to publish new titles that address burning issues in the church and the world.
Since its beginning in 2001 Solid ground has been committed to publish God-centered Christ exalting books for all ages. We invite you to go treasure hunting at solid-ground-books .com That's solid-ground-books .com and see what priceless literary gems from the past or present You can unearth from solid ground.
Solid ground Christian books is honored to be a weekly sponsor of iron sharpens iron radio.
Are you a Christian looking to align your faith and finances? Then you'll want to check out thriving financial. We're not your typical financial services provider. We're a not-for-profit fortune 500 organization that helps our nearly 2 .4 million members be wise with money.
We provide guidance that reflects your values so you can protect what matters most. We help members live generously and strengthen the communities where they live work and worship. Learn more about the thriving story by contacting me Mike Gallagher Financial consultant at 7 1 7 2 5 4 6 4 3 3 again, 7 1 7 2 5 4 6 4 3 3.
Faith finances and generosity. That's the private story.
Welcome back. This is Chris arms in for the last 90 minutes if you just tuned us in we have been interviewing pastor Bill Shishko of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Franklin Square, Long Island, New York on Acceptable worship.
Well, that is worship. That is acceptable to God. In studio with me is Reverend buzz Taylor and you can join us at Chris arms and at gmail .com with your own questions, and we do have an anonymous listener who asks.
I Have a very close friend who is a pastor, but I have to admit that I believe that his church has become a Cult of youth. There seems to be total disregard to what elderly people and senior saints regard as true Reverend worship and they are driving them out.
I do not know how to approach the situation with my friend in fear of breaking the friendship. But I cannot think that this is a dangerous trend in the church today where the senior saints are Being given no respect or regard as if all the churches want them to leave anyway your thoughts.
Well, Chris, I think in that way, but in our situation our young people we were showing respect for saying hey I have a biblical requirement as well. But then at the same tragic I mean required and that's certain and of course.
I think one of the main points in the listeners Question and comment was that the elderly the senior saint is being really devout. Devalued and ignored these a lot of these people are treasure troves of biblical wisdom and experience in the faith Senior I should say seasoned Believers who have been through all kinds of things and had victory through them.
And they are being viewed upon as burdens.
Young yeah, and that I mean that goes on that matter that you have the other two and I know both of them. But it was really what it was really was more like the old evangelistic crusades I think it's what Tozer was get were fine and very well some announcements it's hard, but it didn't have it didn't have the elements of no sense of the church and the end and above all else not that Dialogue and not questioning their sincerity.
I had a lovely lovely people and I love the past.
You brought up something some excellent points in your sermon on this Subject on sermon audio, which I really enjoyed hearing. It was not only edifying to my soul but very nostalgic hearing you preach again because it's been so long and I have such cherished memories of visiting the Franklin Square OPC and hearing you preach and so on.
But the fact that there are churches that really have a. They're for lack of a better phrase their one-string banjos when it comes to worship because they want it to be all about joy happiness and.
Uplifting music they Where everyone as far as the eye could see has a beaming smile on their face including the quote-quote worship? team and Where you have. You are bringing up some scenarios in life how do you worship during the the terminal illness and death of a child and Or a spouse or all these other things that that would indicate that there are different Moods, if you will that are incorporated into worship.
It's not all just happiness.
Yeah, there's where an example others are more corporate oriented. There's some are all life words, but anyway, but they but they they have a psalmist the psalm 77 who is but it recognizes. So that's that is another outer principle.
Maybe you challenge to work it out. Not if I could and I think of this. Because it's as vivid as if it happened the other day, even though it's Saturday died. He'd been ill shock when he died on the Saturday and I don't know what there was a there was a shock.
There was a sadness as he worships and I'm gonna grow out of the heart now. What do they do? I didn't make the open mind our worship a fallen world. Worship took on that cast as I believe it was meant to do that brings up a whole other area is the constructing the he's.
Putting together the he does it as it would love for the come to edification on our worship service over how that's the way. It's supposed to be Dimensions to all of this that go way beyond, you know, what items do you have in your liturgy?
And also the reverse Problem, although it may be a minority problem today. But you and I know pastor bill in our own circles and perhaps some other circles. Within fundamentalism or other places you can walk into a church that They're singing Beautiful hymns that are powerful and meaningful and biblical.
But it is like a funeral dirge every time they're being sung in certain places. Yeah, it could be very depressing. You could see that the people are putting no effort in Their worship at all. They are going through a rote Thing because it's just a part of their ritual and they look like they're falling asleep while they're singing.
So that that is just as bad, isn't it? Oh, absolutely.
And there's where and here if I could push a lot helps for Inserts and I took all the different elements of worship which ends up in a you break them down. We're dealing with several dozen of them. Not necessary, but but the design to began the booklet by saying something like worship is not just Theological not just we are we're very kind of bite-sized and explanations of.
And and buzz was in a Pete Presbyterian Church and a man the hymn that includes Here I raise my sitting next to some bedraggled fellow would come in and we were showing them where the hymns were and thank Here I raise.
Yeah, obviously that was talking about a Christmas Carol.
We've got to be sensitive and they're even bridging the gap. One of the ways you can help with new why we do what we do with again without making them to say in the prayer. Of intercession say maybe you wonder.
Always lovingly teach. I can't stand it. Okay, I'll reform the point by shit at every point and that's part of the mess.
Well, you know part of my background is that I was raised in my very early years in the Episcopal Church and Of course it was very liturgical. We had the prayer book and We would go through those and I you know, I remember.
What I don't remember is that we're really understanding. I could have been some of my age. But I'm sure some of it was because of the church I was in. But I did not understand the thing that was going on.
But we would go through all these and when people started talking to me about liturgical worship I'm my mind goes back to well. Yeah, how do you avoid something becoming just wrote?
With no life like I remembered in the Episcopal Church. Yeah, exactly, right now. Christian worshiper. In fact in my opinion one of the most into worship isn't he. Christ your praise. I'll confess your name.
Here am I? Well, that's Christ. Yeah, I think if those dynamics were brought out more to be reformed worship.
Well, I did visit a church recently that was Very liturgical and I was shocked that the people actually were enjoying it. So I see that, you know, it doesn't have to be abused but on the other hand, you know I think that there could be a tendency that but I think the difference is and this was.
The only reason I mentioned it was getting back to what you said. If the people know why they're doing it, it has a lot more meaning than just doing it. Absolutely.
Well, I see there. I was gonna bring up first Corinthians 14 before we go. Well first Corinthians 14 were to pray with. I'll understand experiences when you were in your charismatic faith as far as worship.
As far as worship goes you.
Anything goes? No, no, I have to admit that I was in more state. I was well my time in the assemblies of God I was it was more like going to a Baptist church like an independent Baptist Church only they believed in tongues.
Really. It was much more reserved. In fact, even the matter of tongues which you know, obviously has been very controversial in the assemblies of God. We didn't have tongues in the regular service. You could hear it in some of the prayer meetings and things like that, but you know, it was.
That was a for it. Never I was never in the I refer to them as the peel-off-the-ceiling churches, you know. My pastor when I was in Buffalo was a Very dignified individual. It was a very large church and actually because of that many of my experiences at that time were good.
But yeah in worship It was pretty much anything goes if it's in the Bible you can do it. No regard whatsoever for context or Testament or anything.
Well.
The approach for tongues what this is where we're gonna go then we and then and then we meant the ways By which the Word of God time in which there and what Paul is saying in there He's giving us more valuable because he's saying the spirits of prophets are subject to profit the Lord when it really the Word of God.
Now a complete lightly interest when I'm preaching Scriptures. I am Bob. I love that one of your ads Chris the You had the way in the last break where Spurgeon is saying basically is essentially an ignorant man.
I'm bound I don't. I don't listen to what others have said at the end of the day. I've got to make three-wheeling to me rightly understood.
We do have a listener in Suffolk County, Long Island Christopher who says that although many people sinfully place aesthetics on an unbiblical and Ridiculous level of importance when it comes to choosing a church were to be a member don't you think aesthetics and Talent do have a place when it comes to Worshiping the Lord with musical instruments and with voice.
And thank you Christopher. And by the way, you're getting a free New American Standard Bible and what immediately comes to mind Pastor Bill is There are churches that I have visited Where they seem to think that they're not worshiping unless they have a musical instrument and there are people who are horrible And not gifted at these instruments and you're wondering why on earth are you playing that piano or trumpet or whatever it is?
I mean, it's like they think that they have to have.
Instruments. A congregation and he he finally one day said look if we can't sing the choir he disbanded it. But yeah, I mean, that's that's a very good point. And and I think there it's like anything else one church.
It's a whole church budget just on their music and it's wonderful. It's glorious. You know, I don't know. Is that really what we're supposed to we should recognize that. Yeah, I think. Is that the only question you have for me caller?
Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's what they were saying that.
Yeah, I gotta get these three things in here, I'm sure they're gonna wrap things up soon, okay. I I wouldn't do the strong crying and you're always Christa, you know Christ Christ never. I remember when I years ago when I interviewed T David Gordon on.
His book why Johnny can't sing hymns Outstanding. Yes outstanding. Yeah, he brought up when a when a caller asked about What are any instruments acceptable in worship he brought up a humorous story but I thought it made an excellent point through the illustration if a precious loved one of yours had passed and You are gathered in this solemn Gathering at a funeral and then a group of people came in and started playing kazoos.
Would you think it was out of place? For the For the circumstances and he was basically saying that you know, there are different kind of instruments do not produce Sounds that are conducive to reverence in worship.
So if you could comment on that, yeah.
That's what I was getting out with the guitar and I don't know the of course their acoustic. I'm an agnostic when it comes to this issue with guitars and worship. But yeah, that's a great point. And I think what?
That that is it's a very very well pastor bill.
I really want to make sure that in the three minutes that we have left. He's got two more points.
He wanted to get in quick. Oh, okay.
That's what I thought. You want them. Yeah.
I want to make sure that you unburden your heart and leave our listeners with Everything that you most want etched on their hearts and minds before they leave the program today. Are you talking to buzz or me?
You.
Focus on Christ. Never abandon thankfulness a murder down constantly. Let the way you worship and what you do in worship be governed by the world.
Well, I want to make sure that our listeners Know that the Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Franklin Square has a website. Oh PCL. I calm. OPCL I calm and I just want to ask you if there's any upcoming events that the congregation there is going to be involved in there Listeners should know about other than obviously the weekly gathering of the Saints there, but other things that are coming up.
Let me mention another website while you've got it. Although than that is visit the panel. Tell you a little bit about the radio Program that I'll be doing which in many ways is to commend you for his upcoming in church life.
Obviously the Lord's Day worship. There's even a follow a man that regarded as something of our the OPC Franklin Square has been recorded regarded. It's pretty and as it can I definitely will and it's been such a joy to have you back.
Well, you are definitely someone I count among my dearest friends. You've been mutually feelings mute.
Not just feeling. Chris the commitments mutual. Hey, man, he's the Lord for you and get to know you too.
I want to thank everybody who listened especially those who wrote in with questions. You're all getting a new American Standard Bible. I want you all to always remember for the rest of your lives that Jesus Christ is a far far greater Savior than you or a sinner.
Thank you for listening and we hope you join us tomorrow again with your own questions on iron sharpens iron radio. God bless.