Contemporary or classic hymns?

Question

I attend a Contemporary service. We have contemporary music as well as hymns in every service.
Someone told me once that a church should ONLY use hymns, and that contemporary music isn't Godly.
What are your thoughts and why?

Answer 1

My understanding was that the church of christ does not use instruments. Hymns were not invented by God. They are human. How we praise God is up to us.

Answer 2

I would have to agree to that person because I prefer and think that hymns are more godly like is not that contemporary music is wrong but I just don't think that contemporary music is devotional enough to be singed in a special occasion as every service is. I would prefer that they would stick to hymns, but then, is just a opinion of mind and taste.

Answer 3

That is just pointless knitpicking.

If people prefer hymns, that's up to them--don't get me wrong. We are all entitled to our own preferences. But if people prefer hymns over contemporary music, I think I should point out that even hymns were contemporary music at one time.

Answer 4

I think, personal opinion, that the idea of Church as a place for enlightment would be a much better place for people to be and grow and learn. Nowadays all it seems to be is about music that people sing almost like mindless sheep. It becomes too automatic.

But that's besides the point. I think that Church music should be any music God-inspired. If someone says anything else, perhaps you could present the argument that at one time singing in church was unheard of, and possibly seen as a disgrace and undignified way of worshipping the Lord?

Or that God gave everyone different gifts on the earth, and that perhaps he enjoys seeing them used and similarly enjoyed amongst his people?

Answer 5

The answer is found in Ephesians 5:19--Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, SINGING and making a melody in your Hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:16---Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms, and
Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, SINGING with grace in your Hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3:17---And whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus . giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
1 Corinthians 14:15 --- What is it then: I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the understanding also; I will SING with the spirit and I will SING with the understanding also.

These verses CLEARLY state WHAT AND HOW we are to praise
God.
SING----Psalms, Hymns, spiritual songs
What instrument are we authorized to use? Our HEARTS!
With the spirit of understanding what we are singing.Only GOD'S Commands Matter. Not what we as man-kind decide we would like to do.
God tells us what he wants and that is what we have to do. No adding to or taking away from HIS WORD.

Sing Hallelujah to the Lord.
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!
Christian in Pa.

Answer 6

Reminds me of my days of playing the peace advocate between the pentecostal and baptists. You must do this, but you can't do that, type of stuff. When all of it is found under 'worship' in the bible and other texts. You can jump up and down, be quiet, scream, dance, show fear, show joy, call out in other languages, call out in unknown tongues... or not.... as long as it is done as a response of gratitude and belief in Him. My church offers a classical service and a contemporary. Both are valid.

Answer 7

If you're worshipping God, it doesn't matter when the music was written or recorded. It's when the focus is taken off of God and placed too heavily on the music that it's wrong.

Answer 8

We choose not to include Instrumental Music because the first century Churches never speak of using any instrumental music in their services. They did "sing" and we do too. They read scripture, and we do too. They had sermons, and we do too. They gathered together "on the first day of the week to break bread and to give of their means" and we do too. They also became Christians in the same way that we do.

We are told that we must HEAR the WORD in John 6:45, Jesus said, “It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught by God. Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.” We are also told so in Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. We are told the we must BELIEVE in Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. We are also told so in Mark 16:16, Jesus said “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” and in John 5:24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. We are told that we must REPENT (or turn from sin) in Luke 13:3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Also in Acts 17:30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent. We are told to CONFESS CHRIST in Romans 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. We are also told in 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. We are to be BAPTIZED according to Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” and Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. We are to CONTINUE to be FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH according to Revelation 2:10c Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. We also know that Paul wrote in Romans 14:12 each of us shall give account of himself to God. It is important that we not ignore what is written, change what is written, or add to what is written in the New Testament which is our Christian Guide. Have a great week.
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