If you missed part one you
can click here to read it 
We had started our discussion about music style and had just introduced Praise and Worship when the word count caught up with me and I had to stop. When I left off we had covered the early days of Christian music which was limited to Hymns and the beginning of group singing i.e.: trios and quartets.
One of the new groups of the day was a "radical" group known as the Gaither Trio. Bill and Gloria Gaither along with Bill's brother had a new sound like no one had ever heard before. "Let's Just Praise the Lord" ushered in a new style called Praise and Worship. Like anyone who had anything new to offer musically they were viewed by some with skepticism. But, skeptics or not, the "NEW" style had taken the church by storm.
Every song was not only a Hit but was actually finding its way into "Hymn" Books. "Because He Lives," "Get All Excited" and so many more became Church Standards overnight. Why, because these were uncomplicated songs that were being sung in an attitude of Praise. Eyes closed, hands raised open and prayerful. And God loved it.
God promises to inhabit our praise. That means He will come down and dwell in it. If you want to make contact with God, the best way to reach Him is through Praise. Praise is a place where God likes to be. Now that would make a good lyric.
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God." The Bible is the Word of God. God speaks to us through His Word. "The sweetest Word He ever said was I forgive" is a Lyric from a Southern Gospel Song. It is based on a Biblical truth and conveys to the listener that God Forgives. God's forgiveness is a promise and comes from the Word of God. What a great message and the Lord wants us to deliver it. The message can be preached or the message can be sung. Singing is a wonderful way to preach the Gospel. You could take the same song and sing it with a different beat and instrumentation but the message would remain intact; God Forgives.
The Psalmist David wrote songs sung to a monotone open chord four string instrument called a Lyre. The music was not as important as the words but yet gave a conveyance for the words of his Psalm. The Words are paramount to the effectiveness of the song. Music makes it easier to remember the words and helps us practice through repetition the scriptural truth being taught. Instrumental music without words is fine if the melody is familiar and the words are known. Instrumental music is wonderful while praying or meditating, or just bathing yourself in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Unfamiliar instrumental music is also acceptable during these times if it helps set up an atmosphere conducive to communing with God.
Sometimes the only music necessary is the music of nature. A waterfall, bubbling brook, singing birds or even the whisper of the wind in the trees can help us enter in the Holy of Holies with an attitude of prayer and praise.
Instrumental music alone however could never be as effective as music with lyrics. The lyrics and music together create a sermon packed in a three-minute capsule that is medicine for the spirit man. I truly believe there is healing and restoration that results from a steady music infusion. I believe it drives away evil spirits as it did for King Saul and lifts our hearts and minds to new heights.
Let's leave right there and pick it up again next month with Christian
Music Part III.
