Christian Music???

[Jesus_is_LORD]

I was having a discussion with a friend and fellow sister in Christ.

We were talking about Christian music.

We were talking about some of those bands (especially years ago), which are producing songs about Jesus,
but they don't mention Jesus or God or it is very subtle.

My point was, I don't want to seem very judgmental and perhaps there is a play for the genre, maybe,
her point was that such music that is not "in your face Christian" music is good to help others slowly ease into
the faith and not have them turned off. Her point was that that genre of subtle Christian music allows the good
news to reach a broader audience of people who are first connected to the artist and later get connected to Jesus
after they learn the meaning of the songs.

My question to her was "Aren't we suppose to let our lights shine, and not hide it?" and her response was they
are letting it shine because the genre can reach more people who will eventually get a chance to learn about Christ
where they might be put off by regular "Christian" music.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Jesus_is_LORD]

She might have a point, but I can't imagine the believers in the book of Acts making subtle Christian music
because they didn't want to push people away, can you?

 

[Bob Carabbio]

I was having a discussion with a friend and fellow sister in Christ.

We were talking about Christian music.

We were talking about some of those bands (especially years ago), which are producing songs about Jesus,
but they don't mention Jesus or God or it is very subtle.

My point was, I don't want to seem very judgmental and perhaps there is a play for the genre, maybe,
her point was that such music that is not "in your face Christian" music is good to help others slowly ease into
the faith and not have them turned off. Her point was that that genre of subtle Christian music allows the good
news to reach a broader audience of people who are first connected to the artist and later get connected to Jesus
after they learn the meaning of the songs.

My question to her was "Aren't we suppose to let our lights shine, and not hide it?" and her response was they
are letting it shine because the genre can reach more people who will eventually get a chance to learn about Christ
where they might be put off by regular "Christian" music.

What are your thoughts?

Makes perfect sense IF you don't think God has anything to do with Getting people Born Again, and it's "all up to us" and our "Marketing Techniques". Bottom line: NOBODY COMES TO CHRIST unless God DRAWS THEM!!!! "Being Careful of peoples feelings" is nothing but the "Coward's way out". Folks in the Bible called a "Spade a Spade" and weren't careful to be non-combative.

 

[B-A-C]

Much of today's "Christian" Music, isn't all that God centered. A quick look at the Christian top 10 this week.
8 of these songs are about "me". It's all about me. What God is doing for "me".
Whatever happened to songs about about exultation, praise and worship to the Lord?
God loves "me". God is for "me". God is faithful to "me". You have been so good to "me".
God is fighting for "me". God is chasing after "me".
... now while all these things might be true, and nothing is especially wrong with each of these songs independently...
There seems to be a theme in many churches these days... that it's all about me. God only exists to take of "me".
Somewhere it's gotten lost... that we are supposed to living for God, worshiping God, praising God.

The other thing about current Christian songs reminds me of a joke I heard a while back.
Q: What do you do for a living?
A: I write Christians songs, I write Christian songs
I write Christian songs, I write Christian songs.

Not far from the truth these days.

 

[Rockerduck]

Hello,

Look in the Hymn books and you will see most Hymns are about Jesus. That's my gage, because if they can't sing about Jesus something is wrong.

1 Corinthians 12:3 -Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

They need the Holy Spirit to sing about Jesus.

 

[Jesus_is_LORD]

Makes perfect sense IF you don't think God has anything to do with Getting people Born Again, and it's "all up to us" and our "Marketing Techniques". Bottom line: NOBODY COMES TO CHRIST unless God DRAWS THEM!!!! "Being Careful of peoples feelings" is nothing but the "Coward's way out". Folks in the Bible called a "Spade a Spade" and weren't careful to be non-combative.

I agree.

 

[Jesus_is_LORD]

Much of today's "Christian" Music, isn't all that God centered. A quick look at the Christian top 10 this week.
8 of these songs are about "me". It's all about me. What God is doing for "me".
Whatever happened to songs about about exultation, praise and worship to the Lord?
God loves "me". God is for "me". God is faithful to "me". You have been so good to "me".
God is fighting for "me". God is chasing after "me".
... now while all these things might be true, and nothing is especially wrong with each of these songs independently...
There seems to be a theme in many churches these days... that it's all about me. God only exists to take of "me".
Somewhere it's gotten lost... that we are supposed to living for God, worshiping God, praising God.

The other thing about current Christian songs reminds me of a joke I heard a while back.
Q: What do you do for a living?
A: I write Christians songs, I write Christian songs
I write Christian songs, I write Christian songs.

Not far from the truth these days.

Very good point.

 

[Jesus_is_LORD]

Hello,

Look in the Hymn books and you will see most Hymns are about Jesus. That's my gage, because if they can't sing about Jesus something is wrong.

1 Corinthians 12:3 -Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

They need the Holy Spirit to sing about Jesus.

Oh yes, the Holy Spirit. How true. Well said.

Another thing that comes to mind, and it won't be surprised to any of your mature brothers in Christ,
is that when I look at her life, it is not surprise that she is living in sin.

She does not feel the need to wait till marriage to be intimate with her boyfriend. she is 19 years old
and lives with her parents.

Often times when I see the lifestyle people are living (in sin), it reminds me of why they often are inclined
to choose by theology because they are quenching the Holy Spirit and blind due to sin.

 

[Christ4Ever]

I was having a discussion with a friend and fellow sister in Christ.

We were talking about Christian music.

We were talking about some of those bands (especially years ago), which are producing songs about Jesus,
but they don't mention Jesus or God or it is very subtle.

My point was, I don't want to seem very judgmental and perhaps there is a play for the genre, maybe,
her point was that such music that is not "in your face Christian" music is good to help others slowly ease into
the faith and not have them turned off. Her point was that that genre of subtle Christian music allows the good
news to reach a broader audience of people who are first connected to the artist and later get connected to Jesus
after they learn the meaning of the songs.

My question to her was "Aren't we suppose to let our lights shine, and not hide it?" and her response was they
are letting it shine because the genre can reach more people who will eventually get a chance to learn about Christ
where they might be put off by regular "Christian" music.

What are your thoughts?

Dear Brother,
I've listened to a variety of music in my day. Much of it lacking any benefit, and definitely not praising our God.
When it comes to the Christian genre, you will find there too a variety. Everything from Instrumental, Gospel, to Contemporary Christian, Hymns, etc. Many find joy in listening, and even singing along with them. Some in Glorifying God, others in Glorifying what He has done, even some to what He has done for them, and this list as well goes on, and on.

An attempt to tag/separate "subtility" verses "in your face" can be difficult to do and in truth I believe should not be done. At least in the sense of this one is right and that one is wrong. Each has its place I believe. I don't always have to be singing at the top of my lungs, to show that I'm glorifying God, or whispering to show how Holy He is to me either. Should I only do it in church, or when others can't hear me, no at work, yes at home etc.

I will however, and have been, critical of lyrics that have been used to communicate messages that are clearly unbiblical. The music can be catchy, but the lyrics lack integrity, and so the Holy Spirit within me/us becomes troubled. Such instances can be found almost anywhere, and this includes the corporate/church setting. I used to be of the mind that if it doesn't say Jesus in it, then it must be lacking. Yet, there are many songs that are powerful, and move the Spirit to glorify God that don't necessarily name the name of our Lord and Savior.

To give you an idea, one of my favorite songs is "I can only imagine". The name of Jesus is mentioned twice in the song, and yet the entirety of the whole song speaks of Him and how I might/will react when I come face to face with Him, my Lord and Savior Jesus. This song touches people because who hasn't thought about what it would like to come face to face with Him. So, is twice not enough, will we start determining the rightness of music based upon the times Jesus is mentioned, or some other criteria that doesn't seek His Face in each and every stanza, or maybe is just instrumental...

However, brother what it appears the discussion you are having with this sister, really comes down to. Can we use music to Evangelize someone, and is it the primary purpose for the music we play/listen to?



I could go on with my thoughts on that question, but if others read this post besides yourself, I'd be curious how they also feel about Evangelizing with music.

Thanks for the thread Brother. I know how much music means to you and your walk with the Lord.
God bless you!

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><

 

[Jesus_is_LORD]

Dear Brother,
I've listened to a variety of music in my day. Much of it lacking any benefit, and definitely not praising our God.
When it comes to the Christian genre, you will find there too a variety. Everything from Instrumental, Gospel, to Contemporary Christian, Hymns, etc. Many find joy in listening, and even singing along with them. Some in Glorifying God, others in Glorifying what He has done, even some to what He has done for them, and this list as well goes on, and on.

An attempt to tag/separate "subtility" verses "in your face" can be difficult to do and in truth I believe should not be done. At least in the sense of this one is right and that one is wrong. Each has its place I believe. I don't always have to be singing at the top of my lungs, to show that I'm glorifying God, or whispering to show how Holy He is to me either. Should I only do it in church, or when others can't hear me, no at work, yes at home etc.

I will however, and have been, critical of lyrics that have been used to communicate messages that are clearly unbiblical. The music can be catchy, but the lyrics lack integrity, and so the Holy Spirit within me/us becomes troubled. Such instances can be found almost anywhere, and this includes the corporate/church setting. I used to be of the mind that if it doesn't say Jesus in it, then it must be lacking. Yet, there are many songs that are powerful, and move the Spirit to glorify God that don't necessarily name the name of our Lord and Savior.

To give you an idea, one of my favorite songs is "I can only imagine". The name of Jesus is mentioned twice in the song, and yet the entirety of the whole song speaks of Him and how I might/will react when I come face to face with Him, my Lord and Savior Jesus. This song touches people because who hasn't thought about what it would like to come face to face with Him. So, is twice not enough, will we start determining the rightness of music based upon the times Jesus is mentioned, or some other criteria that doesn't seek His Face in each and every stanza, or maybe is just instrumental...

However, brother what it appears the discussion you are having with this sister, really comes down to. Can we use music to Evangelize someone, and is it the primary purpose for the music we play/listen to?



I could go on with my thoughts on that question, but if others read this post besides yourself, I'd be curious how they also feel about Evangelizing with music.

Thanks for the thread Brother. I know how much music means to you and your walk with the Lord.
God bless you!

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><

Thanks for the words of wisdom. Much appreciated.

 

[God's Truth]

I was having a discussion with a friend and fellow sister in Christ.

We were talking about Christian music.

We were talking about some of those bands (especially years ago), which are producing songs about Jesus,
but they don't mention Jesus or God or it is very subtle.

My point was, I don't want to seem very judgmental and perhaps there is a play for the genre, maybe,
her point was that such music that is not "in your face Christian" music is good to help others slowly ease into
the faith and not have them turned off. Her point was that that genre of subtle Christian music allows the good
news to reach a broader audience of people who are first connected to the artist and later get connected to Jesus
after they learn the meaning of the songs.

My question to her was "Aren't we suppose to let our lights shine, and not hide it?" and her response was they
are letting it shine because the genre can reach more people who will eventually get a chance to learn about Christ
where they might be put off by regular "Christian" music.

What are your thoughts?

I think you are right. So many "Christian" songs don't even mention the name Jesus.

I remember I was playing some Christian music and this guy visiting said nice song, and it reminded him of his relationship with his girlfriend. I said you know, it could be about a relationship like that, and that is when I noticed that it didn't mention Jesus. I then started thinking about all music meant to be between two humans and how it could be between a person and Jesus.

I think that if a song is Christian then it should say the name Jesus in it, at least once.

 

[God's Truth]

Much of today's "Christian" Music, isn't all that God centered. A quick look at the Christian top 10 this week.
8 of these songs are about "me". It's all about me. What God is doing for "me".
Whatever happened to songs about about exultation, praise and worship to the Lord?
God loves "me". God is for "me". God is faithful to "me". You have been so good to "me".
God is fighting for "me". God is chasing after "me".
... now while all these things might be true, and nothing is especially wrong with each of these songs independently...
There seems to be a theme in many churches these days... that it's all about me. God only exists to take of "me".
Somewhere it's gotten lost... that we are supposed to living for God, worshiping God, praising God.

The other thing about current Christian songs reminds me of a joke I heard a while back.
Q: What do you do for a living?
A: I write Christians songs, I write Christian songs
I write Christian songs, I write Christian songs.

Not far from the truth these days.

Being saved though is about a personal relationship with Jesus. There is nothing wrong with making it about you. Even apostle Paul talked about feeling alone and only Jesus being with him.

 

[God's Truth]

Hello,

Look in the Hymn books and you will see most Hymns are about Jesus. That's my gage, because if they can't sing about Jesus something is wrong.

1 Corinthians 12:3 -Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

They need the Holy Spirit to sing about Jesus.

Many misunderstand that scripture. That scripture doesn't mean all who sing about Jesus must have the Holy Spirit.

There were people casting out demons in Jesus' name and prophesying in Jesus' name, but Jesus said he never knew them because in the other areas of their life they didn't repent of sins and they led a sinful life.

Paul says that he made sure he didn't sin as he helped other people to get saved, because he didn't want to lose his salvation.

No way, it is about those speaking in tongues (real tongues).
It is about people who don't understand what the tongue speaker is saying, they were worried about how could they know the tongue speaker wasn't really saying something evil about Jesus, since they didn't understand the tongue (foreign language) the tongue speaker was speaking.

Paul says that the one speaking in a tongue by the Holy Spirit isn't going to speak evil.
The REAL tongues that is.

 

[Rockerduck]

Hello,
Many Hymns sang about the Blood of Christ that songs in church's nowadays don't sing about, unless they sing Washed in the Blood, Nothing but the Blood, Blessed Assurance, and The old rugged Cross ,etc. Those hymns were sang by those whose hearts were changed and cleansed by the Blood of Christ unto Salvation and they sang all 13 verses of Amazing Grace forever more to the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[Rookster]

I was having a discussion with a friend and fellow sister in Christ.

We were talking about Christian music.

We were talking about some of those bands (especially years ago), which are producing songs about Jesus,
but they don't mention Jesus or God or it is very subtle.

My point was, I don't want to seem very judgmental and perhaps there is a play for the genre, maybe,
her point was that such music that is not "in your face Christian" music is good to help others slowly ease into
the faith and not have them turned off. Her point was that that genre of subtle Christian music allows the good
news to reach a broader audience of people who are first connected to the artist and later get connected to Jesus
after they learn the meaning of the songs.

My question to her was "Aren't we suppose to let our lights shine, and not hide it?" and her response was they
are letting it shine because the genre can reach more people who will eventually get a chance to learn about Christ
where they might be put off by regular "Christian" music.

What are your thoughts?

There is and ALWAYS will be the "offense of the cross"....

 

[Shaolin]

I was having a discussion with a friend and fellow sister in Christ.

We were talking about Christian music.

We were talking about some of those bands (especially years ago), which are producing songs about Jesus,
but they don't mention Jesus or God or it is very subtle.

My point was, I don't want to seem very judgmental and perhaps there is a play for the genre, maybe,
her point was that such music that is not "in your face Christian" music is good to help others slowly ease into
the faith and not have them turned off. Her point was that that genre of subtle Christian music allows the good
news to reach a broader audience of people who are first connected to the artist and later get connected to Jesus
after they learn the meaning of the songs.

My question to her was "Aren't we suppose to let our lights shine, and not hide it?" and her response was they
are letting it shine because the genre can reach more people who will eventually get a chance to learn about Christ
where they might be put off by regular "Christian" music.

What are your thoughts?

Christian music that is indeed Christian, by those walking with God. The problem today with so much of what is called Contemporary Christian music, is that while it may sound good, the artists do not hold to Scripture. Some of the more honest ones, have left the industry because they were homosexual or supported homosexuality (among other things), but there are still others out there who don't care, they are just there to make money. Even some of the worship music is tainted by false doctrinal statements in the words (and while its called "worship," it definitely is not!).

..