The very beginning of the time, God created everything according to the Scripture besides there was a voice already. In the first chapter of Genesis is about creation of universal. When we think about this chapter we have to ask one question. “When God created the heavens and the earth how to He made or created everything?” In my opinion, this is a big question for musical perspective. When we read the Gen. 1: 1-2, do not mention about voice. It just mentions “created the heavens and the earth.” But Gen. Chapter 3-26, the concerning about the voice, God used His voice for creation. The beginning of every verse mentioned concerning voice as “God said.” For example, Gen. 1:3, And God said, “Let there be light,” vs. 6, And God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water,” and etc.. On another hand, God made man according to Gen. 2:7 God created man from the dust of the ground and He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Therefore, God gives a breathe to human for living then the human became a living being, can be speaking, shouting, whispering, and singing. When we see all of the prophets in the Old Testament, God spoke them directly with His voice.
God gives us a breath for His glorification. Breathing is one of musical instruments. If there is no voice or sound there will be no music, it will be meaningless. So, we can use our voice for singing, praising, and preaching. It is also music. That is one of the gifts of God. We need to cherish this precious gift of music and use it to praise and glorify our God: Creator, Savior, and Sanctifier! To God be the glory. God wants to spread His Words through the music. According to Martin Luther recognized the power of music saying... "Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through Music." And God used King David for writing songs in the scripture. In the Bible One the song’s books is Psalms. Some churches or fundamental are still using Psalter Hymnals in their respective churches. Some churches used other songs for praising God. Psalms are songs taken right from scripture. Hymns, these are songs of human composure that speak of God and His attributes. And spiritual songs these are songs of testimony of what God has done in our lives. The goal then is to include all these types of songs and keep them in balance. For instance, we naturally tend to enjoy the songs of personal testimony more than the songs about God, but the apostle Paul seem to put more importance upon hymns than spiritual songs by mentioning hymns first.
Trinity Baptist Church believes that the Bible is the answer to all of life’s questions. And our music ministry is proof of that fact. In fact the philosophy of our music comes right from scripture! I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry[1]. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit [2], out of the miry clay [3], and set my feet upon a rock[4], and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth [5], even praise unto our God [6]: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD [7]. (Psalm 40:1-3)
“The Psalmist begins discussing the topic of music by starting with salvation. We believe that our ministry of music is best accomplished by folks who are saved, baptized, and members of the local body of believers. Though we recognize the talents and training of others, the music of TBC is entirely produced by our church family. Of course, special musicians and traveling evangelists are always welcome. The ‘horrible pit" that the Psalmist talks about can also be translated "a pit of noise." We believe that when God saved us he rescued us from the world and its music. We have no desire to return to the world or to bring its music into our church services.”1
I believe that music employed in gathered worship (including wedding ceremonies, memorial, services, and other types of worship services) should be: Biblical—As our rule of faith and practice, the Word of God is our authority. It contains sufficient principles, examples, and directives to inform our concept of worship music. Music serves in worship as praise, prayer, and proclamation (Ps. 96; Ps. 51; 1 Chr. 25:1). Although there are distinctions, in these ways the music ministry shares similar roles and goals with the pulpit ministry. Music may carry our thanksgiving as well as our lament and cries for mercy (Ps. 95; Ps.102). It should include psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, voices, and instruments (Eph. 5:19). According to Jim Hunsucker said that, “Music is made up of 3 basic components, melody, harmony, and rhythm. when any part is out of balance, the resulting sound fails to minister to the body, soul and spirit. Additionally, when the words fail to give ALL the Glory to GOD, man is attempting to lift himself into a place where “God is lucky to have man to worship Him.” None of us would be outwardly so bold as to make that ridiculous statement, but it would seem to me that our selfishness is leading the way here. We must remember that God alone is worthy of our praise. To make a “joyful noise” with a right heart is better than the most “professional” music, bands, or worship teams. Who is the worship for and toward anyway?”2
Music plays a vital role in worship – at once teaching, acting as a catalyst for personal communion with the Holy Spirit, and providing a unique emotional release. Music is the source of much of our theological formation – from earliest childhood and all the way through our faith journey, the music we hear and sing in church describes the God we worship and our relationship with Him. Any music used in worship ought to have a text that illustrates the theology and values of the church, and the quality of the composition should reflect the seriousness with which worship is approached.
Scripture, sermon, music and prayers are most effective when they form a cohesive unit, complementing and enhancing one another. A well-chosen anthem may illuminate a scripture passage for someone in a way that the words alone cannot achieve. Hymns, whenever possible, should be chosen to reinforce the scripture passages in the service. Thematic unification of music with other elements in the service invites the congregation to explore the role of music in worship from a unique perspective. Just as you can’t see a solar eclipse by looking directly at the sun, music can be the filter that allows you to see God more clearly.
church music to be sacred, while they consider the newer music close to the level of blasphemy. Conversely, other Christians view the older music to be outdated, dry, and dead, while approaching newer music as if it is the Word of God itself. With such a sensitive issue, there are many arguments raised from both sides of the issue. Many of these arguments are based on preference issues, and are not informed arguments from the very outset. As a result, there is a need for informed answers to these arguments, so that genuine unity in the faith might be established. As contemporary music is considered, there is such a wide variety of music to choose from that it is impossible to identify a single theme or philosophy that under girds the vast array of music. There are both good and bad examples of Christian music on the market today. The Christian worshiper can only speculate as to which of these songs will survive the test of time and one day become a classic in the Christian faith. In order to understand the dynamics of Christian music, a brief study of the history of church music will be quite helpful. Throughout church history, there has been an array of church music available, much like there is today. This variety needs to be narrowed for the present study.
Concluding, the philosophy of the church should be understood by every Christian minister as how the church music is the important, how should be effective in the church. When we see most of the evangelical churches have been using more music in the church. Some churches persuade with music before preaching the Word of God. It is one of the techniques for attractive the people. The music is to uplift believers. Therefore unbelievers are attracted and ultimately brought to Christ. Apostle Luke writes that the early Christians were “praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). Church music is not related to musical preference, but in reflecting a genuine heart of worship, turned toward the will of God. Without genuine worship, the church will become little more than a lifeless social club. I believe that a church’s music program should be designed and developed for the people and be both intellectually and aesthetically accessible. I also believe in expanding a congregation’s boundaries and encouraging it to experience a broader range of musical possibilities. Religion isn’t easy – It questions and challenges, engages and comforts. The music that bears witness to that religion should do all of these things as well.
1 www.stalbansbexley.org/music/philosophy.htm
2 http://typo.dgrmm.net/articles/trackback/99
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