Category: Instrumental Music
Subject: Instrumental Music
The Patternists: Instrumental Music in Worship
Our objection to the use of mechanical instruments of music in Christian worship is a simple one. No authority for the practice is found for it in the New Testament. We do not deny that is was present in the worship offered to God by the Jews under the Old Covenant. Nor do we deny that there is a reference to instruments in heaven, as found in the book of Revelation.
It is simply that Christian worship must follow the pattern that God has given for it! There is no command in the New Testament for Christians to worship Him with instruments. There is no example of Christians worshipping God with musical instruments. There is no intimation whatsoever in the New Testament that God either requires or accepts such worship to Him.
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The Patternists: The Purpose of Musical Worship
One mark of Christian worship is its simplicity. Though much pomp and circumstance has cropped up in the centuries following Christ’s establishment of His church, the first century Christians were humble and in the worship they offered up to God.
When they gathered together on the Lord’s day, they prayed, sang, gave as they were prospered by God, heard the word of God taught, and remembered the Lord’s death through the simple feast Jesus instituted. There were calls for them to wait on one another, to be unified, to edify one another, and to give glory to God. Worship was never about them. Never about their own talents. Never about how the church could serve them. It was always and only about what they could do for God and for each other.
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Sermon: “Speaking to One Another”
A discussion about the type of music authorized by God in Christian worship. (With emphasis on the use and definition of the greek term “psallo” in the New Testament).
Sermon: 150 Years of Controversy
Lesson 2 of 5 in Lectureship Series: Controversy Among the People of God
Speaker: Stan Cox
This lesson examines controversies that have troubled God’s people in the last 150 years. This is especially an examination of the Lord’s church in recent history, here in America. Issues discussed include the Missionary Society, Instrumental Music, Premillennialism & the Grace/Unity movement.
Instrumental Music – A matter of tradition?
Lesson 6 of 9, Fall 2016 Gospel Meeting. Speaker: Jeremiah Cox.
Why do churches of Christ not use mechanical instruments of music in worship? Is it merely our tradition? No, it is divine tradition, a matter of how God authorizes the church to worship Him.
The Patternists: You Who Desire to be Under the Law
Some who claim to be disciples of Jesus will seek to justify their doctrinal positions by an appeal to the Old Testament. For example, why do people advocate tithing, or Sabbath keeping, or the use of instruments to accompany the hymns they sing in congregational worship? The only appeal that can be made is to the Old Law. “David did it!”
In Galatians 4:21, Paul wrote, “Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?” His point was that the law spoke of its own end, and that the children of promise would be free through faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul concluded, “So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free” (Galatians 4:31). By extension, one can’t argue from the Law to justify his practice as a Christian.
Consider these truths as examples:
- Christians don’t tithe, they give as prospered (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
- Christians don’t keep the Sabbath, they worship on the first day of the week (Sunday) (cf. Acts 20:7)
- Christians don’t worship with instruments, they sing songs (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16)
The warning is severe: “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have follen from grace” (Galatians 5:4).
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Sermon: Antipathy Towards Autonomy
A recent petition that circulated online addressing members of the church of Christ contains language that is so sectarian it clearly indicates the impact institutionalism has had upon God’s people.
This sermon examines the language and sentiments used in that petition, contrasting them with God’s word.
The Patternists: “We Know What We Worship”
As our Lord spoke with the Samaritan woman in John 4, she made the statement, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship” (19-20).
Her statement is similar to those we hear today. People often compare different “styles” and “acts” of worship, and do so in a non-judgmental way. “We do this, and you do that”, as if the actual acts that are performed are equally acceptable to God.
However, consider that Jesus was critical of the worship of the Samaritans, judging it to be unacceptable. He stated that the worship of the Jews, in contrast, was acceptable. He said, “we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews” (22). A question: How did they know what they worshiped? How did they know that they were to worship in Jerusalem? Because God told them!
The Samaritans presumed to know God’s will, though He had not told them to worship Him on the mountain. Such presumption is foolish. We can’t know how to worship God unless He tells us how He wants to be worshiped! Jesus clearly condemned worship that had man as its authority rather than God, telling the Pharisees, “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips,but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men'” (Matthew 15:7-9).
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Sermon: Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth
The sermon is in two parts. Part 1 reviews the concept of patternism in scripture. Part 2 shows the need for common sense in interpreting scripture.Progressive VS Conservative
Webster’s Dictionary defines progressive as, (a) of, relating to, or characterized by progress; (b) making use of or interested in new ideas, findings, or opportunities. In relation to politics and societal trends, a progressive is interested in change. He wants to try new ideas, take advantage of new technologies, and is always trying to make the world a better place by replacing old ideas and ways with new ones.
One antonym of progressive, as supplied by Webster, is the word conservative. Again, speaking politically and societally, the conservative is wary of change. He embraces the way things have been done in the past, declaring them tried and true. He does not believe that change is for the better, and rejects new ideas and technologies as merely novel, fearing unknown consequences should they be adopted.
Sermon: Why We Do Not Use Hand Made Music in Worship
Sermon by Marc Smith.
In this lesson Marc gives a reasoned and thorough explanation of why Christians, in New Covenant worship, refrain from using mechanical instruments of music in their worship to God.
Sermon: The Generic & Specific Nature of Biblical Authority
The sermon uses the question of authorized Musical worship in the Lord’s church to illustrate the principles of Specific and Generic Authority, and Expediency.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
A Capella Singing
In the July 3rd issue of The Christian Chronicle, coverage was given to a recent “international symposium of sacred a cappella music, involv[-ing] members of Churches of Christ as well as Mennonites, Eastern Orthodox, Reformed Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Roman Catholics.”
The symposium was a sequel to a previous effort which took place in 2007. Concerning that event, the article notes “‘The Ascending Voice’ debuted at Pepperdine in 2007 — the brainchild of [Darryl] Tippens, who saw it as a way to celebrate and promote a cappella worship in a world of praise bands and recorded music.”
Sermon: Singing
A general sermon on the subject of Singing. Establishes authority for the act of worship, as well as showing how various innovations regarding musical worship over the centuries are unscriptural. The sermon shows why we sing, the benefits, and gives some practical suggestions to song leaders and the congregation.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here
Sermon Audio: Click Here
