Paradox Perception of Christian Music by Pastor Ayokunmi OlaOluwa

James 4:4; Matthew 14:6; Colossians 3:16; Romans 1:21-23, 28; 12:2; 1John 2:15-17.

“Christian rock, gospel hi-pop, gospel fuji is an oxymoron. The music of the world must not invade the church”.

The bible states very unambiguously and clearly that “…friendship with the world is enmity to God. Whosever therefore will be friend of the world is enemy of God…” (James 4:4).

It is written here that, when we choose the way of the world, we have clearly chosen our paths; becoming an enemy of God. There must be a clearly defined boundaries of who sings, and /or ministers in our churches. Some of the questions that comes to one’s mind are: is he born again, sanctified, consecrated and baptized in the Holy Spirit?

When these spiritual experiences are missing, carnality is already on board. In such cases, the following manifest: pride of gift, exaltation of talent more than grace, praise seeking/eye service, self display, worldly rhythms, worldly dance, acrobatic display, strange/worldly melodies, canal comparison and competition, spiritual emptiness, devilish reaction from the audience etc. this kind of service has no reward from God and has no positive impact on the congregation.

Many today see church as a place where they can dance away theirs, not knowing that God does not require man’s carnality to bring down his presence. Christ says “my house shall be called the house of prayer”. The church is a place where you preach to yourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. It is place where the whole congregation is expected to sing with grace in their hearts unto the Lord.

Singing with canal disposition and ungodly notion is merely an entertainment and has no reward from God. More so, the language of Christian music should be simple and spiritually rich; filled with grace. Modern or end-time pseudo-christian musicians are found of using language that are casual and worldly. Some even consciously avoid the name of Jesus in order to attract larger market. They also employ whistling, screaming etc., turning the house of God to a club house or social party. (John 2:14,15). The fact is, if God be God, let’s serve Him.

In conclusion, the bible states expressly the kind of music that Christians should sing; psalms, hymns and spiritual song. (Colo. 3:16; I Chro. 16:9; Mark 14:26; Eph. 5:9; Psalm 105:2; James 5:13).

Psalms: God’s word put to music e.g I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised…, Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised…, Create in me a new heart, oh Lord… etc.

Hymns: Formal expressions of praise or declaration of God’s truth e.g O worship the King, Immortal invisible, Holy, holy, holy, Faith of our Fathers etc.

Spiritual songs: Songs that deal with spiritual life or edifies the body of Christ e.g Oh that day, I remember that day…, BIBLE is good enough for me…, He has done so much for me… and host of others.

Hence, as true Christians, any music we make, appreciate or listen to, must be such ones that glorify God, cause the word of Christ to dwell in our heart richly, edify our souls and draw our attention to Jesus and heaven.

Author: Pastor Ayokunmi OlaOluwa, Cert. Th, Dip. Comp, MUSON, ABRSM, B.ed English, B.A. CM, PGD Music, M.A. Music.
Email: ayokunmiolaoluwa2016@gmail.com