| Place of Music in the Church
By Paul Foltz
Scripture gives much evidence that music is an important complement
to the preaching of The Word in the worship of the church.
God may have several reasons for this, but one reason is very
clear, and this is a matter of practicality.
When the body of Christ gathers for worship and the preaching
of The Word we are all expected to participate in the worship
of God. In order for this to be done, with any sense of
order and in a reasonable amount of time this must be done in
a corporate fashion.
- I Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently
and in order.
Music, and corporate recitation of Scripture, creed, etc., are
the ways we have developed for all to participate in our worship
of God. It is true that we all can participate through giving
mental assent to what is being done or said, but personal participation
is also extremely important.
Congregational singing is an excellent way for all present to
personally participate in worship. It may be that many do
not recognize the importance of group singing; it is often used
as a way to "get the service started", divide the different
sections of the service, a time to "get up and stretch",
etc.; but if it is understood for all that it can be, congregational
singing can be one of the most important parts of any service
of the church.
Music can also be a very effective tool used for instruction.
An individual often remembers for a longer period of time something
they have learned through the medium of music than that which
is acquired only through the spoken or written word. Since
it is remembered for a longer period of time, the person has a
greater opportunity to incorporate its truth into their lives.
In a further application of this fact, music is a very forceful
instrument when employed in Scripture memory (or other text such
as a doctrinal statement, creed, etc.). If the text is carefully
wedded to a memorable melody the possibility for retention is
greatly enhanced.
Most Christians experience the same problems, disappointments,
struggles with sin, and other spiritual and day-to-day difficulties.
This being the situation, we all need the same encouragement and
edification.
"Special music" is an effective way for many people
to receive this needed encouragement and edification. It
is also true that individuals often more readily accept instruction
received through music, than through written or spoken word.
Besides these practical considerations, we must also remember
the fact that God, in His Word, commands us to worship him with
music.
- Psalm 100 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all
ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before
His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is
God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter
into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise:
be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord
is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to
all generations.
- Psalm 150 Praise ye the Lord. Praise God
in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power.
Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to
His excellent greatness. Praise Him with the sound of
the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed
instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals:
praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals. Let everything
that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
This being the case we must be sure that music is used properly,
according to the standards of God's Word.
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