[Beltfed_0331]

Music is always a very touchy subject due to the influences we have had our whole lives. Unfortunatly, even christian music has been corupted to the point it is all about how many records they can sell, and how simular they can sound to the worlds music. We are to be a seperate people. No matter what culture you were raised in God wants us to be different than the world in which we live. Many feel that certain instruments hsould be used or not used for worship. The problem is there is this movement growing that is simular to a McDonalds chain. This Protestant movement that puts the emophasis on reaching young people by using music to make them feel good qwith no attention to scripture. Even the music is driven to bring a reaction in us rather than bringing a reaction in God. God does not automatically show up at worship service because we sing to Him. The service is to be about scripture and the music should be used to edify the preaching.
I do not know of one church that can honestly say that they do not use music to influence people. Even old time hymes can be used to pursuade. How often we gat in church and sing uplifting songs and when the invitation arrives the music is slowed down and the songs beat and words are designed to bring a response in us. Is this bad? I think if our focus is on God. the scripture clearly presented will allow the Holy Spirit to work, the prayers of the saved shoould be asking the Holy Spirit to work in lives, and the music should edify the Lord.
This line in the sand as to what is right or wrong to listen to in our own time is a different issue. Personally I still deal with this. Even with "christian" music. I went to a third day concert and I find a couple of their songs really good. I left with a feeling that i was duped intl liking them. I also appreciate the work done by U2. Third day was nothing more than a copy-cat band of U2. Just putting different words in to the song. They even ended the concert by laying a few of U2's songs. They did a decent job, but This was nothing more than a U2 wanna-be band moving into the christian circle trying to make a few bucks. They do because these po-up churches sing their music with the congregation for worship every sunday. I find it offensive to take something polutted by the world and bring it into church and try using it to worship God. Many dont see the next step in this is usaully the church will then replace the old Bible with a new one to make others more comfortable.