Things that appeal to our flesh is sin?

Maybe you'd best define "flesh" in Biblical terms and not physical terms.

 

Part B to TT's question - is it wrong to be entertained?

 

I don't think it's wrong to be entertained, if that entertainment is wholesome. However, the purpose of singing in church is to give honor and glory to God - not to entertain.

That having been said, does it mean that we must only sing hymns that come out of the old green Broadman hymnal in order to give honor and glory to God? I think not. There are several contemporary songs that I would welcome in our congregational singing. And I have absolutely no problem with our musicians doing their very best in the playing of all songs - old and new. That is the way they worship: through the talents God has given them.

The result of well-played music and voices raised in song is worship. Sadly, some of the more carnal in our congregations will be entertained. It can be a by-product, but should not be the purpose of our singing.

 

I can't remember anywhere in the bible that God says we are to be miserable. One thing we need to remember is that everything was new once. Psalms gave way to hymns, hymns gave way to gospel, gospel gives way to CCM, etc.

The temporal pleasures of music are only a stimuli. What matters is if we act on that and therefore enter sin.

 

Things that appeal to our flesh is sin?

wouldn't that be a form of gnosticism?

 

Appealing to the flesh is not in and of itself sinful. I choose my brand of toilet paper based on how soft it is, strictly appealing to the flesh. I choose my furniture by how comfortable, stylish, and decorative it is, things that are strictly appealing to the flesh. I choose my choice of soft drinks based on how good they taste, strictly appealing to the flesh.

We draw the line when that appeal becomes abusively or in some other manner sinful. CCM, in and of itself, cannot be scripturally demonstrated to meet the criteria for being sinful.

 

If I don't eat food will appeal to my flesh stronger and stronger.

 

Good grief, folks. Whatever happened to spiritual discernment? Bible study time!

 

So if someone does not agree with you, they are not spiritually discerning enough and need to study the bible some more?

 

I think that is well put. I would say the purpose of music (of any kind) in church is to give honor and glory to God. I agree there are several contemporary praise choruses I would welcome. There were many good praise choruses written in the 1970's, good music with beautiful melodies but somehow they have disappeared. As a classically trained musician, I know very well how subjective music is, particularly among the masses of the general public who do not possess the gift of music. I believe it is unconscionable what this generation has done to the great hymns that have blessed so many since the Reformation. They are going fast now, and it's so sad to think of the multitudes that have never, nor will ever, hear them ... especially when they are well performed. I was unsaved throughout my upbringing but those hymns have stuck with me like nothing else ... "I am thine, O Lord, I have heard thy voice" ....... what a shame.

The problem with most of the CCM is that is not good music. The notion some have that there is no such thing as bad music, only bad lyrics, is too ridiculous to deserve a serious response. Further, even good music can be performed badly. Even further, good music can be misinterpreted (musically) by good musicians. For example, this often happens when bands perform the great Hymns of the Faith, adapting the hymn to a contemporary rock style (talk about squeezing a camel through the eye of a needle). But even for musicians this is still a tough thing to quantify and qualify. My musical test is simple: If the Lord Jesus appeared and was standing in our very presence, would He be pleased with the music? I tell you, that test is not as superficial as it sounds and is not an easy test to pass, for any music. One thing I know: The Holy Spirit is sweet and gentle - He is NOT chaotic.

Lyrics are much easier to view objectively as they can be compared to scripture. But there again, though there is nothing unscriptural about them, with few exceptions the lyrics of today pale in comparison to the great hymns - more often than not, it is like comparing a wading pool to an ocean.

 

Amen, IveyLeaguer!

The music must fit the message.

 

Abundant life doesn't remind me of miserable life.

 

Of course this is only personal opinion...as there is no basis to judge what "good music" is for everyone. What you might consider "good", I may dislike and vice versa.