11. Manna issue 93 - Ministry: Holy Work Series A Music Ministry After God's Will 事工：聖工系列，遵從神旨意的音樂事奉
Tina Yang—Phoenix, Arizona USA 全國亞利桑那州鳳凰城
PRELUDE 序曲
What images come to mind when we think of music ministry:
Choir presentations during evangelistic and spiritual convocations?
Hymnal singing during services?
Or sing-alongs during outreach services?
While these are usually our first impressions of music ministry,
God has a good, acceptable, and perfect will for this area of divine work.
To lay down a foundation of basic knowledge of music ministry,
let us consider some questions:
當我們想到音樂事奉的時候，心裡會想到什麼畫面呢：
佈道會和靈恩會期間的詩班演奏？
聚會期間的詩頌？
或是開拓佈道期間一起吟唱？
雖然這些通常就是我們對音樂事奉的第一印象，
神對這一方面的聖工領域，有著美好、悅納和完美的旨意。
要奠定音樂事奉基礎知識的基礎，
讓我們想想一些問題：
Question 1: When was the earliest instance of music worship recorded in the Bible?
Question 2: Who was the first person to praise God?
Question 3: Who initiated music ministry?
問題 1：聖經記載最早的音樂敬拜是什麼時候？
問題 2：誰是第一個讚美神的人？
問題 3：誰開始了音樂事奉？
For Question 1, most of us would assume
that the answer lies in the Book of Genesis.
However, the first mention of music in Genesis refers not to music worship
but to Jubal, a descendent of Cain,
who chose to walk away from God’s presence.
Jubal invented musical instruments only for his own purposes.
After leaving the Garden of Eden,
men showed their appreciation to God by offering sacrifices on altars,
as demonstrated by Abel, Noah, and Abraham.
However, we do not see any record of music worship in the Book of Genesis.
問題 1，我們大多數人會認為，
答案就在創世記之中。
然而，創世記第一次提到音樂，並不是指音樂崇拜，
而是該隱的後裔猶八，
他選擇離開神的地方。
猶八發明樂器只是為了他自己的目的。
離開伊甸園之後，
人們通過在祭壇獻祭來表達感謝神，
正如亞伯、挪亞和亞伯拉罕展現的行為。
然而在創世記中，我們並沒有看到有任何音樂崇拜的記載。
The very first instance of music worship is actually recorded in Job 38:
音樂崇拜的第一個實例實際上記錄在約伯記 38 中：
“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements?
Surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
To what were its foundations fastened?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
When the morning stars sang together,
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?”
(Job 38:4–7)
4我立大地根基的時候，你在哪裡呢？
你若有聰明，只管說罷！
5你若曉得就說，是誰定地的尺度？
是誰把準繩拉在其上？
6地的根基安置在何處？
地的角石是誰安放的？
7那時，晨星一同歌唱；
神的眾子也都歡呼。
(伯 38：4-7)
Here we see clearly that when God created the heavens and the earth,
the morning stars (the hosts of heaven) broke out in singing and shouting
for His marvelous work.
This first instance of music worship illustrates an important sequence of events:
在這裡我們很清楚地看到，當神創造天地時，
晨星（天上的主宰）發出詩頌和呼叫聲，
因著神奇妙的工作。
音樂崇拜的第一個例子，說明了一系列重要的事件：
1. God did an amazing work, in this case, creating the heavens and the earth.
2. The hosts of heaven witnessed the work of God.
3. This compelled them to sing and shout for God.
1. 在這個例子中，神做了一件了不起的事情，創造了天地。
2. 天上的主宰見證了神的作為。
3. 這激勵他們為神歌唱和歡呼。
This same sequence occurred in the first instance of praise by humankind,
which brings us to Question 2:
who was the first person to praise God?
同樣的順序發生在人類第一次讚美時，
這個問題將我們帶到了第 2 個問題：
第一個讚美神的人是誰？
As mentioned earlier, offering sacrifices on altars
was the primary way for men to show appreciation to God.
However, praising God is different from offering Him physical sacrifices.
Praising God is not only a statement of appreciation
but also a verbal expression of the whole person
who wants to attribute glory to God in a beautiful and obvious way.
So who was the first person to praise God in the Bible?
如前所述，在祭壇獻祭，
是人表示感謝神的主要方式。
然而，讚美神不同於向祂獻上實體的祭物。
讚美神不僅是一種感激之情的表達，
而且也是整個人用語言表示的方式，
以想以一種美麗而明顯的方式，將榮耀歸給神。
那麼聖經中，第一個讚美神的人是誰呢？
In the Book of Genesis, there are three examples of individuals exclaiming,
“Blessed be the Lord.”
In these instances, Noah, Melchizedek, and Abraham’s servant
uttered “Blessed be the Lord,”
to bless, to give thanks, and to attribute honor to God
in response to His grace
(Gen 9:26, 14:20, 24:26–27).
在創世記中，有三個人大聲高呼 “讚美主”的例子。
在這些事件中，有挪亞、麥基洗德和亞伯拉罕的僕人，
說出“讚美歸於主”，
施予祝福，表達感謝，並將榮耀歸給神
來回應祂的恩典
（創 9：26，14：20，24：26-27）。
Leah is the first person in the Bible directly associated with the word “praise”
(Gen 29:31–35).
Leah was Jacob’s first wife,
but her husband did not love her.
God saw Leah’s sadness,
so He granted her four sons in a row.
We can see how Leah gradually came to understand God’s great love
through the names she gave her four sons:
Reuben (“See, a son,”) Simeon (“Heard,”)
Levi (“Attached,”) and Judah (“Praise.”)
By the fourth son, Leah finally realized
how much God loved her by giving her four sons in a row,
compelling her to name him Judah.
Originally, this name meant “clapping the hands,”
but the meaning was extended to mean “praise.”
What a beautiful and obvious way to praise God!
So every time Leah called Judah,
she was praising God and reminding herself of His wonderful grace upon her.
Therefore, genuine praise involves an understanding and appreciation
of God’s work and blessing,
compelling one to praise God from the bottom of the heart.
利亞是聖經中第一個與“讚美”一詞直接相關的人。
（創 29：31-35）。
利亞是雅各的第一位妻子，
但是她的丈夫並不愛她。
神看到了利亞的悲傷，
所以祂連續給了她四個兒子。
可見利亞是如何逐漸明白神的大愛，
可以通過她給四個兒子的命名：
流便（“看啊，有一個兒子了”）西緬（“聽到了”）
利未（“接著來”）和猶大（“讚美”）
到了第四個兒子，利亞終於意識到，
神有多麼愛她，連續給了她四個兒子，
激動她給兒子起名叫猶大。
一開始，這個名字的意思是“拍手鼓掌”，
但其意被擴展延伸為“讚美”。
讚美神的方式是這麼的美麗又明顯！
所以每次利亞呼叫猶大時，
她就是在讚美神，並提醒自己神給她的奇妙恩典。
因此，真正的讚美包括理解和感激，
明白神的工作和祝福，
激動一個人發自內心地讚美神。
Let us take a look at another example:
the first song in the Bible, written by Moses and recorded in Exodus 15:1–18.
We need to know the background to appreciate it fully.
Moses sang this song
right after witnessing the Egyptian army's complete destruction in the Red Sea.
Have you ever wondered
why Moses did not praise God
when he first encountered Him at the burning bush?
How about after the ten plagues?
He did not verbalize any praise
until this moment on the other side of the Red Sea.
This is because, at that moment,
Moses finally realized that the Egyptian army would never harm them again.
They were finally free from Pharaoh;
they would never be slaves again!
讓我們看看另一個例子：
聖經的第一首歌，是摩西所寫的，記錄在出埃及記 15 章 1-18 節。
我們要了解背景才能完全欣賞它。
摩西唱這首歌
在一目睹了埃及軍隊在紅海徹底消滅之後。
你有沒有想過，
為什麼摩西不讚美神，
當他第一次在燃燒的荊棘中遇到祂的時候呢？
還是十災發生之後呢？
他沒有用言語表達出任何的讚美，
直到站在紅海對岸的那一刻。
這是因為，在那一刻，
摩西終於意識到，埃及軍隊再也不會傷害他們了。
他們終於擺脫了法老；
他們再也不會成為奴隸了！
At this historical moment,
Moses understood God’s promise of salvation had come true
and was overwhelmed by His great work and love.
Therefore, he sang this song commemorating God’s redemption
and almighty hand and confidently prophesied of eventually entering the promised land.
Moses sang this song in great joy and gratitude.
He wholeheartedly gave glory to this great God of Israel!
在此歷史時刻，
摩西明白神拯救的應許已經實現了，
並因此為祂偉大的工作和慈愛所折服。
所以，他吟唱這首詩歌紀念神的救贖，
和全能的雙手，有信心地預言最終將會進入應許之地。
摩西以這首歌頌讚時，大大的喜樂和感激。
他全心全意將榮耀歸給以色列這位偉大的神！
Let us emphasize again:
genuine praise must come from experiencing the work of God,
being touched by His grace,
and then willingly giving praises and glory to God
from the bottom of one’s heart.
讓我們再次強調：
真心的讚美必會來自體驗到神的工作，
然後因祂的恩典心有所感，
接著心甘情願表露出讚美，將榮耀歸給神，
從內心深處。
Question 3: who initiated music ministry?
After understanding genuine praise,
it is easier to answer this question.
We may think it was King David
because he played the harp skillfully and loved music.
But when we read 2 Chronicles 29:25,
we realize that God initiated music ministry!
This verse specified that
Hezekiah followed David’s plan for the music ministry,
“for thus was the commandment of the LORD by His prophets”
(emphasis added.)
Not only were Gad and Nathan prophets,
but David himself was one too
(Acts 2:30).
It was God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will
to establish music ministry
when the kingdom of Israel became prosperous during David’s time.
With the support of Gad and Nathan,
David established the music ministry
in the hope of doing great service to God and His people.
問題 3：是誰發起了音樂事奉呢？
在我們理解了真心的讚美之後，
就很容易回答這個問題了。
我們可能會認為，這是有大衛王的原故，
因為他很熟練彈奏豎琴，並且熱愛音樂。
但是當我們讀到歷代志下 29 章 25 節時，
我們明白到，是神啟動了音樂事奉！
這節經文特別強調，
希西家王遵從大衛音樂事奉的規劃，
“因此耶和華藉著祂的先知所吩咐的誡命”
（加入強調。）
不僅有迦得先知和拿單先知，
而且大衛本人也是其中一位先知
（徒 2：30）。
當以色列的王國在大衛時代繁榮昌盛的時候，
這是神那善良、純全、可喜悅的旨意，
要設立音樂事奉。
在迦得先知和拿單先知的幫助下，
大衛設立了音樂事奉，
希望為神和祂的子民進行偉大的事奉。
THE PURPOSES AND FUNCTION OF MUSIC MINISTRY 音樂事奉的目的和功能
So what are the good, acceptable, and perfect purposes of music ministry?
I have found at least three:
那麼什麼是音樂事奉善良、純全、可喜悅的旨意呢？
我至少找到了三個：
1. To receive and teach the word of God.
2. To uplift and transform the spirituality of God’s people.
3. To worship God in the beauty of holiness.
1. 領受教導神的話語。
2. 提升改變神子民的靈性。
3. 以聖潔之美來敬拜神。
Now we will extend our perception of music ministry
from the outward images of choir presentations and hymnal worship
to the inner qualities of the worshippers.
Jesus said,
“But the hour is coming, and now is,
when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth;
for the Father is seeking such to worship Him”
(Jn 4:23).
To summarize, the ultimate goal of music ministry
is to ensure the spiritual growth of each believer,
and for each believer to have a close and joyful relationship with God.
現在我們將擴大我們對音樂事奉的想法，
從詩班獻詩和詩頌崇拜的外在形象，
到敬拜者的內心特質。
耶穌說，
“23時候將到，如今就是了，
那真正拜父的，要用心靈和誠實拜他，
因為父要這樣的人拜他。”
（約 4：23）。
總而言之，音樂事奉的最終目標，
是為了確保每位信徒的靈性成長，
並讓每位信徒都能與神建立親密而喜樂的關係。
How do we know that these are the purposes of music ministry?
We can answer this question by looking at King David’s service.
我們怎麼知道這些是音樂事奉的目的呢？
我們可以由觀察大衛王的事奉來回答這個問題。
To Receive and Teach the Word of God
This first purpose of music ministry
can be derived from studying the responsibilities of the Levites.
When David set up the temple musicians,
only the Levites could carry out the music ministry.
Since Moses’ time,
the Levites were responsible for teaching the law and executing judgment
(Deut 17:8–9).
In 1 Chronicles 25:1–8,
the listed duties of the temple musicians
include prophesying according to the king's order,
giving thanks and praises to God,
and being the king’s seers in the words of God.
Interestingly, the word “prophesy”
is translated into “sing” in Chinese versions of the Bible.
By combining these duties, the Levite temple musicians
would teach the people God’s word pleasantly through singing
or with the accompaniment of musical instruments.
接受和教導神的話語，
音樂事奉的第一個目的，
可以從研究利未人的職責中找出來。
大衛設立聖殿樂師的時候，
只有利未人可以執行音樂事工。
自摩西時代以來，
利未人負責教導律法和執行審判
（申 17：8-9）。
在歷代志上 25 章 1-8 節中，
聖殿樂師的職責
包括依王的命令說預言，
感謝讚美神，
並在神的話語的事上，作為國王的先知。
有趣的是，“預言”這一詞，
在中文版聖經的被翻譯為“歌唱”。
通過結合這些職責，利未人聖殿樂師，
會通過歌唱愉悅地教導人們學習神的話語，
或是有樂器伴奏。
This is the good, acceptable, and perfect way of teaching the word of God.
In ancient times, most people were illiterate, so only the Levites,
who received training for their duties as teachers and judges, were able to read.
When reading the laws aloud to the Israelites in public gatherings,
the best way to project the word would be through chanting.
The next effective way would be through singing.
Through David’s organization of the temple ministry,
the Levites had now also become musicians
who wrote psalms and songs to help the Israelites remember God’s word.
這是教導神的話語，善良、純全、可喜悅的方法。
在古代，大多數人都沒有受教育，所以只有利未人，
他們因為教師和法官的職責，而受訓成為能夠閱讀的人。
在百姓聚集的時候，向以色列人大聲宣讀律法時，
傳播神話語的最好方法是吟唱。
下一個有效的方法是歌唱。
通過大衛聖殿事奉的組織，
現在利未人也成為了音樂家，
他們寫作詩篇和歌曲，來幫助以色列人記住神的話語。
Today, most people are educated and can read the Bible themselves,
but do we use this ability well by reading the Bible every day?
If we only hear the word of God from sermons and religious education (RE) classes,
we will never grow spiritually strong.
Furthermore, if we can memorize the word of God with the help of songs,
then we can recall God’s word at any time to meditate on the living word.
In this way, we will be greatly strengthened
and empowered throughout our daily lives.
This is the first and most obvious reason
why God would like us to have a well-organized music ministry in the church.
今日，大部份的人都受過教育，可以自己閱讀聖經，
但是我們每天是否能好好運用這種能力閱讀聖經呢？
如果我們只是講道和宗教教育 (RE) 課程聆聽神的話語，
我們靈性永遠不會變得強大。
此外，如果我們可以藉助歌曲來記住神的話語，
這樣我們隨時就可以回想神的話語，默想有生命力的真道。
這樣，我們就會大大加添力量，
並在日常生活中得到能力。
這就是第一個，也是最明顯的原因，
為什麼神希望我們教會中有一個組織良好的音樂事奉。
To Uplift and Transform the Spirituality of God’s People
提升改變神子民的靈性
Even if we read the Bible daily,
do we often experience the transforming power of the living word of God?
This is the second purpose of music ministry.
Indeed, the music ministry established by King David
had a long-lasting impact on the people of Israel.
The Israelites, who complained throughout their wilderness journey,
started to chant and sing psalms.
Even though the kingdom of Judah was destroyed,
the exiles continued to read, chant, and sing the laws and psalms.
Israel’s infamous reputation of constant complaining
was replaced by a new quality of constant singing and praise.
即使我們天天讀聖經，
我們是否有經常體驗神活潑話語改變的力量？
這是音樂事奉的第二個目的。
事實上，大衛王設立的音樂事奉，
給以色列人民產生了深遠的影響。
以色列人他們在曠野旅行發怨言，
卻開始了頌唱讚美詩篇。
猶大王國雖然滅亡，
流亡的人繼續會閱讀、吟唱和歌唱律法和詩篇。
以色列臭名昭彰的一直發怨言，
取而代之的是不斷歌頌和讚美的新特質。
The Book of Psalms is proof of their transformation.
The psalms are frequently quoted in the New Testament:
the Lord Jesus used them in His teaching
(Lk 20:17, 42–43);
the other authors referenced them
to prove the prophecy of the Messiah and His work
(Heb 1:5–13);
Peter and Paul also quoted them
when they started preaching
(Acts 2:25–28, 34–35, 13:33–35).
All these records indicate the Book of Psalms was well known and widely practiced
among the Jews of that time.
Even today, the Jews use the psalms in their daily devotions,
with some reading the entire book weekly or monthly.[1]
詩篇就是他們轉變的證明。
新約中詩篇經常被引用：
主耶穌在教導中引用詩篇
（路 20：17，42-43）；
其他作者引用詩篇，
來證實彌賽亞的預言和祂的工，
（來 1：5-13）；
當得和保羅開始傳道時，
他們也引用詩篇
（徒 2：25-28，34-35，13：33-35）。
所有這些記載都表明，《詩篇》廣為人知並廣為流傳於當時猶太人中。
即使在今日，猶太人日常靈修也使用詩篇，
有些人每週或每月會讀完整部詩篇。 [1]
The Book of Psalms is also a book beloved by many Christians
for the comfort, encouragement, and hope therein.
Christianity has a rich tradition of church music.
These beautiful hymns and soothing psalms draw many souls to the faith.
詩篇也是許多基督徒喜愛的經卷，
可以獲得安慰、鼓勵與盼望。
基督教有影響深遠的教會聖樂傳統。
這些優美的讚美詩歌和撫慰流淌人心的詩篇，吸引了許多人來信主。
However, one challenge in music ministry is the tendency
to emphasize the music itself more than the truth in the lyrics.
To resist this, church music has already been reformed at least two times.
The first time was during the end of the sixth century
when Pope Gregory unified and limited church music to chanting
to eliminate secular elements in worship music.
The second time was during the sixteenth century,
when Martin Luther started the Protestant Reformation.
The rise of the Protestant or Reformed Church again
prompted an emphasis on the lyrics and the message,
a reaction against the complicated polyphonic music
(multiple melodies being sung simultaneously) of the time,
which hindered the congregation from participating in worship
and obscured the projection of lyrics.[2]
然而，音樂事奉有一個挑戰，就是傾向於，
強調音樂本身，而不是歌詞中的真理。
要抵抗這種情況，教會音樂已經至少進行了兩次改革。
第一次改革是在六世紀末，
那時教皇格雷戈里，統一並限制教會音樂為朗頌的方式，
消除崇拜音樂中的世俗元素。
第二次改革是在十六世紀，
那時馬丁路德開始新教改革。
新教或是再次改革教會的出現，
促進了強調音樂的歌詞和訊息，
對於複雜音律變化的反動，
（同時演唱多種旋律）當時所出現的音樂，
這種情況會阻礙會眾參與敬拜，
並且模糊歌詞發散出去。 [2]
Today, though we do not sing complicated music,
believers may still indulge in the beauty of the music itself
and forget to pay attention to the lyrics' message.
In addition, some hymns may become so familiar
that we are no longer cognizant of the lyrics and the truth they contain.
Therefore, music ministry needs to be grounded
in teaching the truth in the lyrics,
upholding the message above the music.
Music should always be the servant of God’s word.
With this principle, Christians can experience the transforming power of the word
through the music ministry.
今日，雖然我們不會唱音律複雜的音樂，
信徒或許仍會沉醉在音樂本身的美妙之中，
忘記要注意歌詞的訊息。
此外，有些讚美詩可能變得非常耳熟能詳，
我們不再注意到歌詞，以及其中所包含的真理。
因此，音樂事奉需要紮根，
能用歌詞來教導真理，
支撐音樂之上的訊息。
音樂應該永遠是神話語的僕人。
若有了這個原則，基督徒就可以體驗到神話語改變的力量，
通過音樂事奉。
To Worship God in the Beauty of Holiness
以聖潔之美敬拜神
To illustrate the third purpose of music ministry,
we will look at the phrase,
“Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,”
which is used several times in the Old Testament
(1 Chr 16:29; 2 Chr 20:21; Ps 29:2, 96:9).
“Beauty” is usually translated in these verses
as “attire” or “behavior” in Chinese versions of the Bible.
I will put these alternative translations side by side
for the remainder of this article so readers can contemplate the meaning.
This phrase was first recorded in David’s psalm of thanksgiving,
written to commemorate the smooth, peaceful,
and joyful arrival of the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem
(1 Chr 16:8–36, 29).
為了說明音樂事奉的第三個目的，
我們要來看看這個經節，
“29當以聖潔的(的或作為)妝飾敬拜耶和華。”
舊約中使用很多次
（代上 16：29；代下 20：21；詩 29：2，96：9）。
在這些經節中，“美麗”通常被翻譯，
於中文版聖經中，成為“服飾”或“行為”。
我會將這些互相替代的翻譯加以並列，
於本文剩下的部分，使讀者可以思考含義。
這句話最早出現於大衛的感恩詩篇中，
記錄下來，作為紀念一切順利、平安祥和、
以及約櫃進入耶路撒冷喜樂的抵達
（代上 16：8-36，29）。
David brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem out of good intentions,
but he did not initially realize the significance of the ark.
The ark was where God talked to Moses during the wilderness years.
Being in the ark's presence was to be in God’s presence.
Before God descended and spoke to the Israelites on Mount Sinai,
He instructed Moses to tell the people to sanctify themselves
(Ex 19:10–11).
Furthermore, the tabernacle and everything within it
needed to be anointed with holy oil before being used in ministry.
Aaron and his descendants,
who became the high priests,
also needed to be sanctified by the holy anointing oil
before ministering in front of the ark
—that is, in God’s presence
(Ex 30:26–30).
Without holiness, no one can see God
(Heb 12:14).
During his first attempt,
David did not fully appreciate the sanctity of the ark
and transported it his way.
This resulted in a failed attempt and a tragic death
(1 Chr 13).
大衛出於好意將約櫃帶進耶路撒冷，
但他最初並沒有了解到約櫃的重要性。
約櫃是曠野歲月中，神與摩西交談的地方。
身處約櫃前就是站立神面前。
西奈山上，神降臨對以色列人說話之前，
祂吩咐摩西要命令百姓自潔
（出 19：10-11）。
此外，帳幕和其中的一切事物，
事奉使用之前需要膏上聖油。
亞倫和他的子孫，
他們成為大祭司，
也需要用聖膏油來潔淨，
於進入約櫃服事之前
—也就是說，在神面前
（出 30：26-30）。
若不聖潔，就無人能見神
（來 12：14）。
他第一次嘗試之時，
大衛並沒有完全理解到約櫃的神聖性，
並用自已的方式運送約櫃。
這導致一次失敗的運送嘗試和悲劇的死亡
（代上 13章）。
For the second attempt
(1 Chr 15),
David finally realized that the ark needed to be carried by the Levites,
the way God had instructed Moses.
Therefore, he asked the Levites and priests to sanctify themselves.
David also organized the Levites and priests in a certain order:
three chief musicians led the procession,
followed by Levites playing instruments,
a choirmaster with a large Levite choir,
four gatekeepers, seven trumpet players,
and finally, David with the captains and the rest of the Israelites
(1Chr 15:2–25).
而第二次運送嘗試
(代上 15章),
大衛終於了解到約櫃需要由利未人搬運，
就是神指示摩西的方式。
因此，他請利未人和祭司自潔。
大衛還按著一定順序安排利未人和祭司：
三位首席演奏家會帶領遊行隊伍，
跟著是利未人演奏樂器，
詩班指揮帶著一大團的利未人詩班，
四位守門人，七位號手，
最後，大衛與眾軍長，以及其餘的以色列人
（代上 15：2-25）。
These two processions were so different!
The first one was a chaotic,
large crowd with the noise of both music and commotion.
The second was an orderly assembly,
with Levites dressed in fine linen,
playing and singing music harmoniously.
這兩個遊行隊伍很不一樣！
第一隊很混亂，
一大群人伴隨著音樂和吵鬧的聲音。
第二隊秩序井然的集合，
利未人穿著細麻衣，
和諧的演奏和歌唱樂曲。
After the experience of the second procession,
David understood how beautiful it is to obey the word of God
and how merciful God is.
In David’s psalm of thanksgiving,
written after this procession
(1 Chr 16:8–36),
David understood that the word of God brings holiness
(all the Levites sanctified themselves),
order (an orderly assembly),
harmony (different ensembles playing in an orderly fashion),
beauty (all the Levites dressed in fine linen),
and great joy
(1 Chr 15:25).
This is God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will
that we can experience such a beautiful outcome when we obey His word!
Therefore, David first wrote
“worship in the beauty of holiness” in this psalm
(1 Chr 16:29),
acknowledging God’ mercy for enabling the second attempt
to proceed smoothly and peacefully
(1 Chr 15:26).
God had overlooked the imperfections of the gathered Israelites,
and granted them peace and joy.
This inspired David to coin another of his oft-repeated phrases:
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord,
for He is good, and His mercy endures forever”
(1 Chr 16:34).
在經歷了第二次遊行之後，
大衛明白能聽從神的話語有多美，
神有多麼仁慈。
大衛的感恩詩篇中，
寫於這次遊行之後
(代上 16：8-36),
大衛明白了神的話語帶來了聖潔
（所有的利未人都潔淨自已），
秩序（有順序的聚集），
和諧（不同人的群體以有序的方式合奏），
美麗（所有的利未人身穿細麻衣），
帶來了極大的喜悅
（代上 15：25）。
這就是神善良、純全、可喜悅的旨意，
當我們遵守祂的話語時，就可以體驗到這種美好的結果！
因此，大衛一開始寫下，
於詩篇中“29當以聖潔的(的或作為)妝飾敬拜耶和華。”
(代上 16：29),
感謝神的憐憫，可以進行第二次的嘗試
可以順利平安的進行
（代上 15：26）。
神忽略了聚集起來以色列人的不完美，
並賞賜給他們平安和喜樂。
這啟發了大衛王，創造了另一個他經常重複提到的詞句：
“啊，應當稱謝耶和華，
因他本為善，他的慈愛永遠長存！”
（代上 16：34）。
God wants us to
know how joyful it is to worship Him in the beauty (attire) of holiness.
Worship should not be just a command
but something Christians love and look forward to participating in.
From the final seven psalms in the Book of Psalms,
and the praises in the Book of Revelation,
we know that worship in the beauty (attire) of holiness
is the theme of our life in eternity:
the praises of the great multitude
(Rev 7:9–10, 19:1–3),
of the 144,000
(Rev 14:1–5),
and of those who overcome
(Rev 15:2–4),
all illustrate the joy of worshipping God in eternity.
But while we are still on the earth,
each Christian should have this heavenly experience
to keep our faith strong in tribulation or temptation
until we can worship God in eternal beauty and glory.
神要我們,
知道以聖潔的(的或作為)妝飾敬拜祂是多麼快樂。
敬拜不應該只是一個命令,
而是基督徒喜歡且期待參與的事情。
從《詩篇》的最後七首詩篇中，
和啟示錄中的讚美稱頌，
我們知道以聖潔的(的或作為)妝飾敬拜，
是我們永恆生命的主題：
全體大眾的讚美
（啟 7：9-10，19:1-3），
發自 144,000 人
（啟 14：1-5），
以及那些得勝的人
（啟 15：2-4），
一切都說明了永恆敬拜神的喜樂。
但是我們還在地上的時候，
每個基督徒都應該有這種天國的體驗，
來保守自已身處苦難或是遇到誘惑時，有堅強的信心，
直到我們可以在永恆的美麗和榮耀中敬拜神。
Practical Principles of Music Ministry for True Jesus Church
真耶穌教會音樂事奉的實用原則
Now that we understand the music ministry according to God’s will,
we can derive some practical principles
with the help of Paul’s instruction on music ministry:
現在我們明白了，按著神的旨意進行音樂事奉，
在保羅對音樂事奉指導的幫助下，
我們可以得出一些實用的原則：
Do not be drunk with wine, which is dissipation;
but be filled with the Spirit,
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
giving thanks always for all things to God the Father
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Eph 5:18–20, emphasis added)
18不要醉酒，酒能使人放蕩；
乃要被聖靈充滿。
19當用詩章、頌詞、靈歌、彼此對說，
口唱心和的讚美主。
20凡事要奉我們主耶穌基督的名常常感謝父神。
（以弗所書 5:18-20，特別強調）
Here Paul advises believers not to get drunk
but to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Instead of wasting oneself or speaking filthy, foolish talk, or coarse jesting
(Eph 5:4),
Paul instructed believers on how to use their voice:
they should speak and edify each other in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
They should glorify God by singing and making melody in one’s heart
with thanksgiving for all things.
Paul mentioned three different kinds of music and three aspects of communication,
which we can translate into skills
to engage in the music ministry fully.
Let us see how we can put these three aspects into practice
at both personal and church levels.
在這裡保羅勸告信徒不要喝醉，
而是被聖靈充滿。
不要浪費時間或口說淫話、妄語或戲笑的話
（弗 5：4），
保羅教導信徒如何使用他們自已的聲音：
他們應該以詩歌、讚美詩和靈歌彼此交流和造就。
他們應該在心中，歌頌和創作旋律來榮耀神，
並且凡事感恩。
保羅提到三種不同的音樂，和互相交流的三個方面，
我們可以轉化為技能，
來全力參與音樂事奉。
讓我們來看看，在個人和教會的層面，
自已要如何將這三方面付諸實行。
FOR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS 各別信徒
Speaking 說話
The first aspect Paul mentioned is speaking.
We have a misconception that music ministry
only consists of singing or playing musical instruments.
Not only can we sing psalms and hymns,
but we can also edify each other by communicating
and sharing the meaning of the texts and lyrics.
We may question how we can “speak” spiritual songs.
One definition of the word “speaking” in the original language
means to utter or emit a sound.
So it is fine to use “speaking” or “uttering”
to describe how we deliver spiritual songs.
保羅提到的第一個方面是說話。
我們有一個誤解，認為音樂事奉，
僅僅包括歌頌或演奏樂器。
我們不僅可以吟唱詩篇和讚美詩，
而且我們也可以通過交流互相造就，
並且分享內容和歌詞的含義。
我們可能會質疑，自已如何才能“說出”靈歌。
原文中“說”字的一種定義，
意思是發出或放出一種聲音。
所以可以用“說出”或“發出”
來描述我們如何傳出靈歌。
Speaking is a unique gift that God gives to human beings.
The rest of creation does not have speech or language like ours,
yet it declares the glory of God
(Ps 19:1–4).
The ancient Greek philosophers observed
and marveled at this display of the order and harmony in the universe,
and called this amazing presentation
“ the music of the spheres.”[3]
If this inaudible expression of the heavens can declare the glory of God,
how much more can we glorify Him when we speak of His word and His wonderful work!
Therefore, by speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs,
we are practicing music ministry:
by speaking to each other in psalms,
we declare the word of God, and teach and admonish each other
(Col 3:16);
by speaking the lyrics of hymns,
we share the grace of God, and encourage each other;
by speaking spiritual songs in prayer,
we receive comfort and joy from the Holy Spirit.
We do not need music reading or singing skills to do these things.
Just as Leah learned to praise God,
all we need is a sincere heart to offer thanks and praises to God.
說話是神賜給人類的獨特禮物。
其他種類的創造物，沒有像我們一樣可以說話或有語言，
但說話可以宣告神的榮耀
（詩 19：1-4）。
古希臘哲學家觀察到，
且對於宇宙的秩序與和諧的這種陳列的現象感到驚奇，
並稱這種奇妙的展示，
“天上球體的音樂。”[3]
如果這種天上無聲的表達，可以宣告神的榮耀，
當我們談論祂的話語和祂奇妙工作的時候，我們就是更大程度的榮耀祂！
因此，通過詩篇、讚美詩和靈歌彼此交談，
我們就是實行音樂事奉：
通過用詩篇互相交談，
我們宣講神的話語，互相教導和勸戒
（西 3：16）；
通過談論讚美詩的歌詞，
我們分享神的恩典，互相鼓勵；
藉由祈禱中唱出靈歌，
我們從聖靈領受了安慰和喜樂。
我們不需要學會辨視樂譜或唱歌技能來做這些事情。
正好像利亞學會讚美神一樣，
我們只需要一顆真誠的心，向神獻上感謝和讚美。
Singing 詩頌
Singing is the next aspect in Paul’s instruction.
It is also the skill most commonly associated with music ministry.
While singing is mainly addressed to God,
believers and non-believers around us are edified
by hearing the beautiful sacred music.
David set a good example of how to use musical skills correctly.
When he played for King Saul,
it was not just through his musical skills,
but, more importantly, through his reverent heart
that he produced sacred music to cast away the evil spirit and refresh Saul
(1 Sam 16:23).
歌唱是保羅教導的下一個方面。
這也是大家與音樂事奉有所關連的技能。
雖然歌頌主要是對神陳述，
我們周圍的信徒和非信徒都受到造就，
因為聽到了優美的聖樂。
大衛樹立典範，教導如何正確使用音樂技巧。
當他為掃羅王演奏時，
這不僅僅是用他的音樂技巧，
但更重要的是，通過他虔誠恭敬的心，
他奏出聖樂驅散邪靈，使掃羅精神振奮
（撒上 16：23）。
From the remarks earlier in this article,
we can summarize a few guidelines for using our musical skills for ministry:
從本文前面的評論來看，
我們可以總結一些指導方針, 讓我們使用音樂技能進行事奉：
Pay attention to the truth in the lyrics
instead of only indulging oneself in the beauty of the music.
Emphasize having and nurturing a reverent heart and attitude
more than musical talent.
Simplicity in music is better than complicated music,
so everyone can participate in praising God.
Focus on the holiness, order, harmony, beauty, and joy of music worship.
注意歌詞中的真理，
而不是僅僅自已沉迷於音樂的美妙。
強調要擁有和培養虔誠的內心和態度，
而不僅是音樂的天賦。
單調的音樂勝過旋律複雜的音樂，
這樣大家都可以參與讚美神。
專注於音樂崇拜的聖潔、秩序、和諧、美好和喜樂。
Making Melody in One’s Heart 譜寫個人心中的旋律
The third aspect Paul mentioned,
making melody in one’s heart,
is also the least emphasized skill.
What is it like to make melody in one’s heart?
While speaking and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,
we are using our body and mind to praise God;
making melody in one’s heart means that
our heart and soul are fully engaged in praising God.
When we master this third skill,
we praise and thank God with our whole being:
body, heart, and soul.
We embody not just the outward image of a presenter
but the inner qualities of a true worshipper.
保羅提到了第三個方面，
內心譜寫旋律，
也是最不被重視的技能。
在內心譜寫旋律到底是什麼感覺呢？
當我們朗頌歌唱詩篇、讚美詩和靈歌時，
是用自已的身心來讚美神；
在心中譜寫旋律代表了，
我們的內心和靈魂全心投入讚美神。
當我們掌握這第三項技能的時候，
我們用自已全部的生命來讚美和感謝神：
身體、心靈和靈魂。
我們體現的，不僅僅是個人表達演示的外在形象
而是真正敬拜者的內在特質。
When a believer reaches this stage,
he is at peace with himself, his brothers and sisters, and God.
He is making melody in his heart out of peace and joy.
There is a perceptible transformation.
He has internalized the word of God and the sacred music,
which are firmly rooted in him.
He can make melody in his heart at every moment.
How beautiful it is when all members can make melody in their hearts!
It means that their hearts no longer harbor complaints, anger, or harmful words
but only peace, joy, and grace.
This is the ultimate result that Paul envisioned for music ministry,
and another way to interpret the meaning of “in the beauty (attire) of holiness.”
Let us strive to fulfill this third aspect of music ministry!
當信徒達到這個階段的時候，
他自己、與兄弟姐妹和神的關係，都能平靜安穩。
出於平安和喜樂，他正於內心譜寫出旋律。
就會有可讓人查覺的轉變。
他已經內化了神的話語和聖樂，
一切都深深的紮根。
無時無刻，他都能於心中譜出旋律。
當所有的信徒都能在心中譜寫旋律的時候，一切該有多麼美妙啊！
代表他們的內心，不再懷有怨言、憤怒、惡語，
而只有平安、喜樂和恩典。
這就是保羅為音樂事奉所預想的最終結果，
而且是另一種解釋“以聖潔的(的或作為)妝飾”含義的方式。
讓我們努力完成音樂事奉的第三個方面！
LOCAL CHURCH-LEVEL AND BEYOND 地方教會程度及超越
Generally speaking, we can see that
our music ministry in most churches focuses mainly on the second aspect that Paul mentioned.
Let us also take root in the first skill of speaking
(edifying each other by speaking psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs),
and strive to achieve the third skill of making melody in one’s heart
(manifesting peace, joy, and grace).
Below are some works the church can do to help everyone grow through the music ministry:
一般來說，我們可以看到，
我們大多數教會的音樂事奉，主要集中在保羅提到的第二個方面。
讓我們也紮根第一個技巧說話，
（通過朗頌詩篇、讚美詩和靈歌互相造就），
並且努力達到內心作曲的第三個技能，
（表現出平安、喜樂和恩典）。
以下是教會可以做的一些工作，以幫助大家通過音樂事奉成長：
Teach clear biblical statements regarding God’s will in music ministry,
including the purposes and function of music ministry.
Encourage believers to practice the three aspects Paul instructed.
在音樂事奉時，教導有關神旨意清楚的聖經解說，
包括音樂事奉的目的和功能。
鼓勵信徒實行保羅所指導的三個方面。
Allocate more time for worship with music.
During services, we can give more time for hymnal leaders
to guide the congregation's hearts by delving into the hymns’ messages
and choosing hymns that align with the sermon topic.
Dedicated hymnal worship services are also beneficial for members
to practice speaking and singing to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
分配更多的時間用音樂敬拜神。
聚會期間，我們可以給領詩者更多的時間，
藉由深入探究讚美詩的訊息，
並選擇與講道主題相符的讚美詩，
來引導會眾的心。
特別的讚美詩崇拜聚會也對信徒有益，
練習彼此用詩篇、讚美詩和靈歌來朗頌和唱詩。
Design a training program for church musicians.
Similar to the Religious Education Teachers Seminar (RETS),
we can design a church musicians' training program
at local, regional, and national levels to increase awareness of the music ministry
according to God’s will,
and equip workers with the skills to lead the music ministry.
Produce more songs and hymns based on the complete truth.
The True Jesus Church has the truth
that many other denominations are unaware of.
We can encourage members to write poems and praises
based on the complete truth,
from which songwriters can produce new songs and hymns.
These songs and hymns will help the members remember and meditate on the truth at anytime.
With the help of the Holy Spirit,
we can produce sacred music that attracts and edifies people.
Encourage believers to listen to sacred music and good music.
Not only is there sacred music produced by our choirs,
there is also good music,
such as well-written classical music and traditional folk songs from around the world.
These kinds of music are better than current pop music and other genres of secular music.
When listening to folk songs,
one only needs to be careful
that they are not associated with pagan religious worship.
After internalizing the sound of sacred music and good music,
we can make melody in our hearts to praise God
and illuminate harmony, peace, and joy in the church.
為教會的音樂人設計了訓練計劃。
就好像是宗教教育教師講習會（RETS），
我們可以設計一個教會音樂人的訓練計劃
可在地方城市、區域和整個國家的層面，提高對音樂事奉的認知，
依靠神的旨意，
可使工人裝備音樂事奉的技能來帶領大家。
根據完備的真理，創作出更多的樂曲和讚美詩。
真耶穌教會有真理，
是許多其他教派都不知道的。
我們可以鼓勵信徒，以完備的真理，
來寫作詩歌頌詞，
從真理中，詞曲創作者可以從中創作新歌和讚美詩。
這些詩歌和讚美詩會幫助信徒隨時記住和思想真理。
有聖靈的幫助，
我們可以創作吸引人造就大家的聖樂。
鼓勵信徒聆聽聖樂和優美的音樂。
不僅有我們詩班呈獻的聖樂，
還有好聽的音樂，
例如，世界各地優美創作的古典音樂和傳統民俗歌謠。
這些類型的音樂，會比現在的流行音樂和其他種類的世俗音樂更好。
聽民歌的時候，
大家還需要小心，
這些歌曲不會與異教的崇拜有關。
內化了聖樂和美妙音樂的旋律之後，
我們就可以在心裡創作歌曲讚美神，
以和諧、平安和喜樂來照亮教會。
CONCLUSION 結論
In conclusion, I hope this article is only the initial call to action
for strengthening and expanding the music ministry in our church.
I encourage and welcome feedback
from all fellow music ministry workers, pastors, deacons, and elders.
In the end time, music ministry plays a crucial role
in serving the congregation in all areas of ministry.
May God help us to learn His good, acceptable, and perfect will for the music ministry;
edify each other through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs;
be transformed, and worship the Lord in the beauty (attire) of holiness forevermore!
總之，我盼望本文只是最初起身行動的呼召，
可以加強擴大我們教會的音樂事奉。
我鼓勵並歡迎任何的反饋，
來自所有音樂事奉的同工、傳道牧者、執事和長老。
在末世時，音樂事奉起著至關重要的作用，
在所有事奉的領域為全體會眾服事。
願神幫助我們學會祂給予音樂事奉那善良、純全、可喜悅的旨意；
通過詩篇、讚美詩和靈歌互相造就；
得到改變，並永遠以聖潔的(的或作為)妝飾）敬拜主耶和華！
May all honor and glory be unto His name!
願一切尊貴榮耀歸於祂的聖名！
[1] “Which Psalms Should I Read Daily?”
Chabad.org, accessed July 19, 2022,
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/764344/jewish/Which-Psalms-Should-I-Read-Daily.htm.
[1] “每日我應該閱讀哪些詩篇？”
Chabad.org，於 2022 年 7 月 19 日查詢，
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/764344/jewish/Which-Psalms-Should-I-Read-Daily.htm。
[2] Tim Dowley, Christian Music:
A Global History (Oxford and Minneapolis: Lion Books, 2011), 88.
[2] 提姆道利，基督教音樂：
全球歷史（牛津和明尼阿波利斯：獅子書局，2011 年），88。
[3] Andrew Wilson-Dickson, The Story of Christian Music.
(Oxford and Minneapolis: Lion Books, 2003), 40.
3] 安德魯、威爾森、迪克森，基督教音樂的故事。
（牛津和明尼阿波利斯：獅子書局，2003 年），40。
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