Christian Music vs Worship Music

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Nancy

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I am torn between 2 places of worship. Both Church's have awesome, biblical messages. No fluff but. I so love the reverential worship at the one Church but not so much the other. The other is like a secular concert. Tough one, huh? lol.
So, anyhow, at the one Church that I love the worship music, they take all the songs seriously. They really try to keep out all the "I's" me's and my's" of the songs...it seems to make a lot of difference to me. I do understand that many Church's today are trying to attract a younger generation, and that is fine and good. I have my favorite Christian/Jesus music stations on Pandora and listen to them all the time but...it is different as I might be doing something around the house while listening rather than lifting my arms in praise (although, there are some songs that will inspire me to do that while doing chores, lol) We have a Wesleyan Church near me, they have two services...one in the small building which is all traditional music and then the main chapel is the more contemporary.
So, am I being judgmental, or should we consider culture?
 
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FHII

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1. The message ou the Word going forth is the most importantthing.

2. The song service is important. Most don't take it seriously, but they don't see it as worship and praise. Fod led his men to write several verses in Psalms about the importance of praise through music.

My advice is to look at the congegation and go with the one who takes it seriously. Don't look at the size of the band or the quality of the music. God isn't looking for the Morman Tabernal Choir, Hillsong or Led Zepplin. All excellent!

HeHe's looking for his people singing to him with their heart in it.

If nothing else, be the catalyst.
 
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Nancy

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1. The message ou the Word going forth is the most importantthing.

2. The song service is important. Most don't take it seriously, but they don't see it as worship and praise. Fod led his men to write several verses in Psalms about the importance of praise through music.

My advice is to look at the congegation and go with the one who takes it seriously. Don't look at the size of the band or the quality of the music. God isn't looking for the Morman Tabernal Choir, Hillsong or Led Zepplin. All excellent!

HeHe's looking for his people singing to him with their heart in it.

If nothing else, be the catalyst.

Amen.
 
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FHII

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Man.... I can't dance, sing or keep a beat! Even clapping my hands is difficult! My own Pastor makes fun of me! That is fine, because we are buds... And he isn't looking at the performance but the effort. He's loojing for joy being in our hearts.

I have another God given talent, but dancing isn't it. That doesn't stop me from displying my joy!

So, my point is even if you can't dance or sing... Do it anyway. Do it for God... Not for others.
 
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Nancy

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Man.... I can't dance, sing or keep a beat! Even clapping my hands is difficult! My own Pastor makes fun of me! That is fine, because we are buds... And he isn't looking at the performance but the effort. He's loojing for joy being in our hearts.

I have another God given talent, but dancing isn't it. That doesn't stop me from displying my joy!

So, my point is even if you can't dance or sing... Do it anyway. Do it for God... Not for others.

You said it Mister!!! Hahaha. Love how He looks to the heart...and what, may I ask is your other God given talent? An instrument? That would include a voice ;) "Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts." Psalm 33:3
 
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brakelite

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I judge music by a simple question... Would angels sing this? How would they sing it?
Jesus said as long as He would be lifted up, all men would be drawn to Him . Does contemporary music uplift Christ, or the band that is singin? That video I posted a few days ago of the whole congregation singing joyfully with all they hearts and uplifting Christ and Him only...I could listen to music like that all day... And can't wait till I am among thousands of angels singing in umpteen part harmonies to the glory of the Godhead. But like that video that I've listened to several times I won't be doing a lot of singing... I'll be too busy crying for joy and gratefulness for the privelege of being there to hear it.
 
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brakelite

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So, am I being judgmental, or should we consider culture?
Culture has a great deal to do with our tastes in music... And how far we have taken from the ideal. To try and convince ourselves that Satan hasn't affected culture to the extent of controlling music genres, including"Christian" music, is delusion. The Devil know how music affects us, he knows how to control emotions and play games with our minds to make it worship ineffectual. That is not being judgemental . It's discernment.
 

Nancy

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Culture has a great deal to do with our tastes in music... And how far we have taken from the ideal. To try and convince ourselves that Satan hasn't affected culture to the extent of controlling music genres, including"Christian" music, is delusion. The Devil know how music affects us, he knows how to control emotions and play games with our minds to make it worship ineffectual. That is not being judgemental . It's discernment.

I'm with you here. Satan has changed so much good into evil. Even those who have their tongue forked, putting buds under their foreheads to look like horns, the extreme tattooing...anything to bring humans further from the image of God. I so wish people would wake up.
 
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Jane_Doe22

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I am torn between 2 places of worship. Both Church's have awesome, biblical messages. No fluff but. I so love the reverential worship at the one Church but not so much the other. The other is like a secular concert. Tough one, huh? lol.
So, anyhow, at the one Church that I love the worship music, they take all the songs seriously. They really try to keep out all the "I's" me's and my's" of the songs...it seems to make a lot of difference to me. I do understand that many Church's today are trying to attract a younger generation, and that is fine and good. I have my favorite Christian/Jesus music stations on Pandora and listen to them all the time but...it is different as I might be doing something around the house while listening rather than lifting my arms in praise (although, there are some songs that will inspire me to do that while doing chores, lol) We have a Wesleyan Church near me, they have two services...one in the small building which is all traditional music and then the main chapel is the more contemporary.
So, am I being judgmental, or should we consider culture?
For me, picking a church should ALWAYS be about what's being taught and facilitating your relationship with God. The music quality/taste is not important at all. I've seem some people think "worship" is not synonymous with "rock concert", at is shouldn't be-- music is just one aspect of worshipping/following God.

So, stepping away from the "what church should I attend" aspect of the question to focus on different genres of music: music taste is extremely cultural. Praises to God can be sung in many tongues and many types of beat. I daresay that all earnest praises to God are equally beautiful to Him, regardless of whether or not I like this particular music genre.

Speaking personally, I find that my music tastes vary a lot on the situation I'm in. If I'm driving my car, I'll go for something upbeat and catchy to pass the time. I'll readily admit I also do enjoy a Saturday night Christian rock concert. But if I am in a deep soul searching mood, I go for something more solemn. If I'm specifically seeking the Holy Ghost's guidance, I go for something more quiet background style, so that I can focus my attention on Him.
 
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brakelite

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For me, picking a church should ALWAYS be about what's being taught
Then based on that one must ask, why are you a Mormon? Do you disagree with what your church teaches regarding the Godhead?
 

Nancy

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I judge music by a simple question... Would angels sing this? How would they sing it?
Jesus said as long as He would be lifted up, all men would be drawn to Him . Does contemporary music uplift Christ, or the band that is singin? That video I posted a few days ago of the whole congregation singing joyfully with all they hearts and uplifting Christ and Him only...I could listen to music like that all day... And can't wait till I am among thousands of angels singing in umpteen part harmonies to the glory of the Godhead. But like that video that I've listened to several times I won't be doing a lot of singing... I'll be too busy crying for joy and gratefulness for the privelege of being there to hear it.

I bet there will be MANY octaves among His angels! I always wanted to be either a dancer or a singer and wanted to play every instrument known to man! Ha! I can hardly get a decent chord out of my guitar to sound very clear as my fingers are not long :(
 

Jane_Doe22

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Then based on that one must ask, why are you a Mormon?
Upon through study of scripture and communion with God, I go where He instructs me to and where His truth is.
Do you disagree with what your church teaches regarding the Godhead?
I am going to be with 99.9999% certainty the you (like vast vast majority of folks) misunderstand LDS Christian views on the Godhead. This would be a great subject to talk about in another thread if you want-- I don't want to de-rail Nancy's music thread.
 

Jane_Doe22

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I bet there will be MANY octaves among His angels! I always wanted to be either a dancer or a singer and wanted to play every instrument known to man! Ha! I can hardly get a decent chord out of my guitar to sound very clear as my fingers are not long :(
I for one, am a firm believe that we should sing to God in our own voice. In my personal case, my voice is clinically tone deaf, but I'm still going to sing at the top of my lungs :)
Maybe musical talent is a gift God will give out to everyone at the resurrection.
 
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Nancy

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I for one, am a firm believe that we should sing to God in our own voice. In my personal case, my voice is clinically tone deaf, but I'm still going to sing at the top of my lungs :)
Maybe musical talent is a gift God will give out to everyone at the resurrection.

Oh boy, would that be awesome!
 
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brakelite

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Some of you may find this interesting...perhaps evocative...but certainly offers a sober perspective.
Also, many on this forum would be among those these guys are critical of....
 
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Nancy

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Some of you may find this interesting...perhaps evocative...but certainly offers a sober perspective.
Also, many on this forum would be among those these guys are critical of....

Yes, quite evocative. I've heard of the Strange Fire Panel, in reference on my Christian radio stn. but, never looked into it. Am watching in increments.
 

Willie T

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If I ever thought I had to limit myself to listening to nothing but "authorized" Christian music, I think I would go nuts.
 
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Nancy

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If I ever thought I had to limit myself to listening to nothing but "authorized" Christian music, I think I would go nuts.

I understand what you are saying Willie, the Church I attended only limited certain conventional songs during Sunday Worship. I only know that because I am friends with a couple members of the worship team. The pastor does not like lot's of I's me's and my's in them. Other than that, we all listened to what WE enjoyed throughout the week. I am sure he might not approve of certain newer songs that I have gotten personal comfort and encouragement from, he is growing too ♥
 
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brakelite

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If I ever thought I had to limit myself to listening to nothing but "authorized" Christian music, I think I would go nuts.
You are your own authority when it comes to what constitutes worship or entertainment. Personally, my musical tastes began with such as Rolling Stones, Simon and Garfunkle, Steely Dan, Split Enz (NZ local group) and Lynryd Skynyd. 5 completely different styles of music. Forty something years later, there are times when I can find that music on the car radio and still enjoy it, in small doses. I know what it is, where it comes from; there is no deceit involved between the entertainment and me...I know its entertainment and nothing more, nothing less.
When however I hear so-called "Christian rock", I have no idea what is going on. Its the same music as I enjoyed while smoking weed and getting drunk as a young man. It just happens to have the name 'Jesus' thrown in here and there...sometimes. But it's still essentially the same with the same roots and for me, it has nothing to do with anything 'uplifting' or encouraging, nothing 'edifying' or contributory to growth or understanding...it is simply entertainment yet it is passed off as something that supposedly glorifies God. And because it is passed off as something it is not, I recoil against it. It is deceitful and its a lie. And the Pentecostal and charismatic movement that supports it is by and large a common fire being mixed with the holy leaving its listeners essentially empty and in ignorance of what the gospel is truly all about.
 
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