Exposing the dangers in music that distract the Christian from his Maker.

Crescendo: Contemporary Christian Music 1

presented by Christian Berdahl

Contemporary Christian Music

A genre of modern popular music, which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith. However the term is more specifically used in referring to the actual Christian Music Industry or CCM.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

the human voice in singing is one of Gods entrusted talents to be employed to His glory. The enemy of righteousness makes a great account of this talent in his service.

Evangelism 497

And that which is the gift of God, to be a blessing to souls, is perverted, misapplied, and serves the purpose of Satan.
Evangelism 497

A fifteen-year-old Student from Ohio

He writes, When I got into secular rock music I was bombarded by many sensual thoughts. Those that think that Christian rock is OK because of the words, are wrong. When I listen to that type of Christian music, I have the same reaction.

Prove all things, hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thes. 5:21-22

A few items to clarify

Before we continue:

We are NOT here to judge anyones heart,

only their fruit! I am NOT offering my personal opinion based on my music preferences. We need Gods perspective and guidance while we examine and reason through this more sensitive subject. Lets pray!

What kind of music glorifies God?

There are five criteria that a song must pass before we allow it into our Christian ears.

Meaningfulnot trivial Untaintednot worldly S piritualnot carnal Inspirationalnot degrading Clearnot confused/disguised

Meaningfulnot trivial
Godly music will contain lyrics and instrumentation that are full of beauty, dignity, reverence and simplicity, worthy in the praise and worship of God.
Psalm 33:8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

Signs of the Times, June 22, 1882

Music was made to serve a holy purpose, to lift the thoughts to that which is pure, noble, and elevating, and to awaken in the soul devotion and gratitude to God.

Signs of the Times, June 22, 1882

What a contrast between the ancient custom and the uses to which music is now too often devoted! How many employ this gift to exalt self, instead of using it to Glorify God!

Stan Moser
Former Head of Word Records (Amy Grant) CEO of Star Song Records Pioneer & Executive of CCM

Stan Moser
"To be candid, I look at the majority of the music I hear today and think it's virtually meaningless. There is a growing chasm between CCM and the church
Christianity Today May 20, 1996

Stan Moser
between what's actually happening in the real world of ministry, or even in the music ministry of the church, and what we're doing in CCM.
Christianity Today May 20, 1996

Stan Moser
In fact, I would probably be more inclined to call the industry commercial Christian music, rather than Contemporary Christian Music.
Christianity Today May 20, 1996

A Former CCM artist wrote:

"For three years I sat under the sound of biblical teaching and those years revolutionized my life.

A Former CCM artist wrote:

Very soon I learned what the gospel was, and as soon as I did so doubts arose in my mind as to the suitability of rock as a medium for the gospel....

A Former CCM artist wrote:

When I saw the seriousness of the gospel I saw the paradox of using a nonserious medium to try to convey it."

The musician realized that his Christian music, despite his good intentions, actually communicated a non-serious attitude in the listener.

Meaningfulnot trivial
Godly music will contain lyrics and instrumentation that are full of beauty, dignity, reverence and simplicity, worthy in the praise and worship of God. Trivial
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Meaningful!

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Untaintednot worldly

Godly music will lead us to think in Biblical patterns. It will not seek to imitate the worlds ways.

Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true (or represents truth), whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just (or upright), whatsoever things are pure (untainted by sin), whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report (or good reputation); if there be any virtue (moral excellence), and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:22

When turned to good account, music is a blessing, but it is often made one of Satan's most attractive agencies to ensnare souls. 1T p. 506

When abused, it leads the unconsecrated to pride, vanity, and folly. When allowed to take the place of devotion and prayer, it is a terrible curse.

1T p. 506

A sixteen-year-old student from Oklahoma

She writes, I began to listen to Christian rock without the blessing of my father.

A sixteen-year-old student from Oklahoma

She writes, I began to listen to Christian rock without the blessing of my father.

A sixteen-year-old student from Oklahoma

He told me that if I listened to Christian rock it would open the door for Satan. I just laughed, and listened anyway.

A sixteen-year-old student from Oklahoma

It then developed into secular rock. It totally deadened my Christian growth and led to terrible immorality, rebellion, and rejection of God.

A sixteen-year-old student from Oklahoma

Now all I can do is go back and pick up the pieces. But I still have a scar in my life that will never be removed.

In their efforts to reach the people, the Lord's messengers are not to follow the ways of the world.

Gospel Workers 357

Time Magazine:
Writes that CCM performers are indistinguishable, except for their lyrics, from their secular counterparts.

CCM Artist Michael Card shares:

"Now, the industry is celebrity-driven. The song is almost irrelevant. The focus is on the PERSON, and songs have become disposable.
Christianity Today, May 20, 1996

CCM Artist Michael Card shares:

The direction and value system are getting worse faster than any of us can imagine."
Christianity Today, May 20, 1996

Evangelism 512 Music is acceptable to God only when the heart is sanctified and made soft and holy by its facilities.

Evangelism 512

But many who delight in music know nothing of making melody in their hearts to the Lord. Their heart is gone "after their idols."

a prominent CCM performer admits:

John Fischer

Some art forms have been created to express certain philosophies and are so wedded to those philosophies that they convey that kind of outlook....

a prominent CCM performer admits:

John Fischer

We cant assume that when we simply plug in a Christian message, everything will be okay.

Eminem says:
Say theres a white kid who lives in a nice home, goes to a nice school, and is pretty much having everything handed to him on a platter

Eminem says:
for him to pick up a rap tape is incredible to me, because what that is saying is that hes living a fantasy life of rebellion.

Rock Promoter turned journalist Steven Blush:

One thing that has been very distressing these last few months is looking at MySpace and seeing the incredible number of Christian hardcore and death metal bands. It is staggering, there are hundreds and hundreds of them. That, to me, is scary.
Author: American Hardcore

Rock Promoter turned journalist Steven Blush:

The one thing in hardcore was everyone pretty much hated church and state. Every hardcore band was blasted by evangelicals as the work of Satan. That churches have co-opted this music, makes me think we were right in the day, because to coopt punk rock to sell Jesus is pure evil.
Author: American Hardcore

Untaintednot worldly

Godly music will lead us to think in Biblical patterns. It will not seek to imitate the worlds ways. Worldly Untainted!

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