How influential is music on the young people in our society? They buy millions of recordings annually. And screaming fans jam-pack concerts by well-known artists. So, whether we like it or not, rock, rap, and heavy metal are making a significant impact on today's culture.

Neil Gallagher, leader of the group Oasis, made the claim, "We're more popular than Jesus Christ now." He added, "Some of the pop stars I like are more important to me than God."

Such an opinion reveals an appalling shallowness of his understanding of the One who made him and will one day judge him. The New Testament letter of Jude says that Jesus will return one day "to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them . . . of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him" (v.15).

The music of Oasis and the warped thinking of its leader cry out for sharpest criticism. Yet what place does Jesus occupy in our lives? Is God supremely important to us? Are we thrilled by music that magnifies the gospel? Are we grateful for our salvation? And are we praying for those, young and old, who haven't yet put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? What means most to us?  — Vernon C. Grounds