Why Music in the Church?

We listen to much music in our lives. Church music, radio programs- even talk shows have bumper music, TV programs and movies with sound tracks. There is even a certain class of music that many find boring named “elevator music”. Music is in much of our lives, yet we do not notice it a lot of time. As I am writing this, background music is on in the living room.

Music is written about in the Bible and is usually expressing emotions. Luke 15:25 reports the use of music to express happiness that the prodigal son had returned home: ²⁵ “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. ²⁷ And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’” In contrast 1 Samuel 16:23, Saul needed music to help relieve his depression: “²³ And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.” There are also many psalms and songs of Solomon; some teaching great thoughts of God and some even teaching prophecy.

Modern music sets our moods. There are some songs that teach about the mercies and wonders of God, and there are others, such as heavy metal, that can literally cause demonic possession. Often our moods and sometimes our problems are due to the music we choose.

There is nothing better in my mind than old hymns such as “Amazing Grace”, “Rock of Ages”, and “Abide with Me”. Listening to every word as I sing them in church is a blessing. My mood lightens, and my hope is more secured.

The New Testament church used music during their worship services. Paul writes in Ephesians 5:19: “¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,” Songs are to be a “melody in your heart”.

Often, we take for granted the music parts of our worship services, but it is so important that we have that divine rhythm and words in our minds and hearts as we begin, continue, and end the service. I thank Divine Elohim for those who lead singing and do special music.

Please come and worship with us during our next Sabbath.

Pastor Nick