There are many opinions in the church as to what is the best style of music presented during praise and worship time. There is one camp that claims old traditional hymns are best. Some people like songs with a contemporary feel that include a drum beat. Some want that sound of the pipe organ. To be sure there are many different ideas when it come to the style of music for the church
In reality, this is really a peripheral issue that can cause division. What is important no matter no matter what style of music is presented the goal is to connect with God. Worship music is not about genre or visuals. The crux of the matter is an attitude of the heart.
However, there is some value to entertainment. The style of music and the atmosphere in the church can and should draw the unbeliever. The music needs to minister to the individual. It needs to be a conduit that allows the worshiper to connect with God.
There are some things to consider when examining songs of worship. It is important to listen to the words. If the words are based on the Bible and filled with the God’s word, style does not matter. What the worship needs to do is take the lyrics and meditate on the words. While singing allow the heart to transform the lyrics into worship of God. Doing this is facilitate a connection with God.
Keep these things in mind when you start to complain or dismiss a song because of its style. It is not about the presentation or how it is sung. It is about putting the Word of God in the voice of the worshiper to create fellowship with Him.
John 5:34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
Ever since I remember I was somehow involved with music. In elementary school I learned to play the violin and was in the school orchestra. Also, I sang in the Glee Club. When I got older I received a guitar as a Christmas present. I spent all of my spare time learning everything I could about the guitar. I played in several Garage bands in High School and my College days. Then I began to write songs. I learned by listening and copying artist that I liked. I learned from other musicians. Music was everything to me.
“The cross is foolishness to those that are perishing.”
All this time I was missing something in my life. I somehow knew it had a spiritual element to it. So there I was exploring things that at the time seemed to be spiritual. I looked to the stars for the answers in astrology. I looked at the Greek and Roman gods Mythology for answers. I was seeking but never finding the truth. These things always came up short. All though this time it was my belief that the “Christian thing” with Jesus was a rather foolish approach to spiritual enlightenment. As I look back at my journey, I now realize that I was on the wrong track. I thought I was seeking God. But as the Bible says – No one seeks God. The real truth is, God is seeking us. He just needs to get our attention.
The greatest gift I ever received
God was able to get my attention one day. I was invited to Church one day by a the mother of a friend of mine. We entered this little church and the preacher was preaching about Jesus. He explained that we are born sinners and our eternal destination was rather bleak. But that God so loved us that her sent His Son Jesus to get us out of this mess. How? Believe that Jesus rose from the dead three days after dying on the cross. And the power of His resurrection saves us from the ugly future that awaits us. Jesus gives us the ability the have fellowship with God for eternity. It was a pure Gospel message of salvation. At the end the preached asked if anyone would like to receive that give of salvation. It was at this time I had a vision of Jesus asking me to come to Him. It was as though the light had been turned on for the very first time.
The calling
Now I was placed in a rather peculiar situation. My lifestyle, which involved my music, put me in places that I began to feel uncomfortable. You know Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll. There was a spiritual war. It was at this time that I set aside my music. This break lasted for a couple of years. As I look back, I realize that music was an idol. And God needed to clean out the idols in my life. Of course, that’s not the end of the story.
One day I was reading my Bible and I read the parable of the talents. This truly stirred up my heart. I began to pray about my talents and how they could be used to glorify Jesus. Then Jesus revealed to me that day that I was to take my love for music and use it for his purpose. I then took a walk and as I was walking, I saw a piece of paper on the ground. You know that voice that speaks to you. It said John, pick up that piece of paper. At first, I ignored it. But as I passed by this piece of paper, I really felt that I better do what the voice said. So I picked up the piece of paper. It was a photocopy of some music. But not just any music it was Christian Music! Now, I knew that God had a plan and purpose for me. I immediately went to the store and picked up a local tabloid paper called the Reader. This is a local free newspaper. This publication has a special classified section for musicians. There was an ad requesting a bass player for a Christian music group. Now mind you my primary instrument is the guitar however I did have a bass that I used for recording. Within a week I was rehearsing with this group of Christian musicians. It is amazing how God works.
The next phase in my journey placed me in at the Horizon School of Evangelism. This is an extensive ministry school that concludes with a one-month practicum. It was at this school that my classmates learned that I knew how to play guitar. They asked me to play some Worship songs for the daily devotional.
My first experience was a total disaster in my mind. Even though I was in a Christian Music Group the songs were primarily Contemporary Christian Music and I learned only the bass parts. To compound the problem, I was rarely if ever sang publicly in front of people by my self – There was the lead singer and I was always the guitar player. I did possess great knowledge and skill in my instrument. But it was that day I learned humility. I set out on my own strength. What a mistake. I quickly learned that worship music is very special and requires the proper mind set. It not about my ability and me it’s about the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’s purpose. I am just a vessel used to glorify Him.
The benefit of my relationship with God
Ever since the first time I was placed in a position to lead worship, I can testify that God has been molding and shaping me. Though His Holy Spirit he is guiding and directing my path in life. I truly find it a privilege and honor to be placed in this sacred position. I know that there is much further down the road. All I can do is allow Him to shape my future. And then someday when He calls I will be there in heaven offering my song of praise to God.
I now lead worship and write songs for those that desire to fellowship with God the Father the Creator of all things above and below.
Salvation is your today
Click on the button below to learn more about a Spirit lead life with Jesus.
God loves you and wants you to experience peace and life–abundant and eternal.
The Bible says…
“We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:1
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
Why don’t most people have this peace and abundant life that God planned for us to have?
Step Two The Problem: Our Separation
God created us in His own image to have an abundant life. He did not make us as robots to automatically love and obey Him. God gave us a will and a freedom of choice.
We chose to disobey God and go our own willful way. We still make this choice today. This results in separation from God.
The Bible says…
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Our Attempts to Reach God
People have tried in many ways to bridge this gap between themselves and God…
The Bible says…
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”
Proverbs 14:12
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”
Isaiah 59:2
No bridge reaches God…except one.
Step Three – God’s Bridge: The Cross
Jesus Christ died on the Cross and rose from the grave. He paid the penalty for our sin and bridged the gap between God and people.
The Bible says…
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ.”
1 Timothy 2:5
“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”
1 Peter 3:18
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
God has provided the only way. Each person must make a choice.
Step Four – Our Response: Receive Christ
We must trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and receive Him by personal invitation.
The Bible says…
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”
Revelation 3:20
“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
John 1:12
“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Romans 10:9
Where are you?
Will you receive Jesus Christ right now?
Here is how you can receive Christ:
Admit your need (I am a sinner).
Be willing to turn from your sins (repent).
Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the Cross and rose from the grave.
Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Him as Lord and Savior.)
How to Pray:
Dear Lord Jesus,
I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
God’s Assurance: His Word
If you prayed this prayer,
The Bible says…
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:13
Did you sincerely ask Jesus Christ to come into your life? Where is He right now? What has He given you?
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
Receiving Christ, we are born into God’s family through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer. This is called regeneration, or the “new birth.”
This is just the beginning of a wonderful new life in Christ. To deepen this relationship you should:
Read your Bible everyday to know Christ better.
Talk to God in prayer every day.
Tell others about Christ.
Worship, fellowship, and serve with other Christians in a church where Christ is preached.
As Christ’s representative in a needy world, demonstrate your new life by your love and concern for others. Share Jesus’ love and passion for the world You can share the gospel in a simple, non-offensive and attractive way with friends and loved ones by announcing the good news to them.
