GO-SIN-NO-MORE

THE DEVIL'S MUSIC

By Pastor James Jennings
Church of God of Forrest City, AR
www.churchofgodforrestcity.com

An article was in the August 7, 2006, issue of the Memphis Commercial Appeal with the heading, “Lewd Lyrics Tempt Teens.” The author of the article was Lindsey Tanner, with the Associated Press. Although the article talks about the obvious, the sad fact is that so many cannot seem to see this work of the enemy. Here’s the opening sentence: “Teens whose iPods are full of music with raunchy, sexual lyrics start having sex sooner than those who prefer other songs, a study found.” The next sentence reads: “Whether it’s hip-hop, rap, pop or rock, much of popular music aimed at teens contains sexual overtones.” Anything that has “sexual overtones” is bad enough, but the research study actually goes farther.

The next quote is disturbing for several reasons. First, here’s the quote: “Teens who said they listened to lots of music with degrading sexual messages were almost twice as likely to start having intercourse or other sexual activities within the following two years as were teens who listened to little or no sexually degrading music.” While the words “sex” and “sexual” have not always been terms for public discussion, our communities have reached the point that the trumpets of righteousness, holiness, and truth must be blown at full blast regarding the moral decline that is occurring in our communities. Notice the quote that was referenced at the beginning of this paragraph. It is sad that “music with degrading sexual messages” even exists. The mere existence of “degrading music,” however, is no longer a matter of public criticism. The existence of “degrading music” has drifted to the popularity of “degrading music.” This study is about teens who “listened to lots of music with degrading sexual messages.” Where did this music come from? Who allowed it to enter our country, our communities, our homes, and even enter the ears of our children? What probably started as a trickle of “bad” music has become a massive flood of vulgarity.

The next point to consider about this quote is the effect that it is having on teenagers – both males and females. According to the study, those who listened to a lot of degrading music were “almost twice as likely to start having intercourse or other sexual activities within the following years as were teens who listened to little or no sexually degrading music.” The results are shocking when the frequent listeners of sexually degrading music are compared to those who seldom listen to it or do not listen to it at all. Look at the disturbing effect that a certain type of music can have! Those who frequently listen to this music are “TWICE as likely to start having intercourse or other sexual activities.” Sexual activity between unmarried partners is called fornication. Notice what God still says about fornication.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. KJV (Also, see Galatians 5:19-21)

So, a certain type of music is influencing teenagers to commit sin (fornication, etc.), and because of this sin, they SHALL not inherit the kingdom of God if repentance does not occur. In essence, a certain type of music is wrapping teenagers in sin and preparing them to go to hell. Yet, what is society doing about the devil’s music? What are adults doing about the devil’s music? What are pastors saying about the devil’s music? Clearly, any music that promotes sin and influences others to commit sin can aptly be described as “THE DEVIL’S MUSIC.” What are parents saying about the devil’s music? Parents, what is that iPod saying to your child, and whose music is played in your home?

A few more disturbing facts need to be noted. First, among the heavy listeners, “51% started having sex within two years.” Yes, the name for this music is appropriate. Clearly, a demonic spirit is behind these vulgar tunes. Yes, it is the “devil’s music.” Second, the article noted that this type of music teaches the boys to be “relentless in pursuit of women and girls to view themselves as sex objects.” Third, many of the teenagers who were swayed by these sexual innuendos started out as virgins. The devil loves to defile anything that is pure and clean. Such is the case with many of America’s sons and daughters. But, America continues to sleep as the devil’s music gets louder and louder in the eardrums of its teenagers. Fourth, these tunes not only promote fornication, but some even promote rape. In man’s eyes, however, promoting fornication and promoting rape, through music, are not violations of man’s laws. This author has not heard a news report about a song writer or musical performer being arrested for promoting fornication or rape. In God’s eyes, however, this is SIN! Finally, a 17-year old girl is quoted in the article as noting that teen listeners don’t “really realize that the person is talking about having sex or raping a girl.” In essence, they are mesmerized by the satanic character of the song as their teenage hearts and souls are “raped” by the devil’s music. These teenage victims, however, don’t even seem to realize what has happened. As the teenage girl noted, she listens to the sexually explicit songs because she likes “the beat.” Is “the beat” in your home? Is “the beat” in your teenager’s ear?

(For comments or questions, call or write: P.O. Box 1001, Forrest City, AR 72336; 870-633-2234 or 1-877-633-2234 toll free; churchofgodforrestcity@yahoo.com)