+ Fencing #3a How to Constructively Deal with (questions regarding) “Instrumental Music in Worship” We’re going to continue our fencing lessons today- hopefully honing our skills with the “sword of the Spirit” to be better able to use it to defend the Truth and convert souls to Christ. Always remember to use the power of the sword with: Love for the souls of others, Matt.16:26; Wisdom and grace, Col.4:5-6; and Care, understanding God’s will, Eph.5: So, let’s consider…

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: This topic is somewhat different from the previous ones in that we are usually the one being asked about “Instrumental Music,” instead of us initiating a discussion on some other topic. It usually begins with something along the lines of: “Why don’t you like pianos / music /I.M.? That’s just weird.” “Why do you think pianos are wrong/sinful?” “Is the Church of Christ the one which doesn’t believe in music, saluting the flag, taking blood transfusions, or going to the doctor?” 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: If we’re not careful, and prepared, these things may lead us to: Become defensive- We have to defend the Truth without becoming personally defensive. Be dismissive of the question and opportunity because we’ve “answered that question 1000 times before.” Even if such is true, they’ve probably never asked (you) the question before! Become “denominational” in our answers by resorting to “We believe…” or “We teach…” or “My preacher says…” instead of sticking to “The Bible says…”. These types of questions require a different type answer than do some of the previously covered topics. How so? 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: In the previous topics we’ve discussed (Faith Only & O.S.A.S.), the prospect has had a “trump” passage they thought supported their conclusion. This is not usually the case with I.M. Instead, if you ask why they like/prefer/use I.M. in worship (which should be your first response), you’ll typically get one of these answers: “It just helps us better worship the Lord.” “I don’t see anything wrong with it- we’re still singing.” “We’re just using the (musical) talents God gave us to worship and praise Him. What could be wrong with that?” “Doesn’t the Bible say David used I.M. to worship God?” “Revelation says I.M. in heaven- why not on earth?” 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: Obviously, this discussion, to be profitable to the point of it, will eventually have to get to a study of basic Bible authority and how it is established. But, If you launch into a “sermon” on how to establish bible authority, their eyes will probably just glaze over and you’ll wind up getting nowhere (fast or slow). This is true for a simple reason: “Bible Authority” was not the question they asked! So, instead…. Remember to “Start where they are,” Acts 8:35! Do this by first listening carefully to their “justification” of I.M., and then proceeding from there. 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: So, let’s consider their probable responses individually to see how to profitably proceed. If they say: “It (I.M.) just helps us better worship the Lord,” or “I don’t see anything wrong with it- we’re still singing,” then: Ask: “If the point is to truly worship God, shouldn’t we allow Him to tell us what kind of worship He prefers?” Then Ask: “If we believe the New Testament to be the expression of God’s will for us- both in everyday life and in worship, shouldn’t we expect to find His desires and expectations of what “worships” Him in it? Next Ask: “What N.T. passage suggests that God desires or expects I.M. to be a part of our Christian worship?” Now Read: Matt.26:30; Mark 14:26; Acts 16:25; Rom.15:9; 1Cor.14:15; Eph.5:19; Col.3:16; Heb.2:12; 13:15; Jas.5:13. All specify “singing”- none say “playing.” 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: Now help them see the necessary conclusions: Therefore, we know God desires, expects, and accepts vocal singing of praises because we “read it” in the N.T.! But we cannot “read” of any command, expectation, or acceptance of instrumental music being used to worship God in the N.T.! So, exactly who does I.M. worship? Matt.15:8-9 “But we’re still singing- we’re just adding I.M. to make it prettier and better worship.” How does God feel about us adding to what He has said? Let’s read: 1Cor.4:6; 2John Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ This evening, we will continue and hopefully conclude our fencing lesson on “How to Constructively Deal With Instrumental Music” by also considering these justifications: “We’re just using the talents God gave us to worship and praise Him; what could be wrong with that?” And, “Doesn’t the Bible say David used instrumental music to worship God?” And finally, “Revelation says there is instrumental music in heaven- why can’t we use it here on earth? If God accepts it there, why not here?” Please join us for the conclusion of this important topic.

+ Fencing #3b How to Constructively Deal with (questions regarding) “Instrumental Music in Worship” This evening we’re going to continue and conclude our fencing lesson for today- hopefully honing our skills with the “sword of the Spirit” to be better able to use it to defend the Truth and convert souls to Christ. As we said this morning, remember to use the power of the sword with: Love for the souls of others, Matt.16:26; Wisdom and grace, Col.4:5-6; and Care, understanding God’s will, Eph.5: So, let’s conclude…

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: This topic is somewhat different from those previously covered in that we are usually the ones being asked about “Instrumental Music,” instead of us initiating a discussion on some other topic. It usually begins with something along the lines of: “Why don’t you like pianos / music /I.M.? That’s just weird.” “Why do you think pianos are wrong/sinful?” “Is the Church of Christ the one which doesn’t believe in music, saluting the flag, taking blood transfusions, or going to the doctor?” 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: If we’re not careful, and prepared, these things may lead us to: Become defensive- We have to defend the Truth without becoming personally defensive. Be dismissive of the question and opportunity because we’ve “answered that question 1000 times before.” Even if such is true, they’ve probably never asked (you) the question before! Become “denominational” in our answers by resorting to “We believe…” or “We teach…” or “My preacher says…” instead of sticking to “The Bible says…”. These types of questions require a different type answer than do some of the previously covered topics. How so? 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: In the previous topics we’ve discussed (Faith Only & O.S.A.S.), the prospect has had a “trump” passage they thought supported their conclusion. This is not usually the case with I.M. Instead, if you ask why they like/prefer/use I.M. in worship (which should be your first response), you’ll typically get one of these answers: “It just helps us better worship the Lord.” “I don’t see anything wrong with it- we’re still singing.” “We’re just using the (musical) talents God gave us to worship and praise Him. What could be wrong with that?” “Doesn’t the Bible say David used I.M. to worship God?” “Revelation says I.M. in heaven- why not on earth?” 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: Obviously, this discussion, to be profitable to the point of it, will eventually have to get to a study of basic Bible authority and how it is established. But, If you launch into a “sermon” on how to establish bible authority, their eyes will probably just glaze over and you’ll wind up getting nowhere (fast or slow). This is true for a simple reason: “Bible Authority” was not the question they asked! So, instead…. Remember to “Start where they are,” Acts 8:35! Do this by first listening carefully to their “justification” of I.M., and then proceeding from there. 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: In this morning’s lesson, we suggested ways to constructively deal with the first two “justifications” for instrumental music in the list: “It just helps us better worship the Lord.” And, “I don’t see anything wrong with it- we’re still singing.” This time, we will suggest constructive ways to deal with the other three “justifications”: “We’re just using the (musical) talents God gave us to worship and praise Him. What’s wrong with that?” “Doesn’t the Bible say David used I.M. to worship God?” And, Revelation says there is I.M. in heaven- if it’s OK in heaven, why not on earth?” So let’s get started! 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: So, let’s consider their probable responses individually to see how to profitably proceed. If they say they use/like/prefer I.M. because: “We’re just using the (musical) talents God gave us to worship and praise Him. What’s wrong with that?” Then, Take them to Matt.25:14ff and be sure they understand the “talents” here were measurements of money (resources), not innate/natural abilities. Then be sure they understand that this parable is not about “worship,” but the nature of the kingdom and judgment to come, vv Ask: “What if my talent was gymnastics, sculpting, tree cutting, or bull-dozer operation? Should these talents also be incorporated in worship services?” Ask: “Shouldn’t we allow God to tell us what pleases/worships Him? 1Cor.1:25; John 4:22-23; Matt.7:21; Heb.13:15 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: So, let’s consider their probable responses individually to see how to profitably proceed. If they say they use/like/prefer I.M. because: “Doesn’t the Bible say David used I.M. to worship God?” Then, Answer “Yes,” because he did, Psalm 150. Then point out that David, as a Jew, lived and worshipped under the first covenant given through Moses (the O.T.), Heb.9:1-9. Ask: “Are we Jews, and still under that law system?” Heb.9:11-17 Ask: “If we use that law system for justification of our worship, shouldn’t we also offer animal sacrifices and burn incense as David also did?” Gal.5:1-4; Rom.7:1-6; Heb.10:8-9. Make sure they understand that the Law of Moses was only given to Jews who lived between its inception at Mt. Sinai and its removal at the cross of Jesus, Ex.19  2Cor.3:7-11; Heb.8: Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: Now, on this “justification,” if they’ve been coached, they may ask a follow-up: “But isn’t Psalms part of the N.T.” Then, Understand that this notion may stem from some New Testaments being printed with Psalms included. Show them John 10:33-34 where Jesus quoted Psalm 82:6 to Jews, and said it was part of “your Law,” meaning the O.T. No, by Jesus’ own words, Psalms is not part of His Law, the New Testament, Col.2: Finally, 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: So, let’s consider their probable responses individually to see how to profitably proceed. If they say they use/like/prefer I.M. because: “Revelation says there is I.M. in heaven- if it’s OK in heaven, why not on earth?” Start where they are, which is Rev.5:8; 14:2. Then point out that in Rev.5:8, “the four living creatures and the twenty four elders” before the throne of God each had “a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” Ask: Is this literal or figurative language? Ask: “If it is figurative language regarding heaven, is it really fair to use this symbolism as justification for real/literal worship here on earth? Ask: Doesn’t this passage also say that they “each” had a harp and bowl of incense? If this is justification for I.M., wouldn’t it demand that every play a harp while holding a bowl of incense? Now for the other passage, Rev.14:2… 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: So, let’s consider their probable responses individually to see how to profitably proceed. If they say they use/like/prefer I.M. because: “Revelation says there is I.M. in heaven- if it’s OK in heaven, why not on earth?” Start where they are, which is Rev. 14:2. Then point out that in Rev.14:2, the text actually says that the voice was “like the sound of harpists playing on their harps”- not that it was “the sound of harpists playing on their harps.” Ask: Who could learn this song? Rev.14:1-5 says that only the 144,000 who had “not been defiled with women, for they are celibates” were the only ones who could learn the song. Ask: “If only the 144,000 celibate virgins could learn the song that sounded like harpists playing on harps, is it really fair to use this symbolism as justification for real/literal worship here on earth? Ask: “If God really wanted us to use I.M., wouldn’t He have expressed it with clearer and more literal language to those Christians living prior to the writing of Revelation (between 33 and 97 A.D.)? 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Things to remember from our previous lessons: Conclusion: No passage in the New Testament, which is the Law Christians are under, commands or even implies that I.M. is acceptable to God for worship. Ask: How do we know I.M. was used under the Law of Moses? “We read it in Psalm 150 and 2Chron.29:25.” Ask: How do we know that there are sounds in heaven that sound like I.M.? “We read it in Rev.5:8 and 14:2.” Ask: So, before we can use I.M. in Christian worship: wouldn’t we have to be able to “read it in the New Testament?” I.M. is simply not in the N.T. If God had desired it, He would have said so! 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind and gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….” 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (on Belief in God, the Bible, Christ, Salvation Requirements, etc.) 4. Start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse(s) or passage; and 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.