So good to have you here today! I think you will be amazed to realize how often music is mentioned in the Scriptures! We have a good study for you. Trust you will glean some very positive truths from it! Thank you for taking the time to read His truth today. Eric

“Music is one of the most universal ways of expression in human life. Music is present in the everyday lives of people of all ages and from all cultures around the world. Music represents an enjoyable activity in and of itself, but its influence goes beyond simple amusement. Listening to music, singing, playing, composing, and improvising are very common activities for many people: they not only allow one to express personal inner states and feelings, but also brings many positive effects to people engaged in them. Many benefits of musical activity have been recognized in recent times: research in music sciences has identified several dimensions of human life (cognitive, psychological, social, and emotional) which seem to be positively affected by music.” (Frontiers in Psychology)

We hear music in many varieties and genres, We have instrumental with no vocals, instruments with vocals, bands, orchestras, and acapella with huge possibilities of genres, such as gospel, country, hip hop, swing, classical, and pop to mention a few. We also hear music in nature. There are approximately 10,000 species of birds who all sing their own song! There are tremendously diverse instruments in existence from concert pianos, bassoons, and triangles to using two sticks to keep a beat or simply beating a drum.

We know that music is everywhere and is universal in its creation of notes. Music comes from the heart even more than the mind. Music is a God given gift, however, as with everything good that the Lord has created, the enemy tries to control music and use it for his nefarious purposes.

God’s gift of music is not limited to being used in the church. It is His gift for all of mankind. Music influences hearts, minds, souls, and lives.

At this time, I am going to share a quote from savethemusic.org. “Music has shaped cultures and societies around the world, passed down from generation to generation. It has the power to alter one’s mood, change perceptions, and inspire change. While everyone has a personal relationship with music, its effects on the culture around us may not be immediately apparent. So, how does music affect society? The impact of music on society is broad and deeply ingrained in our history. To demonstrate how deeply our lives are affected by music, let’s delve into the sociological effects of music and how it affects culture. Music is an essential aspect of all human civilizations and has the power to emotionally, morally, and culturally affect society. When people from one culture exchange music with each other, they gain valuable insight into another way of life. Learning how music and social bonding are tied is especially crucial in times of conflict when other lines of communication prove to be challenging. Music, as a cultural right, may aid in the promotion and protection of other human rights. It can help in the healing process, dismantling walls and boundaries, reconciliation, and education. Around the world, music is being used as a vehicle for social change and bringing communities together.”

Dr. Arlene R. Taylor, PhD with Dr. Taylor, Realizations Inc. shares how music can affect all who listen to it in the following quote, “According to Plato, the kind of music to which humans are exposed to during growing-up years determines the balance of their souls. Aristotle evidently agreed saying, “If one listens to the wrong kind of music he will become the wrong kind of person; but conversely, if he listens to the right kind of music, he will tend to become the right kind of person.” If specific types of music have a beneficial effect to the mind and body, it stands to reason that effects from other types of music may be less desirable. There are many positive aspects to music and huge benefits that can accrue from its study. That’s the good news. On the bad news side, studies have shown that some types of music can result in deleterious effects to the mind and body.”

CNN Health also voiced the impact music has on the lives of all people. “Music is present in every part of our lives. Our spiritual rituals are framed with songs, children learn the alphabet through song, and the malls and cafes we visit during our leisure time are rarely silent. But just how much can this ever-present thing impact us - and the way we act and feel? Research suggests music can influence us a lot. It can impact illness, depression, spending, productivity, and our perception of the world. Some research has suggested it can increase aggressive thought, or encourage crime. Recently, a UK study explored how “drill” music - a genre of rap characterized by threatening lyrics - might be linked to attention-seeking crime. That’s not new, but the emergence of social media allows more recording and sharing.”

The final secular quote I want to share with you today, comes from NAMI Natural Appraise on Mental Health. “From ancient times, people have used musical instruments for warfare. Music has always had an impact on people’s emotions. Whether it was played to inspire soldiers, increase their efficiency, terrify the enemy, or torture prisoners, music has always had an influence on people’s emotions. As far back as we know, people have been using musical instruments to incite violence. Today, however, most musicians use their songs to inspire positive emotions rather than negative ones.”

I am not a musician, gifted or otherwise, however, I can appreciate music and what it can do. I believe that music, without question, is a creation of God. He has allowed the development of music in His creation because of the beautiful benefits it affords to mankind.

Now, as we begin our study, we will gain an understanding of God’s opinion and the importance of music for the church.

1 Chronicles 25 gives record of how David organized choirs, orchestras, and appointed conductors and composers to lead worship for the tabernacle. Throughout the chapter, we read that David and the chiefs of the service set apart those who prophesied with lyres, harps, and cymbals and those who prophesied with the lyre in thanksgiving and praise to the Lord. Also, those who were trained in singing were set apart. Verse 7 reads, “The number or them along with their brothers, who were trained in singing to the Lord, all who were skillful, was 288.”

How important was music in the house of the Lord? Look at what 1 Chronicles 9:33 reveals, “Now these, the singers, the heads of father’s houses of the Levites, were in the chambers of the temple free from other service, for they were on duty day and night.”

The Lord is so worthy that King David established worship in the tabernacle 24/7. Worship proceeded to the throne of God day and night!

When the ark of the covenant was first brought into Solomon’s temple, music ushered in a powerful demonstration of God’s glory. We read in 2 Chronicles 5:11-14, “And when the priests came out of the Holy Place (for all the priests who were present had consecrated themselves, without regard to their divisions, 12 and all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, their sons and kinsmen, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, stood east of the altar with 120 priests who were trumpeters; 13 and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the LORD), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the LORD, "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever," the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, 14 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God.”

God used the power of music to defeat Judas’ enemy. 2 Chronicles 20:20-22, “And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed." 21 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, "Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever." 22 And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.” How amazing is that? When they began to sing and praise, the Lord, Himself set the ambush and the enemy was routed!

Music can be a very powerful weapon to defeat the enemy because it carries the anointing of God, as we read in the New Testament in 2 Corinthians 10:3 and 4, “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”

Did you know that the Scripture tells us that God Himself sings? We read in Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV), “The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." He rejoices over us,, He quiets us with His love, and He rejoices over us with singing!

We also read that there is music in heaven. Revelation 5:8 and 9a, “And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,” Revelation 14:2 and 3, “and I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, 3 and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders.” Then, in Revelation 15: 2-4, “And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire--and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands. 3 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! 4 Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."

I have read accounts of various people who have died, experienced heaven, and have returned to give testimony of the reality of heaven. Dean Braxton is one who has had that experience. I know Dean personally and count him as a good friend. He shared that he heard music in heaven that far surpassed anything he has every heard here on earth. If you are interested, you can hear or read the record of Dean’s experiences at his web site: www.deanbraxton.com

In examining Scripture, it appears that before Lucifer’s fall, he was the worship leader of heaven. Ezekiel 28:12-15 (NKJV), “Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. 13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone [was] your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, Sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes Was prepared for you on the day you were created. 14 "You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. 15 You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you.” Please note that ‘King of Tyre’ is a reference to Lucifer. He was created with built in timbrels!

However, when he rebelled and was cast out of heaven, verse 17 reveals, “he corrupted his wisdom for the sake of his splendor.” He became a destroyer, thief, killer, and deceiver. John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 8:44, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies." Ephesians 6:11 speaks of the devils schemes, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” He takes what God created for good and uses it for his evil purposes. Satan uses music to spread his destructive evil and to manipulate people’s minds in a negative way.

Drill, which is a type of Rap music is used to spread thoughts of hate, murder, violence, and other evil devices.

If music is not uplifting or does not have a positive effect on your emotions, you are better off not listening to it. Negative music is used to control your mind, thoughts, and emotions. That is not the freedom given to you in Christ. Lyrics that violate Biblical guidelines or celebrate sinful conduct are not appropriate to be listened to by Christians, nor, to be honest, anyone else. God fully expects His children to be wise and choose to not expose their minds and spirits to the devil’s influence.

Martin Luther said, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”

God’s Word declares that He is enthroned on or inhabits the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3, “Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” Enthroned, yashab in the Hebrew means: to dwell, abide, inhabit or remain.

With music, we praise and worship our Heavenly Father:

Psalm 95:1-7, “Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice”

Psalm 146:1 and 2, “Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! 2 I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.”

Psalm 105:1 and 2, “Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! 2 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!”

Psalm 150: 1-6, “Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! 2 Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! 3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! 4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! 5 Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!

With music, we encourage one another:

Colossians 3:16 (NKJV), “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Ephesians 5:19 (NLT), “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,“

Music is such a powerful influence in our lives. We must be careful to choose to listen to music that speaks and produces life in you and glorifies God!

Music is powerful!

Choose to listen to uplifting and life producing music!

Warn those you may know who are not choosing well and are not aware of the dangers of listening to music that the enemy will use to control them!

Psalm 92:1-4, “A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath. It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, 3 to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. 4 For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.”

As long as you have breath, sing praises to God!

Unless otherwise noted all Scriptures are taken from the English Standard Version.

NKJV New King James Version

NLT New Living Translation