By Byron Foxx
We are instructed in the Word of God to sing. 1 Chronicles 16:23 says, “Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation.” Psalm 13:6 says, “I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.” There are many ways we can worship the Lord. Our God has given many diverse abilities to people that they can use to worship and glorify the Lord.
But there is one form of communication that God has commanded to be used in worship to Him– music! We sing and play instruments in our church because God commanded it!
Great revivals have been accompanied by great music.
The great evangelist D.L. Moody said, “There is more to be said in the Bible about praise than prayer, and music and song have not only accompanied all scriptural revivals, but are essential in deepening spiritual life.” Church music has great impact.
Our music exposes the audience to the Gospel.
We have a message to tell! Our songs must declare the truth of the Word of God, especially the good news of the Gospel. Psalm 40:3 says, “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”
Music educates in Biblical truth.
Music is a powerful teaching tool. Itshould be utilized by the church. The devil certainly utilizes it. The Bible says in Colossians 3:16, “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.”
Music excites about Biblical truth.
Music carries information to the mind through the doorway of the heart.
Music does effect our God-given emotions.
David said in Psalm 28:7, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”
Music encourages others to worship the Lord Jesus Christ.
Worship is focused adoration and devotion to God. It requires the engagement of the mind and the heart to the Lord at the exclusion of all else. Singing can certainly lead us into worship. Psalm 66:4 says, “All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name.”
Church music prepares us to receive from the Lord.
Consider 2 Kings 3:14-15. It does not appear that Elisha himself was a musician, but he knew the value and importance of music! The text shows that he had been called into a mess and appears irritated. The minstrel played music that helped him! Good music can help seal off distractions, and get you prepared in mind and spirit to receive from the Lord. Certainly we have great reason for music in our church services!
by Byron Foxx