Welcome to this week's sermon. I am thankful to all of those who take the time to read the sermon each week, and I am thankful to the Lord for giving me the opportunity to post these messages.
Last week, we finished up our series on the book of Habakkuk. This week, I am starting a new miniseries on what the Bible has to say about music. One of the reasons that I chose this topic is due to the fact that music is so important in my life.
Jazz and Classical are my two favorite musical genres. I prefer Jazz above all others, and it has made an important difference in my life. When I was about 16 years old, I happened on Jazz just by chance. I was listening to my radio in my room at home and was just turning the dial to find something that sounded like I might want to listen to it. I found a radio station based out of the University of Kansas that was playing Jazz. I was immediately hooked. Since that day, I honestly don't believe that there has been a day go by when I haven't listened to at listen some Jazz. Luckily for me, my friend Toby didn't mind Jazz being on. He absolutely did not like Rock or Country music. If he heard them, he would growl and go hide under the table.
Religious music has also been important in my life. I've gone to church since my earliest memories. I love the old hymns, and I especially like listening to organ music and large choirs. I had the opportunity to sing in three different choirs and play the trumpet in church and college.
The Bible tells us about many things, and the Bible has a lot to say about music. First of all let me say, the Bible is very positive about music in a variety of forms. The Bible mentions choirs, singers and instruments of all types. For instance, Psalm 150 tells us to praise the Lord with the trumpet, harp. lyre, timbrel, strings, pipes and cymbals. Singers and instruments were part of the service that dedicated the Temple that Solomon built.
One of the most famous characters in the Bible was a musician. He was also a poet. You've probably already figured out that that man is David. David started out playing his harp to the sheep that he tended. He was a such a skilled player that he was brought in to play for King Saul when Saul was troubled. David's playing helped him to feel better and brought him to a different mental state.
David went on to use his musical and poetic talents to compose at least half of the Psalms. I'm sure that he composed many more musical and poetic pieces that we just don't know about.
The Psalms are all about music, even if it doesn't seem like it when we read them. They were originally meant to be sung. Over time, we've lost the original music behind the Psalms, but they were meant for worship in the Temple or in private worship. Psalm 105:2 tells us, "Sing unto Him, Sing Psalms unto Him, talk ye of all His wondrous works."
So, there are two points that I want to bring out in today's message. First of all, music is a good thing. I say this because some religions and some very conservative Christians are negative on a lot of music. The Lord definitely sanctions the use of music and musical instruments. We can use our voice and instruments to praise the Lord. And, music isn't just good for church and worship. It adds joy and happiness to our lives. I am about 100 percent positive that David didn't just play religious music. Jesus went to parties and weddings where music would have been played. There is nothing wrong with listening to or playing music as long as the lyrics being sung our not dishonoring to God.
There are many different forms of music that we can use to bring praise to the Lord. The Psalms have different patterns. Different instruments and combinations of instruments are used in the Bible to bring glory to God, and they can be used in the church today. We need to stop arguing about what type of music is right in church. If it brings glory to God and is intended to praise Him, that is what is important.
There is one other thing that I want to mention in the message this week. Listening to music other than Christian music is not wrong. The church I went to as a boy and young man was dead set against all music but Christian music, and they were even against contemporary Christian music. The pastor of the church almost had stroke when I told him I went to the outdoor Jazz festival in Kansas City.
Music that does not dishonor God is good to listen to. Music has helped me so much in my life. It helps me to not be depressed. It helps me to get through the day. I am thankful to the Lord for all of the different types of musical expression that brings joy to the world. Amen.
Prayer Requests
I have been feeling a little bit under the weather for the past few days. Please pray that I will get to feeling better.
Please continue to pray for an end to the coronaviruses pandemic. I am concerned about the fact in my country that they are starting to relax some of the masking standards. It seems like every time this starts, there is another upswing in cases. I pray that this is not the case this time. Speaking of the coronavirus pandemic, pray that people will care enough about their fellow human beings that they will be willing to take a few minimum precautions to keep people safe. I am tired of hearing people talk about their rights without mentioning other people's rights not to catch a disease that can kill them. I can't understand why people have made such a big issue about wearing a mask in public places. It is just ridiculous.
Let us continue to pray for peace in this world. Continue to pray about the situation in Ukraine. Pray for Syria, Yemen and all other areas where there is war.
Pray for Madagascar. That nation has been hit with a bad storm. Pray that the people will get the help that they need. Also, continue to pray for the nation of Tonga and the people who live there.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Tajikistan and Ivory Coast. Pray that many will hear about the love of Jesus.
Next week, I will finish our series about music. I will post the verses on Monday, and I hope to have a review of a dog book that I am reading midweek. May God bless you all.
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