6. Manna issue 63 - Music and Worship 音樂與崇拜
The Bible tells us to
“[speak] to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord”
(Eph 5:19).
聖經告訴我們，
19當用詩章、頌詞、靈歌、彼此對說，
口唱心和的讚美主。
（弗 5：19）
Today, hymn singing forms an integral part of our congregational worship
where we gather to sing before and during worship services.
Yet, hymn singing should be extended beyond formal worship sessions,
and be incorporated into our Christian life of faith.
It should not be a formality but an expression of sincere praise to God.
Just as Paul encourages us,
we should edify one another and “make music in our heart to the Lord” in our journey of faith.
This article examines the role of music in different aspects of our life of faith.
今日，唱讚美詩已經成為我們會眾敬拜整體的一個部分，
我們在聚會儀式前和崇拜期間，一起聚集唱詩。
然而，唱讚美詩應該延伸到正式的聚會儀式之外，
並且融入我們基督徒的信仰生活。
這不應該只是一種形式，而是對神虔誠讚美的表達。
正如保羅鼓勵我們一樣，
我們應該在信仰旅程中，互相造就，「在心裡為主發出音樂」。
本文探討了我們信仰生活不同層面的音樂角色。
PRAISING GOD THROUGH MUSIC 用音樂讚美神
Very often, during congregational hymn singing,
we are exhorted to sing and praise God with one voice.
Yet this can only be achieved if we understand the reason for our praise to God.
Let us study some examples from the Bible.
很多時候，在聚會唱詩的時候，
我們受勸告要用同一個聲音唱歌和讚美神。
然而，只有當我們了解自已讚美神的原因時，才能實現這一目標。
讓我們研究聖經中的一些例子。
First, we praise God for His almighty works and His salvation grace.
首先，我們讚美神祂全能的作為及救恩。
As early as the time of Moses,
music was used to allow a group of people to praise God in one accord.
After God delivered the Israelites across the Red Sea,
Moses and the children of Israel sang a song to the Lord,
praising Him for His almighty works
(Ex 15:1-21).
早在摩西的時代，
一群人用音樂來同心讚美神。
當神拯救以色列人渡過紅海之後，
摩西和以色列百姓向耶和華歌唱，
讚美祂全能的作為
（出 15：1-21）。
The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation;
He is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father's God, and I will exalt Him.
(Ex 15:2)
2耶和華是我的力量，我的詩歌，也成了我的拯救。
這是我的神，我要讚美他，
是我父親的神，我要尊崇他。
（出 15： 2）
As we congregate for worship services,
we have to remember the amazing works of God in our lives
and reflect on His salvation grace for us.
When we do so, our hearts will overflow with songs for God and,
from the depth of our hearts,
we will sing in one accord to praise and glorify the Lord.
當我們聚集一起進行崇拜聚會時，
我們要記得神在我們生命中奇妙的作為，
並反省祂給我們的救恩。
當我們這樣做時，我們的心中就會流露出讚美神的歌聲，
從我們的內心深處，
我們會同心合意歌頌，讚美榮耀主。
Second, regular congregation service aside,
there will also be special significant events for us to praise God with one voice.
It could be a church dedication, a spiritual convocation or a church anniversary.
其次，除了平常的聚會之外，
也還有特別的重大事件，讓我們去同聲讚美神。
它可能是獻堂典禮、靈恩會，或教會週年紀念日。
For example, when the ark was moved to Jerusalem,
King David was so jubilant that he led the people of Israel in a mass celebration of praise.
It was an occasion to celebrate and rejoice over God’s special providence
and to remind the people of God’s wonderful grace
– it was a special, significant event.
The Bible describes that
“David and all the house of Israel played music before the LORD
on all kinds of instruments of fir wood, on harps, on stringed instruments,
on tambourines, on sistrums, and on cymbals”
(2 Sam 6:5).
例如，當約櫃移進耶路撒冷的時候，
大衛王非常的歡樂，他帶領以色列百姓舉行大規模的讚美活動。
這是一個因為神特別預備而慶祝，且歡欣鼓舞的時刻
並提醒百姓有神奇妙的恩典
—這是一場特殊而重要的事件。
聖經這樣描述，
“5大衛和以色列的全家在耶和華面前，
用松木製造的各樣樂器和琴、瑟、鼓、鈸、鑼，作樂跳舞。”
（撒下 6：5）。
Third, hymn singing can promote fellowship with Christ and with our brethren.
第三，詩頌可以促進基督和我們弟兄姐妹的團契。
The Lord Jesus and His disciples used music to praise God together.
The Bible records that it was only after Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn
that they went to the Mount of Olives
(Mt 26:26-30, 14:22-26).
Followers of Christ continued this practice;
Silas and Paul prayed and sang hymns to God in prison
(Acts 16:25).
主耶穌和門徒一起用音樂讚美神。
聖經記載，直到耶穌和門徒唱一首讚美詩之後，
他們才去了橄欖山
（太 26：26-30、14：22-26）。
基督的跟隨者繼續這種行為模式。
西拉和保羅在監獄裡向神禱告唱詩
（徒 16：25）。
The Lord Jesus promised that
when two or three are gathered in His name,
He will be in their midst
(Mt 18:20).
主耶穌應許說，
20因為無論在那裡，有兩三個人奉我的名聚會，那裡就有我在他們中間。
（太 18：20）。
When we gather as a congregation to sing,
we are having fellowship with our brethren,
as well as with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Such fellowship goes beyond the usual worship service,
and can happen at any juncture of our Christian journey of faith.
當我們聚集在一起唱詩時，
我們就與自已的弟兄姐妹有團契交流，
同時也與我們的主耶穌基督交流。
這樣的團契超越了平時的敬拜聚會，
並且可能發生在我們基督徒信仰之旅的任何時刻。
It is easy to sing hymns of praise when we are happy.
However, to be able to sing to the Lord together with our brethren
in times of trial creates a kind of fellowship and encouragement
that mere words cannot express.
In the midst of trials and tribulations,
the music and words of hymns can remind us of God’s faithfulness.
They will comfort and reassure us, and lift up our spirits once again.
當我們快樂時，很容易就會唱讚美詩。
然而，要能夠與弟兄姐妹一起向主歌頌，
在遇到試探的時候，就會產生出一種友誼和安慰，
那是無法用言語所能表達的。
在試驗磨難之中，
讚美詩的音樂和歌詞，可以提醒我們神的信實。
他們都會安慰我們、讓我們放心，並且再次振奮我們的精神。
A few years ago, a member in Singapore passed away.
His family, who were not believers,
requested the church to conduct the funeral service.
As this funeral service coincided with the church’s spiritual convocation,
only a handful of believers were able to attend.
On the way to the funeral service,
these believers were worried
that there would not be enough people singing hymns during the service.
When the funeral service began, the hymn “God Understands” was chosen.
As our believers sang the hymn,
they felt as if God had sent His choir to sing along with them.
In the end, the hymn touched, comforted and encouraged
not only the bereaved family but also the brethren
who helped with the funeral service.
They experienced how God personally had fellowship with them as they sang.
幾年前，新加坡的一位信徒去世了。
他的家人不是信徒，
請求教會來主持喪禮。
由於這場喪禮適逢教會舉行靈恩會，
只有少數信徒能夠去參加。
在去參加喪禮的路上，
這些信徒很擔心，
喪禮聚會期間可能沒有足夠的人來唱詩。
當喪禮開始的時候，選擇唱讚美詩《神都了解：救主明白你憂傷》。
當我們的信徒開唱讚美詩的時候，
他們感覺好像有神差派了祂的詩班，來和他們一起唱詩。
最後，這首詩讓人受到感動、安慰、鼓勵，
影響的不只有死者的家屬，還有兄弟姐妹，
他們去幫忙舉辦喪禮。
當他們唱詩時，就體驗到神怎麼親自與他們團契交流。
Indeed, music can be a powerful tool
that draws us closer to God and helps us to feel His presence.
All it takes is to sing to the Lord with sincerity of heart and with one accord!
事實上，音樂可以成為一種強大的工具，
讓我們更靠近神，並且幫助我們感受到祂的存在。
只要虔誠同心歌頌主就可以了！
TEACHING THE WORD OF GOD THROUGH MUSIC 用音樂教授神的命令
Teaching through oral and written instructions
is commonly accepted as effective means to pass on knowledge.
However, we see that songs or music can also be an effective way of teaching.
Paul tells us that psalms, hymns and spiritual songs
can be used in teaching and admonishing one another.
透過口頭和文字指示而進行教學，
是普遍認為用來傳遞知識的有效方法。
然而，我們看到，歌曲或音樂也可以成為一種有效的教學方式。
保羅告訴我們，詩歌、頌詞和靈歌，
可以用來互相教導和勸誡。
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
(Col 3:16)
16當用各樣的智慧，把基督的道理豐豐富富的存在心裡，
（或作：當把基督的道理豐豐富富的存在心裡，以各樣的智慧），
用詩章、頌詞、靈歌，彼此教導，互相勸戒，
心被恩感，歌頌神。
（西 3：16）
When Moses was about to hand over his leadership to Joshua,
the LORD commanded Moses to write a song
and “teach it to the children of Israel; put it in their mouths,
that this song may be a witness for Me against the children of Israel”
(Deut 31:19).
This song, recorded in Deuteronomy 32,
is an account of God’s deliverance, commandments and divine qualities.
When Moses taught the people how to sing this song,
he urged them to take the word of God to heart:
“for it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life,
and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land
which you cross over the Jordan to possess”
(Deut 32:47).
當摩西將要交接領導權給約書亞的時候，
耶和華吩咐摩西要寫一首歌，
並且
“19教導以色列人，傳給他們，
使這歌見證他們的不是；”
（申 31：19）。
這首歌記載在申命記 32 章，
是神拯救、誡命和神聖特質的記錄。
當摩西教導百姓唱這首歌的時候，
他鼓勵他們要將神的命令牢記在心：
“47因為這不是虛空、與你們無關的事，乃是你們的生命；
在你們過約但河要得為業的地上必因這事日子得以長久。”
（申 32：47）。
David and Solomon also understood the power of music in teaching God’s word.
Thus, they wrote many psalms to teach others how to praise and worship God.
大衛和所羅門也明白，音樂教導神話語方面的力量。
因此，他們寫了許多詩篇，來教導別人如何讚美敬拜神。
Today, we may not have access to the original music that the psalms were set to,
but many teachings in Psalms and other portions of the Bible
have been set to music within our hymn books.
今日，我們可能無法接觸詩篇所設定原來的音樂，
但是詩篇和聖經其他部分的許多教導，
已經在我們的讚美詩中，配上了音樂。
When we sing hymns, do we pay attention to the teachings of God
that are outlined in the lyrics?
Do we commit them to heart, so that they can encourage us in times of need?
As sermon speakers or religious education teachers,
do we make an effort to choose hymns that reinforce our message
so that the word of God can be emphasized through our singing?
當我們唱讚美詩的時候，自已有留意神的教導嗎？
歌詞中所描繪的內容嗎？
我們是否將牢記他們於心，讓他們在需要的時候鼓勵我們呢？
作為講道者，或是宗教教育老師，
我們有沒有努力選取讚美詩，用以強化我們所要傳達的訊息呢？
這樣透過我們的歌唱，可以強調神的話語？
Some churches also conduct hymn services
where the congregation worships primarily through hymn singing,
accompanied by words of encouragement and Bible reading by a service leader.
The service leader guides the congregation
to understand spiritual teachings and Christian truths through the hymns that are sung,
and the congregation can be encouraged to reflect and praise God in one accord.
有些教會也會舉辨詩頌聚會，
會眾主要以唱讚美詩來進行崇拜，
接著由聚會主領傳達鼓勵的話語和讀經。
聚會主領帶領會眾，
透過讚美詩歌唱，來明白屬靈教訓和基督的真理，
能夠鼓勵會眾同心來反省和讚美神。
We can then take this one step further,
and apply the Biblical teachings found in the hymns we sing to our daily life of faith.
We will then lead a life that is pleasing to God.
然後我們可以更進一步，
並且運用我們歌唱讚美詩的聖經教導，在我們信仰的日常生活中。
然後，我們就會過著蒙神喜悅的生活。
When we look into David’s life and read his psalms,
we notice that he lived according to the words that he set to music.
This makes the message that he is trying to convey through his psalms extremely powerful.
當我們探究大衛的一生，並且閱讀他的詩篇時，
我們注意到，他按照自已在音樂創作的歌詞而生活。
這使他想要用詩篇傳達的訊息，變得極為有力。
THE SPIRITUAL ELEMENT IN MUSIC 音樂的屬靈元素
I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding.
I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.
(1 Cor 14:15)
15我要用靈禱告，也要用悟性禱告；
我要用靈歌唱，也要用悟性歌唱。
（哥前 14：15）
In the Old Testament, music worship often involved a spiritual element.
When Saul joined a group of prophets in prophesying,
they used a stringed instrument, a tambourine, a flute and a harp
(1 Sam 10:5).
Later when David became king, he and the captains of the army
set apart musicians to prophesy with harps,
stringed instruments and cymbals
(1 Chr 25:1).
在舊約中，音樂崇拜常涉及到屬靈的元素。
當掃羅與一群先知一起預言時，
他們使用弦樂器、手鼓、長笛和豎琴
（撒上 10：5）。
後來大衛成為國王後，他和眾軍長，
分別獨立一些音樂家，來用豎琴，弦樂器，和鈸來預言
（代上 25：1）。
Moreover, music was not only used in prophesying,
but also in spiritual warfare.
Whenever an evil spirit came to King Saul,
young David
“would take a harp and play it with his hand.
Then Saul would become refreshed and well,
and the distressing spirit would depart from him”
(1 Sam 16:23).
此外，音樂不僅可用於預言，
也可用在屬靈的戰爭上。
每當邪靈臨到掃羅王的時候，
年輕的大衛
“23大衛就拿琴，用手而彈，
掃羅便舒暢爽快，
惡魔離了他。”
（撒上 16：23）。
When King Jehoshaphat was attacked by the kings of Moab and Ammon,
the LORD sent word through the prophet and told him,
“Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude,
for the battle is not yours, but God’s”
(2 Chr 20:15).
As a result, King Jehoshaphat appointed singers
“who should praise the beauty of holiness” to go before the army.
As they began to sing and to praise the LORD,
God defeated their enemies
(2 Chr 20:21-24).
當約沙法王遭到摩押和亞捫王的攻擊時，
耶和華藉先知傳話告訴他：
“15不要因這大軍恐懼驚惶；
因為勝敗不在乎你們，乃在乎神。”
（代下 20：15）。
結果，約沙法王任命詩班，
“21頌讚耶和華，」走在軍前。
22眾人方唱歌讚美的時候，
神擊敗了他們的敵人
（代下 20：21-24）。
Today, spiritual warfare can still be fought with music,
as an example at Irvine church in the United States demonstrated.
As the ministers were casting out demons,
an elder was inspired to ask the congregation
to support them not only with prayer
but also by singing the hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers”.
Indeed, this helped to subdue the evil spirit.
今日，屬靈的戰爭仍然可以用音樂來戰鬥，
就以美國爾灣教會為例所展示的。
當長執在趕鬼的時候，
有一位長老得到感動，請求會眾，
不僅透過禱告來幫助他們，
還可以唱讚美詩“基督精兵”。
確實，這是有助於壓制邪靈。
Many members and observers have also testified to the spiritual power of music
when they were suffering from life-threatening illnesses
or when they were in great pain.
When members visited them in the hospital and sang hymns,
they would immediately feel God’s peace.
許多信徒和目擊者也見證了音樂屬靈的力量，
當他們患了危及生命的疾病時，
或是當他們承受極大的痛苦時。
當信徒到醫院訪問他們，並且唱讚美詩的時候，
他們會立刻感受到神的平安。
Therefore, we should not underestimate the spiritual power in music.
Music for God is very different from that of the world because God is in the picture.
因此，我們不應該低估音樂的屬靈力量。
屬神的音樂與世人的音樂有非常大的不同，因為神參與其中。
SERVICE TO THE LORD THROUGH MUSIC 用音樂服事主
Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one,
to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD,
and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music,
and praised the LORD, saying:
“For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever,”
that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud,
so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud;
for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.
(2 Chr 5:13-14)
13吹號的、歌唱的都一齊發聲，
聲合為一，讚美感謝耶和華。
吹號、敲鈸，用各種樂器，
揚聲讚美耶和華說：
耶和華本為善，他的慈愛永遠長存！
那時，耶和華的殿有雲充滿，
4甚至祭司不能站立供職，
因為耶和華的榮光充滿了神的殿。
(代下 5：13-14)
If we examine the Old Testament worship,
we find that choirs and musicians played a very important role
in the entire nation’s worship of God.
King David, for example,
appointed skilled full-time singers for the tabernacle
from among the Levites to sing before God day and night
(1 Chr 6:31-48; 15:16-19; 25:7; 9:33-34).
如果我們檢視舊約的崇拜活動，
我們會發現，詩班和音樂家扮演了非常重要的角色，
在整個國家敬拜神的事務上。
以大衛王為例，
他指派熟練的全職歌手在會幕供職，
從利未人選出來，晝夜在神面前歌頌
（代上 6：31-48；15：16-19；25：7；9：33-34）。
When the ark was brought into the tabernacle that David had constructed,
David appointed 4000 Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD,
to celebrate, thank and praise the LORD
(1 Chr 16:1-43, 23:1-6).
Later, when the ark was finally moved into the holy temple,
the trumpeters and singers made themselves heard with one voice
to praise and glorify God
(2 Chr 5:13).
當運送約櫃進入大衛建造的會幕時，
大衛派了四千個利未人，在耶和華約櫃前服事，
可以用來慶祝、感謝、讚美耶和華
（代上 16：1-43, 23：1-6）。
後來，當約櫃終於搬進聖殿的時候，
號手和歌手用同一首樂曲彈奏歌唱，
用來讚美與榮耀神
（代下 5：13）。
2 Chronicles 29:27-28 records that
King Hezekiah gave order to sacrifice burnt offerings.
While the whole assembly worshipped,
the singers sang and the trumpets sounded until the burnt offering was completed.
歷代誌下 29 章 27-28 節記載，
希西家王下命令獻燔祭。
而全體會眾進行敬拜時，
歌手歌唱，號角吹響，直到燔祭完成。
Ever since the time of King David,
singers and musicians were considered part of Israel’s worship,
even in the service of purification.
They sang songs of praise and hymns of thanksgiving
(Neh 12: 45-46).
自從大衛王時代以來，
詩班和音樂家被認為是以色列崇拜的一部分，
甚至是在潔淨的事奉中。
他們唱著讚美與感恩的詩歌
（尼 12：45-46）。
All these examples show one thing:
trained and dedicated musicians and singers were an important part of worshipping God.
They ministered on special occasions,
such as the dedication of the temple and the sacrifice of burnt offerings.
They also served God every day,
showing Israel how to praise the Lord and leading them to praise Him in one accord.
所有這些例子都表明一件事：
訓練有素、虔誠獻身的音樂家和歌手，是敬拜神重要的部份。
他們在特殊的場合服事，
例如奉獻聖殿和獻燔祭。
他們也每天服事神，
教導以色列人如何讚美主，並帶領他們要齊心讚美主。
Just as the musicians did in the past, today,
we can use our musical skills to serve in the church,
participating in special events,
such as spiritual convocations or gospel outreach programs.
Also, in our regular church services, home fellowships, religious education classes
or even during family worship time, musicians or choir members
can lead and accompany the believers in the worship of God.
正如以前的音樂家所做的那樣，今日，
我們可以利用自已的音樂技能，在教會服事，
參加特殊的活動，
例如，靈恩會，或是對外開拓佈道活動。
此外，在我們平常的教會聚會、家庭團契、宗教教育課程中，
甚至是家庭聚會時間，音樂家或唱班的信徒，
可以帶領，並為信徒敬拜神伴奏。
In fact, the church choir can be likened to the army of the Lord,
going forth to fight a spiritual battle,
especially during evangelistic services.
The choir members therefore need to be aware of their role in this spiritual warfare,
and to prepare and cleanse themselves for spiritual battle.
事實上，教會詩班可以比喻是主的軍隊，
要出去打一場屬靈的戰役，
特別是在佈道會的期間。
因此，詩班成員要意識到，自己在這場屬靈戰爭中的角色，
並且為屬靈的爭戰做好準備和潔淨自己。
Likewise, if we lead the congregation to praise God in our everyday worship,
we need to cultivate ourselves spiritually,
so that we can serve God as worthy vessels and lead by example.
同樣的，如果我們帶領會眾在日常聚會中讚美神，
我們要在屬靈上修養自己
以使我們能夠作為有價值的器皿，來服事神，並且能夠以身作則。
PERSONAL DEVOTION THROUGH MUSIC 用音樂來個人事奉
In the preceding sections,
we have touched on singing and making music as a community of faith.
However, music also forms a very important part of a Christian’s personal devotional time.
在前面的章節中，
我們已經談到了，以歌頌和音樂作曲作為一個信仰的團體。
然而，音樂也是基督徒個人靈修時間的一個非常重要的部分。
Many of us will naturally hum or sing when we are happy.
In fact, elder James tells us to sing psalms,
whenever we are cheerful
(James 5:13).
David understood this very well,
as can be seen in many of the psalms of praises that he wrote.
But David also sang when he was in deep sorrow.
當我們高興的時候，有很多人都會自然而然的哼哼唱唱。
事實上，雅各長老告訴我們要吟唱詩篇，
每當我們心情愉快的時候
（雅 5：13）。
大衛亦非常明白這一點，
可以從他所寫的許多讚美詩篇中看出。
但大衛深感悲痛之時，也會唱歌。
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
For the help of His countenance.
(Psalm 42:5)
5我的心哪，你為何憂悶？
為何在我裡面煩躁？
應當仰望神，因他笑臉幫助我；
我還要稱讚他。
（詩篇 42：5）
Whenever David sang, he would be reminded of the great hope that is found in God.
Subsequently his sadness would turn into renewed hope and praise.
每當大衛歌唱時，他都會記得，神才是偉大的盼望。
隨後，他的悲傷就會轉變成新的盼望和讚美。
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
(Col 3:16)
16當用各樣的智慧，把基督的道理豐豐富富的存在心裡，
（或作：當把基督的道理豐豐富富的存在心裡，以各樣的智慧），
用詩章、頌詞、靈歌，彼此教導，互相勸戒，
心被恩感，歌頌神。
（西 3：16）
Hymns and music can also help us to express our thankfulness to God,
our confessions and our joy as we read the Bible, pray and reflect on our day.
In fact, the NIV version of the above verse translates grace as gratitude.
讚美詩和音樂也可以幫助我們表達感謝神，
當我們閱讀聖經、禱告及反省自已一天情況的時候，會表示懺悔和喜樂。
事實上，聖經 NIV 版本的上述經文，將恩典翻譯為感恩。
In addition, hymn lyrics can help us to remember God’s words.
此外，讚美詩的歌詞，可以幫助我們記得神的話語。
Apart from the active use of music in our personal devotion to God,
we should also consider our choice of music in relation to our faith.
除了自已個人對神的靈修中，積極使用音樂之外，
我們也應該考慮自已音樂的選擇，與我們信仰的關係。
When we are at church, we normally sing from our hymn books.
At home, however, besides enjoying hymns and other Christian songs,
we may also listen to music on the radio,
download songs off the Internet and keep up to date with the latest popular songs.
Sometimes, we may know the lyrics of popular songs better than the lyrics of hymns.
當我們在教會時，自已通常會以讚美詩本來歌唱。
然而，在家裡，除了欣賞讚美詩及其他基督教歌曲之外，
我們還會聽到收音機裡的音樂，
從網路下載歌曲，並追上最新的流行歌曲。
有時，我們可能比讚美詩的歌詞，更了解流行樂曲的歌詞。
However, the lyrics of many modern day songs leave a lot to be desired.
Not only are some of the themes questionable, the lyrics are even worse.
Sometimes we sing along without even thinking about what we sing.
然而，許多現代歌曲的歌詞還有很大改善的空間。
不只一些主題很有問題，歌詞甚至很糟糕。
有時候，我們甚至不假思索自已跟著唱了什麼。
Elder James warns us that the tongue is very hard to tame:
雅各長老警告我們，舌頭是最難馴服的：
“With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men,
who have been made in the similitude of God”
(Jas 3:9).
“9我們用舌頭頌讚那為主、為父的，
又用舌頭咒詛那照著神形像被造的人。”
（雅 3：9）。
Today, are we praising God with hymns at church,
and yet, singing curses and other undesirable lyrics
as we indulge ourselves in the latest pop song?
今天，我們是不是在教會用讚美詩歌頌神，
然而，又唱著充滿髒話和其他不受歡迎的歌詞，
每當我們沉浸在最新的流行歌曲中呢？
Certainly, not all popular songs are bad.
However,
there are quite a number of pop, rock & roll and hip hop songs
that promote violence, sexual immorality, drug abuse, occult practices
and even anti-Christ sentiments.
Very often, the lyrics are secondary to the ‘good’ feeling that these songs evoke.
We may like the pounding rhythm and beats,
coupled with the showmanship of the musicians.
More often than not,
we do not even realize that these songs carry insidious messages
that will enter deeper and deeper into our mind each time we listen to these songs.
當然，並非所有流行歌曲都是不好的。
然而，
卻有相當多的流行、搖滾和嘻哈歌曲，
在鼓吹暴力、性亂交、吸毒、神秘習俗的，
甚至是反基督的情緒。
很多時候，相較於這些歌曲所喚起的「美好」感覺，歌詞反而是次要的。
我們可能喜歡那震撼的旋律和節奏，
再加上音樂表演者的演出技巧。
更多時候，
我們甚至不明白，這些歌曲帶有隱藏的訊息，
每次我們聽到這些歌曲時，這些都會越來越深入我們的意識中。
A very good example is the early 1970s’ popular song ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon.
Its melody and the ideals it expresses are very beautiful
as the song asks the listeners to ‘imagine’ a better world.
However, take a look at how the song starts …
有一個很好的例子， 1970 年代早期約翰·藍儂 (John Lennon) 的流行歌曲《Imagine 想像》。
它的旋律和表達的理想都是非常美麗的，
正如這首歌要求聽眾「想像」一個更美好的世界。
然而，看看這首歌是如何開始的…
Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky …
想像世界沒有天堂，
若你試試看就知道很簡單，
我們腳下沒有地獄，
我們的頭上只有天空 …
In this song, John Lennon paints an unrealistic picture of life in the listeners.
He imagines a world without heaven, without hell and without religion.
He sees a world without countries, borders and without wars.
Although such a dream may seem admirable to many people,
his dream is about abandoning God and His word!
If we sing or listen to such music very often, our hearts will be ‘corrupted’.
在這首歌，約翰·藍儂向聽眾描繪了一幅虛幻生活的圖像。
他想像一個沒有天堂、沒有地獄、沒有宗教的世界。
他看到了一個沒有國家、沒有邊界、沒有戰爭的世界。
雖然對許多人來說，這樣的夢想可能令人嚮往，
而他的夢想卻是放棄神和祂的命令！
如果我們時常吟唱或聆聽這樣的音樂，我們的心就會受『敗壞』。
For this reason, we should be careful about our choice of music.
For whatever we regularly listen to can dwell in our hearts,
leaving no room for the words of God.
因此，我們應該自已謹慎選擇的音樂。
因為無論我們日常聽到什麼音樂，都會駐留在我們的心中，
沒有給神的話留下位置。
CONCLUSION 結論
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
redeeming the time,
because the days are evil.
Therefore do not be unwise,
but understand what the will of the Lord is.
And do not be drunk with wine, in 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,
submitting to one another in the fear of God.
(Eph 5:15-21)
15你們要謹慎行事，不要像愚昧人，當像智慧人。
16要愛惜光陰，
因為現今的世代邪惡。
17不要作糊塗人，
要明白主的旨意如何。
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。
21又當存敬畏基督的心，彼此順服。
（弗 5:15-21）
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
(Col 3:16)
16當用各樣的智慧，把基督的道理豐豐富富的存在心裡，
（或作：當把基督的道理豐豐富富的存在心裡，以各樣的智慧），
用詩章、頌詞、靈歌，彼此教導，互相勸戒，
心被恩感，歌頌神。
（西 3：16）
Both passages above encourage us
to make psalms, hymns and spiritual songs an important part of our lives.
We have seen the importance of music in Christian worship
– both for the congregation and the individual.
However, in order to truly please God with our music and singing,
there are a few things we should note:
上面的兩段話都鼓勵我們，
以詩章、頌詞和靈歌，成為我們生活重要的部分。
我們已經看到音樂於基督教崇拜中的重要性，
—對於會眾和個人都很重要。
然而，為了以我們的音樂和歌頌真正蒙神悅納，
有幾件事我們應該要注意：
·The word of God must be deeply rooted in us.
·Be wise and understand what the will of the Lord is.
·Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
·Have a heart of thanksgiving.
·Be submissive to one another in the fear of God.
·神的話語必須深深紮根在我們心中。
·要有智慧，明白主的旨意是什麼。
·被聖靈充滿。
·有一顆感恩的心。
·敬畏神，彼此順服。
If we take all these things to heart,
our use of music in worshipping God will never be a formality.
Instead, it will be a deep expression of our love and reverence for God
that will glorify God and edify both others and ourselves.
如果我們把所有這些事情在心中留意，
我們用音樂敬拜神，將永遠不會成為一種形式。
相反的，這將會是我們對神的愛和敬畏的深刻表達，
這將會榮耀神，並且造就別人和我們自己。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
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