BLASPHEMY

                  

Merriam-Webster defines blasphemy as: the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God. I recently received an article that epitomizes and so clearly demonstrates this definition. The article described a recent “heavy metal” concert in Houston by the band “Lamb of God”. I have to admit that since coming into the faith I haven’t kept up with the hard rock or heavy metal scene, so I’m not critiquing this band based on my knowledge of the genre. The issue here is that of the name of the band and what this band represents. 

After a little online research, I can relay to you that this band is not, nor do they claim to be Christian. To the contrary, their lyrics while using some scripture are anything but, and 2 Peter 3:16 comes to mind.  According to Wikipedia, Lamb of God's genre is commonly disputed by fans and critics alike, they are mainly considered groove metal. The group also incorporates the elements of death metal, thrash metal, speed metal, hardcore punk, and metal core. If you wish, you can find their videos online and can attach whichever label you find appropriate.

In scripture the Third Commandment , Exodus 20:7, admonishes believers to NOT use the name of God in vain. Examples include, trivializing His name, using His name to advance negative purposes, using profanity, and using euphemisms. Anything outside of honoring or worshipping God when using His name is considered a violation of this commandment.

I continue to shudder at what the public is willing to embrace as music, but I understand that popular music has always reflected the state of our current culture and it is blatantly obvious that we as a people are in a major state of moral decline. We see in all forms of media that God is being shoved to the side and the Truth of God as preserved in the Holy Scriptures is being considered by today’s generation as tales and fables. So, does it really matter what God has to say on the matter? Acts 12:21-22 provides an example of how seriously God views blasphemy. The Lamb of God is a most Holy title of the one who sacrificed His life so that we all might live. Any other use of this name as I understand it and scripture proves is blasphemy and an abomination without a doubt.

                                                         

HALLELUJAH

 

Several weeks ago I received a link to what appeared to be a beautiful song performed by three young ladies. The chorus of the song absolutely drew me in and found myself singing along to the wonderful melody. Being moved by what I heard and without listening to the entirety of the piece, I forwarded the link to my friend, and brother in Christ. Uncharacteristically I had not done my due diligence, and my friend advised me to take a closer look. I immediately sourced and read the lyrics, shaking my head and reminding myself of just how subtle Satan can be. 

It would seem obvious that this song was never intended to be a Christian song, though many who have covered this song, hold it up to be so. The song first appeared on Cohen’s 1984 studio album Various Positions, hell-o! The lyrics of “Hallelujah” reference, a few biblical examples. David playing for King Saul and later in the song, King David’s indiscretion with Bathsheba as well as Samson’s ultimate downfall by way of Delilah trimming his locks. The theme here is failed relationships and the hopelessness that often results from them. Allowing oneself to be swept away in a sea of emotion singing hallelujah, hallelujah, seems to result in a temporary case of self hypnosis.

 I’m not criticizing Mr. Cohen. He is a world re-known artist after all. Lyrics can mean different things to different people, and this song is a perfect example of how powerful media can be. Tapping into our emotional core and deceiving us into believing what a wonderful experience we are having. The fact is this is how we as Christians get caught up into accepting ideas and notions that have no biblical backing and then we begin the slippery slope of toleration and ultimately we unintentionally separate ourselves from the Truth.

 One thing to note is that the word hallelujah to most Christians is a joyful word of praise to God. It can also be used informally as an expression of happiness when something hoped for happens. Here are the lyrics as Mr. Cohen originally penned them. 

 “HALLELUJAH” by Leonard Cohen

I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty in the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

There was a time when you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Maybe there’s a God above
But all I’ve ever learned from love
Was how to shoot at someone who outdrew you
It’s not a cry you can hear at night
It’s not somebody who has seen the light
It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well, really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light in every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hallelujah, Hallelujah
I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though it all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Music Therapy

Today I want to look at music from another aspect. Not from a secular vs. non secular view, but instead how music has the power to heal. Looking back a few years, I remember a very good friend of mine invited me to join a small group of musicians who would travel around Brazoria County, Texas to play music in area nursing homes. I’ve played music for 40+ years and have enjoyed limited success, but nothing could have prepared me for the experience of seeing these “seasoned citizens” come to life as they enjoyed our “picking and grinning”.

You can do some research on music therapy online and I will touch on some of that, but for the moment picture these elderly people, who may or may not receive visits from family or friends on a regular basis, who are more than likely hurting from a body that is decaying and a spirit of loneliness, seemingly just waiting for their lives to end. There is an empty, dull, look in their eyes and a look of disinterest on their faces that just wrenches your heart. We began to play a song and all that began to change. Smiles began to appear on the faces and a sparkle in the eyes would accompany the shuffling of feet as they began to travel back in their minds to a better day, when they used to laugh, dance and play.

It was nothing short of a miracle as far as I’m concerned to witness this transformation and I have no doubt that God was using us as instruments to help, even for a short period of time, to repair their broken spirit and to bring joy to their hearts. This miracle did not go unnoticed by the care givers as we would hear numerous comments on the positive effects of our performance and how much the residents looked forward to hearing us play music for them again. It has been quite some time since I’ve been involved with playing music in the nursing homes and something that I think I need to make plans to do again really soon.

Please take a look at the short video for evidence of the healing power of music.

There is a ton of information that you can find on the internet about this topic and there is a Music Therapy Center right here in Houston, Texas, http://www.musictherapycenter.org/, whose mission statement includes the following:

MUSIC THERAPY DEFINITION
The American Music Therapy Association defines music therapy as “an established healthcare profession that uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music Therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.”

The Bible records extraordinary examples of musical therapy. I Samuel 16, King Saul is troubled and more than likely in the process of having a nervous breakdown as the result of turning back from obeying the commandments of God I Samuel 15:11. God removed His Spirit from Saul and allowed an evil spirit to enter him causing more distress. In the meantime the most unlikely of candidates receives the Spirit of God and is led to the King to not only play music to sooth him during his demonic possession, but to learn from observing and serving King Saul , how not to be a King. This unlikely candidate of course was David who later would become the King of Israel.

Hopefully this article will give you pause for thought and consider that media is a much more powerful force than you may have realized. You also have power. Exercise that power to choose what enters your eyes and ears. Allow yourself the opportunity to benefit from listening to, or watching media that is of moral value and avoid the Satan influenced media that saturates today’s airwaves and allows the gateway to be opened for the wrong spirits to enter your space.

I want to leave you with some interesting quotes that I believe to be relevant not only to this article, but to the world we live in today.

“Words make you think a thought. Music makes you feel a feeling. A song makes you feel a thought.” E. Y. Harburg / American Lyricist

“If one should desire to know whether a kingdom is well governed, or if its morals are good or bad, the quality of its music will furnish the answer.” – Confucius

“Music can be soothing or invigorating ennobling or vulgarizing, philosophical or orgiastic. It has powers of evil as well as for good.” ~ Dr. Howard Hanson, Directory of the Eastman School of Music at University of Rochester

SECULAR VS. CHRISTIAN MUSIC

As I scour the internet there is a lot of contention and confusion about what music is appropriate for our consumption as true bible believing Christians. Is secular music all bad? Is Christian music all good? I have to admit that unless you are extremely open minded you won’t actually care to even examine the topic, let alone come to the understanding of what God might consider to be appropriate.

It’s actually not much different than wanting to pursue the true knowledge of God as has been inspired to be written in the pages of your Holy Bible. Instead of praying and asking God for discernment, in seeking out and proving the Word of God, most Christians are satisfied with following the traditions of men (Colossians2:8).

Does a song have to have the words Jesus or God in every line of the song to be considered worthy of our consideration? I’m convinced that it doesn’t. I’ve included a link to a YouTube video that contains a couple of Glenn Campbell songs as an example. They are secular and yet are great examples of how good music can be. Not only are the melodies soothing and easy on the ears, but the lyrics of the songs convey how we should appreciate and respect our parents and how we should grow in our love for one another in marriage.

Both topics by the way are included in the Ten Commandments. Now I will interject that there is a major difference in what should be considered sacred music as part of the song service during a worship service, but that’s a topic for another post. What I want to convey today is that God has given us guidelines to show us how to live a way of life that He wants and expects us to live, including what we allow to enter our eyes and ears and eventually our hearts and minds. Philippians 4:8-9 is a good place to start.

8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9Those things,which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Most of the secular music available today is just plain bad! Sure the tunes are catchy and the lyrics clever, but the content is not something I want to entertain, even subconsciously. Some of you will say that the music is “amoral” or “indifferent” and although it’s a song about putting a bullet through someone’s head in a fit of rage, or getting drunk and not remembering how or why I ended up in a stranger’s bed, cheating on a spouse, getting revenge after somebody done somebody wrong, it’s just a song and has a great beat and/or tune. You know, it’s a real kicker of a tune. Then you state “after all, God knows my heart”.

Yep, been there and done that. Satan is very clever and as the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), knows all too well the absolutely profound power of music and how it affects our psyche. Since being called into the Faith of God, I’ve tried hard to forget some things in my past, but you know sometimes I’ll hear a song, and instantly I’m transported back to a time or event and it’s as clear as the day the original event occurred. All of us have experienced this at one time or another and it proves that music is not “amoral” or “indifferent”.

Satan is the master promoter of our lustful, sinful nature and he is on the job 24/7. He knows our weaknesses and we are defenseless unless we choose to turn away from our bad habits and admit that we need God to forgive us of our sins and become new creatures. It’s not easy, far from it, but the reward as promised by our Creator and Redeemer is eternal life. Rock until you drop, or lean upon the Rock who is Christ Jesus.

SOCIAL NETWORKING

It's Friday and preparation day. While I'm winding things down at the office, thought I'd share a short video to get you thinking. We tend to overlook just how much social networking has enveloped our lives.

GOD'S VIEW OF SECULAR MUSIC

In this busy world we often don't take the time to think about what we are doing or why we do it. Do we really care to know, or is it that we don't want to know? If we discover that something we have loved to do all our lives is not right in the eyes of God, we have to change what we do, regardless how we feel about it emotionally. Please take a few minutes to view the following videos and ask yourself. " Does it matter what kind of music I listen too?"

THE FIERY FURNACE

Dan 3:5 at the time you hear the sound of the horn, the pipe, zither, the lyre, harp, bagpipe, and all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up.

Dan 3:6 And whoever does not fall down and worship, at that moment they will be thrown into the middle of a burning fiery furnace.

Dan 3:7 Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, the pipe, zither, the lyre, harp, and all kinds of music, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. MKJV

Videos

Reflections Words and Music - Kenny Graves	Sabbath Words and Music - Kenny Graves
No Words To Say Words and Music - J. Mark Sappington	Coming Soon! Songwriter goes here PLACEHOLDER FOR MUSIC FILE
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Coming Soon! Performer Name goes here PLACEHOLDER FOR MUSIC FILE	Coming Soon! Performer Name goes here PLACEHOLDER FOR MUSIC FILE

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Audio Music

Another Day In The Life Words and Music - Kenny Graves Play It	For Our Sake Words and Music - John Mark Sappington Play It
No Words To Say Words and Music - John Mark Sappington Play It	Bow Down To The Father Words and Music - Kenneth D. Graves Play It
Be Glad In The Lord Words and Music - Kenneth D. Graves Play It	Oh Holy One Words and Music - John Mark Sappington Play It
While You Watched Words and Music - John Mark Sappington Play It	We Behold Your Majesty Words and Music - Kenneth D. Graves Play It
Step By Step Words and Music - Richard Robbins Play It	Evermore Words and Music - John Mark Sappington Play It
Fear God and Do His Will Words and Music - Mike Hale Play It	Coming Soon! Songwriter goes here PLACEHOLDER FOR MUSIC FILE
Coming Soon! Songwriter goes here PLACEHOLDER FOR MUSIC FILE	Coming Soon! Songwriter goes here PLACEHOLDER FOR MUSIC FILE
Coming Soon! Writer Name goes here PLACEHOLDER FOR MUSIC FILE	Coming Soon! Writer Name goes here PLACEHOLDER FOR MUSIC FILE

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