Critical Thinking

11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

Matthew 2:23 NKJV

23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Isaiah 50:6 NKJV

6 I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.

We are not going to go through the entire magazine. I want to jump to a couple sections that demonstrate what we are teaching here.

Let’s go back for a second to this thought.

o Is the author/speaker/musician supporting their claims or making unsupported statements?

READ SLIDE. Here we run into quite a few issues.

The line in the middle is especially important to notice.

The claim is essentially that 1st century Christians created the Bible.

This stands in direct opposition to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 as well as 2 Peter 1:20-21.

Let’s turn to those passages.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

2 Peter 1:20-21

The funny thing is that earlier the author seemed to say that Scripture is the product of God. Now we learn that apparently it is only the Hebrew Scriptures that are inspired?

It is stated that the early Christians only accepted the Hebrew Bible with reservations. This is completely bogus since the early church leaders were mostly all Jewish! All of the NT books were written by Jews!

It is important to note that the author realizes the Catholic Bible has books not even the Jews recognize.

Working from a Greek translation. At that time in history the Septuagint (Greek translation of the OT) was considered more accurate than the Hebrew versions!

The claim is made that the early Christians incorporated “nuanced changes” to Scripture. I have some problems with that idea. Let me mention two.

1 -This calls the character and honesty of the early church into question. 2 - This calls into question the accuracy, reliability and authority of Scripture.

As proof of these changes the author brings up that Hebrew almah and the Greek parthenos that supposedly mean different things.

If this were true the translators of the Septuagint would never have used parthenos to translate Isaiah’s words in Isaiah 7:14 where the promise of a virgin birth is given. ָכֵן יִתֵּן אֲדֹנָי הוּא לָכֶם אֹות הִנֵּה הָעַלְמָה הָרָה וְיֹלֶדֶת בֵּן וְקָרָאת שְׁמֹו עִמָּנוּ אֵֽל׃ GREEK διὰ τοῦτο δώσει κύριος αὐτὸς ὑμῖν σημεῖον ἰδοὺ ἡ παρθένος ἐν γαστρὶ ἕξει καὶ τέξεται υἱόν καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Εμμανουηλ

הָעַלְמָה

Παρθένος

There you have almah and parthenos.

To answer this point we need to understand a couple of things.

The Septuagint was translated 200 years before Christ by a panel of Jewish rabbis and Hebrew scholars.

They had no reason to translate almah as parthenos unless they understood it to be referring to a virgin.

The authors also ignore that almah is repeatedly used in the OT to refer to women who were definitely virgins.

The last claim in this paragraph is that chapters were reordered or ignored and that sacred Jewish stories were diminished. Here the problem is that no examples are given! Because supposed support was given for the passages that speak of a virgin we are to just take the authors word for it here?

He is making an unsupported statement. As we mentioned last week, this is done to lead us somewhere. Where is he taking us?

He is taking us to the Garden of Eden where the snake first brought doubt upon the Word of God.

That, I believe, is the end game here. The author is casting doubt on the Word of God.

This is even more clear in a different section. Let’s look at that as we consider the second bullet point.

o If their claims are unsupported what conclusion are they leading you to?

READ RED CAPTION: Here we run into some major doubt casting. Notice the phrase? (S)

The basic problem here lies with the authority of Scripture. Here is where we cannot compromise!

Either the Word of God is our final authority or it isn’t we can’t have it both ways!

Here’s another one (S). I believe the author is trying to imply that there was no global flood only a local one. This actually turns up again later in the magazine.

Suffice it to say that the description in Genesis is completely inconsistent with a local flood.

Turn to Genesis 7:17-24.

Genesis 7:17-24

Definitely not a local flood! There is tons of other evidence for a global flood that we won’t get into right now.

The last part of this is also important (S). Two thoughts here.

First,

Is proof our authority?

The fact of the matter is that we have plenty of proof for a global flood whether the ark is ever found or not!

But even without it, what is our authority? The Word of God.

Second,

There will be physical proof in eternity!

We will meet Adam, Eve, Noah and others who can attest to the global flood and veracity of the Eden account.

Now we are going to bounce to a different section of the magazine as we consider our next rule of critical thinking.

Rule #3…

· Do They Blend Truth And Error.

o If so, ascertain what is truth and what is error and why.

The first article is titled “The Carpenters Son Who Changed Everything” (S). Is that true?

Yes and no. Jesus really did change everything. That much is true.

He is the adopted son of Joseph but not his biological son. So while it is true it is also misleading.

Look at Luke 1:35 (S).

Luke 1:35

Luke 1:35 NKJV

35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

John records people taunting Jesus with His parentage. Look at John 8:41 (S).

John 8:41

John 8:41 NKJV

41 You do the deeds of your father.” Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.”

The way it is stated in the title seems to suggest that Jesus was only a carpenter’s son.

However, as we saw in Luke, Jesus is the Son of God. He is God manifested in the flesh.

This section is just the introduction so it is only 2 pages. As with a lot of things you will read today about Jesus, the article has a mixture of truth and error.

Now let’s consider the second bullet.

o Experiential truth (Truth related to society or function in the world) vs. Biblical truth (truth or principle derived from God’s Word)

Let me give you an example: Millennials are unreliable and narcissistic. This is an opinion, stated as a truth related to society or function in the world. However, this depends on experience.

Here is another example: I know some women who are fantastic at running businesses and corporations. Therefore, they should be allowed church leadership.

This is an argument you will hear. The problem is that An argument from experience or society has no relation to Scripture!

Just because someone may be arguing from experience doesn’t mean they can ignore the truth! Truth is not relative it is absolute. That means that our experiences must answer to the truth.

We need to know if someone is blending Biblical truth with error or experiential truth.

This is important because if they blend Biblical truth and error they must be at least slightly familiar with the truth. Blending Biblical truth with error makes someone a false teacher.

Here we have what is called the shroud of Turin (which is basically worshiped). But I want to read the caption here (S).

Notice what He says here. Does it matter? Does it matter if people really see Jesus? Does it matter if this was really the shroud He was buried in?

I think it does matter.

But I like the question he ended with (S) because whether he knows it or not the author is being Biblical.

Look at John 20:29 (S).

John 20:29

John 20:29 NKJV

29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Turn to 1 Peter 1:7-9.

1 Peter 1:7-9

We don’t have to see Jesus to believe in Him! In fact according to Jesus Himself we are more blessed because we haven’t!

Just a note on the cover.

The cover blends truth and error in at least two ways. 1 – Jesus was a man, but the rest of the image is imagination. 2 – Scripture is quoted. But it is taken out of context and used to imply something very different than was originally intended.

ARTICLE REVIEW

I do want to give a word of warning. There is a balance that needs to be maintained. Don’t be overly critical! If you are overly critical than nothing an author says will seem ok to you. Interact with what is being written but don’t think or act like nothing said is worthwhile. After all, even a broken clock is right twice a day. J

Let’s talk about these articles for a minute (Articles from Lodi New Sentinel Saturday April 13, 2013 edition. Taken from the Opinion page.). I want them to look like this (HOLD UP). Get creative! Use one color for agreement and another for disagreement. Interact with author! Article 1. Title = true but a vast generalization. Like saying all white people are from Europe. Makes the false assumption that many do; civil rights issue. It’s not a civil rights issue! It is about redefining a fundamental institution! Much of what she says could be said of illegal sexual activity. READ Middle column highlight. She misinterprets Genesis 2:24. God left us out so we leave Him out? = leap in logic. She denies absolute truth as well as hermeneutics; rules about how to study and interpret the Word.

Article 2. Lots of truth and error mixed here. First sentence = is this true? 2nd highlight. Yes & no. 3rd highlight. True! Jesus, Paul and all other Biblical authors would agree! 4th highlight, again, yes and no. 5th doing really good till the end. 6th – very much agree!

Article 3. 1st – is this true? Gave goal in end of 3rd paragraph, did he accomplish what he said he would? Is the Bible culturally and socially relevant? Did God create the 1st marriage with Adam & Eve? Near bottom of that column does what he said he would do in the end of the 3rd paragraph. Is it true that men and women alone complement each other in these areas? In the last paragraph it is stated that one man and one woman marriage has been the norm for all cultures. What about ancient cultures of polygamy, homosexuality, ect? Key word is normal.

Article 4. Says no discrimination in Buddhism; what about toward non-Buddhists? Sexual discrimination was not the issue. The issue is the definition of marriage. Mentions boy scouts, again – not the issue. “I cannot make any judgment about whether love is good or bad, but it is certain that love is one of my causes of suffering.” Ouch! Marriage is an attachment…of course it is! End of column, wanders into what Buddhism is rather than answering the question. Highlight near end, how does this relate?

Article 5. “Jesus didn’t address homosexuality.” Jesus did address marriage. And he defined it as being between one man and one woman. Mark 10:6-9. In defining marriage He does address homosexuality. Next page highlight. Uses racial language. Same sex is choice! Race is not. Cannot be. To equate the two is to slap the race debate in the face! Says we select a few Scripture verses to exclude people. Not true. We want to stand for what God’s Word reveals to be true! Compares NT truth to OT dietary restrictions. Almost last highlight. Worship with people on different theological wavelengths…and he is proud of that?

Article 6. Stockton Pastor (woman) who has a wife. 1st paragraph – Jesus dictates morality. We don’t. Morality is not relative it is defined in Scripture. 3rd highlight. She believes what someone told her the Bible says. Not what it really does say. Yet she claims that is what those who take a Biblical view do. Inequality… not really the issue.

Article 7. Not church based. If that is true why are most marriages sanctioned by and held in churches? Are we just ignorant? Marriage equality is not the issue. If marriage is redefined it will make homosexuals a special protected class. Where’s the equality in that? If equality is truly the issue than why redefine marriage? Does he offer any proof that same sex parents are “just as likely to provide a healthy loving home”? Research and statistics actually prove the opposite. Dr. Timothy J. Dailey of the Family Research Council has a paper called “Homosexual Parenting: Placing Children At Risk.” I have the article if anyone wants it. That effectively destroys the claim that this writer just made. Marriage existed prior to creation? Our society is based on religion!

BETH MOORE ISSUE FOR NEXT ONE

· Why Do You Agree or Disagree.

o Do I agree/disagree because of truth or because of emotion?

o How do I know? Try to discern whether what you believe is supported by Scripture. If it isn’t than it is probably emotional disagreement.

· Don’t Make Assumptions.

o Even someone you normally disagree with can have good insights. So ask this question: “In this area are their insights Biblically accurate?”

Jim Cymbala.

We talked about this a little bit last time. I want to emphasize the last part. “In this area are their insights Biblically accurate?” This is an all-important question. Whether or not I agree with them most of the time, I need to be willing to take them on a case-by-case basis.

· Be Gracious.

o Always give someone you have a disagreement with room and grace to change.

It is important to understand that they may not change. Ever. But we need to be willing to not put them in a box. If God leads them into a different understanding later, we need to be willing to acknowledge that change.

This ties into how we treat them. If we are harsh and demeaning we will be unable to have a relationship with them if the Lord changes their heart.

Another note with this is to give yourself room and grace to change as well. There are things that I have thought and believed which I would change or alter slightly today. Give others the same grace to make those alterations.

o In your interaction be kind, loving, gentle, firm, and unwavering.

This is vital. I want to give you just a glimpse of an interaction I had several years ago.

A man heard me speak at a memorial service and sent me the following email (S’s).

I then sent him a very large document. Here is how I began (S).

I then went on to answer his questions as best I could. I won’t go into them because they are long. He respond and I want to give you a couple of his statements (S).

I’m not going to go any further with this but I wanted to emphasize how we talked to each other.

We both were kind, loving, and gentle. Yet we were also firm and unwavering.

This is how we need to be.

· Consider The Topic

o Someone who errs in some areas can handle other topics exceptionally well.

Look at Henry Morris in his Genesis commentary (S).

The Genesis Record: A Scientific and Devotional Commentary on the Book of Beginnings Genesis 1:3–5

Having separated the day and night, God had completed His first day’s work. “The evening and the morning were the first day.” This same formula is used at the conclusion of each of the six days; so it is obvious that the duration of each of the days, including the first, was the same. Furthermore, the “day” was the “light” time, when God did His work; the darkness was the “night” time when God did no work—nothing new took place between the “evening” and “morning” of each day. The formula may be rendered literally: “And there was evening, then morning—day one,” and so on. It is clear that, beginning with the first day and continuing thereafter, there was established a cyclical succession of days and nights—periods of light and periods of darkness.

Such a cyclical light-dark arrangement clearly means that the earth was now rotating on its axis and that there was a source of light on one side of the earth corresponding to the sun, even though the sun was not yet made (Genesis 1:16). It is equally clear that the length of such days could only have been that of a normal solar day.

It should be noted that in the Hebrew Old Testament yom without exception never means “period.” It normally means either a day (in the twenty-four-hour sense), or else the daylight portion of the twenty-four hours (“day” as distinct from “night”). It may occasionally be used in the sense of indefinite time (e.g., “in the time of the judges”), but never as a definite period of time with a specific beginning and ending. Furthermore, it is not used even in this indefinite sense except when the context clearly indicates that the literal meaning is not intended.

In the first chapter of Genesis, the termination of each day’s work is noted by the formula: “And the evening and the morning were the first [or ‘second,’ etc.] day.” Thus each “day” had distinct boundaries and was one in a series of days, both of which criteria are never present in the Old Testament writings unless literal days are intended. The writer of Genesis was trying to guard in every way possible against any of his readers deriving the notion of nonliteral days from his record.

In fact, it was necessary for him to be completely explicit on this point, since all the pagan nations of antiquity believed in some form of evolutionary cosmogony which entailed vast aeons of time before man and other living creatures developed from the primeval chaos. The writer not only defined the term “day,” but emphasized that it was terminated by a literal evening and morning and that it was like every other day in the normal sequence of days. In no way can the term be legitimately applied here to anything corresponding to a geological period or any other such concept.

He does a fantastic job here.

But then, when we get to chapter 26 he gets kind of weird (S).

The Genesis Record: A Scientific and Devotional Commentary on the Book of Beginnings How Could God Love Jacob?

It should not be thought that, when we defend Jacob, we thereby are condoning lying and deception. However, one paramount consideration must be kept in mind in trying to understand and apply these passages in the Book of Genesis. There is never a single instance in the Bible of criticism of Jacob (except on the lips of Esau and Laban, both of whom are unworthy witnesses). Every time God spoke to Jacob, it was in a message of blessing and promise, never one of rebuke or chastisement. If we would be faithful Bible expositors, therefore, we must be guided by what God has actually said, not what we think He should have said. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8).

We suggest, therefore, that such an attitude as commonly expressed by Bible expositors relative to Jacob is entirely out of line. When, for example, Dr. Scofield, in his reference Bible, heads certain passages in Genesis by titles such as “The stolen blessing” and “Jacob reaps the harvest of his evil years,” he is pronouncing moral judgments of his own which are not at all founded on the actual Biblical statements concerning Jacob.

There is no exegetical way to vindicate Jacob of wrong doing. He received his name because he tried to supplant his brother!

Now, does this mean we throw out his whole commentary? No!

Incidentally, I feel the same way about Hugh Ross. The beginning of his Genesis commentary is awful, but the end has some valuable thoughts.

Here’s the point. Don’t write someone off simply because you disagree with them in one area.

o If it is a secular person speaking or writing about English or mathematics it becomes more of an accuracy matter rather than a spiritual truth matter.

· The Bottom line: Are they being Biblical?

Always keep this in mind.

Jude 3-4, 16, 19 turn there please.

Jude 3-4, 16, 19

We are contending for the faith. This means we need to fight major wrongs. People like Jude describes are truly the enemy. Those who err on unimportant things are not. Don’t waste time fighting unnecessary or pointless battles.

In essentials, unity; in non-essential, liberty; on all things charity. – St. Augustine.

This emphasizes what we have just talked about. I am not really a fan of Augustine. But this is a great quote!

CRITICALLY SOCIAL

I Believe that The biggest danger of social media is that people share too much information. I have some people who are my “friends” on Facebook who post virtually every detail of their lives online. With smartphones it is easy to post right when something happens without proper consideration. I know of one person who will post something totally negative and then 2hrs later something positive. There are some who will mention God and prayer one day then write an F-word laden post later.

There are two areas that I believe we need to be thinking critically when it comes to social media. The first deals with looking at yourself and your motives. The main thing we must do personally is…

1. Think before you post

This isn’t something that is only confined to Facebook. This applies to email, news website comments reviews of products, letter writing and other areas. In all of these places that I mentioned we have all seen people write things with little or no thought. As we contemplated the dangers of written interaction (especially online) there are some questions we should ask for self-evaluation.

a. Would I say this in person?

This is pretty basic. It is very easy to write something to someone you can’t see that you would never say to them face to face. It might help to imagine yourself in their presence. If you were looking at each other, would you say what you are writing? If not, it wouldn’t be a good idea to write it. This requires being very honest with yourself.

Look at 1 Corinthians 11:33-34 (S).

1 Corinthians 11:33-34

1 Corinthians 11:33–34 NKJV

33 Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.

Paul is saying, “we are not done discussing this”. He is not just writing these things, he is willing to confront if necessary. He doesn’t want to, but he will.

Danger is that we don’t think of them as a person but as an obstruction or frustration. Always bear in mind that you are dealing with an eternal being. Think about who they are, their character.

Consider 2 Corinthians 10:11 (S).

2 Corinthians 10:11

2 Corinthians 10:11 NKJV

11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.

Paul wasn’t going to act different or speak differently than he wrote. Neither should we.

b. Does this damage someone’s reputation, name, or character?

Direct or indirect. Intentional or unintentional.

Good rule of thumb. Never write anything about someone else; talk to the person directly. Turn to Proverbs 25:9-10.

Proverbs 25:9-10

If that is impossible, write them only. Write, leave it for a few days, rewrite, leave it, rewrite again.

Politics. We are really bad about writing things about politicians that damage them. It is ok to question policy, not to attack personally.

c. Is this something I would share with all of my friends in mixed company?

If you are posting it online, it should be acceptable for mixed company.

Unsure? Ask your mom or dad to read it! If you wouldn’t want them reading it, don’t write it. Think about children or grandchildren reading it.

Scripture seems to indicate that there are things women deal with among women and men among men. Don’t drag gender specific things into mixed company. Be age and gender appropriate. Not just online but in conversation as well.

Hebrews 10:24 should guide all interaction with others (S).

Hebrews 10:24

Hebrews 10:24 NKJV

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

If it doesn’t encourage someone to love and good works than it shouldn’t be done or said. When we are considerate of others that includes the spiritual realm.

d. Will I regret posting this later?

Hindsight is always? …20/20. Why do people say that? We see more clearly looking back. When in doubt…don’t. Try to imagine looking back on this in later years. One bad post really can change your life.

People have lost jobs, lost ministries, and lost reputation all because they didn’t consider the cost.

In Luke 14 Jesus is talking about counting the cost of discipleship. But there is a principle in His words that applies here. Turn with me to Luke 14:28-32.

Luke 14:28-32

Consider the long term ramifications.

e. Will I regret not posting this?

Some things are important. I posted last week that I had done my first baptism. I did that not to brag or exalt myself but to show how important it was! If you feel led of the Lord to post something, do it. When that is the case, let the chips fall where they may.

Side note: Almost every post you make is going to be misunderstood by someone. Just know that. As long as you post carefully, let them think what they want. You are not in control of how they interpret your words, however, you are in control of how you respond when they attack you…and they will attack you.

f. Am I being pressured to post this?

If you don’t post/email/forward this in the next 5 seconds you don’t love Jesus. Also your hair will fall out, your toenails will go black and your mom will hate you. This is something that triggers the automatic delete mode in me. If you email me something or ask me to re-post something that has a guilt trip on the end, chances are I will delete it on principle. If I do forward or re-post it I will remove that section. Why? I don’t like manipulation and I won’t help manipulate others. Be your own person and only forward or post what you find meaningful.

Those all deal with us personally. The second area I believe we need to be thinking critically is in what others say. We need to…

2. Filter the opinions of others through God’s Word

Some hold a “well if that’s their opinion that’s ok” mentality that doesn’t come from the Word of God. The Bible is a book of absolute truth. As believers we must filter everything through that truth. This requires work, investigation, and confrontation. Be loving, yet firm when the time for confrontation arrives. Also Be willing to change your opinion when confronted with truth. Something may hit you as being off, so you investigate it, then you may discover that they are right. Be willing to recognize that.

a. Paul and Peter

Turn to Galatians 2:11-14.

Galatians 2:11-14

Remember that Peter had been shown directly by God that he was to go and share the gospel with gentiles. Paul was younger in the Lord, he was possibly even younger physically. Our world would say Paul should have let Peter do his thing and Paul could do something different. But it was a matter of Scripture. What Peter was doing was damaging the body of Christ. When something contradicts the Word of God, it always damages.

Paul had no choice, he had to confront. Peter was damaging others and contradicting the Word of God. This is our position as well. People claim to know Christ yet say things about Him and His Word that are not true. We must correct in love and grace. Along with that We must be careful in our correction and what form it should take. Posting a comment correcting someone that is out there for everyone to see is not the best way to handle things. Talk to them personally if you can, send them a private message if you can’t. If someone attacks you with a public post, don’t respond in kind. Again, talk to them personally if possible, if not use private communication. When we do this right they will publically correct themselves.

b. Rules of Critical thinking

Apply our rules of critical thinking to everything, even the opinions of others.

REVIEW

CRITICALLY ENTERTAINED

Entertainment is a big deal in our country. It is impractical and maybe even impossible to stay completely away from entertainment. But we must be careful and Biblical in this area as well. Philippians 4:8 (S).

Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8 NKJV

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

There is nothing inherently wrong with entertainment, however, that being said it is an area that requires constant evaluation to see if we are balanced in our intake and diligent in our consideration. There are times when we need to relax and entertainment can serve that purpose. But the wrong kind of entertainment or too much can get us into serious trouble. The bottom line is what we believe and practice as the purpose of entertainment. It is not, and shouldn’t be allowed to become, your life. Rest and relax but don’t shut mind off. We will consider several areas of entertainment and seek to understand the dangers and gain tools for evaluating our consumption of entertainment.

1. Movies

First off, I love movies. My whole family really enjoys entertainment. It is a battle for me not to get addicted to entertainment. I have no problem with watching movies or going to the theatre or anything like that. What I do have a problem with is people not using the tools available to them to adequately examine their media intake. We complain about how corrupt Hollywood is, yet we keep watching what they produce! There are 3 primary concerns with movies.

a. Content

This is the primary concern with movies. What’s in it? You have to decide between you and the Lord what kind of content you will or will not allow in your home. I will not tell you. Everyone has different struggles and different standards and that is good. That being said we must understand that If we allow too much negative input without balancing it with positive we will be in trouble.

There are a lot of resources out there to help.

Pluggedin.com = a website that tells you what is in a movie in terms of violence, profanity, sexuality, religious elements, and positive things. This site also does some music, video game, and TV reviews. They do reviews for movies usually shortly after they are available in theatre.

Clear play. DVD player that filters language, scenes, violence ect. Now also an option on the VUDU streaming platform.

TV Guardian – removes language from anything that is closed captioned.

b. Subject Matter

Psalm 19:14 (S).

Psalm 19:14

Psalm 19:14 NKJV

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

There are some movies that are perverse and just don’t need to be watched. If it’s a movie about demon possession or immorality or something else clearly unbiblical than there is no question, stay away from it. What I believe we need to consider is this. Why watch something questionable when there are good family films we can watch? May not be the best acted, but do you need them to be?

c. Amount

Decide as parents or as an individual how many movies a week you want to watch. Always consider balance. How much Bible are you taking in? Again, if the bad input exceeds the good, you will be in trouble. It will be impossible to maintain a life that brings honor and glory to Christ if we are filling our minds and hearts with the thoughts and ideas and values of the world. Matthew 6:33 (S).

Matthew 6:33

Matthew 6:33 NKJV

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Don’t put any form of entertainment before your devotional time.

2. TV

Job wrote that he had made a covenant with his eyes to not look lustfully at a maid. Commercials and everything is designed around lust. Not just sexual lust but desire for what we don’t have. Filling our minds with this will not bring anything good! If we are going to covenant with our eyes it must extend beyond when we are walking down the street to when we are sitting at home “relaxing”. Many of the same things that we said of Movies apply to TV. However the amount of TV consumption usually exceeds that of movies. There are 2 areas of consideration that I want to discuss in TV.

a. Consider the topic

Documentary. Sitcom. Soap. News. Weather. Sports. In all of these areas we still need to be careful because there could easily be spiritual content or worldview ideology spoken of or about in these genres. Turn to Ephesians 4:25-32.

Ephesians 4:25-32

If these kinds of things are being glorified or glamorized in what we are watching we should quit watching it.

Documentary – about whales. Will push environmentalism, global warming, evolution and more.

Sitcom – will probably push homosexuality, evolution, and will hint that the Bible is unreliable and Christians are either weird or hypocritical.

Soap – push immorality in general and life drama making yourself the most important thing.

News – There is always a bias in reporting.

Weather – constantly hearing about global warming ect.

Sports – Even this isn’t safe anymore. Can hear spiritual and social issues commented on by supposedly sports analysts.

b. Consider the agenda

When we take content and topic into consideration oftentimes an agenda presents itself. Things like ones-sided reporting, and fact twisting clearly represent an agenda.

Prime-time sitcoms have been pushing an anti Christian, pro homosexual, pro abortion message and commenting on many other social and spiritual things for years.

Don’t be fooled, kids cartoons are no exception. Watching something with Joseph just the other day and they were pushing evolution.

The goal is to not be caught off guard. Look with me at Proverbs 4:20-27.

Proverbs 4:20-27

Keep the Word before your eyes. Keep in verse 23 = guard. Guard your heart. Be careful in speech. If constantly hearing language or negativity or perversity it will come out of your mouth.

3. Games

There are a lot of things covered under this broad title. With our technology today games are at our fingertips all the time. The danger is allowing them to take precedence over our interaction with people. At the same time we must understand that some games, if used properly, can enhance our interaction with others. Personally I place games in 3 categories.

a. Video

1-Are you addicted?

Video games can be highly addicting and to be honest they are designed to be. There are people I have personally known who end up virtually living their lives online. There were some guys at school who got so addicted to an online computer game they didn’t graduate. Stopped showing up for classes.

2-Is there a large amount of negative content or is the plot of the game glorifying of sin?

The danger is that video games can have the same violence, sexuality, and profanity that you find on TV and Movies. There are no options for filtering games. You just have to be careful what you play.

Limiting your playing time is essential. There are some good guidelines in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Turn there please.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Lovers of pleasure. Also if the game glorifies these things.

3-Are their people you are interacting with that you shouldn’t?

Another danger is that many of the newer games are played online and give you the ability to meet people and talk while you play. On one hand this is good because it gives you interaction. On the other hand it can lead to bad relationships/friendships and in some cases to online affairs. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 presents an interesting balance. Let’s look at that passage.

1 Corinthians 5:9-11

Separate from a brother who is like this, not from an unbeliever.

b. Board

1-Is the theme of the game acceptable?

There are some board games that are designed to be perverse or cause you to talk about things that shouldn’t be discussed in mixed company. Obviously these should be avoided. There are other board games that have occultic content or teach people about witchcraft or things like that.

2-Does it teach anything opposing to Scripture?

Always consider what kind of values the game is teaching. Some games glorify cheating or dishonesty. Is that something you want to promote?

3-Am I able to fellowship or do I get too competitive?

The good thing about board games is they enable you to fellowship with others while doing something creative and fun. Just be careful not to get so competitive that you hurt relationships or end up not fellowshipping. There may be some games you cannot play. Why do I bring that up in critical thinking? Because we have to think critically about ourselves and keep in mind the purpose behind why we do what we do.

c. Card

Am I being offensive or causing others to stumble by what I am playing?

Be sensitive to the sensibilities of others. Some have gambling addiction in their past. Others may have been raised to think cards or things used in gambling are bad. There is nothing inherently wrong with a deck of cards. It is how you use them. There is nothing inherently wrong with playing poker or blackjack or any other game. It is what you do with the game. Most, if not all, of the “classic” board and card games were originally used for gambling. Monopoly, life, Yahtzee, rook, uno, take your pick, they began as gambling games. .

Note on gambling. Nowhere in the Bible does it state that gambling is sinful. The closest Biblical principle we find is that Scripture tells us to be a wise steward of our $. We are quick to condemn things like gambling or lottery, but there are an awful lot of things we spend $ on that some would consider a waste. Starbucks drinks cost about $4 on average. If you get them 5 days a week that’s $20 a week or $80 a month. Is that being a wise steward? What about renting a movie, or buying a soda, or playing golf, or going snowboarding? I believe that Starbucks and gambling are in the same category. Both of them are not a necessary part of life and both of them can become an unhealthy addiction. There is nothing sinful about gambling or Starbucks it is the addiction that is an issue. Some of you were raised to think differently and I want to be sensitive to that. But the truth is that Those are personal convictions not Biblical commands and we cannot teach our personal standards as rules for everyone else to live by.

Now, some of the places you go to gamble can certainly be questionable. The bottom line is this. “Will I allow all of my activities to be governed by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God?” Also to be considered in this area is causing your brother to stumble. If you believe it would be sinful for you to engage in a certain activity than don’t do it. However, don’t force others to adhere to your standard if it isn’t a black and white Biblical issue. Let’s examine an often quoted passage. Turn to Romans 14:12-14.

Romans 14:12-14

Stumbling block – not offense but causing someone to sin. Because they do something you do even though they think it is wrong. Vv. 21-23 = do not announce what things you feel the liberty to do. If you become aware that a brother or sister struggles in this kind of area the loving thing to do is to stop participating in an activity that could bring offense or harm to them. Look at what 1 Corinthians 8:13 says (S). (all of 8 applies).

1 Corinthians 8:13

1 Corinthians 8:13 NKJV

13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

4. Books

What I am referring to here is books for the purpose of entertainment. I see three areas of concern here.

a. Where does it take your mind?

Books can easily become an escape. They can also be addicting. I say this because it is an area of struggle for me. I love to read. But it can get me into trouble. When I was going to school I once read till 3am when I had to be up at 5. Not a wise choice.

Turn to Colossians 3:2-5.

Colossians 3:2-5

If it encourages you to shut your brain off and unplug from reality it may be dangerous. That doesn’t mean that no one can ever read, it simply means that for some people reading for entertainment needs to be carefully controlled.

The other struggle that I have found here even extends to what I call teaching books. Nonfiction books that are read for personal or spiritual enrichment. It can become a form of procrastination. What I mean is you read this book instead of doing some of the things you need to be doing. It enables you to put off responsibility and excuse it because you are reading something “good”.

b. Does it create unrealistic desires?

For men – hero complex. The desire to swoop in and rescue the damsel in distress or solve a crisis or just be a hero. It can create frustration with how “boring” your life is. May lead to dissatisfaction with what you have been called to do.

For women – emotional fulfillment. Finding the man in book form that your husband isn’t in real life. It can create a desire for your spouse to be like fictional characters.

Look at Proverbs 5:15-19.

Proverbs 5:15-19

There is a real danger here. I have personally known some women who became dissatisfied with their marriages because their husbands weren’t treating them like these fictional characters treated their wives or significant others. This can be equally true of “Christian” romance novels. Some romance novels are simply not worth reading.

If we are not careful it is possible for books, games, and entertainment in general to lead to disillusionment in life or a desire for a position other than what God has given.

Hebrews 13:5 teaches us a valuable lesson (S).

Hebrews 13:5

Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Be satisfied with the Lord!

c. Is there content that would violate Biblical principles?

I can’t tell you how many times a book has looked really interesting and I get all excited only to read reviews and discover that it is filled with things that I don’t want to be putting in my mind. There is an awful lot of trash being printed out there that isn’t even worth the paper, ink, or digital storage space it occupies. This has gotten markedly worse with digital content that can be self publish for little or no cost. We must consider what we are allowing into our minds.

There are several Christian authors that have some fairly decent novels. To be on the safe side you could stick with them.

previously I mentioned pluggedin.com. They also have book reviews.

THE BIG PICTURE

When comes to evaluating areas of entertainment we must understand that it is going to take a lot of work. It requires constant vigilance and willingness to be open and honest about our own shortcomings. I must be honest with my won struggles and tendencies. I must know where I am likely not to be careful. If necessary stay away from certain genres and styles altogether.

3. Music

Music is a hot topic. It is hugely debated and largely divisive in the church today.

Music is generally classified as entertainment but it isn’t really. It can be entertainment. But it can also be used as a tool for worship.

Here’s where I want to go with this part of our study. I want to explore the original purpose and intent of music. I want to look at what the Bible clearly teaches on the topic. We are going to explore some Biblical principles that can apply to music. And We are going to use methods and tools to evaluate music.

I want to get this out of the way right now. I am not going to tell you what you can and cannot listen to. There will be no Grace Church list of approved music. I won’t detail for you what music is sinful and what is not. My goal is to give you tools so that you can examine music for yourself and determine between you and the Lord what standards you will have. With that let’s discuss…

a. The Purpose of Music

Music, singing, instrumentation or some form of music is mentioned 350 times in Scripture; if you include specific references to musical instruments that number climbs to over 400. Other than Ruth, Esther, Micah, Nahum, Haggai, and Malachi every OT book mentions music in some form. Music is mentioned much less in the NT but when it is mentioned it is very significant. We are going to talk about that later. The book of Psalms contains about half of all the references to music. When we consider that Psalms were written to magnify and glorify God the purpose of music becomes clear. Let’s look at a few verses.

Psalm 104:33 (S).

Psalm 104:33

Psalm 104:33 NKJV

33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

The first “sing” here refers to lyrics. Second “sing” is instrumentation. It could be translated “play my instrument with praise to my God.”

Isaiah 12:2 (S).

Isaiah 12:2

Isaiah 12:2 NKJV

2 Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ”

Isaiah says the Lord is his song. As believers God should be our song!

Amos 5:23(S).

Amos 5:23

Amos 5:23 NKJV

23 Take away from Me the noise of your songs, For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments.

Because Israel had been disobedient God refused to hear their songs of praise! Don’t bother singing or playing if your heart is not right.

Acts 16:25 (S).

Acts 16:25

Acts 16:25 NKJV

25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

Who are they singing to and about?

Turn to Zephaniah 3:14-17 (S).

Zephaniah 3:14-17

God sings! To me this is so powerful! God sings! Emphasis is on the words and the joy.

Reading just these few verses about music makes it very clear that the purpose is to bring praise, honor, and glory to God.

God created music, I believe He loves music. But Just like everything else, music was corrupted by the fall. That doesn’t mean that all music is now bad anymore than it means all plants, animals, and the dirt itself is bad. It just means we must be careful.

With the purpose of music we must understand that Satan, originally Lucifer and a musical angel, brought music with him to his fall. Turn to Ezekiel 28:12-15.

Ezekiel 28:12-15

Verse 13 is the main one. Why did God create Lucifer to be musical? To glorify God!

There are forms, styles, and content of music that are used by Satan. He can use it to corrupt. That being said we must also understand that Satan uses music just like he uses sexuality, science, religion, and anything else he can to keep us from Christ! These are things that God designed, but sin corrupted and Satan twists to his own use. Just because Satan can use it for negative purposes doesn’t mean that it cannot also be used to glorify God. That brings us to discuss…

b. What the Bible Explicitly Teaches About Music

The first mention of music

Some have made much of Genesis 4:21 (S).

Genesis 4:21

Genesis 4:21 NKJV

21 His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute.

Some say and teach that because Jubal is a descendent of Cain that music has been corrupted. Or that he invented “bad” music.

Though that is the first place it is mentioned the first time singing is recorded taking place is during creation.

Turn to Job 38:4-7.

Job 38:4-7

Apparently the angels sang when God established the earth. What would they have been singing about? Well, not much was made. So it must have been about God and to God! So The original context of music is the praise honor and glory of God and His creation!

The Clearest NT Passages

Turn to Ephesians 5:18-21.

Ephesians 5:18-21

Some focus on just verses 18-19 but they are part of a sentence that goes from 18-21. Music is not the focus of this passage. Music is mentioned, but righteous living as opposed to living like the unsaved is what is in view here. Context must always be king. This whole chapter is addressing the believers manner of life. Verses 18-19 are part of a paragraph that starts in verse 15. Circumspectly = carefully. 15-17 = 1 sentence. Walk carefully and wisely buying up the time b/c the days are evil and know what the Lord’s will is. Be men and women of the Word! Verses 18-21 present some things that could hinder verses 15-17 from happening. Drunkenness prevents walking carefully, wisely, using time appropriately, and knowing the Lords will. From the end of verse 18 through verse 21 has to be seen as 1 thought. All of these activities are the opposite of drunkenness and promote doing what is mentioned in 15-17. As you are spirit filled, you sing and you sing a specific kind of song. Singing and music cannot be removed from the context of being filled with the spirit, being thankful, and submitting to one another. Hopefully that helps us get the context down. Paul is talking about living for Christ and how that looks. If you are going to walk carefully in the Lords will than you must be spirit filled and as a spirit filled believer you will sing, make music, be thankful, and submit. While music is mentioned here it is not the primary focus and we abuse Scripture unless we take it in context. Plus, this is about church music. More on that later.

With that understanding let’s look at what verse 19 says.

Psalm = psalmos – A striking, a twanging.

Of striking the chords of a musical instrument. Of a pious song, a psalm.

Some have classified Psalms as direct quotes of Scripture. Can’t be true b/c the psalms weren’t quoting anything! The word Psalm literally speaks of instrumentation. In the context it is obvious that Paul is trying to make a distinction between good and bad music. So Psalm here would most likely refer to singing praise to God with the accompaniment of instrumentation. Paul could have been referencing the Book of Psalms but he doesn’t specify and so it would very dangerous to be dogmatic.

Hymn = hymnos – A song in tithe praise of gods, heroes, conquerors. A sacred song, a hymn.

In Scripture it is used of a song sung in praise of the one true God. Direct address of praise and glory to God. Again the context lets us know that this is directed toward God. It is praise for Him.

Song = ōdē – A song, lay, or ode of praise to God or Christ.

This is classified as being a spiritual song. A spiritual song can only be written and sung by a spirit-filled believer.

Singing = adō – To the praise of anyone; to sing.

In this passage used of the lyrical emotion of a devout and grateful soul. This is vocalization.

Melody = psallō – to pluck off to pull out.

To cause to vibrate by touching, to twang. To touch or strike the chord, to twang the strings of a musical instrument so that they gently vibrate. To play on a stringed instrument, to play, the harp, etc. To sing to the music of the harp. In the NT to sing a hymn, to celebrate the praises of God in song. This is instrumentation.

People grab hold of this word “melody” and launch off into beat emphasis and structure. But the Greek word has nothing to do with that. This is actually a recent thing and not in the Bible. Doesn’t mean it’s wrong, just means in a Biblical argument you can’t use it. Music theory is not a Biblical topic. It is a secular systemization of music. People talk about the math of music and things of that nature. While it is true that there are mathematics and structure in music you cannot support those arguments from Scripture. If you cannot support it from Scripture you cannot be dogmatic. Here melody is a reference to instrumentation. It has nothing to do with what we know as melody today.

What is Paul trying to get across in these verses? I believe he is communicating the following. Don’t be controlled by anything other than the Holy Spirit. When someone is controlled by alcohol they often sing, but they don’t sing praise to God. The believer in Jesus Christ should be involved in the active praise of God! Praise that comes from the heart; that uses music in all its forms to bring honor and glory to the King of kings! The emphasis here, as it usually is in Scripture, is on the attitude and condition of the heart! If the heart is not right than the music won’t be either.

4 qualifications.

1 – Speaking = out loud vocal praise.

2 – To one another = corporate praise not just personal praise.

3 – In your hearts = not internal but that your heart must be involved in the praise!

4 – To the Lord = If it doesn’t lift Him up than it isn’t true praise.

He must be the focus and the center of all of our music and singing.

Turn to Colossians 3:12-17.

Colossians 3:12-17

Offers some further insight. Similar to Ephesians in context. Paragraph is from 12-17. Notice what is said in verse 16 immediately before mentioning music? Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.

Our music cannot be divorced from the Word of God!

Our music must teach and admonish! How?

Teach – from homework. “In order to do this, they should be doctrinally sound and should teach the basics of biblical doctrine.” “As such, they should be speakable; that is, of sufficient quality that they can be spoken (Ephesians 5:19). They should be good poetry with good content so that the words without the music still have a great message.”

Admonish – “This means they should warn of sin or danger and urge to proper action in our Christian lives.”

Grace in heart to Lord – grace gives what we don’t deserve. The idea is that the songs we sing should benefit our spiritual lives.

A few other things we clearly learn in Scripture.

Acts 16:25 (S).

Acts 16:25 NKJV

25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

Music isn’t about circumstance but about God. Interesting that they sang “hymns”. Not psalms which require instrumentation. Not spiritual songs. Hymns – direct address of praise to God.

Romans 15:8-9 (S).

Romans 15:8-9

Romans 15:8–9 NKJV

8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.”

Our music ought to demonstrate to unbelievers the glory and majesty of our God.

Turn to 1 Corinthians 14:6-9, 15.

1 Corinthians 14:6-9, 15

Music in the church should be distinct, and understandable. There is no profit if it is unclear or muddled.

1 Corinthians 14:26 (S).

1 Corinthians 14:26

1 Corinthians 14:26 NKJV

26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

Church music should edify. It should build up and encourage others.

James 5:13 (S).

James 5:13

James 5:13 NKJV

13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.

Joy and gladness can result in expressions of musical praise! This Greek word indicates singing with musical accompaniment.

Revelation 5:9; 14:3 (S).

Revelation 5:9; 14:3

Revelation 5:9 NKJV

9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

Revelation 14:3 NKJV

3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.

Singing new songs is acceptable, even expected.

Revelation 15:3 (S).

Revelation 15:3

Revelation 15:3 NKJV

3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!

Singing older songs is acceptable and expected.

The fact that various Psalms are quoted throughout the NT indicates that when music is Biblical it does all the things we have talked about and is even worthy of being used in sermons. (good thing since I occasionally do that :)

This is all the clear NT references to music or singing other than some references to trumpets (usually having to do with the rapture) and flutes used in mourning. That brings us to the following question:

Are some instruments evil?

I believe the key to instrumentation, especially in the church, lies in 1 word. BALANCE! With that in mind let’s look at the instruments mentioned in Scripture.

The Bible mentions strings, winds, and percussion.

Strings = lyre – everything from a harp like instrument to a guitar, yes they had a form of guitar in the Bible. Psaltery – almost like a bass. Sackbut – either high pitched harp, or large instrument with many strings. Dulcimer.

Winds = pipe, flute, organ, horn, trumpet, cornet.

Percussion = bells, cymbals, timbrel.

These instruments appear in both false worship and true worship without distinction.

Even the 2 instruments specifically listed with Satan’s musical ability are used to glorify and honor God.

This drives home 1 point very clearly.

God’s Word teaches that it isn’t the instrument; it’s how it is played.

Just because it is not your taste or style doesn’t make it sinful. The instrumentation (music) is simply the vehicle for the words.

There is an interesting and somewhat surprising emphasis in Scripture on playing a musical instrument with skill.

Turn to 1 Corinthians 14:7, 15, 26 – We’ve looked at this before.

1 Corinthians 14:7, 15, 26

Tongues is the topic. Part of the point is really about the skill of the player. The music must be distinct. Vv. 15, 26 as well.

Colossians 3:17 (S).

Colossians 3:17

Colossians 3:17 NKJV

17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Would you want to give half efforts and unskillful playing to the Lord? Not talking about someone who is learning but someone who has learned but doesn’t put forth the effort.

Turn to 1 Chronicles 25:1-7.

1 Chronicles 25:1-7

Skillful players. Prophecy here is not foretelling the future but proclaiming the truth of God and His Word (v. 3 makes this clear).

Look at Psalm 33:1-3.

Psalm 33:1-3

KJV has “sing” NKJV “make melody” the emphasis of this Hebrew word is on playing a musical instrument. Verse 3 also emphasizes this.

Again, it’s not the instrument; it’s how you play it. Part of how you play it involves the skill of the player. That brings us to…

Church music

In his commentary on the epistles, G. Barlow writes

The use of music in social worship is to assist and enliven the devotion of the heart. When music is performed with melody of sound, exactness of time, and harmony of voices, it greatly contributes to this end. Singing cannot be performed to edification and comfort without skill.

He goes on to quote Lathrop

Three lessons. 1. If singing is an instituted part of divine worship, all should take a share in it. 2. Every one according to his ability is bound to promote the psalmody of the Church. 3. Psalmody as a branch of divine worship should be regarded, not as a theatrical exhibition, but as a religious solemnity.

You have on your handout a list of possible early church hymns.

I would encourage you to look at all of them. We are only going to look at the last three today.

Possible Early Church Hymns

Romans 11:33-36

1Corinthians 13

Ephesians 1:3-14; 2:14-16; 5:14

Philippians 2:6-11

Colossians 1:15-20

1 Timothy 3:16

2 Timothy 2:11-13

Hebrews 1:3

1 Peter 3:18-22

Ephesians 2:14-16

Colossians 1:15-20

1 Timothy 3:16

These verses emphasize the importance of the content in a song.

I believe the main emphasis in church music needs to be balance. The songs need to do all of the things we have talked about. Also be aware that you are going to have people with various standards and tastes in the church with that in mind, choose songs in such a way that everyone is ministered to and no one is left out. Consider the people in your church as well as the area you are. Meet the needs of the congregation and use music that will best facilitate their ability to praise. However, there is an important rule to keep in mind.

Church music should never be used as a tool to attract, it is a method and expression of worship and praise.

Thoughts on that statement?

All that being said we need to make some conclusions.

It is not sinful for a church to have drums, guitars, and a band that only sings new songs.

I think they will miss some blessings by avoiding the older music, but they are not necessarily sinning. However…

If church music becomes entertainment driven and man centered those attitudes can definitely be sinful.

Biblically, the bottom line seems to be love, grace, and balance.

Interesting passages to note.

Revelation 4:10-11; 5:9; 7:15-17; 11:17-18 – Songs in heaven.

Luke 1:46-55, 67-79; 2:14, 29-32 Mary’s song, the angels, others at Jesus’ birth.

c. Biblical Standards That Apply To Music

I want to make it clear that these are principles that can apply to music. These are not verses about music, they can simply be applied to music. Because these are principles and not clear commands we cannot be dogmatic. When we have examined these principles it is up to you to determine what standards you will put in place because of them. I cannot and will not decide for you and don’t even try to decide for me! J

The command for our thoughts to honor Christ

Philippians 4:8 (S).

Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8 NKJV

One of the big dangers of music is that what you hear and listen to is going to stick in your mind. Usually it is going to stay with you better and longer than many other things. That means that we need to be doubly careful of what we listen to!

If your music isn’t promoting the things this verse in Philippians talks about than should you really be listening to it?

The command for our speech to be edifying

Ephesians 4:29 (S).

Ephesians 4:29

Ephesians 4:29 NKJV

29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth. There are songs with foul language. Even if you get the radio edit of the song it is possible for your mind to fill in the blank.

There are actually several bands claiming to be Christian who used the F word in some of their songs.

If we are not to let these words out of our mouths, than they don’t need to be going into our minds. Especially not in a way that is repetitious and leads us to remember it.

The command to avoid sexual immorality

Ephesians 5:3-4 (S).

Ephesians 5:3-4

Ephesians 5:3–4 NKJV

3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

There is to be no hint, no evidence, no speck of sexual immorality in our lives.

Much of secular music and even some that claims to be Christian are filled with immoral ideas and references. We cannot remain morally pure while at the same time allowing these types of things into our minds.

The command not to love the world

Turn to 1 John 2:15-17.

1 John 2:15-17

Don’t love the world. This is one that we have to be careful with. Some use this verse to say that since the world likes music with electric guitars and a beat we shouldn’t listen to it. By that same thought we could say that the world likes cars so we shouldn’t drive. Or the world likes sports so we should never play them.

At the same time, having to have the newest and best car when your old one works fine might demonstrate a love for the world. Or being so sports obsessed that family, friends, and church are neglected.

With that same idea in mind, the world’s music is going to fill our minds and hearts with worldly ideas and philosophies. By its very nature, secular music is going to be man centered.

If our minds and hearts are constantly being assailed by the values and ideals of a sin sick culture how can we hope become more like Christ?

Solomon’s discovery about talented, but unsanctified, singers

Look at Ecclesiastes 2:8-11.

Ecclesiastes 2:8-11

Solomon gathered talented singers. Due to verse 11 it seems certain that these were not religious singers; if they were they were not sanctified and Spirit filled. Talent cannot be glorified above a commitment to and right relationship with, Christ. A position as a church musician should not be evangelistic.

I want to stress again that these are principles, not commands. We didn’t look at these so we can all go and judge the music of others. This is between you and the Lord. This list is not exhaustive. There may be other principles that apply.

Some final thoughts on these standards:

Evaluate your position.

We are going to give some tools for doing this. The point us, always be willing to see if you are still standing where God would have you stand.

Be careful not to assume that your stands or convictions are the voice of God.

At the same time, if you truly believe that God has led you to a position, don’t compromise.

Don’t try to force others to stand on your convictions.

Allow them the grace to form their own standards even if they end up in a different position than you.

d. Methods and Tools for Evaluating Music

There is false teaching and legalistic teaching going on in the area of music. I want to liberate you from that false teaching. But I also want to equip us with the tools to determine what music is honoring to Christ and what is not.

Does the artist claim to be a Christian?

1 Peter 4:11 (S).

1 Peter 4:11

1 Peter 4:11 NKJV

11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

If so, try to determine their doctrine, and if they are living a spirit filled life.

Pastor, that sounds like work. Yep! There are stories of some “worship” singers doing drugs while on tour. That’s the kind of thing we need to know. Does that mean you can’t listen to their songs? No, but it should make you careful of what they might be singing. The issue here is that you will be influenced by what you hear. Make sure it is a good influence.

Also, a lot of the Christian music out there is done by people of Pentecostal or Catholic persuasion. Again, that doesn’t mean we can’t listen to it we just need to be aware that some of what they say may be incorrect.

If it is “Christian” it better be Christian! The lyrics should be Biblically based and accurate. They should talk about God, Jesus, and Lord.

If the artist is an unbeliever, does anything they are singing about violate clear Scripture or Scriptural principles? If it checks out, enjoy it.

Something you need to consider. Though an artist may have 1 or 2 songs that are ok and you enjoy, do you want to support them when other songs are not ok? That’s between you and the Lord. I will be honest with you; I have some songs that are fantastic, but the artist’s others songs are not ones I would ever want to own, so I only have their good songs. You have to decide what you will do.

What was the artist’s intention when writing/singing the song?

Hebrews 4:12 (S).

Hebrews 4:12

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

12 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.

If their goal is to glorify sex, drugs, violence ect. Than it violates the Word of God and shouldn’t be a part of the Christian’s life.

Some Christian bands sing songs that are not intended to glorify God! I’m reminded of one that came out when I was in high school. It was what we called a boy band. They had some good songs, but one of them was definitely about girls. None of them were married. They were in high school. Will that lead people toward Christ or distract them with the cares and desires of this world?

Why is their intention important? I believe it comes through into the music. You hear some people say, “I know the songs about boys or girls but when I listen to it I think about Jesus.” Right. The motivations behind what we do and say are vastly important. So much so that they will be judged when we stand before Christ. In light of that truth I believe the intentions of an artist are important. You may not always be able to discover their intentions. The point I want to make is that you need to think about their motives and don’t make excuses for questionable songs.

Who or what does it glorify?

1 Corinthians 10:31 (S).

1 Corinthians 10:31

1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV

31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Does it glorify God or something He has made? Good love songs do this because God invented love and He is glorified in Godly husband & wife relationships. If you don’t have a husband or wife than I believe listening to “love songs” can be dangerous. This is just my opinion. It is between you and the Lord.

Songs about family, or friendship or sunshine can all fit this as well. My Dad has written songs about mothers for mother’s day and love songs for my mom. While they are not directly written to or about God they glorify things He has made and ordained.

If the purpose of the song is to honor sin, don’t listen to it!

What does it do to your body?

Turn to Romans 6:11-14.

Romans 6:11-14

Anger music – if the artist sounds angry it can make you angry. Same is true of sadness, happiness ect. Recognize that different people will react differently. What depresses or excites you may have the opposite effect on someone else. Just be aware of how music effects you and be careful.

Also Think about what it makes you want to do. While I don’t believe music can create bad thoughts it can bring our fleshly nature to the surface. If the song leaves you more open to sin, shut it off. Some songs are designed to make your body want to move in a certain way that is something to be careful of as well.

Am I balanced and varied in my music consumption?

Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16 (S).

Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16

Ephesians 5:19 NKJV

19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

Colossians 3:16 NKJV

16 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.

Not talking about genre or style. Talking about content.

If all you ever listen to are love songs, you could get into trouble. Only modern praise songs, you may miss the depth, doctrine, and value found in some of the hymns.

Any other thoughts on tools to help us evaluate music?

Here is what I believe to be the bottom line on the topic of music. 4 Conclusions

Conclusions

1 – The purpose and design of music is the glory of God.

God created music for the same reason He created everything else. To bring praise honor and glory to Himself. Our music should do this.

2 – Scripture focuses on lyrics more than style or instrumentation.

What is most important from a Biblical standpoint is what the song is about.

In the church music should be balanced and strive to be such that all who attend can praise the Lord without reservation.

3 – Biblical standards reveal that there is more bad music than good.

Constant evaluation is required in order to maintain music that is honoring to Christ.

4 – We are responsible only for our personal music.

We cannot try to be the HS for others and enforce our beliefs on them.

These conclusions force me to the following belief.

The Musical genre you listen to is largely a matter of taste. I don’t believe that some genre’s or styles are inherently sinful. I also don’t believe that the instruments used in a song make it more or less spiritual.

The emphasis of Scripture is on the lyrical content, what the songs are about, so that is where I believe our emphasis needs to be. I want to give you some food for thought, maybe stretch you a little bit. I also may step on some toes so be prepared for that too.

2 Sets of song lyrics. Consider which one is more glorifying to God.

Song #1 - 3 Slides

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia,

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

He’s My Savior, He’s My Savior, He’s My Savior, He’s My Savior, He’s My Savior, He’s My Savior, He’s My Savior, He’s My Savior!

He Is Worthy, He Is Worthy, He Is Worthy,

He Is Worthy, He Is Worthy!

I Will Praise Him, I Will Praise Him, I Will Praise Him, I Will Praise Him, I Will Praise Him, I Will Praise Him, I Will Praise Him, I Will Praise Him!

Song #2

Chorus

If this life has anything to gain at all I count it lost if I can’t hear you, feel you, ‘cause I need you I Can’t walk this earth alone I recognize I am not my own, so before I fall I need to hear you, feel you, as I live to make my boast in you alone

With every breath I take, with every heart beat, Sunrise and the moon lights in the dark street Every glance, every dance, every note of a song It’s all a gift undeserved that I shouldn’t have known Every day that I lie, every moment I covet I’m deserving to die, I’m just earning your judgment Without the cross there’s only condemnation If Jesus wasn’t executed there’s no celebration So in times that are good, in times that are bad For any times that I’ve had at all I will be glad And I will boast in the cross, I boast in my pains I will boast in the sunshine, boast in His reign What’s my life if it’s not praising you? Another dollar in my bank account of vain pursuit I do not count my life as any value or precious at all Let me finish my race, let me answer my call

CHORUS

Tomorrow’s never promised, but it is we swear We think we’re holding our own, just a fist full of air God has never been obligated to give us life If we fought for our rights, we’d be in hell tonight Mere sinners owed nothing but a fierce hand We never loved him, we pushed away his pierced hands I rejected his love, grace, kindness, and mercy Dying of thirst, yet willing to die thirsty Eternally worthy, how could I live for less? Patiently you turn my heart away from selfishness I volunteer for your sanctifying surgery I know the Spirit’s purging me of everything that’s hurting me Remove the veil from my darkened eyes So now every morning I open your Word and see the sunrise I hope in nothing, boast in nothing, only in your suffering I live to show your glory, dying to tell your story

CHORUS

Bridge

Glory was only meant for you Doing what no one else could do With all I have to give I’ll use my life, I’ll use my lips I’ll only glory in your Word What gift to me I don’t deserve I’ll live in such a way that it reflects to you my praise …

Comparison. #91 “Alleluia” VS. Boasting

CRITICALLY CULTURAL

Most of what we have looked at before was a part of this class last time we did it.

This is a new section I have added.

As we begin I wanted to share my rational. Why do we need to exercise discernment in the culture?

I want to share with you what I believe to be two opposing schools of thought.

Become the culture to influence it. You have freedom in Christ.

Insulate from culture. People will ask why you’re different.

Take a minute to evaluate these approaches. Then see if we can discover a Biblical alternative.

Become the culture.

Strength: Seen as relevant and engaged.

Weakness: Easy to compromise and lose sight of the goal.

Insulate from culture.

Strength: Easier to hold sound doctrine and personal holiness?

Weakness: Difficult to impact a culture you do not understand.

The Biblical alternative.

In the world but not of the world.

Understanding of the times.

We live in a culture that is constantly changing. This means that new challenges arise continually and we are forced to evaluate them.

While there are a lot of directions we could take a discussion of culture, I want to specifically focus on the pressure faced by believers in regards to their person.

The believer’s body

a. Internal – What we take in

(Substances – Alcohol, drugs, food, potentially harmful foods)

i. Is it prohibited in Scripture?

This is an interesting place to start.

Why?

Because there is actually a lot of confusion here.

Some who believe we are under the law.

Some who believe we should limit where Scripture does for health reasons.

Peter and the sheet.

Paul and meat offered to idols.

Eat whatever just with thanksgiving.

Be under the control of the HS. Don’t be drunk with wine.

Gluttony

ii. Does it violate Biblical principles?

If consumption of something leads you to act in ways that are inconsistent with Scripture, don’t do it.

Proverbs and everything that happens to drunkards.

iii. Would it hinder my ability to be used by Christ?

This may depend entirely on context and sphere of influence.

iv. Is it excessive?

There are some things that are permissible in moderation yet can become sinful in excess.

v. Does it benefit my body?

Here is where we get into personal conviction.

Energy drinks. I love them. Studies have shown that they really aren’t very good for you.

I have to decide what I will do in this regard.

b. External – What we put on

(clothing, tattoos, piercings, exercise)

i. Is it prohibited in Scripture?

Clothing

Tattoos

Piercings

Exercise

ii. Does it violate Biblical principles?

What Biblical principles apply to clothing and these other areas?

iii. What is my motivation?

Do I dress attractively or dress to attract?

Here’s what we must understand. This is an issue of the heart. I cannot see your heart and you cannot see mine.

This issue belongs between God and the individual.

iv. Will it hinder ministry?

This too depends on context, location, and a host of other considerations.

v. Are their health risks involved?

California has different tattoo standards than most other states.

Exercise. don’t over do it.

SUMMARY

We must think (Winnie the Pooh SLIDE)

When comes to critical thinking we must understand that it is going to take a lot of work.

It requires constant vigilance and willingness to be open and honest.

We can never turn our brains off.

[1] Barlow, G. (1892). Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians (p. 263). New York; London; Toronto: Funk & Wagnalls Company.

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