My experiences coming into Lutheran from Reformed and other protestant denominations. Personally, I don’t have any problems with contemporary Christian music. We are to take a hard look at where this music comes from. We cannot conclude from its origin that it is wrong, but doing so can clarify for us some of the theology and piety that inspired it. The great issue here is that music is one of the most effective ways in which our souls are moved and in which our minds are informed. We express our feelings and reveal our inner character–by our words, our actions, our attire–and also by our choice of music. Sacred music has always been precious to the people of God. Music played a prominent role in the worship associated with the Old Testament tabernacle.

I have an issue with music that is its emphasis on entertainment and persuasion. Today, worship music began to descend from singing great truths about God, doctrinally sound, lyric-centered music, to music where sound, rhythm and harmony dominate to induce warm and fuzzy feelings. Many times, many were unable to distinguish the elevation of feelings from genuine religious affections. I call that manipulative emotional music. With what are we moving our souls and informing our minds?

In 1 Chronicles 15:16 David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers to sing joyful songs, accompanied by musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals.

In 1 Chronicles 23:5 Four thousand are to be gatekeepers and four thousand are to praise the LORD with the musical instruments I have provided for that purpose.”

In 2 Chronicles 5:13 The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.”

In 2 Chronicles 7:6 The priests took their positions, as did the Levites with the LORD’s musical instruments, which King David had made for praising the LORD and which were used when he gave thanks, saying, “His love endures forever.”

Early music in the church was shaped by Greek, Syrian, and Hebrew influences. Beginning with psalmody and hymns. In the 1600′s and 1700′s, some of the world’s greatest composers contributed Christian music.

One of my favorites songs is Handel’s Messiah. Across the span of 250+ years, Messiah still holds its extraordinary grip on musician and audience member alike. During the time of Handel, expensive instruments and equipments were used.

In the 1800′s and 1900′s, Liturgies were simplified and often translated into the country’s own language. The Liturgical Movement sought to preserve the history of the traditional music in the church, yet design a style of music that would meet the needs of a more modern parishioner.

In the latter part of the 20th century transformed the music of the church to contemporary Christian music. My other favorite song is “We will Glorify” written and sang by Twila Paris.

We will glorify the King of kings We will glorify the Lamb We will glorify the Lord of lords Who is the great I AM Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty We will bow before His throne We will worship Him in righteousness We will worship Him alone He is Lord of heaven, Lord of earth He is Lord of all who live He is Lord above the universe All praise to Him we give Hallelujah to the King of kings Hallelujah to the Lamb Hallelujah to the Lord of Lords Who is the great I AM

I love many of Twila’s songs since most of them are worship songs and to me, they are doctrinally sound.

In Ephesians 5:19 says “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord”

We are to Glorify God with songs and music. For Paul, Jewish ritual observances were communal, and everyone participated in reciting the prayers, lighting the candles, and reading the Scriptures. This is what liturgy is all about. The word is Greek. It means, “the work of the people.” From its earliest days, the church’s worship was liturgical, with a form and pattern of Word and Sacrament. Liturgy gives worshipers a sense of proper respect for God. Liturgical worship stresses on God’s presence in all of life.

Now, let’s get into the specifics. Psalms and hymns are designed specifically for worship while many of the contemporary music is designed for personal enjoyment.

Let’s look at another perspective. I always had issues with “altar calls” for many years because I am very concerned about the fact that I believe it promotes easy-believism that leads to false salvation (i.e. Billy Graham). In 1 Corinthians, chapter 2, Paul shunned manipulative form of altar calls or fashion. Paul wrote in verse 4, “My message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom”. This method tends to produce a superficial conviction of sin, if any at all. People often respond because they have the impression that by doing so they will receive certain benefits. That’s what Paul was trying to say. Most important, this raises the whole question of the doctrine of regeneration because this is the most serious thing of all. This work is the work of the Holy Spirit, and His work alone, and no one else can do it. Jesus said in John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

I have left and avoided many churches that do not Worship God the way God expected us to worship. When Jesus said John 4:23-24 “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” The main key is when we are in a community of people when worshipping, its matter of respect of other worshippers and spiritual self-control when we worship in spirit.

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