Misconceptions About The

3. The church of Christ does not have music Two kinds of music: VocalVocal MechanicalMechanical

3. The church of Christ does not have music? “What does the Scripture say?” (Gal 4:30) –What kind does the Lord authorize? Colossians 1:18; 2:10; 3:17Colossians 1:18; 2:10; 3:17 Respect the silence (Lev. 10:1-3; Acts 15:24)Respect the silence (Lev. 10:1-3; Acts 15:24)

BUILDING GOD’S HOUSE GOD’S HOUSESILENCE Authority From Man’s Heart Authority From God’s Word? 1 Chron. 17:1, 2; 28:2, 31 Chron. 17:3-6; Deut. 4:2

3. The church of Christ does not have music? “What does the Scripture say?” (Gal 4:30) Ten passages in NT speak of music for worshipTen passages in NT speak of music for worship Matt. 26:30; Mk. 14:26; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:12; 13:15; Jas. 5:13 Matt. 26:30; Mk. 14:26; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:12; 13:15; Jas. 5:13

DISCERNING BETWEEN “RIGHT” AND “ALMOST RIGHT” 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. —Hebrews 5:13, 14

Arguments “You use a pitch pipe and song books.”“You use a pitch pipe and song books.” –The pitch is a part of the command “to sing” –Expediencies do not change the action being done We are not singing and “pitch-piping”We are not singing and “pitch-piping”

Arguments “Playing an instrument is my God-given talent.”“Playing an instrument is my God-given talent.” –Worship is not a talent show –Cain had farming talent, but God “…did not respect Cain and his offering” (Gen. 4:5) –David had skillful house builders, but he could not build God a house (1 Chron. 14:1; 17:4)

Arguments “We play instruments at home.”“We play instruments at home.” –A lot of things are done in the home which would be unlawful “in the church” Preparing meals, eating, recreation, etc.Preparing meals, eating, recreation, etc. Difference between home and worship (1 Cor. 11:34)Difference between home and worship (1 Cor. 11:34) –Worship must be in spirit and truth (Jn. 4:24)

Arguments “Mechanical music is said to be in heaven in the Revelation.”“Mechanical music is said to be in heaven in the Revelation.” –Revelation written in symbolic code (1:1)

Are heavenly symbols to be literally placed into the church? –24 elders, white robes, crowns (4:4) –Thunder & lightening (4:5) –Seven lamps of fire (4:5) –Living creatures like a lion, calf, face of man, eagle (4:7) –Casting crown worship (4:8) –A scroll written on inside and back with seven seals (5:2) –Golden bowls full of incense (5:8)

Arguments “Instruments were in Old Testament worship.”“Instruments were in Old Testament worship.” –Was commanded (2 Chron. 29:25) There is a reason why it is called “Old” (Heb. 8:13)There is a reason why it is called “Old” (Heb. 8:13) Was taken away (Heb. 10:9)Was taken away (Heb. 10:9) –Why not bring everything else in the Old Testament into the New Testament?

Let Us Be Content To Worship God As He Commands Preaching—apostolic teaching (Acts 2:42)Preaching—apostolic teaching (Acts 2:42) Prayer—through Christ (Jn. 14:13, 14)Prayer—through Christ (Jn. 14:13, 14) Giving—freewill offering (1 Cor. 16:1, 2)Giving—freewill offering (1 Cor. 16:1, 2) Singing—from the heart (Eph. 5:19)Singing—from the heart (Eph. 5:19) Lord’s Supper—memorial (Acts 20:7)Lord’s Supper—memorial (Acts 20:7)