Current Issues: Christian Music

Why discuss music in relation to RBC? It is an area where there are a lot of questions, opinions, and disagreements; it is important to know what is biblical. It is an area where there are a lot of questions, opinions, and disagreements; it is important to know what is biblical. It is pertinent to our church family. It is pertinent to our church family.

Why discuss music in relation to RBC? It is an issue that is not going away and is becoming more complex. Discernment is needed. It is an issue that is not going away and is becoming more complex. Discernment is needed.

Why discuss music in relation to RBC? It is critical that what we pass on is biblical Christianity, not something else, to the next generation. It is critical that what we pass on is biblical Christianity, not something else, to the next generation.

My Purpose Build on, grow and mature in, unite around truth

My Approach Talk about “Christian music,” music that is composed and used by Christians in public worship and private devotion Talk about “Christian music,” music that is composed and used by Christians in public worship and private devotion Start with the foundation Start with the foundation

My Approach Recognize the right and responsibility of individual Christians Recognize the right and responsibility of individual Christians Recognize the right and responsibility of the pastor Recognize the right and responsibility of the pastor

Some Cautions Compare what I say with the Word of God, not what someone else says. Be Bereans. Compare what I say with the Word of God, not what someone else says. Be Bereans.

Some Cautions Recognize that there is room for differences among Christians in some areas of understanding and application. Recognize that there is room for differences among Christians in some areas of understanding and application. Be willing to think and to be challenged. Be willing to think and to be challenged. Pray for wisdom. Pray for wisdom.

TRUTH UNDERSTANDING APPLICATION Descriptive truth – tells us about Descriptive truth – tells us about Prescriptive truth – tells us to Prescriptive truth – tells us to Current Issues: Christian Music

NT Texts on Christian Music DESCRIPTIVE – tells us what was done Matthew 26:30 Mark 14:26 Acts 16:25 Romans 15:8-9 Hebrews 2:10-12 Revelation 5:9 Current Issues: Christian Music

NT Texts on Christian Music DESCRIPTIVE – tells us what was done Revelation 14:1-3 Revelation 15:1-4 James 5:13 Current Issues: Christian Music

NT Texts on Christian Music PRESCRIPTIVE– tells us what to do Ephesians 5:19 Colossians 3:16 1 Corinthians 14:15, 26 Current Issues: Christian Music

Ephesians 5:19 Christian Music: Starts with God. “the Spirit” Starts with God. “the Spirit” Arises out of genuine Christian experience. “filled with the Spirit” Arises out of genuine Christian experience. “filled with the Spirit” Is a form of communication. “speaking to one another” Is a form of communication. “speaking to one another” 1 Corinthians 14:15 1 Corinthians 14:15 Current Issues: Christian Music

Is for the good of the church. “to one another” Is for the good of the church. “to one another” Current Issues: Christian Music

Exists in a variety of forms. Exists in a variety of forms. OT Psalms OT Psalms Other songs of praise Other songs of praise Hymns Hymns Spiritual songs Spiritual songs Current Issues: Christian Music

Includes both vocal and instrumental music. “singing and making melody” Includes both vocal and instrumental music. “singing and making melody” Is for private devotion and corporate worship. “in your hearts” Is for private devotion and corporate worship. “in your hearts” Has as its ultimate audience the Lord. “to the Lord” Has as its ultimate audience the Lord. “to the Lord” Current Issues: Christian Music

Scripture texts that will help us in making decisions about association and style An OT Example Some NT Principles Current Issues: Christian Music

Ex. 32:7-8, Idolatry, immorality, music, dancing Current Issues: Christian Music