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The Heart of Worship

I thoroughly enjoyed the April issue’s
emphasis on praise and worship and its true meaning. I was raised with
praise and worship led by choir, piano and organ. It was a traumatic
experience getting used to guitars and drums. Once during a service, the
Lord reminded me that man looks on the outward appearance, but God
looks on the heart. It taught me that if the leaders playing guitar had a
true intention of honoring God, then it was good enough for Him.

Tom Balkcom, Phoenix

Turn It Down, Please

Your April issue on worship does not mention that we have slipped into a culture of loud! Church leaders seem to justify 95 to 115 decibels. Often you can’t even hear yourself sing. My Bible says, “Make a joyful
noise unto the Lord.” I think this means from the heart. I’m not
suggesting that musicians are insincere, but many have become victims of
the culture. We all know how precious it is when they tone it down and
the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit floods the place.

Dick Schnitker, Frisco, Texas

All Trials From God?

I love Lee Grady’s passion and read “Fire
in My Bones” regularly. He writes, “God sends trials to mold our
character, crush our pride and break our hard, outward shell so the Holy
Spirit can flow through us to touch others” (April). However, if we
think and preach that God afflicts us to make us better Christians, then
our concept of the cross is too small, the Holy Spirit too abstract and
reactive, and our God is not living in us as His tabernacle. 

El McMeen, Sparta, N.J.

Don’t Promote The Haters

In “At a Loss for the Word” (April), Troy
Anderson recommends seven books that every Bible student needs—two of
which are by John MacArthur. Why is a charismatic magazine promoting the
writings of one of the leading proponents of the error that the gifts
and manifestations of the Holy Spirit aren’t for today? When Charisma
lifts up MacArthur as an appropriate source for Bible instruction,
after he’s been a hinderance to many receiving the fullness of the Holy
Spirit for years, I’ll think long and hard when the next renewal request
arrives. 

Al LePage, Plymouth, Mich.