Bienvenida

Le saludamos cordialmente en el amor de Dios y le transmitimos nuestra bienvenida a nuestro sitio esperando que sea de bendición.

"PARA QUE PECAR" Ray Robles. Colección Himnos Tradicionales


"Halloween la fiesta de las Tinieblas"

viernes, 2 de octubre de 2009

PREDICA PASTORAL: “La Iglesia Local en medio de los Tiempos Peligrosos” ( Pulse aquí para leer texto completo)

“ESTO también sepas, que en los postreros días vendrán tiempos peligrosos:”

2 Tim. 3: 1


De cuando en cuando escuchamos y repetimos la advertencia que Las Sagradas Escrituras tienen en relación a la calidad o característica de los tiempos postreros o el último tiempo aduciendo o colocando en el horizonte el magno acontecimiento de la venida de Jesucristo en Gloria y Majestad.
Y justamente la advertencia a la iglesia de siempre, es para su cuidado, para que la iglesia esté velando y apercibida en cuanto al cumplimiento de la Promesa del Señor y sepa identificar los peligros que se soslayan sobre ella o bien mejor dicho sobre nosotros.

1.- Los Peligros Externos.

La conformación de un ambiente mundano cada día más denso y opuesto a los principios que Dios ha establecido en su Palabra, son esa neblina oscura y tenebrosa que ha ocupado todo espacio y que no permite a muchos distinguir entre los bueno y lo malo siendo que la Palabra misma sentencia respecto a esta falta de cordura espiritual:

“Ay de los que á lo malo dicen bueno, y á lo bueno malo; que hacen de la luz tinieblas, y de las tinieblas luz; que ponen lo amargo por dulce, y lo dulce por amargo!” Isaías 5: 20

a) Uno de los elementos nauseabundos y oscuros de esta neblina que se ciñe en estos tiempos peligrosos sobre nosotros, es el ambiente de inmoralidad que rige hoy por hoy la sociedad donde nos insertamos. El fenómeno social, político, religioso y cultural de la llamada “nueva moralidad” ha endurecido el entorno en que nuestra iglesia se desempeña, solo para recordarles la realidad, estamos a las puertas de una legislación que aceptará la unión civil de personas del mismo sexo, de una ley que prohibirá discriminar a las personas que manifiesten una “identidad sexual” distinta a los sexos que Dios creo, otra ley que promueve “el derecho a la vida”, permitiendo que una niña de 14 años y sin consentimiento de sus padres compre en cualquier farmacia una píldora ( “la píldora del día después”), para cimentar una vida desordenada y fuera de los principios que Dios ha establecido a la sexualidad y más aún ser motivada ha destruir y permitir en la práctica el aborto creando un desapego y menosprecio a la vida, una generación joven que ha alterado valores y principios y que cada día están más lejos de la formación familiar, viviendo de acuerdo a las concupiscencias de este mundo, destruyendo sus vidas. Solo algunas pinceladas de la realidad, nuestro país lleva la delantera en datos estadísticos como; la edad de iniciación sexual que en estos dos últimos años bajó de 16 a 13 años, Chile es el país que junto a México tienen un mayor índice de alcoholismo juvenil como así también la tasa más alta de suicidios de jóvenes y aún adolescentes. Es verdad que quienes están siendo afectados no son sino el producto del engaño de Satanás, aquel que ha venido a matar, robar y destruir. Estos están en una necesidad extrema de salvación, pero estos mismos a la vez son el agente transportador del aumento e influencia del pecado. Esta es la realidad que la iglesia enfrenta por estos días.

b) Otro elemento que ayuda a que esta neblina peligrosa se disemine, es el mal uso de los medios tecnológicos comunicacionales; llámese Internet, televisión, prensa etc., que proporcionan masivamente confusión y en general principios relativistas y contrarios a la santidad de Dios. Hoy es común oír en las conversaciones de gente que asisten a las iglesias y aún niños que no ponen freno ni filtros a lo que escuchan o ven, ideas, lenguaje y situaciones que en nada aportan a la edificación espiritual. Hay muchos que no pueden ubicarse en la Biblia o que no conocen las edificantes historias bíblicas pero si están en completo conocimiento de lo último que ha sucedido en la llamada farándula nacional y ubican perfectamente a cada sujeto que en ella participa.

c) También en la categoría de peligros externos, están las atracciones de un mundo que invita a que se multipliquen los hijos pródigos que vallan tras las entretenciones y oportunidades que se ofrecen para evadir la responsabilidades que nos compete en la entrega del testimonio y que al mismo tiempo a trascendido en un creciente espíritu materialista y consumista que en muchos casos produce un menosprecio a los deberes de mayordomía de nuestro sacerdocio, no se malentienda esto, por cierto que Dios entiende y sabe acerca de todas nuestras necesidades, pero nunca Dios estableció que deberíamos sacrificar a saber lo más importante , ósea nuestro bienestar espiritual y nuestras tareas en la obra de Dios, por alcanzar logros superfluos en esta vida, no vayamos a perder nuestro norte y sucedernos al igual que al hombre de la enseñanza que aparece en Lucas 12: 15 al 21 “Y díjoles: Mirad, y guardaos de toda avaricia; porque la vida del hombre no consiste en la abundancia de los bienes que posee. Y refirióles una parábola, diciendo: La heredad de un hombre rico había llevado mucho; Y él pensaba dentro de sí, diciendo: ¿qué haré, porque no tengo donde juntar mis frutos? Y dijo: Esto haré: derribaré mis alfolíes, y los edificaré mayores, y allí juntaré todos mis frutos y mis bienes; Y diré á mi alma: Alma, muchos bienes tienes almacenados para muchos años; repósate, come, bebe, huélgate. Y díjole Dios: Necio, esta noche vuelven á pedir tu alma; y lo que has prevenido, ¿de quién será? Así es el que hace para sí tesoro, y no es rico en Dios.

En resumen la características de la humanidad que hoy nos rodea no es sino lo que bien establece el texto inmediato de 2 Timoteo donde se nos advierte del peligro, también se nos muestra ahí las características; “Que habrá hombres amadores de sí mismos, avaros, vanagloriosos, soberbios, detractores, desobedientes á los padres, ingratos, sin santidad, Sin afecto, desleales, calumniadores, destemplados, crueles, aborrecedores de lo bueno, Traidores, arrebatados, hinchados, amadores de los deleites más que de Dios;” 2 Tim.3: 2- 4

Podríamos seguir enunciando otros y tantos peligros externos a los que nos vemos enfrentados, pero permita Dios que con solo esta pincelada sepamos discernir espiritualmente la realidad que nos rodea



2.- Los Peligros Internos

a) Falta de humildad y no reconocimiento de nuestras debilidades y faltas

Cuando una iglesia crece, irremediablemente y permanentemente batallará, con muchos males en su interior, pero uno que sirve de alimento de cultivo para el resto, es el orgullo o soberbia al cual se puede llegar cuando se pierde de vista el objeto de la fe, a saber Jesucristo; Cuando esto sucede nuestros ojos solo se fijan en el resto de una manera insana y de juicio ligero sin alcanzar a observar nuestras propias faltas y debilidades para la corrección adecuada, esta es la visión de Cristo acerca de la iglesia o el creyente que está en esta posición peligrosa; “Porque tú dices: Yo soy rico, y estoy enriquecido, y no tengo necesidad de ninguna cosa; y no conoces que tú eres un cuitado y miserable y pobre y ciego y desnudo;” Apoc. 3: 17.

Cuando la iglesia pierde humildad está lejos de la declaración de Pablo que señala; “Por lo cual me gozo en las flaquezas, en afrentas, en necesidades, en persecuciones, en angustias por Cristo; porque cuando soy flaco, entonces soy poderoso.” 2 Cor. 12: 10. Por este motivo muchas iglesias e hijos de Dios deben llorar amargamente y sucumbir al peligro que implica haber dejado la humildad propia de la vida en Jesucristo y no reconocer las propias debilidades ante los ojos de Dios.



b) Falta de identidad con Cristo y Falta de compromiso

Cuado lo anterior se produce, paulatinamente se observa una falta de identidad real y experiencia personal y viva con Cristo, muchas cosas pasan a ocupar el lugar que sólo es de El, aún en muchos casos se ve que se antepone a Cristo, una religión monótona social e intrascendente que a su vez produce una tibieza espiritual repulsiva. En el mismo pasaje de Apoc. 3: 15- 16 “Yo conozco tus obras, que ni eres frío, ni caliente. ­Ojalá fueses frío, ó caliente! Mas porque eres tibio, y no frío ni caliente, te vomitaré de mi boca.”, cuantos hoy viven esa tibieza que es sintomática a una vida en la que se ha relegado la relación personal con el autor y consumador de nuestra fe. Cuantos con tanta ligereza se olvidan que el único propósito de nuestras vidas es glorificarle, ofrecerle sacrificios espirituales y andar en novedad de vida por y para El. Muchas iglesias hoy parecen sitios eriazos llenos de piedras inertes, como en las ventas de áridos, y siendo que se nos ha llamado a ser “piedras vivas” (1Pe 2:5 Vosotros también, como piedras vivas, sed edificados una casa espitirual, y un sacerdocio santo, para ofrecer sacrificios espirituales, agradables á Dios por Jesucristo.).

Es triste observar generaciones sin un compromiso real con Jesucristo, cuantos jóvenes de nuestras congregaciones y quizás nuestros propios hijos no tienen una verdadera relación personal y creciente en El y por lo tanto solo existen convicciones débiles, que enfrentadas a situaciones reales en que se debe dar testimonio e identificarse como hijos de Dios, solo se atina a decir, “voy a una iglesia evangélica”, o acompaño a tal o cual persona, o más triste aún, niegan con cobardía su fe.

Es también observable que cuando falta identidad con Cristo, también se produce falta de amor a la obra donde Dios nos ha puesto a trabajar. Y nos cuesta identificarnos plenamente con la iglesia local a la que pertenecemos y no me refiero a tal o cual iglesia, mala costumbre parcelaria que a veces tenemos, sino a la iglesia como cuerpo en general.



c) Falta de visión espiritual

Otro peligro subyacente y en cadena con los anteriores, es la falta de visión espiritual; Siguiendo con el pasaje de Apoc. 3., Jesucristo le dice a la iglesia; “…y unge tus ojos con colirio, para que veas.” Apoc. 3: 18 b

La Iglesia tibia tendrá una visión corta y mezquina respecto a todo, especialmente en cuanto a la tarea evangelizadora y reflectaria del buen testimonio que se requiere precisamente en estos tiempos.

Cuando la miopía espiritual inunda el cuerpo, es difícil ver “…que los campos están listos para la siega”, difícil también distinguir las necesidades espirituales de los domésticos de la fe, difícil también establecer las prioridades en la vida espiritual de la iglesia, difícil también distinguir nuestras propias falencias. Cuando existe falta de visión espiritual la Biblia dice; “Palpamos la pared como ciegos, y andamos á tiento como sin ojos; tropezamos al medio día como de noche; estamos en oscuros lugares como muertos.” Isaías 59: 10, de la misma manera como este peligro se ciñe sobre la iglesia toda, puede afectar también a quienes hemos sido puestos como vigías justamente para ver al enemigo y atender los peligros que se abalanzan sobre el redil, transformándonos así en atalayas inefectivos; “Sus atalayas ciegos son, todos ellos ignorantes; todos ellos perros mudos, no pueden ladrar; soñolientos, echados, aman el dormir. Y esos perros ansiosos no conocen hartura; y los mismos pastores no supieron entender: todos ellos miran á sus caminos, cada uno á su provecho, cada uno por su cabo.” Isaías 56: 10- 11

Ante este peligro no podemos desechar la voz clara de Dios que invita a ungir los ojos con colirio y comprar de El, oro afinado en fuego de tal manera que;

“Alumbrando los ojos de vuestro entendimiento, para que sepáis cuál sea la esperanza de su vocación, y cuáles las riquezas de la gloria de su herencia en los santos,” Efesios 1: 18



d) Falta de discernimiento espiritual

Un síntoma de que este peligroso enemigo se encuentra arraigado en alguna vida o congregación local, es que no se puede avanzar en el aprendizaje doctrinal, ósea no se puede ofrecer vianda sino siempre alimento ligero y superficial, esto nos lleva al pasaje que enunciamos de 2 Timoteo 3, que en su descripción de las características del hombre en los tiempos peligrosos hace referencia en el verso 7

“Que siempre aprenden, y nunca pueden acabar de llegar al conocimiento de la verdad.”, indicando al parecer específicamente a aquellos que no logran tener un discernimiento espiritual que les permita distinguir entre lo bueno y lo malo;

“Mas la vianda firme es para los perfectos, para los que por la costumbre tienen los sentidos ejercitados en el discernimiento del bien y del mal.” Heb. 5: 14 lamentablemente la falta de discernimiento lleva a otros peligros tales como la inestabilidad y la permeabilidad, que se manifiestan por el desorden en el servicio a Dios, y por que son el agente para hacer surgir doctrinas extrañas y lejanas a la sana doctrina, provocando divisiones y rencillas; Jud 1:12, 17,- 19 dice; “Estos son manchas en vuestros convites, que banquetean juntamente, apacentándose á sí mismos sin temor alguno: nubes sin agua, las cuales son llevadas de acá para allá de los vientos: árboles marchitos como en otoño, sin fruto, dos veces muertos y desarraigados…Mas vosotros, amados, tened memoria de las palabras que antes han sido dichas por los apóstoles de nuestro Señor Jesucristo; Como os decían: Que en el postrer tiempo habría burladores, que andarían según sus malvados deseos. Estos son los que hacen divisiones, sensuales, no teniendo el Espíritu.”

La falta de discernimiento espiritual es el mal que ha permitido la apostasía de todos los tiempos y será el mal que permita aparecer al inicuo y sentarse en el trono de Dios, haciéndose pasar por Dios Y esto es la marca de los tiempos peligrosos y postreros; “EMPERO el Espíritu dice manifiestamente, que en los venideros tiempos alguno apostatarán de la fe escuchando á espíritus de error y á doctrinas de demonios; Que con hipocresía hablarán mentira, teniendo cauterizada la conciencia.” 1 Tim. 4: 1,2



Conclusión



Es claro que la iglesia enfrenta en estos tiempos peligrosos, innumerables peligros y desafíos, no son tiempos para dormitar ni dejarnos estar, son tiempos de urgencia en los cuales, cada uno debe redoblar sus esfuerzos para agradar y andar conforme a los deseos de nuestro Padre, son tiempos de batalla, en que cada día es probada nuestra fe, son tiempos de exigencia, en que se nos pide mayores fuerzas para cumplir con los deberes y responsabilidades en el ministerio que Dios ha entregado a la iglesia toda;

Uno de los dos emblemas con que fue identificada la iglesia por Jesucristo, fue la luz, Jesús dijo: “Vosotros sois la luz del mundo: una ciudad asentada sobre un monte no se puede esconder. Ni se enciende una lámpara y se pone debajo de un almud, mas sobre el candelero, y alumbra á todos los que están en casa. Así alumbre vuestra luz delante de los hombres, para que vean vuestras obras buenas, y glorifiquen á vuestro Padre que está en los cielos.” Mateo 5: 14- 16

Es claro que la iglesia esta llamada ha reflectar la luz de Cristo en un mundo tenebroso y ocupado por la densa niebla del pecado, cada hijo de Dios, ósea cada uno de nosotros, en definitiva nuestra amada iglesia somos llamados conforme a la volunta de Dios a reflejar la faz de Jesucristo en cada uno de nosotros con potencia, de tal forma que la luz se disemine alumbrando hasta el más oscuro rincón de nuestro entorno, llegando a ocupar todo espacio posible e influenciando todo medio; “Porque Dios, que mandó que de las tinieblas resplandeciese la luz, es el que resplandeció en nuestros corazones, para iluminación del conocimiento de la gloria de Dios en la faz de Jesucristo.” 2 Cor. 4: 6

“La noche ha pasado, y ha llegado el día: echemos, pues, las obras de las tinieblas, y vistámonos las armas de luz,” Rom. 13: 12 . Exclama la Palabra Santa.

La misma Biblia llama a quienes equivocadamente concilian con el mundo creyendo que pueden vivir entre las tinieblas sin contaminarse ; “No os juntéis en yugo con los infieles: porque ¿qué compañía tienes la justicia con la injusticia? ¿y qué comunión la luz con las tinieblas?”2 Cor. 6: 14 nosotros no somos llamados a conciliar y ajustarnos a vivir con el mundo y como el mundo, terminantemente ¡NO!, somos llamados a dar luz y marcar la diferencia.

“Mas vosotros sois linaje escogido, real sacerdocio, gente santa, pueblo adquirido, para que anunciéis las virtudes de aquel que os ha llamado de las tinieblas á su luz admirable.” 1 Pedro 2: 9

“Porque en otro tiempo erais tinieblas; mas ahora sois luz en el Señor: andad como hijos de luz,” Efesios 5: 8

Estimado hermano, hermana, joven, niños, de la iglesia metodista independiente, cercano está el día de nuestra redención, mantengamos firme nuestra profesión de fe, sin fluctuar, siendo firmes y amando sobre todas las cosas a Jesucristo nuestro Señor y su obra en medio de nosotros.

A Dios la Gloria







Rdo. David Horta S.


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jueves, 1 de octubre de 2009

“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

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