Music and the Christian

 

These are a few thoughts on Christian Music. First I think it is worth mentioning that not all Christian music is designed for cooperate worship. Some is intended for the individual consumption (maybe in the car) and some for the concert stage. The intentional design of some music may very well be for a specific target audience in a specific environment. Whether the music is for use in cooperate worship or not, these are all legitimate venues for Christian music.

(1)What about the tune? Is the tune easy to remember? Does it reflect the words of the song?

- Have you ever tried singing Oh Happy Day to the original tune from the 1700’s? It sounds extremely somber and sad. There are many excellent hymns from years past. There is nothing wrong with updating the music tune. Some people will prefer the old tunes and the old hymns – there’s nothing wrong with that.

(2) Can I understand the words?

- I cannot understand the Farsi language. Many people who have not been raised in the church and utilized the KJV bible may have some difficulties to comprehend the archaic English language. The message and the music need to be relevant to the audience, this means comprehendable.

(3) Are the lyrics doctrinally sound?

- No Hersey Allowed. That being noted, that doesn’t mean every song has to dig to the deepest depths of theological knowledge. They might even be a little light on doctrine yet heavy on basic praise. Go check out the Psalms.

(4) What about music designed to evoke emotional response and appeal to the sense?

- Ever heard Handel's Messiah, been moved by an Easter musical. What most people really object to in this category is music with a beat or plugged in. This isn’t about evoking an emotional response – its about people that don’t like that rock music. It is simply people trying to make a preference law. Any good tune is design to convey and evoke the emotion of the lyrics..

(8) What about empty repetition?

- I have no idea how "Praise God" or lyrics such as those from Revelation 5:11-14 would ever get old or be considered empty. Yet these are the types of complaints I have heard from people on modern worship music. So unless you're expecting something to happen because you keep saying it – its not a bad thing.

(9) What about musical instruments?

- I touched on this one once before. Some people think it should be acapella, others only piano and organ. This is about preference not biblical mandate. Just because you don’t find a particular instrument or style to minister to you doesn’t invalidate it. Many of these Christians in Rock and Metal music are reaching people you or I never could. Try getting to know them before you toss them aside because of their looks and music.

Finally, there is great liberty in music for the Christian. Most of us spend our time trying to invoke our own convictions as law on others. That needs to come to a halt. If you can’t defend it clearly from scripture then it is just an opinion and not binding. We need to apply the same measure to this medium as any other (i.e. TV). Is it edifying? Do you have a clear conscience before God?

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8

The Purpose of Prayer 


Some people think that prayer is a personal wish maker that you turn on and off. Others see it as something reserved only for those big emergencies. Still others think that the more people praying on an issue the more likely they are to get their way with God. Even though the prayer of a single righteous man is very powerful and effective (James 5:16).On the far end are those who believe in the sovereignty of God so much that they see no need to pray, “God will do what God will do” – so they ignore the command to pray (Ephesians 6:18).

So then what is the purpose of prayer?

God wants us to pour out our hearts before his throne. He cares for our needs, struggles, pain and desires. He wants us to do the same for others and bring those to him as well. He even brings things into our lives that will drive us to our knees, drive us closer to His heart. As He answers our prayers in His timing and His way - He wants to hear our joy and praises as well.

So again why pray?

1. We need it. Quite frankly we cannot live in this world of pain and sorrow apart from a vibrant relationship to God. How can we know Him if we don’t commune with Him. It is or pathway of communication, blessing and understanding.

2. We were never meant to be self sufficient and self serving. We are to be involved in the lives of others. Helping to bear their burdens. Praying for them in their situation, for another’s salvation, for understanding, and peace.

3. We are commanded to do so for our own good. God wants us involved with what He is doing in our midst. To see faith turned into reality (John 11:40). It connects us with the lives of other believers nearby and far away. More involvement in prayer means more people are involved in praise. We get to share more in God’s work.

4. As we commune with God our thoughts become more like His. We pray in concert with His will not for our own selfish motives.

So what is the purpose of prayer? It is to conform our thoughts, concerns, and desires into becoming more and more align with those of Christ. It is so that we and others may give more praise, honor and glory to God as we see Him move in our midst. May God conform and transform us so that we may be vessels of mercy that may minister to the saints and the lost.

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.