Another observation I have made about gospel music is this: praise and worship music is lost on the lost. I once heard the national director of a denomination express this in a sermon. He said the lost have no point of reference from which to approach the praise and worship of God, as do the redeemed. I think this is particularly true in our day and age.
Years ago, both the lost and the saved had a very clear image for Who God is, what He requires, and the fate of those who reject Him. In our media driven society where there is much false and misleading information about God and Christianity, even Christians are confused on many important issues. Most of the lost have no real sense of who or what God is or what He asks of us. If they are to gain this information from modern Christian music, it must not only speak of God’s love, forgiveness and grace but also about His abhorrence of sin and judgement.
Music is allowed to go places where testimony or sermons would never be welcome. If music speaks only of God’s love and our praise and worship of Him, with nothing to convict a wayward heart, how effective will it be on the lost? The fact remains unchanged that conviction of the heart comes before salvation and salvation comes before praise and worship. Only the redeemed can praise and worship God because they know why they are doing it and from what He has saved them. Our music must inform the lost of today’s society for they have no real, reliable point of reference with regards to God anymore. It must do more than make them feel good. Modern gospel songwriters must not fail in this. The salvation of lost souls is at stake.
My final observation is there is a triune responsibility when it comes to gospel music. First, it is the responsibility of the gospel song writer to get the song right. By this I mean, it is our responsibility to make sure the song has something relevant to say about the Lord and to make sure what we write is Biblically accurate. We have to get the theology right
Secondly, it is the responsibility of the music director or gospel artist/performer to make sure they chose good, strong, Biblically-based songs that have a gospel message for the audience. And do not neglect songs that pinch a little bit. Without conviction there is no salvation, just warm fuzzies. Warm fuzzies never got anyone into heaven. That takes salvation brought about by repentance and a personal relationship with the Lord.
The third responsibility falls on the audience--the listener. They must not substitute gospel music for sitting under the teaching of the Word of God or for personal Bible study and devotional time. Gospel music is a powerful force to enhance these, but it is no substitute. It is imperative Christians know the Word of God “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) It has the power to redeem and change.
In selection and presentation of gospel music there is much to consider besides what will put money in the plates for tithes or offerings for performers and what will make people feel good. The entire audience must be considered, particularly in church settings, and older church member must not be neglected. Gospel music must do more than make us feel good. It must contribute to the work God is doing in us, whether that be a work of salvation or growth. We all--song writer, singer and audience--have the responsibility to make sure gospel music contains the full truth of the gospel and that it works in conjunction with the God’s Word and is not used as a substitute.
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