Sermon Outlines

By Frederick F. Schwindt, Evangelist

THE MODERN DANCE

1. The story of the dance, as recorded in the Bible is twofold:
   1. The religious or ceremonial dance, as indicated in 2 Sam. 6:14. David danced for joy before the ark of the Lord.
   2. The apostate Israelites danced before the golden calf - Ex. 32:19
2. There were dances connected with drinking and revelry, as at the banquet of Herod.
   1. At the time John the Baptist was beheaded - Matt. 14:6
   2. At socials when people combine dance and strong drink.

1. This is no idle question:
   1. Many of our young people have approached me with the question, "What is wrong with dancing, as long as it is done to have a good time?"
   2. "They danced in Bible times, and what can be wrong if our young people dance today?"
2. I must admit that I am very prejudice against the modern dance:
   1. I am a minister of the gospel, and the Bible tells us that one of the greatest preachers of all times lost his life in the heat and atmosphere of drinking and dancing.
   2. It was in connection with the dance that the Israelites became demoralized - Ex. 32
3. The modern dance has seven earmarks which prove it to be public enemy Number One:
   1. In most instances, dancing is associated with drinking.
   2. Nakedness and dancing are common where strong drink makes the dancers lighthearted. That means "Dance Set" the straight appeal to lust. It is a sorry but a well known fact that the modern dance breaks down morality and modesty.
   3. Divorce and the modern dance go hand in hand. "Changing dancing partners in the twilight" is quite common. Remember Herod and his unlawful wife.
   4. The dance, of our so-called modern society, is the mother of lust. The annals of history will have a story to reveal of the unspeakable immorality connected with the modern dance. This lust of a carnal mind is inflamed by the heat of strong drink.
   5. Murder goes with the modern dance - Mark 5:27, 28
   6. The modern dance is the gateway to hell. How many victims await hell fire because they frequented the dance halls?
   7. No one can, with good conscience, claim to be walking with God, and at the same time patronize the modern dance.

1. Test the temptation with the word of God:
   1. Does the modern dance with the opposite sex come under 1 John 2:15, 16?
      1. The lust of the flesh.
      2. The lust of the eyes.
      3. And the pride of life. If it does, then it is sinful to indulge in.
   2. Will dancing with the other man's wife bring cleavage between you and your wife? If it does, it is sinful.
2. Would the Lord Jesus approve of me taking part in a society dance associated with strong drink?
   1. Most of us know the answer only too well because the Lord would not approve indulgence that leads to immorality.
   2. In view of this fact, we are not doing the will of the Lord when we go on the devil's grounds.
3. The Holy Spirit, who dwells in us, will not approve a practice that leads to disregard of God's moral precepts:
   1. The people of God, living in the end of time, have too many other more important things to do than associating with the people who go to dancing parties.
   2. To them the modern dance bears the earmarks of moral corruption and will, unless it is forsaken, lead straight to hell.