October 1997- The Instrumental Music Question
Sounds of Change
Mark RobertsOur world is changing so fast. Did we ever think we would see the Berlin Wall torn down, be able to send instant e-mail, or have our vision corrected by lasers? The only constant today, it seems, is change. Changes in our world, in technology, in our homes, and even in our churches. more…
Can Man Worship As He Pleases?
Steve DewhirstHistorical evidence abounds that man can, indeed, worship as he pleases. As creatures of choice, God affords us the privilege of opting for His guidance or striking out on our own. The real question, however, is whether or not humanly-designed worship will be acceptable to Him. more…
It is a Matter of Bible Authority
Jerry FiteAuthority is the power or right to act. We acknowledge it every time we tap on our brakes when suddenly approaching a police car. We recognize higher levels of authority when we appeal court cases to the Supreme Court. Our lives enjoy order because of authority. Imagine the chaos and carnage that would occur if all began to ignore the authority that lies behind the red and green colors of a traffic light. Since we recognize and appeal to authority in our secular lives, surely we must do the same when considering how we are to worship God.By “whose authority” are we to acknowledge in establishing practices of worship? Jesus offers for our consideration two sources of authority when He asks, “The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven or from men?” (Matthew 21:25). Jesus points out the grave consequences when we choose to follow the teachings authorized by men, instead of that of heaven: “In vain do they worship me, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men” (Matthew 15:9). more…
The New Testament Pattern
Rusty MillerWhere is your piano? Why doesn’t your church believe in music? Why do you people have this obsession with a capella music? more…
God Said “Sing”
Warren BerkleyWhen people visit our assembly and express their curiosity about our vocal music, I reply with this simple expression of our conviction: God said “sing.” I make it clear that the absence of the man-made instruments is not a matter of economics (cannot afford one) or preference (we just like to sing). It goes much deeper than any “church of Christ” or “restoration” heritage or tradition. It has to do with faith and our desire to follow God’s instructions. We are convinced He said “sing.” more…
Are Instruments Justified As An Aid To Singing?
Mark RobertsOne of the most common, and simplest, justifications for instrumental music is that it merely serves to aid the worship. Like a song book or pitch pipe the piano, drums or guitar keep the time, pitch and music as we sing along. What could possibly be wrong with that? more…
Respecting God’s Silence
Tony MauckIn “handling accurately the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), it is imperative that one grasp this fundamental, foundational fact about Scripture: the New Testament, not the Old Testament, is our blueprint, our authority for an acceptable approach to God. The distinction is made in many New Testament texts (e.g. Luke 16:16; John 1:17; 2 Corinthians 3:1ff; Hebrews 8:1ff). While I am not suggesting that the Old Testament has no relevance or value (cf. Romans 15:4), guidelines for worship, morality, and our whole function religiously whether it is individual or congregational, are determined by New Testament instruction. more…
Does O.T. Use of Instruments Justify Them Today?
Chuck DurhamOne often hears someone muse: “They used instruments of music to praise God in the Old Testament. If it pleased God then, why wouldn’t it please Him today?” That instruments of music in worship were pleasing to God during the Mosaic period is a point without controversy to all honest Bible students. I grew up hearing the text in Amos 6:5 misapplied. It states: “Who sing idly to the sound of stringed instruments, and invent for yourselves musical instruments like David (NKJ).” I was taught: “Amos teaches that musical instruments in worship were condemned even in the Old Testament.” But it never made any sense to me. The Old Testament clearly teaches that David introduced instruments of music into the worship at the Temple by “the commandment of the LORD by his prophets” (2 Chronicles 29:25). Also, more than one Psalm (inspired by the same Spirit who inspired Amos) commands praise to God by musical instruments (cf. 147:7; 149:3. Ch. 150). Did the Spirit contradict the Spirit? No! So what does Amos condemn? The rich and arrogant ruling class, who in wanton leisure invented instruments of music to pass away their idle time, but who oppressed the poor. That is the context of Amos’ condemnation, not the use of instruments in the worship to God at the Temple. more…
A Variety of Attempted Justifications
Pat FarishIn the religious world today the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship assemblies is the rule, rather than the exception. While there are a few holdouts among the churches of men, by far the majority employ some form or other of mechanical instrument in their services. And with such folk, by and large, there is cool disinterest in the question of what the Bible teaches. Whether it is “authorized” is unimportant. It pleases them; therefore they have it, and God has to like it. more…
A Positive Approach to the Music Question
Rusty MillerWhenever the subject of music in worship is broached, invariably we are left to debate what we cannot do. While it is clear that we cannot worship God as He wishes if we introduce the use of instrumental music, it is just as clear that we are to sing. God has authorized music to be involved in worship to Him, and certainly He would have us know more about it than just that it must be a cappella. more…
A “Peculiar Mind” Viewed Historically
Paul EarnhartWriting in the 1940’s, Elmer T. Clark observed: “It may be a peculiar type of mind which is convinced that God is interested in whether His worshippers sing with or without instrumental accompaniment, but it is a real type, and there are some 400,000 American minds in that category” (The Small Sects in America, p.16). The interesting thing about this observation is that the mind which Mr. Clark found “peculiar” in the twentieth century was once the majority, if not unanimous, view of those who saw themselves as Christians. more…
The Preacher’s Pen
Mark RobertsEver heard of the Christian Connection Church? At the beginning of the nineteenth century these churches were spread across New England and the Atlantic coast. They grew at an incredible rate, and then disappeared into oblivion. What is their story? more…