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Why Instrumental Music in Worship is Sinful
By
Doug Post
March
8, 2009
“Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19)
In our
praise to God, we are commanded to do two things: sing and
play. However, some well intentioned brethren argued over the
years that we are to sing only – that the Bible doesn’t say “sing
and play,” which is an addition to the command to sing.
While I agree that adding (altering or perverting) to the Word of
God is sinful, the “sing only” argument is unsound. The terms
psallo and psalmos did not lost all connection
to the instrument by the time of the writing of the New Testament,
nor since. On the contrary, in the first century, psallo
could mean “sing” or “play,” depending on what the
writer had in mind. For instance, Josephus, in the first century
A.D., wrote of some who “psallowed on the harp” (Antiq.,
6:8,2), showing that psallo could not mean, “sing”
only. Moreover, Paul commanded two things: aido and
psallo (Eph. 5:19). If in Paul's time psallo
meant “sing” exclusively and aido meant the same
thing, then Paul was commanding “singing [aidontes] and
singing [psallontes].” Obviously, Paul was commanding both
singing and playing. But on what was the playing to be done? He did
not command it to be done on a harp, psaltery, or timbrel, as
commanded in Psalm 32:2-3; 33:2-3; 67:26; 68:25; 70:22, and 71:22,
but “with your heart.” If the instrument specified was
a harp or a psaltery or a timbrel, the playing necessarily had to be
literal, with each Christian at Ephesus having his own harp or
psaltery or timbrel (as the Hebrew and the Greek and the English
versions of the Book of Psalms specify). But the instruments
specified for the Ephesian Christians were their hearts, on which
literal playing was impossible. Therefore, psallo
cannot mean singing only but “playing.” But the playing has
to be figurative because the literal meaning of psallo
means “to puck the strings of,” commonly translated as “making
melody.” Two things are commanded: (1) singing, external,
“the fruit of the lips” (Hebrews 13:15) and (2) playing,
internal, “with your heart” (Eph.5:19). Since the earliest
meaning of psallo is to strike, pull, twang, or pluck,
the translation of Ephesians 5:19 becomes: Speaking to one
another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
(aido) and plucking (psallo)
the strings of your heart to the Lord. We sing and
play. God specified the instrument to be used – our heart!
Those insisting on using another kind of instrument arrogantly
ignore the one God has already specified. With selfish desires, they
pervert God's word by adding to God’s commands, which does not honor
God at all!
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What Not To Do When You Don't Know What To Say
Neal Pollard
We have all been there. It may have been a situation where a family
is struggling with the loss of a loved one or the aftermath of some
tragedy. It may be when confronted or asked a difficult question.
It may have been one of those "awkward" moments where you were one
of the ones feeling the tension of painful silence. In all of these
scenarios, we may well be thinking, "Somebody needs to say
'something.'" Some of us may go further and thing that "somebody"
means "us."
I would love to be privy to Peter's thought
processes on those occasions where he "popped" off in one of those
tense moments. We have long considered Peter "Mr. Impetuosity."
Indeed, he could be rash and reckless with his tongue. The account
of Jesus' transfiguration (i.e., "his clothes became shining,
exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can
whiten them"-Mark 9:3) seems to me to at least have a humorous tinge
to it despite the significance of the moment showing the superiority
of Christ over the leading lights among Old Testament leaders and
prophets. Mark 9:5 shows Peter spouting off his grand plan to build
three tabernacles for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. But, why did he
spout? The text says, "Because he did not know what to say" (6).
That makes me smile because I can relate! Anyone who knows me well
knows I have had occasions where I spoke to break the awkward
silence and tension of the moment and not always with the most
eloquent results. Can you relate?
What can help us avoid doing the wrong thing when we
don't know what to say?
First, think before you speak. How much damage control would be
done if we ran our comments through an internal, mental filter?
"How will this sound?" "Is my attitude right?" "Am I giving
thought to tone?" "What about message content?" "Is it the right
thing for the moment?" "Will this be helpful or harmful?" Of
course, common sense is assumed to be a part of this internal
process, but just pausing to think will be of great benefit. The
book of Proverbs repeatedly mentions the prudent man as one who
carefully maintains the tongue at crucial times (12:23; 13:16;
17:28). He thinks before he speaks.
Second, think about whether you should speak. The
old adage "silence is golden" has lost favor in this information
age. We are accustomed to noise, even at times where silence is the
natural, obvious choice. Job's friends excelled when they first
came to Job. They just sat with him. It was the best thing they
could have done. Unfortunately, thereafter, they said just about
every wrong thing that could be said. Sometimes, we should not say
anything. We should either be content to "be" or, as is usually the
case, focus on being a learner and observer rather than a lecturer
or orator. There are occasions when the think we do not say is the
very best thing we could say (by our example).
Third, think about what is the best thing to speak.
Several books and articles have been written to recommend what
should or should not be said in difficult moments. It is a biblical
concept that we should shape our speech with supplication and
study. In other words, let us pray about saying the right things
and fill our heart with the Word so that "God's language" is a
regularly part of our mental makeup and verbal vocabulary.
Peter reminds me that I am in good company when I
misspeak, either out of fear, doubt, or cluelessness. But, he also
shows me what it looks like when I do. That motivates me to want to
try to always let my "speech be with grace, as though seasoned by
salt, so that I will know how I should respond to each person" (Col.
4:6).
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Was Jesus Concerned about Being Politically Correct?
Roger Campbell
Political
Correctness (PC) is sweeping the land. According to such a mindset,
while one may
disagree with
others, even strongly disagree because the other is blatantly wrong,
the PC thing to
do is not to make
a big deal out of it and be careful with the language you employ
lest you offend anyone. If one is in violation of some moral or
biblical standard, then the PC thing to do is just let it slide
without labeling it as “sin.” Because, after all, calling things
“evil” or “sinful” is divisive, or so we are told. Or, if a person
of a particular religion or cultural background violates some code
of conduct, then the PC thing to do would be not to identify the
specific religion or background of the violator, because the very
mention of such would be proof of prejudice, hostility, or lack of
human decency.
So goes the
reasoning (?) of many today. What about our Lord? When you study
the first four
books of the New
Testament, do you come to the conclusion that the Christ was
concerned about being PC? Surely not. Before proving the proposition
that the Master was not an advocate of being politically
correct, let me hasten to remind you that His approach was flawless.
He never sinned - not once (1 Pet.2:21-23). He always spoke the
truth (John 18:37). In doing so, His attitude was always right. He
loved all people. He showed genuine kindness and compassion. His
speech was pure, and His conduct was in complete harmony with the
will of the Father (John 6:38). I say all of that in order
to emphasize that
it is possible not to be an advocate of political correctness, but
at the same time speak the truth and be a caring, helpful person.
So, what is there in the Bible record that convinces
us that Jesus was
not one that put any stock in being PC? For one thing, He spoke
about “evil.” The Christ said that “evil
things come from within, and defile the man”
(Mark 7:23). Coupled with His message about people doing evil, He
also preached about the need for sinners to repent, saying, “Repent:
for
the kingdom of
heaven is at hand”
(Mat.4:17), and, “I
tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish”
(Luke 13:5). A message of repentance does not sit well with the
Washington, D.C. crowd or those that write the scripts for CNN, does
it? Jesus preached about people going to hell (Mark 9:43,45). He
labeled it as a place of ”everlasting punishment” (Mat.25:46) and
said that only “few” will avoid going there (Mat.7:13,14). Our Lord
warned folks about the religious leaders of His day, saying, “The
scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore
whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye
after their works: for they say, and do not”
(Mat.23:2,3). Jesus referred to such religious hypocrites as
“hypocrites,” if you can imagine! (Mat.23:13,27,28). Jesus went
against the accepted teachings of His day. Many Jews had come to
accept the notion that it is okay to hate your enemies. Jesus said
to love enemies, pray for them, and do good to them (Mat. 5:43,44).
Instead of upholding the man-made doctrines that some were binding
about washing hands and utensils before a meal, Jesus said that
teaching for doctrines the commandments of men makes worship vain
(Mark 7:7). When Jesus spoke about the sensitive topic of marriage
and divorce, He spoke in terms that were clear. What He had to say
was true, and whether others liked or received His message had
nothing to do with it. He taught, “What therefore God hath
joined together, let not man put asunder . . . Whosoever shall put
away his wife, and except it be for fornication, and shall marry
another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put
away doth commit adultery” (Mat. 19:6,9). Jesus taught what
people needed to hear. That, of course, did not make Him the most
popular preacher of all time, but it is obvious that being popular
was not one of His goals! God wants us to have the mind or heart of
His Son (Phil.2:5). He was humble as He approached lost people, and
we must be as well. He was also courageous, and God has not given us
the spirit of fear (2Tim.1:7). Brothers and sisters, we must
zealously and urgently proclaim the glad tidings of salvation
through the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). The world
still needs to hear that there is one body, one Spirit, one hope,
one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God (Eph.4:4-6). Let us
never be ashamed of our Lord and His gospel. Yes, as we deal with
others, even with the God-bashers, morally corrupt, and religious
crackpots, we must be courteous (1Pet.3:8). And, yes, we must be
tenderhearted as we live our lives and converse with and about
others (Eph.4:32). But, we must not allow ourselves to get sucked
into the political correctness mentality. Jesus was not concerned
about being politically correct, and neither should we be.
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The “Write” Direction
Mike Vestal
Just getting
through the day in this sinful world can sometimes be terribly
difficult. As Christians, we must see the importance of
encouragement, of inspiring one another to greater hope, love, and
service in the Lord (1Th 5:11; Heb 10:24). We should try to take
advantage of encouraging others through every possible medium–our
words, actions, and prayers.
After
preaching a sermon on the value of written encouragement I received
a note from a little girl named Micah, who is only eight or nine.
She had not just written me, but several others too! I got another
note from her just the other day, and it included this precious
line: “You are doing better now than the first time I wrote you.” I
couldn’t help but laugh. But you know she’s exactly right! Written
encouragement from Christians is like a spiritual blood
transfusion–it lifts up and strengthens those who might be “running
low” (Rom 14:19; 15:2). Surely this is one of the reasons why Paul
mentioned so many people by name in his epistles. Why should we
practice the art of written encouragement?
IT SHOWS PURPOSE.
Writing to someone
shows the investment of time, doesn’t it? (Eph.5:16). Often the
mere thought and the expense of effort mean more than the actual
words written. God Himself showed deliberate purpose in giving us
His word, the greatest word of encouragement ever written (2 Tm
3:16-17; 2 Pt 1:19-21).
IT SHOWS PRACTICE.
How often have we
had good intentions about writing others, but simply never got
around to it? God blesses the faith that works through love (Gal
5:6). When written encouragement is done, it’s done. There’s
something concrete about it.
IT SHOWS PRECISION.
Most of us cannot
say things we can write. Written encouragement allows us carefully
to choose our words and to say exactly what we desire to say.
Written encouragement is powerful encouragement in the right
direction! A postage stamp is still the bargain of the century for
the encouragement it can give.
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What Are You Looking For in a Church?
Wayne Jackson
Some
people couldn’t care less about religion. They do not believe in
God; and “church,” in their opinion, would be a burden and a waste
of time. There are not many theoretical atheists (the evidence for
God’s existence is much too compelling); there are, though, legions
of practical atheists—those who profess belief, but live as
if there were no God. Most folks, however, have a genuine conviction
that there is a Creator and they believe they owe him allegiance.
Accordingly, if they really are conscientious about that, frequently
they will search for a church. They may choose one associated with a
family tradition, or they may simply go shopping for something near
their home. Neither of these avenues of pursuit is necessarily wise.
Churches are plentiful. If one lives in a metropolitan area, he
scarcely will be more than a few blocks from a church building.
There are large facilities and smaller ones. There are bright,
well-kept places, while others are run down. If you are looking for
material constructions, you can just about have your choice.
Unfortunately, it is the case all too often that “church” choices
are superficial. For many, spiritual considerations are not
the prime factor in a church selection. In looking for a church, the
first consideration for some is what type of facilities or programs
are available. For example, is the building comfortable? What sort
of seating is provided, or how is the temperature regulated? Is the
parking convenient? Is there a commodious nursery? Is a day-care
facility available? Are there recreational and social activities for
the members? Do you have a “bail-out” program in case I get behind
on my car or house payments? Notice that all such questions are
grounded in physical-material interests. Others move in a slightly
different direction. They want to know: Do you have a good music
program? Is there, perhaps, a chorus or “praise” teams? Is your
church a democracy where everyone has the right to help make church
decisions, etc.? Questions of this nature, though sincere, indicate
the need for a more mature level of knowledge. More crucial are the
following considerations: What does this church stand for? Does it
hold the conviction that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired word of
God? Does the leadership believe in the uniqueness of the New
Testament church pattern and strive to lead the congregation in the
direction of faithfulness, as opposed to a loose philosophy which
alleges that most all “Christian” churches are okay, and doctrine
really doesn’t matter? Does the church have an “open-door” policy
where folks can simply float in or out at their convenience, with no
accountability to the leadership? Such is not a responsible way to
conduct the Lord’s business. Does sound doctrine emanate from
the pulpit—teaching that enriches the soul and inoculates against
worldliness and false doctrine? Or are people looking for speakers
who are jokesters, stand-up comics, with a repertoire of jokes that
ridicule the church and biblical preaching? Are we anxious to have
leaders who love us and are concerned about our souls? Or do we
prefer to be left alone to craft religious procedure according to
our personal tastes? Do we want healthy teaching that reproves,
exhorts and, when needed, rebukes? Or would we rather have that
mushy, feel-good psycho-babble? Are we still interested in restoring
the original church, or have we gravitated toward the Joel Osteen,
Rick Warren “community church” motif? There is much talk these days
about the “emerging church.” The so-called church is one that has
“emerged” from the restraints of New Testament authority and is of
the Jeroboam variety (1 Kings 12:25-33). Far too many want a
religion fashioned after their own inclinations (Colossians 2:23),
with just a faint aroma of pristine Christianity. Congregations that
have been identified with a “restoration” principle for many years
are coming under a new leadership that is charting a course more
toward Rome than Jerusalem, and scores of naive people can’t tell
the difference. Many need to look into the mirror of divine truth
(James 1:23-24), and ask themselves this question: “What am I
looking for in a church?”
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When
Made To Ask Why
Neal Pollard
When bent by care and
fraught by fear
We turn to find solutions
We fight against sorrow, yield to each tear
Surrounded by evil's pollutions.
The asking of "why?" with perplexing dismay
Is a natural way to reply.
But that answer may not come soon, in a day
Nor on "this side" may we fully know why.
But God knows all and has shown His care
Repeatedly, as through valleys we go
Of grief and of loss He has known His share
And help for the journey He doth show.
The dark of the journey makes us crave Light,
The hurt makes us long for the Balm,
In weakness we ever can count on His might,
And rest in the shelter of His hand's palm.
It Bears Repeating:
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Courage is not the absence of fear but the mastery of it.
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Time is precious so never use two words when one will do.
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One of the best ways of teaching character is to use it
at home.
A Congregation is almost
certain to grow when. . .
1. Each member has deep concern for the lost.
2. Each member enters worship with enthusiasm.
3. Each member is interested in improving his teaching
ability.
4. Each member is interested in an aggressive Bible
school.
5. Each member is personally involved in his work of
soul-souling.
6. Each member lets brotherly love express itself to
other members.
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Have You Never Read?"
Tim Hall
March 5
was World Book Day, celebrated in various places with
librarians' enthusiastic support. To draw attention to the
esteem people generally give to reading, a poll was conducted on
the web site that promoted the day. Over 1,300 people
participated in the survey.
The questions were simple: People were asked if
they had ever lied about reading a book and, if so, which book?
Two-thirds of the respondents admitted that they
had at some point not been honest in their claim of having read
a certain book. The books about which people most often lied
were George Orwell's "1984" (42%), Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace"
(31%), James Joyce's "Ulysses" (25%), and the Bible (24%). The
books most people said they enjoyed reading were the Harry
Potter series by J.K. Rowling (61%).
What do we make of these findings? There are
many who attempt to make themselves look more impressive by
lying about their reading habits. Somewhere along the way,
however, the truth will likely come out. The dishonesty of the
pretenders is often unveiled.
Jesus encountered those who claimed to be
"experts" in the law of Moses. They challenged Jesus' popularity
by trying to make him look blasphemous, or by flaunting
their own supposed superiority in education. These enemies of
the Lord never succeeded in their quests.
On one occasion Jesus struck at the root of
their problem: "Have you never read?" (Matthew 21:42, NKJV). He
then quoted from one of the Psalms to show the
accuracy of his teaching and the fallacy of their own. Did Jesus
mean to imply that they had never actually read from that psalm?
More likely he was charging them
with failing to consider the entirety of God's word.
Reading the revealed word of God is one of our
most basic tasks. There are those who claim to read it
regularly, but their errors and oversights reveal that they're
not at all familiar with God's word. Others read it but allow
preconceived ideas to overshadow the truth that is actually
taught.
The Christians of Berea set the standard: "These
were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they
received the word with all readiness, and searched
the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so"
(Acts 17:11). In each of us are shortcomings of understanding of
God's will, or erroneous views of certain aspects of that will.
The only way to be complete ("perfect," KJV) is to come
regularly to the
scriptures God has given us (2 Timothy 3:16,17).
One day the Lord may ask us a simple question:
"Have you never read what was written?" Let us be diligent so
that we will not be ashamed at the honest answer we'll have to
give (2 Timothy 2:15).
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