Martin Luther: Role Of Music In The Bible

INTRODUCTION
Martin Luther recognized the power of music saying... "Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through Music." We need to cherish this precious gift of music and use it to praise and glorify our God the Creator, Savior, and Sanctifier.
It is evidence that “For many years, the music in the church has been debated a lot. First, the heart must be regenerated from its natural and sinful state and in total surrender to God,” Olabisi,(2006) There have been congregations who have built huge churches in a relatively short amount of time and have attributed the role of music as a leading factor in their growth.
It is to praise God by chanting His Word–a method known as "cantillation." Pleasure in singing comes not from a rhythmic beat that stimulates people physically, but from the very experience of praising the Lord. "Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant" (Ps 135:3; NIV). "How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him" (Ps 147:1).
Singing unto the Lord is "good" and "pleasant," because it enables believers to express to Him their joy and gratitude for the blessings of creation, deliverance, protection, and salvation. Singing is seen in the Bible as an offering of thanksgiving to the Lord for His goodness and blessings. This concept is expressed especially in Psalm 69:30-31: "I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs."
The notion that singing praises to the God is better than sacrifice reminds us of a similar concept, namely, that obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Sam 15:22). Singing praises to God by chanting His Word is not only a pleasant experience; it is also a means of grace to the believer. Through singing, believers offer to God a worship of praise, enabling them to receive His enabling
The music in biblical times did not know of electronic sounds. Their focus always seemed to be on what was sung rather than how it is was sung. When Paul instructs his readers to sing with their hearts, he was emphasizing the personal nature of right singing. Music ministry is challenging, and rewarding experience. It must be driven by a desire to please God and not men and seek to glorify Him in all aspects of life. When we look at the surrounding families and see their need, we realize that it is not a need for a more exciting church service, but a saving relationship with Christ (John 3:16). Only when we have a passion for God 's glory and true passion for those individuals without Him will we exhibit a biblical understanding of music ministry (I Cor. 10:31).
My philosophy for music ministry might have become simpler than past, but I feel more with Jesus from my recent service. I try to make my ministry becomes all about the "state of the heart" for worship first, and then state of the art. Also, I have to be ready to sacrifice myself for others in the service. Though a musician but also a preacher who can speak in music. The church has always been very good place to serve, and I thank God for giving me the most wonderful place for me to present my music to heal and save the souls. I will use my talent as much as I can in my life, and praise him where ever I may