Introduction

Music is immensely rich form of human expression that is full of all sorts of potential to honor God and bring attention to the good and beautiful in the world that is HIS INFLUENCE (James 1:17).

James 1:17 — Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Most people anyone have a serious interest in music. For the Christian, this interest can lead to a deeply personal wrestling match with the theological concerns presented by music and some of its forms. The fact there is much potential of good in music makes it attractive. The fact that there is also potential for "not good" makes it a concern.

One philosophy regarding music and the Christian goes something like this:

Music is amoral. There is no secular or Christian music, or if there is a distinction to be made it is only in the lyrics. Lyrical content alone distinguishes Christian music from all other forms.

Is this entirely true? Is the music of Christians generally indistinguishable from secular or even pagan music? What guideliness and principles can we draw from the Holy Scriptures to aid us in our judgments?

The great contest that every Christian must engage in His own generation is the challenge set forth in the Bible to honor God in all we do and receive. Part of that duty, I believe, is to distinguish ourselves as Christians or to be obviously Christian.

Matthew 5:16 — Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

In well-intentioned efforts to make Christianity more appealing, many people have borrowed from things familar to the sinner (like music). Herein lies a potential danger of losing sight of our own identity and what makes us Christian.

If with each generation we shed and more of those details of living life birthed directly from Scripture and replace them with details birthed elsewhere, at what point are we no longer living a Christ-centered life?

Ezekiel 44:23 — And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy, and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

This study is an effort to remain engaged in this battle for the very soul of Christianity. This subject is filled with potential pitfalls and discerning the best way is hard work. But, we cannot afford to just "give in" as many have when faced with the complexity of this topic. I have heard, first hand, teachers declare, "There is no line" that brings clear judgments on music for the Christian.

I believe in areas of Biblical revelation that appear light on topics that concern us, the Christian disposition should not be to conclude "we just can't know" but like many Believers throughout Church History should be to engage the topic as a spiritual challenge with prayer, Holy Ghost discernment, and careful investigation of both the Scriptures and the facts of the matter.

Php 2:12 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

With gravity and sincerity, let us seek out together a Christ-like response to the question, "how shall we honor God as Christians with our music?"

a. Some Questions that Will Structure Our Study

1. HUMAN and DIVINE PURPOSE. Why are we singing? What is the Purpose of Music? Is music exclusively for worship? Is it ok to use music to entertain or just convey a non-spiritual message?
2. EFFECT and PERFORMANCE. Feelings, emotions, anointing. What can we know about how music makes us feel? Can we know if it is God we are feeling? Are there “bad feelings” we can use to judge music? Feelings and Music. Do we “medicate” or “regulate” with music? Chills. Positive or Relaxing vibes.
3. CONTENT. What are the Marks of Distinction of Christian Music? What makes Christian music different? What biblical principles govern music? How critical should we be of music concerning doctrine? Judging the content of Music. Lightheartedness, Silliness.
4. CONTEXT Does it matter where a song comes from or can it stand on its own merit? If it matters, how much does it matter? Is the original roots, most important or just one part of an equation? Judging the context of music.Where does music come from? Should the Business and Commerce context affect our judgment? What is a preferred context of Christian music?
5. STANDARDS AND . Debates. What analogies to Christians and music can be made and which ones have been made that may be inaccurate or accurate? Of common arguments made, which ones are inconsistent or consistent? Criticisms of modern Christian music.

b. The Value of Our Study

Does any of this really matter? Is it petty to make such detailed judgments?

Psalm 8:1 -- 1 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. 2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. [BOLD, LOUD]

Matthew 21:15-16 -- And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, 16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?[to complete thoroughly,restore, make to fit,prepare]

• “How can you be upset about young people worshipping God in any capacity?”
• Praise can be perfected .... it is in heaven. If it can be perfected, it is necessary to examine it while it is ‘IMPERFECT’.
• Because He is worthy. Ps 8:9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

1 Corinthians 10:23-33 -- 23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. 25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. 27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: 29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

Christians should develop discerning taste. I just don't like that... taste has to be developed for something (usually very early on in life, but with life’s milestones, those even change.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-24 -- 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16 ¶ Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 ¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

c. Rules and Methods of Our Study

1. Separate the Two: Christian (People) and Music

Music is very personal and intimate for a lot of people. And to judge some form or piece of music and/or its performance can often be received like a PERSONAL ATTACK. We cannot have a productive conversation if criticisms of a “piece” or “performance” are received as a judgment on your own or another’s character. Lso, inspecting someone else's sacrifice is carefully done.

2. The Debate Must first be Won Within

This is not to say never debate or communicate a divisive view point, but that our study will be much more fruitful if we remind ourselves often that we are FIRSTLY endeavoring to draw OUR OWN SELVES nearer to a perfect praise of our God. Before you weaponize or disseminate or rebut, give the whole process a thorough hearing Respect the GRACE and FORBEARANCE of God in our own life and in the lives of others. We are not all “lock step” when it comes to the revelation of God’s will.

3. There are Degrees of Value

As we discuss and weigh individual pieces and performances of music, we will consistently apply judgment in “DEGREES” and not “PASS or FAIL”. There is poor, good, better and best! Also, there are so many elements in “SYMPHONY” that result ultimately in a PERFORMANCE and like baking a cake, music cannot be fairly judged by listing its ingredients alone, but the COMBINATION of details impact value and effectiveness.

4. We will be Honest and Studious.

We will practice to not be “LAZY” in our conclusions. Avoid shortcuts. (Prov 18:13) What are some short cuts? We will consider primarily content that is commonly used in worship --- not ticklish Reuben from down in old Vermont. The preacher and the bear.

5. This Debate didn’t Start or End with You

The Christian church has been grappleing with this topic from the beginning. We are entering into an ongoing conversation. There are some who through prayer and careful consideration have made contributions to this conversation and there are those who ‘at a tip of hat’ have added their 2 cents. Measure all viewpoints in light of Scripture. Remember, the covering afforded by Spiritual Leadership. (Ge 20:16; Ps 105:39; 1 Cor. 11:10,15) My Opinion counts but shouldn't be the beginning and end of the conversation for me. Endeavor to not short circuit Biblical methods and principles. Don’t isolate yourself. Safeguards, convictions, spiritual leadership as a covering.