1. “a time to mourn, and a time to dance;” Ecl.3:4 Dance = patterned and rhythmic bodily movements, usually performed to music, that serve as a form of communication or expression [Microsoft Encarta] Jump, leap, skip

2. The Bible does not say “Thou shalt not dance”. The Bible does not say “Thou shalt not give poison to your neighbor.” The Bible does not say “Thou shalt not strangle your neighbor.”

3. An Expression of Religious Enthusiasm Exodus 15:20 - Miriam and women Judges 11:34 - Jephthah’s daughter 2 Samuel 6:14 - David danced before the Lord Emotional expressions of religious feeling and enthusiasm

4. An Expression of Lewd thoughts and desires Exodus 32:19 - Sinai - Golden calf “dancing” v.25 “the people were naked” Matt. 14:6 - Salome danced before Herod led to the beheading of John

5. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,” Galatians 5:19 Wanton acts or manners, as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females, Lewdness, licentiousness Indecency, Sensuality, Debauchery

6. “Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:…” Gal. 5:21a Revelling refers to excessive feasting and carousing and has a close relationship with “music and dancing”. Modern dance is sexually stimulating. Heb. 13:4 “Marriage is honourable” Appeal of dancing is human passion.

7. “Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like :…” Gal. 5:21a Anything like these Dancing is associated with other works of Flesh: Adultery and Fornication Hatred - Jealousy - Wrath - Anger Murders - Drunkenness

8. “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.” Mt.7:17 Immodesty Drinking Adultery Divorce HEARTACHES

9. Helps to develop grace and poise They love music The dance will be supervised Mark 7:21-23 = from within Could we go to a dance and not dance ? Lend your approval Tempting situation Can sin by watching

10. Is dancing a fruit of the spirit or a work of the flesh? Does dancing draw one nearer to God ? Does dancing help you bring others to Christ? Would dancing be right for the elders and deacons and preacher?

11. “Keep unspotted from the world” Jas. 1:27 “Not be conformed to this world” Rom. 12:2 “Set our affections on things above” Col. 3:2 “Abstain from all appearance of evil” 1 Thes.5:22

12. The Bible does not approve Lascivousness Revelling Things like these “…those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Gal. 5:21 NKJV

14. Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249evanscoc@bellsouth.netwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org Sunday Morning Oct. 17, 2010