How To Use Music For Greater Advancement Of Christ's Kingdom & Righteousnen

How To Use Music For Greater Advancement of Christ’s Kingdom and Righteousness (Matthew 6:24-33)

Andrew Fletcher in 1709 once said, “Give me the making of the songs of a nation and I care not who makes the laws.” Music has a powerful influence with every person on the planet.

Illustration: I remember when I was a freshmen in college, having just got my draft notice to go in to the Vietnam War I was greatly distressed. A James Taylor Song had a powerful influence on my decision making when I reflected on its meaning, “When you’re down and troubled and you need some love and care. And nothing, oh nothing is going right. Call my name and I’ll be there and soon I will be there to brighten up even your darkest night. You just call out my name and you know wherever I am I’ll come running to see you again. Winter spring, summer or fall. All you’ve got to do is call and I’ll be there, yes I will. You got a friend.” When we find a friend in Jesus we know He will never leave us or forsake us so that we can confidently say, The Lord is my helper, from whom then shall I be afraid.”

Illustration: The sales of Christian music in the US is at all time high because Christians and non-Christians are finding great solace, comfort and answer to their problems in spiritual songs. I just read that the Christian Book sellers convention in Anaheim CA had a record attendance mainly because of the sharp increase in the sales of Christian music. People are looking for affection, compassion and consolation of love that is found in the music of godly Christian artists. Jesus said, Instead of worrying about what all the non-Christians worry, fret and stew about, seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” Seeking the reign of God involves allowing Christ’s mind to control our mind, will and emotions and music facilitates that process. Let us look at a few guidelines in using music to help advance the kingdom of God and His righteousness throughout our world, relationships and personal lives.

Illustration: In the history of the world’s religions, only two have developed the art of music to a great degree of proficiency: Judaism and Christianity. Only these two have developed music as an integral part of their worship. In many other religions we find the dirge (a lament and mourning for the dead) and the chant used. But nothing like the songs of praise, worship and joy found in the honor of Jehovah.

The nations, which have given the world its greatest music, are those that have embraced the teachings of Jesus Christ.

David wrote, “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise His name, and proclaim his salvation day after day.” (Psa 96:1,2)

Illustration; It is important to see how Christian music has the power to bring down strongholds and to open the minds of the hard hearted. There was a time in the US when even Baptists did not sing in their services. Early in Baptist life, when hymn singing was considered imprudent in Colonial America, because of the strong influence of the Puritans, that only chants given in monotone were considered free from worldly influence. The First Great Awakening changed all that and we’ve been singing ever since. But do we realize the power that music can have in helping people coming closer to God. As James writes, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” (James 4:8)

Illustration: When I attended Urbana in 1976 Margaret Clarkson wrote our theme song from this song, Where we sang with 18,000 in the Illinois University gym, Declare His glory, Among the nations, Throughout creation, His triumph sing. Till all earth’s people bow in adoration and Jesus Christ be everlasting king.” That spurred more than 5000 of us that week to pledge ourselves to a lifetime of commitment to missions. Spiritual music continues to have these powerful affects and effects in the lives of millions around the world who hear it. This is why Christian radio ministry is so vital now in a world that is more frightful and angry.

1. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, with all wisdom, teaching one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual song, singing with gratefulness in your hearts to the Lord. (Col. 3:16) Music has a way of penetrating through the complex defenses of peoples’ hearts and minds. Use all types of inspirational, instructive, persuasive, worshipful, and entertaining music to enhance your relationships with God first and then with people. In this way your music will be spiritual, emotionally appealing, intelligent, socially contemporary, culturally relevant, and Biblically based.