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Galatians 5:16-23 teaches that at any moment we are either walking by the Holy Spirit or according to the sin nature. Walking by the Spirit, enjoying fellowship with God, walking in the light are virtually synonymous. During these times, the Holy Spirit is working in us to illuminate our minds to the truth of Scripture and to challenge us to apply what we learn. But when we sin, we begin to live based on the sin nature. Our works do not count for eternity. The only way to recover is to confess (admit, acknowledge) our sin to God the Father and we are instantly forgiven, cleansed, and recover our spiritual walk (1 John 1:9). Please make sure you are walking by the Spirit before you begin your Bible study, so it will be spiritually profitable.

Ephesians 5:18-21 & Colossians 3:16 by Robert Dean

What is beauty? The Bible says a lot about objective, intrinsic beauty which fits eternal guidelines. Hear twelve biblical standards for beauty and find out that we can evaluate music we sing in church by these standards. All that we do should be to glorify God, which means pursue excellence in our music which conforms to the standards of Philippians 4:8. Look to God's creation to see excellence in beauty and observe a chart that contrasts pop culture with traditional/high culture.

Dr. Dean's updated Music and Worship reading list is available in the Text: notes link below.

The Text: slideshow link below includes links to James Spiegel's "Aesthetics and Worship" paper as well as Kenneth Myers' All God's Children and Blue Suede Shoes: Christians and Pop Culture.

Duration:1 hr 2 mins 29 secs