Secular Music

After looking at a particular website which condemns much of the evil in today's popular music culture, I had the following thoughts:

(Albert Mohler has written a very good article about the various levels of issues which cause controversy in the body of Christ.
http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2005-07-12%20
I refer to these different levels in my post.)

Art can be influential: this includes movies, music, books, etc.
According to the Bible, one is to be discerning as to the influences in his life.

Ps 1:1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.

Therefore a Christian should grow in his discernment. Yet there must be liberty.

1) Music is a third level issue in the body of Christ. By that I mean, it has nothing to do with primary doctrine, e.g. justification by faith, the Trinity, biblical inerrancy etc. (those which are necessary to believe in order to be Christian) Music is not a secondary issue either. By secondary, I mean issues on which Christians legitimately disagree, and that prevents them from fellowshipping in the same congregation, e.g. mode of baptism, speaking in tongues, women pastors etc. Music belongs to the third level of issues, wherein people in the same congregation are free to their own conviction and practice and not to be bound by another's conscience.

In this third level would be: eschatological views, Sabbath days, eating meat, circumcision etc. Therefore the whole discussion about music must take place on the level of liberty, not legalism. Period. There is no scripture that would say otherwise.

Rom 14:5-6 One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

2) Musical notes or arrangements are not in and of themselves wicked! There is no such thing as an "evil" beat. A biblical case is waiting to be made. Yet it is undeniable that much art and music is used in a negative way by unbelievers. But that is the fault of the artist.

3) That said, obviously Christian discernment is necessary in terms of what influences one allows in their lives. A Christian must be careful about the friends he keeps, the counsel he accepts, the books he reads, and the music he hears. But all these are a matter of personal conscience and judgment. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that the church must have some kind of list of Acceptable books, Acceptable music or Acceptable movies. When the church tries to ban or proscribe material, it actually destroys the discernment skills of the disciple. People must learn to be discerning on their own. Not all people will come to the same conclusion as to what is edifying or not.


Given, some of these things seem obvious. Any lyric that exalts Satan or denigrates Christ or provokes to sin is clearly not neutral and should be shunned in principle by believers. But much of popular music is not that obvious. All the more reason for the necessity of discernment.

1 Cor 10:23-26
23 "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 25 Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, 26 for, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it."


4) A born again Christian is a new creation. He has the Holy Spirit indwelling him to lead him into all truth, and should learn to discern correctly as he follows the Holy Spirit. A Christian should understand that once he has become a Christian, he has come out of the kingdom of darkness and understand that the world system is now opposed to him.
He should not live like the world anymore. I have yet to see any on fire Christian loving Ozzy Osbourne and Satanic lyrics!

5) The Bible clearly states that the Devil is the ruler of the kingdom of the air and is presently at work in those who are disobedient. This is a GIVEN. Is it any shock to Christians that most secular artists are being influenced by Satan? It certainly shouldn't be. That is obvious and plainly taught in the Scriptures. So "exposes" of worldly artists are redundant, and unnecessary in my opinion. We already know their source is not God. On the other hand, critical critique of the art itself, from a Christian worldview, is very helpful, but seldom done.

Eph 2:1-2
2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient

I personally care not a whit for the political, or religious opinions of any celebrity, including musicians. I mean, I like "Born to Run" but does that mean I have to listen to Springsteen spout about politics and religion. I don't think so!
Shall all musicians pass the test of biblical orthodoxy before we listen to their music? Does failure of such a test destroy any positive effect of their music? NO! should be the obvious answer. For those who argue, "yes but these musicians are idolized by many "Christian" youth and they are very influential", I say: get the kids saved and in love with Jesus, and abandon their idolatry, and they won't be hanging on to the words of musicians, but on the Word of God!!

I asked my thirteen year old son, why he would not listen to lyrics that blatantly was sin promoting or anti Christ. He said because it would not help him. "Help you in what way?", I asked. "Help me to please God", he replied. Major on the majors, and the kids will be able to eat the meat and spit out the bones in any worldly situation.

Of course, much of the world culture is demonically inspired. But that has been the case since the birth of Christianity in the Roman Empire! Obviously the realms of pop music can be negatively influential, but by the same token, can any secular art also inspire, inasmuch as it presents truth or encourages in that direction? Of course!


Here is where I have a lot of trouble with many Christian approaches to this. Christians should create better art and thoughtfully critique what passes for art in the world, without trying to scare, condemn others, ban materials, run in fear, or create their own inferior sub-culture of "Christian Art". If you are a Christian artist, please create worthy art!


6) So what should our response be? Should we shun all music, art and books, etc. because we know that the creators of these works are under the sway of the evil one? Should we refuse to read the classics of literature because they were not written by Christian authors? Should the church ban certain music? Should we make people feel condemned by what they eat or do not eat? Whether food, movies, and music? We must be very careful here. For any such list is religious and actually works against the growth of discernment of the Christian.


Col 2:20-23
20 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21 "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? 22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
NIV

Conclusions:
1) We must have liberty!
In essentials unity, in non essentials liberty, and in all things charity. Being that music is a third level issue, (using Mohler's categories) we must give liberty here. All people are not the same. Some former alcoholics can walk into a bar. Some can't.

Col 2:16-17
16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.
NIV

We must be very careful about making a third level issue into a first or second level issue and therefore being unnecessarily judgmental and divisive.


2) We must cultivate Christian Maturity and Discernment.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Here is a critical question. Can the music we listen to, be listened to for the glory of God? This question will help us tremendously. We must be very careful not to accept all things uncritically, but should judge each piece of art according to a biblical worldview and values, and whether it adds or takes away from our walk.

As Christians we must learn constantly to eat the meat and spit out the bones. We must separate the music from the musician. And realize that styles of music do not necessarily influence as much as the lyric and the artist.

In every arena, when we are dealing with the thoughts of the world, be it from a relative, a book, movie, music etc, we must learn how to encourage truth while reproving the evil.

A godly Christian who is seeking to please Him with his whole life is going to have less and less of a taste for the things of this world, especially those things which are clearly sin promoting. This is a process. A growing Christian should be hungry more and more for the things of God and less and less for things that will adversely affect His walk with God.

Our response should be neither an uncritical acceptance of all music, nor an overly critical position that would condemn others for what is a matter of liberty.

Satan Your Worst Enemy

Eph 6:10-13 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand

Have you come to a place in your life where you have problems and you just don't know what to do with it? It could be a health problem, a problem with children. "What am I going to do?" You feel ready to give up. You feel desperate. "God why are you allowing this to happen?"

Unfortunately, many, many times we blame God for our problems. Is that a possibility? Yes.
First of all there was no opposition in the beginning. But when Adam and Eve sinned, sickness and opposition was introduced in a major way into the world.

Does God chastise or discipline his people? Yes he does at times, but what is his desire? The answer is very straightforward in the Bible: Confession and Repentance leads to restoration.

So you examine yourself, and you see that your issue is not a sin issue. Or maybe you have confessed or repented about a particular issue. But wait? You still have the problem! You still have the opposition. You still have the sickness. What in the world is going on?

Well, The Bible clearly presents Satan as the source of much trouble in this world. It is clear that we have an enemy in Satan. Satan is your worst enemy

Recognize that often the source of your opposition is Satan!- Not God!
People get philosophical. I wonder what's God plan for me? And they forget one simple thing. They are in a fight. But the Bible says that when the day of evil comes that we are to stand. How can you stand against an enemy if you don't recognize the source of your problem? You see the problem isn't coming from God most of the time. It is coming from the Satan.

1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Folks you have an enemy. You have someone that hates you. His name is Satan and he is looking for someone to devour. Now what is the point of this warning? The point of this warning is for you to be vigilant and not to be ignorant of the Satanic schemes.

2 Cor 2:10-11 I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11 in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Paul did not consider ignorance of the schemes of the devil a virtue. You would think ignorance is a virtue by the flippant way that many deal with the devil. They think that the devil is completely impotent. That he is just a servant of God. Believe me Satan is not looking for doing God's will. We are in a very real fight. And we need to be vigilant. God is not against you. God is for you. Satan is against you. And He's on a very long leash because...

Eph 2:1-3 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

It is a pretty long leash when the Bible describes Satan as currently being the ruler of the kingdom of the air. Yes, God is in control and Jesus has authority over the devil but the devil is still exercising usurped authority in this world. Now what does Satan do in this world?……

Satan causes Sickness, Satan is the Deceiver, the Accuser, and The Tempter

Luke 13:11-13, 16- 11 And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. 12 But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, "Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity." 13 And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. ….
16 So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound--think of it--for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?"

2 Cor 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Satan is at work blinding people and literally causing all kinds of affliction.

Stop Blaming God!

So in order to get victory over the forces of evil in your life. You are going to have to recognize who those forces are!

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Jesus called the devil a thief. A thief steals secretly or at least he tries to. He doesn't do it out in the open. The devil doesn't want you to know that he is the one who is stealing from you. Because if you don't know he is the guilty party, he can keep it up. A real smart thief, not only does that, he frames somebody else with the crime. That 's what the devil does. He steals from you and then he frames God. God shows up at the scene of the crime and the devil says that God did it. If you believe this you will never take your stand.

An evangelist had his tent destroyed by a tornado. And then he said "I don't know if God or the devil blew my tent away". Why is it that when calamities come we are so quick to blame it on God? "God why? Why did you allow this?"

When Jesus and the Disciples were crossing the lake in a boat and a big storm came upon them, did Jesus say the wind was a means of getting it to the other side faster? He rebuked the winds and the waves. Now if Jesus thought storms were of God why was he rebuking it? He never thought that God was giving sickness. He rebuked the fever. He rebuked sickness.
If you think all of your problems are from God
You will be passive who's gonna fight with God?
You will be defeated- "God never lets me win".
You will be bitter- "Why should I serve God?"
But if you recognize that these are an attack from the enemy. You will….

Take Your Stand With Jesus!

First of all you must recognize that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil

1 John 3:8 But the Son of Man has appeared to destroy the works of the Devil!

Acts 10:37-38 You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached- 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

Did Jesus go around making people sick or did he go around healing? He healed. Not once did Jesus turn anybody away and say suffer a little longer. You see it is God's will to heal. Jesus said, that if you want to know the Father just look at him.
It is not God's will for people to remain sick. It is his desire that we walk in the healing of God.
And look at who was causing the sickness that Jesus was healing in that verse? He healed those who were under the power of the devil. Satan was the source of their sickness, not God.
We don't often get it that much of the suffering that we see around is the direct handiwork of Satan. Jesus perceived it and dealt with it immediately. How many might have gone to the woman who was bent over by the devil and said "you must be in sin. God is punishing you. God is trying to teach you something"! Was any of this true? No the source of her sickness was Satan for 18 years!!

But Jesus has come to destroy the works of the devil. Jesus has come to Save. Jesus has come to Heal. Jesus has come to set free those who are oppressed of the devil!

So in light of all this . Three things!

Exercise Faith!
Believe that God wants to do you good! Not harm!

Stand on the Promise!
For healing, for provision, for breakthrough

Rebuke the Devourer!
Exercise Your authority, like Jesus rebuked the storms. Like Jesus cursing the fig tree. Like Jesus rebuked the fever from Peters mother in law.

"Satan I rebuke you. I break you power over me. I refuse to blame God for my opposition I blame it on you. I take my authority with Jesus Christ right now. Jesus has defeated you on the cross and given the authority to the church. He said this will be the sign that follows those who believe: They shall cast out demons. They shall do the same works that Jesus did-- and that was to destroy the works of the devil." Fahter thank you as we stand in the victory! In Jesus' name, Amen.


Blessings!

Happy 4th of July from NYC!!