"The disciple is not above His Lord. If we want the joy of Christ, we must do what Christ did. For Him, satisfaction was not the result of finding some Christian pleasure to compete with the world's pleasure. It was not a question of being entertained by church performances instead of secular performances. Christ does not compete by promising a religious equivalent of what the world offers, pleasure for pleasure. It is completely different. The pleasure of Christ is the will of God and its enactment. No dance, no concert, no sensational movie can compete with winning a soul for Christ". - Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke.
Communications experts tell us that the words of something comprise about 7% of the total communication content. Even more is communicated via the tone of voice and via the Body Language. Musical performers communicates an attitude as well as a spirit. It is not just what is said, but the way it is said that is important. Often it is an attitude of worldly pride, or rebellion that is communicated. Some of the dancing in church these days would be fit for broadcast on MTV. And young people love that, when they are in the flesh. Doesn't matter whethere they are Christians or not. Sex sells.
Sometimes the message of the way something is being said communicates more than the words. It is possible to say, "Glory to Jesus" with your mouth, while your whole demeanour is saying, "Aren't I awesome?!". I have seen two kinds of brilliant guitarists in the church. One is humble and not trying to attract attention to himself. The other kind is just posing. Everything is done for effect.
Some music ministry, even worship ministry today claims to have Almighty God as the chief object of worship, yet the real admiration is going to the musicians. You can go to Christian concerts where it really looks like the people are worshipping the band! But this hardly seems to be a concern today. Its being done in the name of Jesus, after all, so it must be OK, right?
In the book of Acts Paul and Barnabas spoke a word and a crippled man walked. This happened in a city called Lystra. The people thought they were gods and started to worship them. Paul did not take this in his stride. He did not smile smugly, thinking how wonderful and godlike he really was. No, he and Barnabas tore their clothes in dismay and ended up getting stoned. Acts 14:14
What would happen if a modern rock band upon seeing the adulation of the crowd began to tear their clothes, broken-hearted that perhaps some soul was attributing to them what belonged to God alone? Can you imagine that happening? Perhaps an even greater frenzy would erupt in the crowd, especially amongst the younger teenage girls. Either that, or the promoters of the concert would soon pull them into line. Give the people what they want, right?
Naturally speaking, I enjoy light rock and a lot of pop music seems pretty melodious and catchy. God however, wants our every thought to be made captive to the obedience of Christ. That can't happen in me while some other words of dubious value are buzzing round in my head repetitively. Music was made primarily to praise and worship God with. Beautiful music can give us a sense of the eternal, but only God delivers the substance. A lot of Christians prefer being entertained to worshiping God. This preference has now carried over into our church music. There's tonnes of hype, and not a lot of power.
There is contemporary Christian music worth listening to, but if it is, its because those who play it are people of prayer with a passion for God. But how many are? You can be popular and successful in wordly terms even as a Christian minister without truly being on fire for God. It seems to me there is a mixture of spiritual influences in so much of the CCM scene - God hates these mixtures. A lot of CCM is so wishy-washy because its trying to soft-pedal the name of Jesus. They cannot and do not recommend holiness of heart and life.
You hear the artists complain 'Do we have to bring up the name of Jesus in every song?' Well, what is the motivation for avoiding the mention of His name? Are we ashamed? So many are trying to demonstrate that they are "cooler than thou". If you challenge this attitude, most likely you will be told you are 'religious' as if such name-calling proved anything.
Unless you are really far from God, most CCM won't draw you any closer to God. The music we listen to should praise God or deeply challenge us to live for Him. This is because we are in a spiritual warfare and the battle for our minds is real. If it doesn't draw you to God, drop it and replace it with music that does. Some things that may be alright at first - even things that may have encouraged you - may be holding you back from really focusing your mind on the things that will set you free. This is a matter of conscience between each believer and the Lord, but the fruit of what we love to listen to is showing in the church today. I have a Christian friend and an outstanding guitarist who writes very stirring music for the Lord. He tells me he hardly ever listens to much music himself. God has allowed people to use music as a tool for drawing a crowd of young people to preach to them. Music is also used in many crusade settings, to praise God, and this is fine. However, its my view that this is not the optimum in God. I never see anything like this in the book of Acts. This method of evangelism is used because we are not producing the signs and wonders that follow those who fast and pray for revival, and believe in God's promises enough to boldly step out and expect something to happen. But hey, we can be thankful if by any means some are coming to know the Lord. I would like to say though, that if 'knowing the Lord' is going to be more than a Christian cliche, its going to mean a denial of self in order to seek out God's Word and God's Spirit, not just an emotional high by whatever means.
I personally believe that there are dangers in the modern approach of using groovy music to draw the masses. The attitude it is played in is really important. Let's have talented musicians, with a humble attitude. God can bless that. Until people learn to really pray, much of what I am saying probably won't be received anyway. I do not believe that this rock and roll strategy with its accompanying attitude has been used anywhere where there has been a real revival of purity, holiness and humility. But if God does use it for such a thing, I would be delighted to be proven wrong on this issue.
Music is an idol for many, because it can make you feel better whether God speaks through it or not. Musical talent seems to be a passport to influence. One evangelist told me that he sang and produced albums because that was the only way he could get into some churches. And he was anointed! But if you play popular music, you can get influence in the church whether you are anointed or not! Should the standard required be higher for preachers than for those who may be having far more influence into the lives of young people - the musicians? I have had some personal experience with this and I still ask the questions.
A lot of the material put out by the CCM crowd is designed to appeal to pleasure-loving, carnal Christians. In the last days,
the Bible warns, "men will be lovers of pleasure .. having a form of godliness (Christianity) but denying the power thereof" (2
Timothy 3:1-5). The true power of God comes through the cross. Not the cross as worn by pop icons such as Prince and
Madonna, but the principal of (painful) death to the world and the flesh in order to sacrificially devote oneself to God and His
pleasure. In a world which worships music and musicians, we Christians must beware of falling into the same trap. Without
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This is really not that
This is really not that complex. The problem is, as Michael said "The battle for our minds is real" or something like that. Our problem is that we often refuse to accept that we might not be in as much control over what we internalize as we like to think we are. My two cents: if ANYTHING has a hold on you or anything closely resembling one, to the point where you even have 1% of a hard time letting it go, you probably shouldn't be holding it. What does the Word say? If your EYE causes you to sin, put it out; it's better than your whole person going to Hell. Is there a song you don't see yourself living without? How ridiculous is it to be holding on to A SONG/TYPE OF MUSIC, GOSPEL OR NOT at the expense of a relationship with the God the song claims to proclaim himself?
The inevitable question arises: But what else should we listen to? As G Craige Lewis said at one time: God.
People of God, God is a God who wants us to listen to Him: the songs are all well and good for worship and praise, and as someone posted, it is indeed used often in the bible to stir up the soul for worship-but He does speak directly to us-if we are not distracted by anything....but as silly as it may sound, we should be careful that we don't put them (songs/music/emotional crutches) in place of a relationship with God Himself. If you have a relationship with the LORD himself, then the signs and wonders will follow you quite easily. 24 hours a day. Prayer will be much faster---with no mental effort whatsoever.
As you pray, the answer will be coming. It's impossible to put into words, but anyone who would "help the Lord speak to them" would do well to examine themselves.
You will not feel the need to hear a particular song or type of music to feel His prescence. He will be with you always. Sometimes, you will even hear Him tell you to put the song off and hear what He Himself is telling you.
You get the idea. He is just waiting to unleash this and more unto you. You will kick yourself for waiting so long!
Take out the ear-plugs, turn off your PC/ipod and pray. Pray with all that is within you to the n-th power. How far you're willing to go will show how badly you want it. He is all you ever need. Indeed, he is MUCH MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER NEED.
Why am I still typing?! Give it a try. You've made Him wait long enough! ;)
In The Name Above All Names,
K.
Should I or should I not?
I'm 15 and am listening to christian rock. My mother and father only had a problem with the screamo version of christian rock. My dad said that its from the devil because people possesed speak that way. Unfortunately, I have seen some posers like Underoath who "say" they're christians but their music makes no sense and hardly speaks about God. But they're are bands like Demon Hunter that talks about God in their songs and scream at the same time. Would it be okay to listen to the screamo's or should I stick with the suttle, outspoken christian bands?
Music can be a gift, It and we need to be kept in check though
This article and the other related lead article are both informing and interesting. It is I feel however a very complex issue you have opened. I have been listening to contempory Christian music of late and have found that discernment is key. Elvis sang some beautiful Gospel music for example and was a God loving man on all accounts, but for some his good looks and what some may say provocative dance moves took the eye off the prize, in so much as some were turned from Jesus to Elvis in an idol like way. This is a big mistake and not always a flaw of the musician him or herself but at times a flaw in the listener or looker in this case. I have looked at some contempory Christian rock and some CCR concerts posted on You Tube. Some of these bands, yes I agree are edging towards looking for worship from the crowd. Which is not a good thing, idol worship is an abomination to God. For this reason I prefer to listen to Christian music rather than watch it. I am at present mulling this over and by no means am I ridged in my views or closed to change or in deed challenge on these thoughts. I am asking God to guide me through this issue at this time. I myself am a mother of two sons 19 and 17 years old, and this is a current issue for me. I am at this moment coming to think that it is a complicated issue and should not be completely blanketed with one view or another, but rather discernment should be prayed for and applied on both the performers and listeners side. I noticed for example when first coming across Christian rock on You Tube posts, that many of the concert crowd look up to God whilst singing their Christian based song words. How can that be seen as band or idol worship? I myself of late have been listening to some of this Christian rock and sing along in praise. I can tell you in my experience,I have come closer to God through this. I don't even really care what these bands look like as I don't want to go down the road of idol worship. In fact I don't even look at the performing band anymore I just listen and sing. It is possible in my opinion to come close to God in this way. We are all sinners and I myself would not like to be responsible for making judgement on those that are trying to bring Christian based music to the youth of today. Who am I to judge? Discernment is required in all walks of life. And should be used every time on a case by case basis. I do however wish some Christian bands would not take applause or praise for themselves. I don't like to see praise go to humans that should be for God. Being a Christian is a learning process. Christ being our guide and light. In defense of these Christian bands I would say however aren't we all guilty of not being perfect? How many times do Christians for example say amongst each other I will pray for you, only for the other party to say thank you. When really we should be saying thank God for his loving kindness and thank God for opening your heart for my prayer needs. I myself have stupidly done this without thinking. After all it is our Lord and God who does the real work and prayer answering, and gives us a heart for prayer. The point I am making is we should not be judgemental, but rather if possible point these things out so as these Christian bands can become better at bringing praise to God through their gifts, better able to reach and direct our youth in a positive way towards God. It does not mean that all bands such as this are evil as some may say or think, but rather flesh is ungodly and flesh always needs to be kept in check, through Christ Jesus. Perhaps it would be useful to try and get these Christian bands and concert organisers to understand that they must not take applause for themselves alone but rather openly give it up to God. I had before reading this article many questions in regard to this topic, I now feel God is helping me to sort this out in my head. Thank you article writer, articles like this help us to address these issues, so as to follow a true path to God and not get ensnared in traps along the way, and more importantly Thank God for his loving wisdom and for giving you the heart to address such issues. We all need to think, myself included about such things as correct worship and song and work them out with God and for Gods glory.
Music can be a gift, It and we need to be kept in check cont...
I have of recent been praying on this subject and feel compelled to add to my above reply. I would recommend that anyone reading this article should also read the other article (posted on this site) titled, 'Rock and Roll and Pop. I have reflected on this article and have since been drawn to Matthew 7:15 [A Tree and Its Fruit] "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves". I believe this same scripture can be relevant to music. It in my opinion is worth considering at least. Consider the fact that not all musicians singing of God are led by the Holy spirit. Marilyn manson sings 'personal Jesus', Is he a Christian? Being honest I don't know much about him, but his demonic looking appearance suggests not! I urge you also to consider the points made about songs by Michael Hutchence. It could in theory have wider implications. This article and the above article are very insiteful, and make me realise we really must be careful. I myself stick to music by known born again Christians and even then look for fruits, and any possible pitfalls. Even as a born again Christian it is possible to make mistakes, or get tempted by the flesh, resulting in lust or idol worship or worse. Thank God for the good folks that bring these articles, so as we can know and find the truth. Thank God for the precious blood of Jesus also, amen
Music is a Gift from God
Although, I agree that there can be commercial abuse in any billion dollar industry, I think it unfair to lump all of any category of music all together as evil or to be avoided. Let alone 2 categories. Yes, we must be careful in all areas where the world has gotten a finger into the pie, but that in no way takes away from the fact that there is some awesome, worshipful music to glorify God that may be considered rock music to some, and certainly CCM.
I believe that part of our job as Christians to to take back territory for the Lord and if you look at the history, what is commonly known as 'rock&roll' actually originated in the southern Baptist church and was used entirely to praise God. It was the enemy who stole it from God in the first place so it is part of the calling of end-time Christians to make full use of this powerful, moving tool, to take it back and glorify God with its full, proper use.
Peace of One,
John 17-21
☝ ✞ ❦
Examples of God's use of music in the bible is extensive, but perhaps my favorite use was in 1Sam16 where it is said that David's playing cast evil spirits out of King Saul.
My exact position
My exact position on this is hard to define. I believe the music style should be appropriate to what we are trying to say, and I believe that music is so powerful that we have to be careful about what we allow to dominate in our heads, no matter WHAT style of music it is and how Christian the lyrics are. I am not against all modern Christian music by any means, but I really believe it can easily be abused a be a barrier to our relationship with the Lord.
Because this is somewhat a matter of personal opinion, it is easy to become legalistic and I may have crossed the line in my attempt to warn against something so subtle it is hard to nail. I like John Wesley's definition of worldliness - worldliness is anything that cools my relationship with God. So the same music at some time might draw you to God, at other times I think it can hinder you. And what is most important is not the style, not even the lyrics, but the spirit of the musician himself. I have a musician friend whose music style I don't much care for as a matter of personal preference, but he is definitely a spirit-led anointed minister of God, and God is using him. The fact that he still has time for me proves to me that his music is not an idol to him!
A Church for God
I would like to join a church where the program caters to God.
Hmmm..Im not sure that I
Hmmm..Im not sure that I personally agree. I listen to worship music because it does just that-it helps me to focus on God. Yes, it is possible just to listen to it for entertainments sake and I dont do that.
Music is from God and it is used often in the bible to stir up the soul to worship. There is something about music that does this.
Music is a gift from God
It is good if you can truly worship God using a wide variety of musical styles. This is a very difficult issue and its very hard to prove it one way or another. We need to seek what is most helpful for us.
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