Faith Baptist Church

Music Guidelines

What is acceptable music for the Church? Music is a very controversial issue, what is one persons taste in the music style, is not anothers. It has been assumed that Scripture is not clear as to what to sing about. I disagree as, I have come across several verses that tell you what to sing, however it does not spell out what musical instruments, nor does it specifically tell you the style, tempo nor rhythm. Each person is different, but without question, God wants us to make a joyful noise unto Him. We note that throughout Scripture that many of the psalms were songs or hymns or even psalms sung to Gods glory and honour by David and others like him. So we do have some indication of what is acceptable to God. With this said and done, we are going to look at what is acceptable music for the Church? Did people sing Psalms, Hymns and Songs to God in the days of old, YES! (God commanding Moses) Now therefore write ye this
song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths.. Deut 31:19

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Jacob sang Israel sang Moses sang Levites sang David sang Solomon sang Debra and Barak sang Choir of 4000 sang Angels sang

Ge 31:27 Num 2:17 Ex 15:1 1 Chron 15:22 2 Sam 22:1 1 Kgs 4:3032 Jdg 5:1 lev 23:5 Rev 5:9

Definitions

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Eph 5:19 -20 a. Psalms i.To touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, that is, play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song and music: - give praise, sing forth praises, psalms. - Strongs Heb & Grk Dict ii. The Hebrew designation praises The New compact Bible Dictionary iii. Primarily songs to be sungHymnbook of the second temple and prayer book in Synagogue and temple festivals New concise Bible Dictionary iv. Primarily denoted a striking or twitching with the fingers (on musical strings) Vines expository Dictionary

b. Hymns i. Song or ode in honor of God, and among pagans, in honor of some deity. A hymn among Christians is a short poem, composed for religious service, or a song of joy and praise to God. The word primarily expresses the tune, but it is used for the ode or poem. ii. To praise in song; to worship by singing hymns. iii. To sing; to celebrate in song, in praise or adoration iv. Anthem - A hymn sung in alternate parts; but in modern usage, a sacred tune or piece of music set to words, taken from the psalms or other parts of the scriptures, first introduced into church service in Elizabeths reign. v. Hymns and psalmsare framed by meditation beforehand, or by prophetical illumination are inspired. Webster Dictionary 1828 c. Songs i. In general, that which is sung or uttered with musical modulations of the voice, whether of the human voice or that of a bird ii. A little poem to be sung, or uttered with musical modulations; a ballad. The songs of a country are characteristic of its manners. Every country has its love songs, its war songs, and its patriotic songs. iii. A hymn; a sacred poem or hymn to be sung either in joy or thanksgiving, as that sung by Moses and the Israelites after escaping the dangers of the Arabian gulf and of Pharaoh; or of lamentation, as that of David over the death of Saul and Jonathan. Songs of joy are represented as constituting a part of heavenly felicity. - Webster Dictionary 1828 d. Melody i. An agreeable succession of sounds; a succession of sounds so regu lated and modulated as to please the ear. To constitute melody, the sounds must be arranged according to the laws of rhythms, measure, or the due proportion of the movements to each other. Melody differs from harmony, as it consists in the agreeable succession and modulation of sounds by a single voice; whereas harmony consists in the accordance of different voices or sounds. Melody is vocal or instrumental. ii. Music - Melody or harmony; any succession of sounds so modulated as to please the ear, or any combination of simultaneous sounds in accordance or harmony. Music is vocal or instrumental. Vocal music is the melody of a single voice, or the harmony of two or more voices in concert. Instrumental music is that produced by one or more instruments. iii. Any entertainment consisting in melody or harmony. Webster Dictionary

e. Chorus i. A number of singers; a company of persons singing in concert. ii. Verses of a song in which the company join the singer; or the union of a company with a singer, in repeating certain couplets or verses, at certain periods in a song. iii. A musical composition of two or more parts. i v. The verse repeated in a song, or the return of the theme at the end of each verse; the chorus; so called from the application of this word to the drone or base, and the pipe or string which plays it, in an instru ment. A chord which is to be divided, to perform the intervals of music, when open and undivided, is also called the burden. Webster Dictionary II. a. Biblical Instruments used Cymbals, - Of two kinds: loud cymbals, castanets; four small plates of brass; two plates were attached to each hand, and smitten together, marking for the choir their time for joining in the sacred song And high sounding cymbals, two larger plates, one held in each hand, and struck together as an accompaniment to other music, like the Italian piatti, marking the rhythm Faussets Bible Dictionary 1Ch 25:6

b. Psalteries - an instrument of ten strings. Josephus (Ant. 7:12, sec. 3) mentions that ordinarily it had 12 strings; Faussets Bible Dictionary c. Harps - With ten strings, played on with a plectrum (quill), according to Josephus; but also with the hand by David Faussets Bible Dictionary

d. Bell No large ones like ours, for assembling congregations to worship, were anciently known. Faussets Bible Dictionary Ex 28:33 e. f. Timbrels - a tambourine: - tabret, timbrel. Strongs Dictionary 2Sa 6:5 Cornets - A horn trumpet used for war, for signals, for proclaiming the Jubilee and new year. Faussets Bible Dictionary Trumpets a wind instrument with a curved horn, the sound being a dull monotone The New compact Bible Dictionary. 1Ch 16:42

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h. Instrument of ten strings inferred to as lyre The New compact Bible Dictionary sa 92:3 i. Organs. - A wind instrument, a perforated pipe. Pandean pipe or syrinx (still a pastoral instrument in Syria) as distinguished from the HARP, stringed instru

ments Faussets Bible Dictionary Psa 150:4 III. Gods commands in regards to song a. Old Testament Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. Deu 31:19 i. ii. iii. iv. Write a song Teach the song So that God will be glorified The Words of the song were specific, not ambiguous

Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. 9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. 10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 12 Remember his marvelous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth. 1 Ch 16:8 -12 b. New testament 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. Col 3:16 i. Teach one another ii. Admonishing exhort, give advice, warn, remind (to encourage) iii. We can do both of these in song, we are to encourage and teach one another. The medium is not only in the academic environment but another method is in song iv. In verse 17 we see specifics, no ambiguity Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Eph 5:19 It is no exaggeration to say that songs have taught more theology to new converts than textbooks. Wycliffe commentary

c. Gods counsel With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding. Job 12:12-13 i. Counsel comes from God 1. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom Pro 9:10 2. God is the true source of all wisdom. Knowledge and understanding 3. God wants us to be wise (wisdom is to apply knowledge correctly) 4. God wants us to listen to counsel (take advice) Pro 2:6 5. The well informed is wise Pro 13:10 6. It is the prudent (worldly wise) to understand his way Pro 14:8 ii. Gods general counsel 1. Safety in multitude of counsel 2. A wise man will listen to counsel 3. Counsel brings wisdom 4. Counsel needs to be seeked fervently Pro 11:14 Pro 12:15 Pro 19:20 Pro 20:5

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Pro 1:2-5 IV. Mans counsel

And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people? 7 And they spoke unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants forever. 8 But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: 1Ki 12:6 -8 Let us be well advised lets look at what others have to say Pro 13:10 A Prudent man is one who thinks about and ponders about the things he does and where he is going, so lets do just that: Pro 14:8

a. From members of the music industry i. Bob Larson The Day Music died 1. Few observers of that curiosity called rock are as qualified as Bob Larson to evaluate ts effects on Americas youth. Converted as a young man while deeply involved in the rock scene as a guitarist and composer. At 13 yrs of age his 1st popular hit was published, had his own rock band at 15, four yrs later performed on radio and TV stations and worked as a Radio announcer and DJ. Performed live at Atlantic CityHe enjoys the distinction of being one of the finest recording guitarist today. Publishers 2. The sound attacks and weighs on your senses with a driving insistence Pg 14 3. I am not suggesting that pulsation and syncopation are evil and immoral In their extreme, electronically accentuated forms, they may automati cally illicit a physiologically response from the body. This might remotely define them as having an inherent moral effect I contrast some of the more erotic rock bands deliberately try to turn on the audience. Todays lyrics in rock serve both as a pacesetter and a reflection of the permissive society in which we live. Pg 15 4. Frank Zappa of the Mothers of invention I realized that this music got through to the youngsters because the beat matched the rythms of the human body. Pg 101 5. Rolling Stones manager, Richard Oldham declared Rock music is sex and you have to hit them (teenagers) in the face with it Pg 75 6. What a paradox it is that music can both savage and sedative effect. People react to music through their emotions. Music can even cause a person to do something irrational, something toward which he might otherwise have a natural antipathy. One song may bring tears while another can fill the throat with shouts and cheers. Pg 107 7. The greatest opposition I receive in denouncing rock music comes from Christian teenagers and their self righteous parents. How sad it is that money spent by Christians to purchase rock albums when finances are desperately needed to spread the Gospel. Pg 188 ii. John Ankerberg & John Weldon The facts on Rock music: is it Satanic? 1. For changing peoples manners and altering their customs, there is nothing better that music Shu Ching, Sixth Century BC Pg 4 2. Few who have studied music will deny that it has power to influence and dramatically affect our lives, it is the most dramatic mood setter there is Pg 4 The great and famous down through history have all agreed music does have power and that power can be used either for good or evil Pg 5

3. Al Menconi, a youth counselor who has specialized in rock musics influ ence on teenagers, has stated the sad thing is that the majority of Chris tian kids I come into contact with have a stronger commitment to their music than to Jesus. Music is the language of todays generation.. Pg 10 4. Our primary reaction to all music is emotional. Therefore, any proper evaluation must take place on two levels: First, How does the music make me feel? and, secondly, What are the particulars of the lyrics, style, and mechanics of the composition in question? Pg 44 5. What must a discerning listener do? 1. Evaluate the lyrics for content It has been said if you want to know where a culture is going, listen to its music. 2. Evaluate your emotional response What is the tunes overall effect on my way of thinking and responding to the world around me? Pg 46 iii. Harmony at Home Tim Fisher 1. Scripture demonstrates a legitimate relationship between music and worship. The order of cause and effect is, however, reversed. In scripture, music comes from the heart that God has blessed. Davids new song in Psalm 40:3 was a direct result of his salvation. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:18-19 that the musical worship is a response to the presence on the Holy Spirit in our lives. He tells us in Colossians 3:16 that the music results from the indwelling Word of God. James 5:13 tells us that singing is an appropri ate expression of Joy of the Lord. Nowhere in the Bible is worship induced; it is rather, a response Pg 184 2. Praise and worship music itself originated with the Charismatic Renewal movement; they are carefully devised according to charismatic theology and scriptural interpretation, and are expected to lead to charismatic Pentecostal experiences. Charismatic believers have a right to develop their own worship.. and they have done this well. Non-charismatic should not thoughtlessly copy or imitate their worship formula, unless they expect to enter into the same holy of holies in the same way. Dr Donald Hustad, snr professor of Church music Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Pg185 3. Rhythm moves in time and becomes largely a physical stimulus, while melody moves in space and appeals more to the emotions.. back at least as far as the stone age, man discovered that his emotions and his body could be stimulated by the beat of a drum. He could be excited to war, aroused sexually, and put into hypnotic trances by insistent, incessant rhythm. Obviously, little has changed through the centuries. Today, similar effects are achieved through the monotony pop music beats. Scarantino Pg 19 4. The audience because of the beat theyre mesmerized by the music. I mean they have the audience hypnotized. Thats the kind of control they

have. Steve Glantz, Concert promoter, Circus 5. The domain of rhythm extends from the spiritual to the carnal. Conductor Bruno Walter 1876-1962, Watson Pg 30 b. From members of Gods ministry i. The late Gordon Sears, who had an evangelistic music ministry for many years and ministered with Rudy Atwood, was saddened before his death by the dramatic change that was occurring in many fundamental Baptist churches. He warned: When the standard of music is lowered, then the standard of dress is also lowered. When the standard of dress is lowered, then the standard of conduct is also lowered. When the standard of conduct is lowered, then the sense of value in Gods truth is lowered. ii. The late Ernest Pickering gave a similar warning: Perhaps nothing precipi tates a slide toward New Evangelicalism more than the introduction of Contemporary Christian Music. This inevitably leads toward a gradual slide in other areas as well until the entire church is infiltrated by ideas and programs alien to the original position of the church. iii. Jerry Falwell Liberty University - had adopted the music is neutral posi tion. Speaking at Word of Life in New York, he said, Other than Heavy Metal and vulgar lyrics, its all a matter of taste and has nothing to do with Chris tianity. In 2001 Falwell identified himself as a contemporary fundamen talist, defined as conservative in doctrine, moderate in attitude, progressive in methodology, and liberal in spirit. That sounds impres sive and doubtless plays well to the progressive crowd, but in reality, he is careless about doctrine (i.e., he allowed evolution to be taught at Liberty in order to obtain accreditation), moderate rather than strict in attitude toward apostasy, progressive rather than scriptural in methodology, and liberal in spirit toward many of Gods enemies. In April 1996 hard rocking dc Talk drew the largest concert crowd in the history of Farwells university. The name of his school was changed from Liberty Baptist College to Liberty University. iv. Landmark Baptist Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, an old-fashioned Baptist church with old-fashioned standards of music, dress and a commitment to KJV. In the 1990s the church took a turn away from its roots and at the heart of this change was music. In 1996 the church brought in a Campus Crusade band playing high energy 50s and 60s rock and roll. In 2001, Mat Holman became the pastor. The church web site says, Being a firm believer that church should be fun and on the edge, Matt puts all his energy into making Landmark a place where everyone belongs. The pop group Jump5 performed at Landmark Baptist Church on Dec. 6, 2003. The music of the Nashville-based group is thoroughly modern pop, high-spirited and 100% fun.

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The Bethlehem Baptist Church paper in 2002 featured a photo of the churchs new Youth Pastor, Rob Hoerr. Bedecked with a goatee, an earring, and a P.O.D. T-shirt, this independent Baptist youth director is proudly promoting the Christian rock lifestyle. P.O.D. is a rock band. The initials are supposed to stand for Payable On Death. The tattoo-covered band members curse in interviews, smoke, watch R-rated movies, and criticize kids who want to segregate themselves from the world. The groups leader said, Jesus was the first rebel. He was the first punk rocker going against all the rest of it (Sonny of P.O.D ). In another interview, P.O.D. said, Were not passing out pamphlets saying Get your life straight or youre gonna burn in hell (Sonny, Guitar World, Oct 2000, p. 78). Sonny says, I like Slayer. I like Manson. I like music and this dark imagery (2001 interview with Theresa McKeon of Shoutweb titled P.O.D. The Fundamental Elements of God Rock). He is talking about the antichrist rocker Marilyn Manson. P.O.D. guitarist Marcos says, You know, everyone is free to rock . When we go on stage we go crazy. We are like four guys you should put in a mental hospital .Thus we can see that Bethlehem Baptist Church has gone a long way down the road from its roots as a conservative, fundamentalist Baptist church, and music is at the very heart of the changes. vi. Temple Baptist Church of Detroit, Michigan. The founders of the BBFI in 1950 and of the presidency of Baptist Bible College. It was a conservative fundamental Baptist church that eschewed ecumenism, preached strong Bible doctrine, and promoted holy living and separation from the world. The churchs music today is described at its website: The PRAISE BANDS provide music for all services. The Praise Bands consist of the piano, synthesizer, acoustic and electric guitar, bass guitar, and drums. The church began having CCM concerts in the early 1990s, starting out with the softer rock groups. In 2000 Temple Baptist Church changed its name to Northridge Church of Plymouth, Michigan, after taking a survey of the community and finding out that most people dont like the name Baptist. vii. A report by James Knox, a Baptist preacher from Deland, Florida. Highland Park Baptist Church is the home of Tennessee Temple University. We decided to drive in for the evening service at Tennessee Temple University, telling the boys on the way about the history of the school. When we arrived we thought we had found a skateboard park or waterless beach. There were groups of long haired boys and short haired girls milling about, all of them wearing shorts and t-shirts and not one of them had a Bible. We entered the lobby of the auditorium and found it filled with posters advertising Christian rock bands. There were posters, refrigerator magnets, and autographed pictures of different groups, all designed to look just like the same paraphernalia sold at a secular concert. Thinking there must be some mistake, in a daze we tried to make our way into the auditorium. On the platform were enough instruments and drum sets to make the Rolling Stones envious. Technicians

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were setting up the laser light show which was to accompany the bands. A painted babe in tight pants approached us. ... She said, Oh you cant go in there yet; the artists are still setting up for the show. I said, Is there no church service tonight? With disdain she sneered, Of course, this is a church service. But what about the preaching of the word, I asked. Oh we have (and she named some rock bands I was supposed to have heard of) performing and Jonathan Falwell is going to give a word in between. ... Now I know what some of you are thinking, because you hear it so much you almost believe it. We have to stay relevant and up to date to reach the young people. [In reply, I would say,] one, when the world converts the church you havent reached anyone, and two, huge buildings that once served as dormitories for the school are vacant and for sale, so it didnt work. When you bring in music, holidays, dating programs, fuzzy time, etc., so kids who dont want the word of God, street preaching, Biblical Christianity, and self-denial will want to come to your school you are on the road that leads to what we saw in Chattanooga Wednesday night. viii. I believe Gordon Sears was right when he said: When the standard of music is lowered, then the standard of dress is also lowered. When the standard of dress is lowered, then the standard of conduct is also lowered. When the standard of conduct is lowered, then the sense of value in Gods truth is lowered. David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service A word to the wise is sufficient. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump 1 Cor. 5:6; Gal. 5:6. V. Our reason for being Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1Co 10:31 a. We are to do all for Gods glory b. We are to fear God and worship (do reverence to, adore )Him c. Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father d. We are to glorify God in all things said and done 1Co 10:31 Rev 14:7 Php 2:11 1Co 6:20

Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God. Psa 50:23 We are to glorify God, and one of the ways is in song

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VI. Samples of an acceptable hymn WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD

1. Christ our Redeemer died on the cross, Died for the sinner, paid all his due; All who receive Him need never fear, Yes, He will pass, will pass over you. When I see the blood, When I see the blood, When I see the blood, I will pass, I will pass over you. 2. Chiefest of sinners, Jesus can save, As He has promised, so will He do; O sinner, hear Him, trust in His Word, Then He will pass, will pass over you. 3. Judgment is coming, all will be there, Who have rejected, who have ref used. O sinner, hasten, let Jesus in, Then God will pass, will pass over you. 4. O what compassion, O boundless love! Jesus hath power, Jesus is true; All who believe are safe from the storm, O He will pass, will pass over you.

WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN

1. Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy, and His grace; In the mansions bright and blessed, Hell prepare for us a place. When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, Well sing and shout the victory. 2. While we walk the pilgrim path-way, Clouds will over-spread the sky; But when travling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh. 3. Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving evry day; Just one glimpse of Him in Glory, Will the toils of life repay. 4. Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty well behold; Soon the pearly gates will open, We shall tread the streets of gold.

VII. Sample of an acceptable Chorus Isnt He wonderful Isnt He wonderful, wonderful, wonderful? Isnt Jesus my Lord wonderful? Eyes have seen, ears have heard, Tis recorded in Gods word, Isnt Jesus my Lord wonderful? Hes my Lord, hes my King And His praises I will sing Isnt Jesus my Lord wonderful? Saving me, keeping me, Now and through eternity Isnt Jesus my Lord wonderful?

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I have decided to follow I have decided to follow Jesus (X 3) No turning back, no turning back. Tho no one join me still I will follow (X 3) No turning back, no turning back. The world behind me, the cross before me (X 3) I wont turn back, I wont turn back VIII. Sound council

In their helpful study, Striving For Excellence, Ron and Inge Cannon give specific guidelines for evaluating music. The following checklist will help to sharpen discernment skills in evaluating music. Notice the correlation of these points to Philippians 4:8: I. Godly music must be pure. To whom does this music give glory? How does this music reflect biblical doctrines and Godly living? Is this music reactionary in any way (i.e., designed to challenge accepted norms)? Does this music violate your conscience in any way? II. Godly music must be orderly. Are the musical elements combined with balance? Does the melody line have a balanced (rising and falling) contour that matches the inflection of the words? What message is conveyed by the harmony (mood, atmosphere, emotion, etc.)? Does the rhythm of the music dominate the message, or is it subtle in func tion? Does the organization of the music reflect careful design and communicate a definite beginning and ending? Is the music balanced in tension and relaxation? Does the musical background overpower the text (i.e., is the background distracting to the message in any way)? Is the text accurate in statement and implication as evaluated by Gods Word? Is the text in anyway ambiguous? If it is sung as a solo, does the performer imply intimacy with the listener by breathing into the microphone or by using sagging and sliding pitches? Is the music a new sound as in rock or entertainment styles, or is it a new song demonstrating a changed life?

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III. Godly music must be edifying. Does the music refresh and invigorate? Does the music inspire the mind and invoke healthy, positive emotions? Does the music uplift the spirit and draw the listener to Gods point of view? Does the music end on a note of praise or focus on God? Extracted Harmony at Home Pg 161 The issue is not so much in Songs, Contemporary Christian Music or choruses in themselves but rather People are sensual (fleshly) by nature and care needs to be taken that they dont get lifted up in an emotional and sensual high, but rather an experience of joyfulness as they Let the word of Christ richly dwell in all wisdom and as they walk in the Spirit. There is nothing inherently wrong with music in itselves but, in the lyrics, tune and the tempo that is played and the effects it has on you, here is sound council in this regard. If your foot moves before your heart, it is probably wrong Unknown Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 2Co 6:17 IV. Faith Baptist Church music guidleines A. We will understake to : 1. Sing Hymns, Psalms and spirtiual songs 2. Sing these in the main worship services and sunday school 3. Sing them on condition we follow the guidelines set out by Striving For Excellence, Ron and Inge Cannon B. We will have all music that is sung and played, perused and passes by the Pastor or designated music director. Inconclusion: Music is a form of worship, God glorification and method of teaching Biblical truth. Use this form wisely

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