“MUSIC” (To read the complete text, pulse on the title)

“MUSIC”
Eph. 6:18-21 / Col. 3:16-17

INTRODUCTION:
It is amazing how quickly society moves away from that which is godly, holy and right. The serious charges in Romans 1:25 “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator”, seems indicative of mankind in general. In my 30 years of ministry, I have observed almost every style of worship man could imagine. Instead of diligently seeking a personal loving relationship with Jesus Christ, most people simply follow the latest fad in Sunday morning worship. True worship [worth ship] of Jesus Christ is revealed in the daily relationship maintained by the Christian. Worship is not some strange acts performed at church on Sunday morning. True worship is the natural response from a heart which holds high reverence and respect for the object or person worshipped. One expression of true worship is through the music or melody generated within the heart toward the object or person worshipped.
Since MUSIC is an integral part of our worship and directly impacts our daily lives, it is vitally important that we have a proper understanding of what it is and how it affects our lives. I challenge you to take the time to carefully examine the truths about MUSIC and the impact it has upon your life.
You really do not need any text other than the Bible, but if you cannot get a satisfactory answer from the Bible, purchase or borrow materials which deal with the science and art of music. There are also many good works defining the merits and impact of good Christian music.
If you really desire Truth you can find it. Truth has remained constant since the beginning of time. Truth will set you free from the bondage and corruption of error.

I. MUSIC DEFINED:
WEBSTER: Music: The art and science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds or tones in varying Melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre, so as to form structurally complete and emotionally expressive compositions.
Sing: To produce musical sounds or notes with the voice, especially in a
connected series.
Melody: Pleasing sounds or arrangement of sounds in sequence.
Hymn: A song in praise of God, a god or gods. Any song of praise or
glorification.

VINE: Music: (Sumphonia) A sounding together or symphony. [Lk. 15:25]
Sing: (Ado) Giving praise to God [ Eph. 5:19 ; Col. 3:16]
Melody: (Psallo) Old Testament to play a stringed instrument with the
fingers or to play an instrument with the singing. New Testament to
sing a Hymn or to sing praises. [Eph. 5:19 ;Rom. 15:9 ; James 5:13]
Hymn: (Humnos) A song of praise addressed to God. [Eph. 5:19 ; Col. 3:16

II. MUSIC IS A MEDIUM OF COMMUNICATING:
Music has existed from eternity past. We are told in Scripture that the angelic beings are endowed with musical ability. Music has been used by man since the very beginning. We find that Music is used to communicate and influence the minds and emotions of those listening.
There are over 6,000 known languages in use today around the world. Each has its own letters or symbols that when combined form words which can form statements expressing an idea or thought. Every language and culture uses music to express ideas and philosophy.
Music is a universal language that transcends all cultures and societies. Music appeals directly to the very soul of man. In Daniel we find that the music for worshipping the idol transcended all nations and languages.
Daniel 3: 7 “Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of music, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.”

Notice there is no singing with this music, only instruments. Most of those in the field of music state emphatically that the very sounds of music have an immediate impact upon an individual.
Some have said that the music sets the mood and the lyrics suggest the action.

USED TO COMMUNICATE VARYING MESSAGES:
1. Used widely in sales and promotion
Used to soothe and calm (i.e. Elevator music; Doctor Office music: Family Restaurant Music)
Used to motivate and speed up activity (Fast Food Restaurants: Stores and Malls)
Used by Armed Forces to indoctrinate or pep up troops.
Used by Sports to pep up crowd or harass the opposing team.
Used in schools to teach everything from ABC’s to Math.
Used in church to focus and guide the worship service.

NOTE: BECAUSE SOCIETY HAS BECOME ADDICTED TO THE ROCK AND RAP FORMAT, MANY BUSINESSES NOW HAVE A CONTINUOUS “LOUD” SUPPLY TO APPEASE THE ADDICTION AND HOLD THE CUSTOMER!!

III. MUSIC IS EXPRESSED IN THREE PRIMARY PARTS:
A. Melody:
Webster: (1) The rhythmic arrangement of tones in sequence to express a musical idea. (2) Pleasing sound or arrangement of sounds in sequence.

The melody is a series of notes ranged in a specific pattern to communicate a specific message.
A good melody will exhibit certain traits”
1. It must rise and fall. A flat or on the same pitch produces a hypnotic affect such as the Gregorian chants.
2. It must have a beginning, middle and end producing a sense of completeness.
3. It must reach a climax and then have a resolution.
4. It should produce a response from the listener.

Almost anyone can strike up a melody whether it be singing, humming, or whistling.
The melody speaks to the spirit suggesting a specific action.

Eph 5: 18-20 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”

Being filled with (under control of) the Holy Spirit is directly tied to making melody (singing a song) in your heart to the Lord. The concept is that a Spirit controlled heart will overflow with thanks and praise as the Spirit reveals what God has done.
When the Christian comprehends all that the Lord has done/is doing/ will do in their life, there is joy and rejoicing from the heart.

NOTE: THE FOCUS OF CHRISTIAN MELODY IS THE LORD!! THE MELODY IS ABOUT AND DIRECTED TO THE LORD!!!

B. Harmony:
Webster: (1) A combination of parts into a pleasing or orderly whole (2) structure in terms of the arrangement, modulation, etc of chords (3) to bring into agreement

Harmony speaks to the intellect. Much study and training are required to write or understand music with correct harmony. When the melody and the rhythm are joined together properly there is good harmony.
When the instruments and the voices all are blended properly there is true harmonic music.
When a piece of music is truly harmonious it will satisfy the laws of the science and art of good music.

“As the melody provides the ‘profile’ for a piece of music, the harmony provides its ‘personality’.”

C. Rhythm:
Webster: (1) flow, movement, procedure, etc. characterized by basically regular recurrence of elements or features. (2) a basically regular recurrence of grouped strong and weak beats.

Rhythm drives the music. Without rhythm music would be dead, going nowhere. When rhythm is organized into regular recurring beats, we say that it has meter. Rhythm provides the energy and life to the music. Rhythm directly affects the body, stirring or calming the senses of the flesh. Rhythm can stir a crowd to a frenzy or calm them like a sedative.

A good musician is a true artist just as one who paints, sculptures or writes poetry. Just as a master chef knows how to combine all the ingredients just right to produce a tasty meal, so the true musician knows how to combine the rhythm and melody to produce just the right harmony that, while satisfying the laws of music, will secure the desired results from the music. When the melody and rhythm are in right harmony, the music will be a true work of art.

IV. THE POWER AND IMPACT OF MUSIC:
A. Music is Moral or Immoral.
With the great revolution in music styles came much confusion and challenge concerning music. Many of the supporters attempted to justify the use of Rock music within the church declaring that music is “Amoral”. Since music is neither good or bad, it can be used in any setting. Of course this was simply a lie born of Satan and perpetrated by the music industry. Every piece of music is either moral or immoral. To determine the morality, one must examine the music and the lyrics for content and effect.
The numerous studies on music have revealed that even the short jingles used in advertising have moral or immoral implications.

NOTE: NUMEROUS STUDIES HAVE PROVEN AGAIN AND AGAIN THAT THE MUSIC SETS THE MOOD AND THE LYRICS SUGGEST THE ACTION!!!
NOTE: EVERY ASPECT OF MUSIC IS EITHER MORAL OR IMMORAL!! THERE IS NO GRAY OR AMORAL AREA!!!

B. Music Directly Affects all of your Person.
[Spirit; Mind; Emotions; Will; and Body]
In his book Music in the Balance, Frank Garlock identifies the affects of each part of music with a part of the person. The melody directly affects the spirit and soul. The harmony speaks to the mind. The rhythm speaks to and moves the body. When all three parts are harmonized properly music can have a positive moral affect on the person. When one part is emphasized above the others negative and immoral affects are brought upon the person.
Numerous studies have shown that music directly affects plants, animals and humans. The more exposure the greater the effect. A study for pregnant women showed the direct results of music upon the baby. Another study showed that prolonged exposure to loud hard rock music caused a variety of problems in rats and humans.

NOTE: ANY SERIOUS STUDY WILL QUICKLY REVEAL THAT ANY AND ALL MUSIC DIRECTLY AFFECTS THOSE WHO HEAR IT!!

I Sam. 16: 15-17 “And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.”
After King Saul’s grievous sin and rejection by God, he was frequently tormented with an evil spirit. Some say this was nothing more than severe bouts of depression mixed with bitterness and anger toward God and David. Although his bouts of rage were filled with murderous intentions, his soul could be soothed and calmed with appropriate music.
This enables us to see the power of music to directly affect the mind and emotions of man.

Col. 3: 16-17 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Paul told the church at Colosse to teach and admonish one another through singing. The key was to allow “LET” the Word of God rule in their hearts. When they submitted to obedience of the Word, the Holy Spirit would generate the Fruit of the Spirit which would fill their hearts and overflow to those around them. This action would enrich the lives of those around them by providing a living example of the effects of Christ living within the soul.
NOTE: THE SINGING WAS NOT TO ENTERTAIN OR PLEASURE OTHERS!! THE SINGING WAS UNTO THE LORD!! THE EFFECTS OF THE SINGING WAS THE TEACHING AND ADMONISHING OF THOSE WHO HEARD!!!
NOTE: THIS WAS NOT SOME MUSIC CONCERT FOR ENTERTAINMENT, BUT THE EVERYDAY LIVING OF CHRISTIANS!! AS THEY EXPERIENCED THE LOVE, JOY AND PEACE OF THE SPIRIT WITHIN THEIR SOUL, THEY WOULD EXHIBIT IT THROUGH THEIR SINGING PRAISES UNTO THE LORD!!

C. Music is Addictive.
Another aspect that must be considered is the addictive qualities of music. Since music directly affects the spirit, mind and body, the body can develop an appetite and sense of need for music. Music can move the body to certain highs and lows providing sensations and pleasures which create the desire and need for repeated experiences. Like any other appetite or habit, the taste for a certain style or type of music is acquired through repeated exposure. Most people enjoy and have an appetite for the music they grew up with. Those who study music and understand the science and art will be more likely to enjoy the more structured forms which remain within the scientific parameters of music.
Since the music is addictive and habit forming, we must be diligent in our selection of music.
NOTE: MOST ADDICTS LOUDLY PROCLAIM THEY CAN CONTROL THEIR HABIT AND REFRAIN WHENEVER THEY CHOOSE!! HISTORY PROVES THIS TO BE DEADLY WRONG!! THE ADDICTION CONTROLS THE PERSON!!!
NOTE: THE BILLIONS OF DOLLAR SPENT EACH YEAR ON MUSIC REVEALS THE ADDICTION!!!

D. Music Transcends Race; Culture; Language; Religion
Daniel 3: 7 “Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of music, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.”
Regardless where you go in the world, you will find music. Sadly American music has permeated almost every society. Although people do not understand the words, they listen to the Rock n Roll, African beat. Like Nebuchadnezzar, the world today, can worship the gods of the world as they bow to the sound of their music. When the orchestra played all the people bowed in worship of the idol. Today the music is designed to move man to bow and worship a new idol, “SELF”. The philosophy of Humanism and the New Age has permeated most of society and the music of today, including the so-called Christian music, reflects man’s worship of “SELF”.
NOTE: I AM FIRMLY CONVINCED THE MUSIC OF TODAY WILL BE ONE VEHICLE WHICH WILL HELP USHER IN THE ACCEPTANCE AND WORSHIP OF THE ANTI-CHRIST!!!

E. Research and Documentation is Available.
There have been numerous studies as to the effects of music on everything from rats to humans. Music directly affects the physical body: the emotions: mood: attitudes: and actions. There are volumes of documentation revealing the effects of music both good and bad. If anyone is serious in seeking out the truth, I will be glad to supply you with the documentation.
Music can soothe and calm or stimulate and agitate. Music out of Harmony can literally drive you insane. Hard Rock and most of country, pop, jazz and so-called Christian music is designed to appeal to the flesh and emotions.

V. STANDARDS TO MEASURE OUR MUSIC BY:
A. Does This Glorify God.
I Cor. 10: 31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
In all that we do we must ask the question, does this glorify God or will this detract from the glory of God.
Good Christian music requires the lyrics: the music: the performers and the performance methods conform to God’s standard of righteousness and holiness.
Every part of the artistic performance is done for the glory of Christ:

B. Would Jesus Approve.
Col. 3: 17 “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

Would Jesus Christ of the Bible sign his name to what I am doing? Would you really find Christ at the so-called Christian Rock concerts today? Would He endorse the people and the activities in the Praise and Worship times in most churches?

C. Does This Excite my Flesh or Speak to my Spirit?
Eph 5: 18-20 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”

Gal 5: 19-21 “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Many times the Christian is warned about walking in the flesh or yielding to that which will excite and strengthen the flesh and its lusts which war against the spirit and soul.
Here we have a list of all the actions which are manifest when the flesh is in power in the life. When the Christian allows these to rule in their life they look and act just like the world, the very people who will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Gal 5: 22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
When the spirit is in control and ruling in the life, the fruit of the spirit will begin to show itself in the life of the Christian. When we listen to music, watch, programs, read books, listen to programs that speak to and build up the spirit, we will begin to see the fruit of the spirit.

Gal 5: 24 “And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
Those who have truly given themselves to Christ continually seek to crucify the flesh and build up defense against the lusts of the flesh and the world. When the flesh is dead, the affections and lusts of the flesh die with it. Paul said he constantly beat his flesh into submission.

II Cor 9: 27 “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

Rom 6: 6-7 “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.”

Rom 13: 14 “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”

I Pet 2: 11-12 “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

Gal. 5: 25 “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Those who have matured in their faith seek to walk in the Spirit. They understand that victory over this world only comes to those who walk in the Spirit.

D. Does This Produce Right Thoughts and Imaginations?
Phil. 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.”
II Cor. 10” 5 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

Since words and experiences formulate thoughts and imaginations, we must always evaluate the things we allow into our mind. Since music produces a variety of experiences and lyrics introduce a multitude of ideas and suggested actions, we must evaluate each piece of music concerning the impact and affect it will have upon our thinking and imagination.

E. Does This Teach and Encourage Right Attitudes and Actions?
Col. 3: 16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Every piece of music must be evaluated concerning the attitudes and actions it suggests or stimulates. If the music or lyrics produce the wrong attitude or action, I must separate from that style or type of music.
NOTE: WHEN THE FLESH IS STIRRED AND THE EMOTIONS INFLAMED, THE MIND AND WILL USUALLY ARE OVERPOWERED!! SENSUAL AND EROTIC MUSIC STIR THE SENSUAL AND SEXUAL DESIRES WHILE INFLAMMATORY LYRICS WITH HARSH LOUD MUSIC CAN STIR ANGRY VIOLENT ACTIONS!!

F. Does This Create Peace, Joy and Contentedness in my Soul?
Col. 3: 16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Gal 5: 22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
The ultimate purpose of music should be to help create a peaceful, productive environment. If music hinders or retards the working of the Holy Spirit in my life, I must separate from that music. If music creates an environment or situation which is not peaceful and joyful, I must get rid of that music.

NOTE: WHATEVER THE CHRISTIAN DOES MUST BE EVALUATED BY THE EFFECTS UPON THEIR FAITH AND SPIRITUAL LIFE. IF IT IS NOT CONDUCIVE TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH, IT MUST BE REMOVED!!

G. Remember You Will Reap What You Sow.
Gal. 6: 7-9 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

God’s law of sowing and reaping holds true in every situation and every life. If we feed the flesh it will grow: If we allow the flesh to control our attitudes; words and actions we will reap corruption and death.

Gal 5: 19-21 “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

NOTE: WHEN WE FEED OUR FLESH WITH FLESHLY MUSIC/ TV PROGRAMS/ BOOKS/TALK/ ETC: WE CAN EXPECT OUR LIFE TO BE FILLED WITH THE WORKS OF THE FLESH!!!!

H. Parents Responsible to Train Children.
Col. 2: 8 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
Prov. 22: 6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Eph. 6: 4 “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

The Christian music industry is one of the largest in the world with a multi-billion dollar sales. The statements of most of the entertainers involved in the industry reveal their purpose and intent. Their plan, which has been very successful, is to change the thinking of this generation to reject the truth and embrace a completely new set of standards and ideas. There are several books with interviews revealing the real heart and intent of these entertainers.

God said we were to be a holy people separated from the world and all that appeared to be worldly. If we allow the world to entice us and lure us into its fleshly traps, we can never expect to become spiritual and victorious in our Christian walk. In fact if your love for the world and its music is very strong, I would encourage you to check on your spiritual health to make sure you are alive!!!

I John 2: 15-17 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
NOTE: ALL WE DO IS EITHER OF THE WORLD OR OF GOD!!!!
“Since music is such a powerful influence in our lives, we encourage and practice careful examination of all music to be used for entertainment and worship. The music should be examined by the standards and rules of the science and art of music. The lyrics should be carefully examined according to scriptural standards and principles. If the music and lyrics do not honor and glorify God, we do not use them in our worship and we discourage its use as entertainment.”
Ps. 33:1-4; Ps. 92:1-3; Ps. 105:2; Eph 5: 19; Col. 3: 16
For Pastor Jack Hilton