Can you record your own music with instruments?

Question:

I am a member of the Lord's church (Acts 2:41) and am fully aware and fine with the fact that instruments in worship toward God are unauthorized by Scripture (Acts 17:25), and thereby unacceptable (II John 9). However, I read your article Is playing an instrument for a person's own enjoyment scriptural? and I too am one who enjoys making music outside of worship. Although I don't play the instrument, I just record vocals over instrumental music. You told the man who sent in this question to go ahead and enjoy playing and writing music, my question is this: Is it okay to record the music as a song and post it online and put it on CDs for others to enjoy as well?

I know recording music should by no means be a substitution for preaching, and in fact, within the next year or two, I plan to attend a preaching school to become a minister of the Gospel for the saints. I've been seeking help with this question and am willing to go either way to walk in accordance with God's will.

May God bless your guidance and counsel!

Answer:

As I mentioned before, God states that in the New Testament He wants to be worshiped with vocal singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). No authorization is given for the use of instrumental music in the worship of God -- unlike the worship commanded under the Old Testament, which did include instrumental music. This restriction does not cover situations where a person is not worshiping God.

Therefore recording music (assuming you have the proper copyright permissions) and distributing them is fine in situations where the music is not intended for worship. I'm not certain what kind of music you are thinking of recording. You seem to hint that it might supplement preaching. If that is the case, then it would not be appropriate.

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