Bible Question: My daughter recently invited a friend to visit her youth group. The girl's father wouldn't allow her to come because we play music and he said that they live by the new testiment and music (even Christian) should not be allowed in the church. Can anyone explain or disprove? |
Bible Answer: I wish I knew where the father has gotten an idea like that! Biblical references to music are numerous because of the essential role it played in all aspects of the life of the people of the bible. Since he said he is a New Testament Christian I will start in the New Testament. Music was important in the worship of the early church. In the earliest Christian communities music was not set within regular and repeated patterns of worship but was allowed some spontaneity. Eph. 5:19 says that "as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts". James 5:13 asks if any are cheerful, then they should sing songs of praise. 1Cor 14:26 says that when you come together and someone has a hymn let it be done for the building up. Col 3:16 says "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly....and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God. Both of these scriptures have to do with worshipping God and one of the places we are to do that is in church! Rev 4:10 talks about the 24 elders who fall on the floor and casting their crowns on the fllor before God sing! "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven". Exodus 15 talks or singing to the Lord. In Psalms alone sing and singing is mentioned 70 times!! Psalm 47:6 tells us to "sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to out King, sing praises! Psalm 81:1-2 tell us to "Sing aloud to God our strength...Raise a song, sound the tamborine, the sweet lyre with the harp." There are many more scriptures too numerous to mention. If this isn't enough go to the Strongs Concordance and look under sing. prayon |