“Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.”

Church music and special numbers can serve as a witness to the world. Psalm 96:3 also says “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” The Psalmist calls for a new song to be sung to the Lord - a song that praises His salvation and marvelous works. Worship is not just a personal act, but a public declaration of God's mighty works and His supremacy over all other gods and priorities in life.

There is a variety of opinions on what constitutes witnessing to the world through music. Do we need to become like the world for them to hear the gospel?

My present church, along with others, support and give toward the Rural Music Festival designed, in a neutral outdoor venue, to attract the community through various Christian bands. There has been controversy when one band includes swear words. Where does witness to the world compromise the message and the messengers? Some bands adopt the dress as well as the words of groups from the hard rock culture. Some have little difference from Satanic groups yelling cursing. One teen commented “I can’t make out the words and kids were dancing and smoking pot like at other rock concerts.” I am not saying some of that was condoned, but some believe that is the way to reach non-Christian. Regardless of what your tastes are, both young and old, country or rock, the plan of God for your life is to be like Jesus Christ. When we become like Jesus we are His witnesses in word and deed. The question many ask is - What would Jesus do? What music would He listen to? What programs and movies would He watch or encourage His disciples to go to for entertainment?

Paul and Silas had one of the best evangelistic concerts recorded. They were praising the Lord while chained in a Roman prison. Their music was used by the Holy Spirit to attract and bring people to conviction and faith. Jailers, soldiers and other prisoners asked “What must I do to be saved?”. When the earthquake occurred, people didn’t want to leave, they stayed to listen to more of the story. That was ministry to the unbeliever. The jailer in Philippi was the first to be baptized and his whole household.

Application: What would Jesus want you to listen to? How does He want you to reach the non-believers?

Prayer: We Praise you Lord for guiding us to do what is right. May the Holy Spirit lead us in being faithful examples to the unbelievers. 

Dale