Psalm 100 - "A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."
Why Your Church Shouldn't Play Bethel & Hillsong Music (or Elevation)
Psalm 98:1-9 - "O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King. Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity."
Ephesians 5:19: “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”
Ephesians 5:19 Commentary by David Sorenson (Understanding the Bible):
“5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Paul proceeds to mention spiritual aspects which are related to being filled by the Spirit of God. These involve “speaking to yourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” He thus touches upon the greater spectrum of Christian music. The word translated as psalms (?a?µ?? psalmos) literally refers to the playing of a stringed instrument and thus presumes instrumental accompaniment. But here the thought is of speaking such which may imply the quoting of the Psalms.”
“The word translated as hymns (‘?µ??? hymnos) literally means ‘a song of praise to God.’ What clearly is implied is that the focal point of Christian music is praise to God. It is He to whom the music is directed and not human ears.”
“Then, he also mentions spiritual songs. Implied is a spiritual character to Christian music in distinction to a carnal or worldly style. The Apostle then adds, “singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” The phrase “making melody” has the sense again of making praise to God. Hence, Christian music should be primarily addressed to God for His praise and not our religious entertainment. It is directly related to being filled with the Spirit. Moreover, it ought to emanate from our heart which the Spirit of God fills.”
Psalms 33:1-3: “Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.”
Psalms 33:1-3 Commentary by David Sorenson (Understanding the Bible):
“33:1-3 The psalm begins with the exhortation to praise the Lord. Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. The righteous are enjoined to praise the Lord. Though David likely did not use the term ‘righteous’ in the New Testament sense of being imputed righteous, his usage of the term is essentially synonymous with being godly. Not only are we directed to rejoice in the Lord, David makes clear that it is appropriate to do so. He also again uses the other basic Hebrew word for righteousness— upright (translated from { ??? } yashar). The bottom line is that we are commanded to rejoice in the Lord if we are upright.”
“In this same vein, David continues, 2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. 3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. Our rejoicing is also to be in song accompanied by music. Several things are evident about sacred (i.e., Christian) music. (1) The audience thereof is in heaven and not on earth. The focus of Christian music is praise to God and not entertainment of man. (2) Instruments are not only mentioned, they are directed to be used. This nullifies the Church of Christ position of no instrumental music. (3) Sacred musicians are mandated to play skillfully. Implicit is practice and doing to the best of one’s ability. Their audience is none other than God Himself. The word translated as loud noise (????? teruw‘ah) also has the sense of ‘joyfully’ which may be the more precise thought.”
Psalm 66:1-4,8 - "Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious. Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name."
Psalm 147:1,7 - "Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. ... Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God..."
