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 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.

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.

My PurposeBuild 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

• Start with the foundation

My Approach• Recognize the right and

responsibility of individual Christians

• 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.

Some Cautions• Recognize that there is room for

differences among Christians in some areas of understanding and application.

• Be willing to think and to be challenged.

• Pray for wisdom.

TRUTH UNDERSTANDING APPLICATION

• Descriptive truth – tells us about• Prescriptive truth – tells us to

Current Issues: Christian Music

NT Texts on Christian MusicDESCRIPTIVE – tells us what was done

Matthew 26:30Mark 14:26Acts 16:25Romans 15:8-9Hebrews 2:10-12Revelation 5:9

Current Issues: Christian Music

NT Texts on Christian MusicDESCRIPTIVE – tells us what was done

Revelation 14:1-3Revelation 15:1-4James 5:13

Current Issues: Christian Music

NT Texts on Christian MusicPRESCRIPTIVE– tells us what to do

Ephesians 5:19Colossians 3:161 Corinthians 14:15, 26

Current Issues: Christian Music

Ephesians 5:19Christian Music:• Starts with God. “the Spirit”• Arises out of genuine Christian

experience. “filled with the Spirit”• Is a form of communication.

“speaking to one another” 1 Corinthians 14:15

Current Issues: Christian Music

• Is for the good of the church. “to one another”

Current Issues: Christian Music

• Exists in a variety of forms. • OT Psalms• Other songs of praise• Hymns• Spiritual songs

Current Issues: Christian Music

• Includes both vocal and instrumental music. “singing and making melody”

• Is for private devotion and corporate worship. “in your hearts”

• 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, 17-19

Idolatry, immorality, music, dancing

Current Issues: Christian Music