I must say, that now my walk with Christ is much stronger these days, I find my spirit rejecting masses of different music that I never thought was wrong before. I used to love heavy metal long ago, but I must admit, that even if there is a Christian theme tied to it, I am NOT convinced of this type any longer. For one thing, if I cannot follow the message in music these days, loud and clear, than I will take no chances. Though I tried to listen to Christian metal in high hopes it would pass, my spirit felt no good with it. I tried other forms of music I liked at one time to, but to the same effect. I was so frustrated with not finding my style of music that actually help fill my spirit up, till I checked out the Christian hip hop scene. I used to like this secular style of music too, although not to the level of metal. Don't get me wrong, the traditional worship music that many Christians use as there bread and butter is righteous and holy, no doubt, but My spirit just begs for additional styles that I can really get into while receiving the word.
So, one day I tried sampling what Christian hip hop had to offer, expecting the worst too, like all the other forms I was partial too. Well... there were several that didn't lift my spirit in anyway, no feelings stirred in me except for worldly thoughts. But, fortunately I discovered some Christ praising music that rivaled anything in the traditional hymn book. I ordered several CDs and am just beginning to listen to them. I bought Lacrae, Yaves, Thi'sl, Da' T.R.U.T.H., Trip Lee, Tadashii, Sean Slaughter, D-Maub, and Viktory. Though I have only heard a few full albums currently, I'm gonna say this... Lacrae, for one, pumps the message of the gospel, and praises The Lord Jesus with such great style and passion, that none of you will even know, not bothering to check his ministry out. He is NOT ashamed to share Jesus in anyway, and to put some good beat and rhythm to the word just pumps you up for The Lord! The idea that only one traditional style of music is proper for transporting the Word, is being very narrow minded I think. If God had wanted only one style of music for praise and worship, he'd have made great waves on making us know so. I do believe some forms, wether Christian or not, such as most hard rock and metal, was based on anti-Christian values and just seems so evil natured to me now. Many of you may say hip hop was based on gangs, violence and such, however the style of hip hop or rap, is just a good beat and rhythm added for carrying a message wether for the good or bad. In Christian hip hop, you get the that jumping beat that sure gives me good energy while I bob my head with Jesus, lol! Seriously, I don't condemn any styles of music, unless 1- it is unclear in it's message, and 2- your spirit tells you to avoid!
So again, my opinion, Is that with all the uncertainty with the proper music out there, the real way to know is to listen to what God's Holy Spirit says to you. This I believe, is the ONLY real way to know. Joel
