Praising God
Description
Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. - Psalm 33:2–3 niv
Charles Haddon Spurgeon was probably the most famous Baptist preacher of all time. He preached in Great Britain to about four or five thousand people every Sunday. Spurgeon read a lot of John Calvin and was so influenced by him that he didn’t allow any instruments in his worship services. Now, I know Spurgeon was a far greater preacher than I am, and Calvin was a more brilliant theologian than I could ever dream of being. But I also know for an absolute fact that they were dead wrong on this issue! Throughout the Old Testament it talks about the use of musical instruments as a way of praising and singing our praises to God.
Everyone has their own personal preference for styles of worship music. Some people like the orchestra; some like the band; some just like a guitar and drums. Many people only enjoy songs written before 1887; some feel a chorus more than five years old is a golden oldie. Some love the majesty of a pipe organ, and some are just riveted by music with a pounding bass beat. But here is the bottom line: as long as the music is centered on Christ and is grounded in the Word, then the variety of music styles all have worth. They simply serve to expand the glorification of God and allow more people to enthusiastically worship Him with all their hearts.