No one really cares to be a part of a dead song service. A song service is supposed to uplift and prepare hearts for the preaching of the Word of God. A dead song service does not prepare anyone for anything. It may build character in those that are listening! The ability to endure sour, lifeless, unprepared tunes from people with below-par talent for extended periods of time may strengthen a person's resolve, but does not lift one Heavenward. Song services in Fundamental Baptist Churches should be enjoyable, exciting, energetic, and filled with the Spirit of God. These song services must be Biblically based and pleasing to the Father.

Sadly, there is another type of dead song service that is prevalent in so-called Fundamental Baptist Churches today. It is not a service without life, for it is filled with energy. It is dead because it has not been born again. It is not alive unto Christ. It is dead in trespasses and sins. Too many song services in churches today are generated by the flesh and for the flesh. Pastors want to have their services exciting. That is what God wants also. But to use music that is fleshly and carnal is not right.

I was in a service awhile back and a lady sang a wonderful song about serving our Savior. It was sung beautifully. It was a very thoughtful and expressive song. It lifted up Jesus Christ. When the song was over, my heart was stirred. I said "Amen," and so did a handful of others. In the same service, another person sang a fast upbeat song with very shallow lyrics and a somewhat modem, carnal, worldly sound; and the church was full of shouting. What is wrong with this picture? The problem is that people have no deep love for Christ. Their attention is focused on what is appealing to the flesh and not on what is pleasing to the Father.

Some may argue that they do not like hymn book-type music. They say that it is not lively enough. Others say they do not like high church music. They say it is too stiff.

Where do we draw the line on what is good or bad music? If there is a standard for the way we dress, act, talk, etc., shouldn't there be a standard for the type of music we allow in our churches and our homes? The Bible is clear that we are to be separate and different from the world. If the music sounds like what the world is putting out now, or even like what they were putting out thirty years ago, then it is not right. How do we expect the blessing of God on the preaching if the devil provides the special music? The devil was created with pipes and tabrets (Ezekiel 28:13), leading one to believe that he has musical ability, and he is a deceiver (Revelation 12:9). Since these things are true, should not pastors and church leaders guard against questionable music in their services?

Since we have a Bible and the Holy Spirit we should never be guilty of having a dead song service. Our service should be exciting and uplifting. But it should also never be fleshly or carnal. As Christians we should never let our flesh dictate what is right even when it comes to music in our local church. Let God be true and every man a liar.

Rev. Danny Vanhoose, Assistant Pastor,
Faith Baptist, Church, Laurens SC

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