Why We Oppose Musical Instruments in Worship

[@kmsnash8]

Such silliness!

[@hectoralvarado9359]

They are blind and deaf.

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

@@hectoralvarado9359 How so?

[@tinzincz2332]

“Sing for joy in the Lord, you righteous ones; Praise is becoming to the upright. Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭

[@hndavidsonful]

Old Testament

[@KM-leons]

@@hndavidsonful There was no New Testament or new covenant until Jesus's death. Jesus used the Old Testament as scripture. Now the question: was it wrong for Jesus to use the accompaniment of instruments while singing, as David did, from whom Jesus descended?

[@timothytufts3093]

@@hndavidsonful Do you use any of the OT scriptures at all? Do you just consign them to the Law - and therefore we don't have any responsibility to obey them?

[@thundershadow]

@@KM-leons Yes, Jesus used the old Testament. And he fulfilled (concluded) the Old Covenant. He couldn't have instituted his New Covenant without concluding the old one. In addition to concluding the Old Covenant he also had to die in order for the New Covenant to become of force. We could ask him about instrumental music if he were here... Since he isn't he left us instructions in his New Covenant. His instructions were to sing.

[@KM-leons]

@@thundershadow I agree with the points you mentioned above except the last one. Does that mean we don't have to follow anything written in the Old Testament? The disciples and the believers after Jesus's resurrection and ascention continued to use the Old Testament as their scripture(Eg. Acts 17:11). For what? Don't forget we got the canonized New Testament only in the fourth century.Until then they considered the letters of desciples as instructions not scripture. Now, which are good and required to follow and not required to follow from the OT? The answer is clear that which were not part of the Mosaic law. Psalms 150 is a kind of instruction and advice for those who worship God almighty. If you say it was done away with how can you read/sing it from your heart? Or are you reading it only with an academic perspective? Don't forget believers still read Old Testament laws and sacrifices with reverence to understand more about the purpose and need of Jesus's sacrifice and for their spiritual edification.Shadows teach us a lot about its fulfilment in Jesus. Anything of that sort for musical instruments if it's done away with Jesus's crucifixion?

[@brianstacey2679]

Using the logic of point #2, let's analyze a screenshot. The Bible doesn't say anything about allowing microphones, yet there sits a microphone. I also am not aware of anything in scripture regarding allowing drywall in a church, yet there is a big sheet of drywall behind the preacher. Jesus never told the disciples to wear ties, so why is the minister wearing a tie? Paintings...never mentioned in scripture. Nor is PowerPoint; the Bible never allows PowerPoint. I've seen some silly applications of Sola Scriptura; this one is definitely for the books.

[@BPTheBiblePerspective]

Well said. For that matter, where does the NT say meet in buildings. Didn’t they meet house to house, and in Jerusalem the Temple?

[@brianstacey2679]

@@BPTheBiblePerspective Great point. From a historical perspective, holding Mass in buildings designated for such a purpose dates back the Constantinian era. When the Church was legalized in the Roman Empire and people converted en masse, the old pagan temples were abandoned and available, so it made sense to move the Liturgy out of small houses which could not accommodate all of the people and into these unused old temples. Practicality and logic played a role in the development of the Church, and many practices common across denominations are old Roman practices assimilated and repurposed for Christian needs. This is seen throughout Christian history. (East and West assimilating each others' traditions, Protestants repurposing Catholic practices.) Our Christian brothers and sisters in the Church of Christ do not understand that. Not everything can be traced directly to the Bible. Scripture teaches dogma; it was not concerned with the little details of the logistics of worship. It designated others for that: the Apostles and their successors.

[@JonathanGrandt]

My kinda guy right here. For fear that I might disagree with everything else you might ever say, so let’s leave it at this wonderful comment. Bravo. I like Sola Scriptura, however I find it is most often used as a manipulative slogan to try and convince the congregation that what they are about to learn is remotely biblical.

[@jarvisprice1992]

Why does the BIBLE need to speak about AIDS in the Body of Christ??? Things that HELP THE CHURCH, edifying and keeping things IN ORDER - NOT ADDITIONS. We use plates for communion to pass around- WHERE IS THE AUTHORITY?? There is none but we do it because it’s an AID it helps the CHURCH!! We use song books - where is the authority? We have NONE but we use them because it’s an AID and it helps the CHURCH! It’s not a sin!!!!! Come on!!! Why would you need authority for aids?? I need authority for a song book? To follow along? Get real!!!!!!! It’s an aid!!!! We need authority for communion plates to be passed around for the church?????? We need authority for that ??? We need authority for MICROPHONES??? Are you serious ?????? AIDS DO NOT HINDER THE WORD NOR DOES IT HINDER THE CHURCH!!!!!! Addictions DO! Dry wall with BIBLICAL WORDS - not a sin! Don’t need NO AUTHORITY for it!!! If a congregation wants to have SCRIPTURES everywhere that’s up to THAT congregation. We don’t need Bible for doing things decently in order the way the Bible says… nor for aids!!!!!! That does not hinder the WORD OR CHURCH. Wearing a tie ???????!! Really????????? BE SMART!!!!!!! Don’t act like you don’t understand. Don’t be disobedient!!! Would you WEAR a basketball jersey to worship ???? Which will draw people away, even for a split minute…. You know that!!!! Worship has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with basketball Yet if I wear a tie ….. if I wear something that isn’t flashy to DRAW people away BUT presentable enough to NOT LOOK like I do not care about how I look I NEED AUTHORIZATION for that??? Stop the foolishness!!!!!!! The Bible NEVER ALLOWS POWERPOINTS?? Paul told Timothy as well as ALL preachers to do thing DECENTLY AND IN ORDER…. If a preacher WANTS TO PUT UP SCRIPTURE TO HELP OTHERS FOLLOW ALONG…. Please show me WHERE THAT AND ALL THAT I SAID IS SINFUL!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lindahutchens8612]

brianstacey2679 We are talking about instrumental music in worship; if it is okay or not. We are commanded to "SING" and not sing and play an instrument; playing is different from singing. God wants everyone "singing" with the fruit of thy lips. "Singing" is specified.

[@johnnynesbit8289]

You can convince people of almost any doctrine with clever arguments. The pharisees thought they were following all the right doctrines also.

[@KM-leons]

Exactly!

[@thundershadow]

And it isn't hard to convince people to do what they already have in their mind and heart to do. Being attentive to God's word that's something we have to work at. Scripture says... "my people perish due to a lack of knowledge." Considering Jesus said afterward that narrow is the way that leads to life... we can glean from that the lack of knowledge will pervade. I'm disturbed by the pervasive lack of understanding Faith.

[@grammyj17988]

Talk about [traditions] And the letter [that kills]🗡of the LAW ! Let everything that has BREATH 🎷🎺🪈PRAISE the LORD ~ 🗣PRAISE YE the LORD

[@lindahutchens8612]

@johnnynesbit8289 So are you for the instrument or against it?

[@followingchrist3660]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@thundershadow Hosea 4:6 6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. We’re no longer under the law. No one perished for having an instrument before the law or during the law. Will a child of God, a Christian, be sent to hell for playing an instrument for worship today? Book, chapter and verse for this?

[@rbjsculpture]

Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise. Psalm 33:2,3

[@lindahutchens8612]

Old Testament.

[@nfcboys1984]

Amen

[@harolddavis1493]

Nothing wrong with a piano especially when the hymnals that has notes in them plus there is nothing in his argument that will convince me because it's not mentioned in the new testament plus you have to understand back in ad 33 they met it homes but i bet if they had music they would have used it I'm a member of the church of Christ to we sing Acapella but I don't have any thing wrong with a simple piano

[@tiavee]

I appreciate the Old Testament, but I live my life by the New Testament.

[@sangpierremendy2804]

@@harolddavis1493 becareful not to say they don't have any of the musical instruments in the New Testament days. David had them, they were available in the temple and synagogues sin e they were used for worship. For the fact Jesus on sang with them in Matth 26, they welcomed him with only 'loud voices' in the triumphant entry to Jerusalem, clearly mentioned in Heb. 13:15, and even more detailed in both Colossian 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19, I think it is deliberate.

[@speakeasyarchives8764]

When someone infers or telling you that it is a sin to worship God with a guitar or harp. And ties it to salvation that is man made doctrine. Paul says it's a different gospel.

[@jarvisprice1992]

You’re lying . Paul said if anyone , preach a different GOSPEL let them be accursed. We see SINGING in the NT. Not playing instruments! Ever!!! You’ll never see it! All you’ll see GOD commanding singing to be done! That’s it!

[@speakeasyarchives8764]

@Jarvis Price I see no commandment in the new testament that says it's a sin the play a harp. You can look tell you die its not there.

[@speakeasyarchives8764]

@Jarvis Price show me where microphones and electricity and speakers and heat and air and computers are allowed in the way to worship God?

[@jarvisprice1992]

@@speakeasyarchives8764 I see MANY COMMANDMENTS AND EXAMPLES TO SING. Now if that’s not enough. You go ahead and do you. I’m not gone fight with you. You sound foolish!! With that logic you can pretty much do anything in the midst of the church and I am so glad I know that when GOD says sing. It disqualifies all else. I’m also glad to know when GOD is silent on matters that sometimes means no. When Jesus prayed to GOD that He might have another way out. Did God answer Him?? No! He was quiet, and that meant no. Did Jesus go and find ANOTHER way out?? Dis He go do what He wanted ???? No!!! He obeyed, because HE ALREADY had the WORD. He needed nothing else but to die, I thank Him for that!! God says to sing. The mentioning of not bringing in a basketball court, or instruments or a pool table DOES NOT NEED to be said FROM GOD- when He says SING!!!!! People use instruments for THEIR GLORY because they want to please others!!!!!! Like I said before. Go get the animals , multiple wives, and incense as well, hypocrites. You want one thing but not all… I don’t see the Bible saying we can’t have TRANSGENDER communion cups… so let’s have them - THAT’S HOW YOU SOUND!!!!!! Because it’s not in the Bible LETS DO IT!!!! You sound foolish!!!!!!!!

[@jarvisprice1992]

@@speakeasyarchives8764 PICK AND CHOOSE ANY OF THOSE EXAMPLES…. And write HOW THEY INTERRUPT WORSHIP TO GOD… Microphones hinder the WORD???? Speaker ??????? Electricity?????????? HINDERS THE WORD??? Wow!!!!!!! I’m out!! A microphone BEING USED to speak is NOT an addition to STRUCTURE… ORDER… Instruments are!!!!!!! God said sing!!! You say no. Instruments. God says Fellowship with one another. You say no. We don’t need temperature control. We need people uncomfortable.. that’s what you say… Teach each other… you say no. Don’t put up PowerPoints to help. You go against GOD by adding not aiding!!!! Aiding is DOING THINGS DECENT AND IN ORDER You think we need a microphone to teach? Heat??? Stop it!!!!!! Literally! You look foolish

[@trutrek913]

There is a big flaw in this teaching or in its application. In every new testament scripture given in this video to show that singing was done with just voices and since musical instruments were not mentioned, instruments is not allowed. Yet, in all of those same examples, there is no mention of any woman singing, only the men. Also, in 1 Corinthians 14:34 commands that "Women are to remain silent in churches", wouldn't that include singing as well? Yet, in every Church of Christ, women are singing as well. Therefore, for the same reasons given for not allowing instruments, the same reasons also bans women from singing as they are not mention in any of the examples shown in 3:38 of the video and 1 Corinthians 14:34 also agrees with this.

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

How did you miss the context of 1 Cor. 14:34? This was talking about speaking in tongues. Paul is teaching for women not to speak in tongues and learn in silence. Which agrees with 1 Tim. 2:11,12. We are all commanded to sing. Paul wrote to the church in Colossae...and the church is made up of men and women. Let the word of christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Col. 3:16. Keep studying.

[@trutrek913]

@@jmcc-lt3lk All of that says women are to remain quiet in church, not just from speaking, but silence. Besides, Corinthians 3 wasn't talking about church service, but about living as a christian, a woman can sing all she wants, outside of church. Chapter 3 doesn't even mention church at all. Show me where in all those examples given by the video as to why musical instruments aren't allowed, why there isn't any women singing either in those same examples? If you allow women to sing, then you must also allow musical instruments. Follow the bible, not man's doctrines.

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

I will show you where we are to sing in the New Testament church worship when I get home from work this evening. I want you to show me where we are to play mechanical instruments in the New Testament church worship.

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

Before I give you scriptures for what is authorized in Jesus' church. Let me first say, I believe 2 Tim. 3:15,16. So the scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness so the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. I also believe we should prove what the Bible says to be true, Rom. 12:2. Therefore, I can say we have no authority or there was no example of the use of mechanical instruments of music in the New Testament church, but until I give you scripture for that, then it is my opinion and not what God says. Same goes for you. If you can't prove it, it is your opion and not what God says. Now first, we are no longer bound to the Old Testament practices. We are a New Testament institution. Heb. 8:7,13 "For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." Jesus abolished the Old Testament when he died on the cross. Colossians 2:14, "blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;" We as Christians have no need going to the Old Testament to offer sacrifices of praise like they did. That law was not given to us. People often misuse Matthew 5:17. Jesus took the law out of the way not by violating it, but by fulfilling it. He did so by obeying it, by his exact manifestation as its promised Messiah, and by enlarging and expanding its teachings lifting them to a higher and purer level, and by bringing all the Old Testament teachings to perfection in the perfect law of liberty. If we were to still go by the Old Testament, Jesus wouldn't have given us a NEW commandment in John 13:34...along with others.

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

Col. 3:16 says we're supposed to teach and admonish one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord. What does an instrument teach? How does it admonish?

[@MelissaRiley-Kosto]

We can not neglect the Old Testament. Psa 33:2 HNV - 2 Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre. Sing praises to him with the harp of ten strings. This is just one example of God directing us to use instruments in praise. Also, music with instruments is linked to healing in the OT. The Messiah Yeshua is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Yeshua IS the Word, the entire Word. Blessings!

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

Do you follow Leviticus chapter 1?

[@excellenceinchurchmusic3170]

You do not authorize a practice from silence, correct. You also do not condemn it from silence. You are welcome to refrain from using instruments to the glory of God as others like my church are welcome to use them to the glory of God. This is the liberty Paul talked about in I Corinthians. To make this a sin issue is a mishandling of Scripture.

[@AlanCanon2222]

Yeah, everyone's good. As long as they advocate slavery and abuse of women and children, they're part of God's Church.

[@tianarhastings8372]

This is how I feel based solely off of Paul’s teachings. But my brother has been convinced that it is a sin. My husband feels that it is detrimental. I’m wanting to honor the Lord but in no way do I understand my brother’s position.

[@paulyoung8671]

Thank you for your commitment to obedience to God's Word, despite opposition. However, there are some issues with the message you preached. The primary thrust of your message was that God has proscribed worship in the church in a certain way and that overstepping those proscriptions is disobedience. A large issue with this is that all of the singing passages you mentioned in the new testament are not proscriptions for a worship assembly. In fact, the only one of them that is in the context of a weekly assembly is 1 Cor 14:15, which is not a proscription for singing, but a requirement to conduct all church activity (singing or otherwise) sensibly and meaningfully. We sing at church, not because God tells us to sing at church, but because God tells us to sing, and to meet together (Heb 10:25), and what better thing to do when meeting together than the singing that God has already told us to do. With that in mind, consider two of the passages you mentioned Eph 5:19 and Col 3:16. These include psalms alongside hymns and spiritual songs. Many of the psalms mention singing to God with various musical instruments. Imagine singing Psalm 33 in church "Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy." Is it not absurd to conclude that God wants us to sing to Him this psalm about singing a song to God WITH INSTRUMENTS, without any instruments?

[@JohnLankford-n4b]

In all the comments no one has produced a NT verse that allows us to know that God is pleased with instrumental music. We knosw he is pleased with singing accompanied by plucking the strings of the heart as stated in Eph 5:19. Why not deliver to God what He said to deliver as per music in the NEW Covenant?

[@clintonjameshuddleston-apo9385]

What type of logic is this? I am also yet to find a verse that prohibits tattoos in the NT. Yet, it remains wrong. "And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound" Revelation 8:6 Wait... what? The angels were playing instruments? How blasphemous according to the CoC! Also, the CoC denies the Holy Spirit. They are NOT Christ's church. They are just as bad as denominational churches are.

[@Goatsiiii]

​@@clintonjameshuddleston-apo9385the angles play but we talking about in the church, the new tastement dosen say about instrumentals to use while praising the lord, also the Church of Christ is in the Bible jesus is the Christ, if you are following the old tastement then ur following the wrong one

[@clintonjameshuddleston-apo9385]

@@Goatsiiii You know the Jehovah‘s Witnesses, Roman Catholics, Baptists, Pentecostals etc. make the same arguments as you? Besides, the instruments are not limited to the Torah. The Psalms are authoritative to the NT too. There are things Jehovah allowed but no longer does like polygamy, killing our enemies, swearing oaths etc. No such correction was made with instruments. Christ came not to abolish the law but fullfil it. I formerly used to be an Anabaptist but I cut my ties after reading the Early Church Fathers.

[@clintonjameshuddleston-apo9385]

@@Goatsiiii Church is WHEREVER believers assemble (Hebrews 10:25)

[@fleefrombabylon]

Let Everything Praise the Lord Psalm 150 Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! 2 Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! 3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! 4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! 5 Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

[@Goatsiiii]

In the old tastement not in new tastement

[@kevinniewoehner6037]

God entrust his people with many musical abilities. They should be used to worship the giver of all talents.

[@Goatsiiii]

In the old tastement not in new tastement

[@Jounior2567]

​@@Goatsiiii that's such a stupid and brainless take honestly

[@barberq210]

Psalms 150 - 4-6 Praise him with tambourines and dancing; praise him with stringed instruments and flutes. 5 Praise him with loud cymbals; praise him with crashing cymbals. 6 Let everything that breathes praise the Lord

[@JRB-uy4ml]

SO! Where is the use or authority in the New Testament?

[@barberq210]

@@JRB-uy4ml and where in the New Testament does it forbid it

[@clintonjameshuddleston-apo9385]

@@JRB-uy4ml Where does it say the entire Mosaic law was gone, Marcionite? Also, there are things Jesus DOES prohibit that Moses temporarely allowed, but Christ prohibits, such as killing in self defense (Matthew 5:44) and divorce/remarriage (Matthew 5:32), so they are phpocrites.

[@Goatsiiii]

​@@barberq210the new tastement dosen talk about music anymore you cannot just adds music while praising the lord

[@danieleoduro3829]

What????​@@Goatsiiii

[@edoudavid9256]

Note God uses trumpet sound for amessage.

[@timothy4557]

Can we whistle?

[@lois1963]

🤣🤣

[@lindahutchens8612]

Can we whistle? Only "while you work." (The dwarfs of Snow White) LOL

[@JonathanGrandt]

Absolutely no real biblical basis for rejecting instruments.

[@sangpierremendy2804]

Holding on to your comfort zone does not make you better. Jesus request that we obey His commandments. Please do

[@nfcboys1984]

Legalism is more toxic amongst believers than sin itself..

[@johannes6760]

Churches love legalism. The Bible says nothing about using internet and video cameras to record videos and yet here they are.

[@shonjackson9395]

No real Biblical bases? If the scripture tells us what to do, why are we arguing? The scripture says sing. Your interpretation is with instruments. The argument regarding the use of video? Well, they didn't have the Bible back then and here we are. Splitting hairs has never been advantageous. The Pharisees split hairs. How did that work for them?

[@thundershadow]

If we follow the bible and eschew what is not bible then we will never be drawn away. Wanting to follow the bible is reason enough to reject what isn't there.

[@makarov138]

The abhorrence of musical instruments in worship is a doctrine of men! Absence of scripture is not disallowance!

[@33Cigarettes]

It doesn’t matter how you feel or what you prefer, it matters how God feel’s and what He prefers. If God preferred instruments would He not have said “use instruments while you worship me in fellowship”?

[@makarov138]

@@33Cigarettes "Have you not read the scriptures?" What has Christ said that He feels and prefers? I will tell you what God feels and prefers! 1 Cor 10:4 “and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them: and the rock was the Christ.” It was Christ that followed the Israelites out in the wilderness for 40 years. JN 8:24 “23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for except ye believe that I AM, ye shall die in your sins.” Jesus is the “I AM” Ps 149:3 “Let them praise his name in the dance: Let them sing praises unto him with timbrel and harp. 4 For Jehovah taketh pleasure in his people:” (when they are using instruments!) Ps 150 3-6 “Praise him with trumpet sound: Praise him with psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with timbrel and dance: Praise him with stringed instruments and pipe. 5 Praise him with loud cymbals: Praise him with high sounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that hath breath praise Jehovah. Praise ye Jehovah.” God enjoys musical instrumentation usage in worship to Him. And “Him” is Christ!! He doesn't need to tell you AGAIN to use them, because you should know that it pleases Him because He has already told you! “Have you not read what the scriptures say?”

[@makarov138]

@@jarvisprice1992 1. Your legalistic thinking has completely blinded you. and 2. There are NOT 8 verses that command one not to use MI in worship. In fact, they do not mention MIs at all! And absence of evidence is not abstinence or a command.

[@33Cigarettes]

@@makarov138 I’ve certainly read those verses, but who are those verses in Psalms being directed to? Because in the Old Testament slaying specific animals and putting them on an alter was pleasing to God, but those commands were directed toward specific people during a specific time, we can’t just take verses that direct people on how to please God and say that they’re for all people at all times.

[@makarov138]

@@33Cigarettes "Because in the Old Testament slaying specific animals and putting them on an alter was pleasing to God?" NO! That is false. Heb 10:5,6 "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure." God specifically said he did not take any pleasure in animal sacrifices and slayings laid up on an alter. Heb 10:8 "Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law)," God never took pleasure in those. He merely allowed them. But in PS 149:4 where the people are singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments in worship to God, the scripture says very clearly "For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;" Takes pleasure when? They are worshiping Him with instrumentation! There is no ambiguity here. What could be more clear! And the culmination is in PS 150: " Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! 4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! 5 Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!" To deny God what He takes pleasure in, in the worship of Him, is tantamount to worship in vain.

[@franklasiter4440]

Paul and Silas sang in prison around midnight. I doubt the prison had instruments.

[@Mr2006chevyguy]

“Praise Him with timbrel and dancing; praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe” Psalms 150:4 - “Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings” Psalms 33:2 - “The Lord will surely save me; so we will play my songs on stringed instruments all the days of our life at the house of the Lord” Isaiah 38:20 - “I will also praise You with a harp, even your truth O’ my God; To You I will sing praises with the lyre, O’ holy one of Israel” Psalms 71:22……I can go on and on. The IS verses about using instruments while praising the Lord.

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

Can you find those same type of verses for the example in the New Testament church?

[@Yertville1967]

@@jmcc-lt3lkyou can’t find one verse in the NT that says you can’t play musical instruments in a building. The church isn’t a building and you can only find God in the person

[@jamessremos]

​@jmcc-lt3lk Jesus says we are to worship God in spirit and in truth... there is nothing in the NT forbidding the use of instruments. It simply isn't addressed. Jesus is God and was worshipped by his people during the old Testament period with instruments. Psalm 150, 33, 71, etc... Jesus Christ the same yesterday today and forever. Nothing wrong with only singing, but you are bringing people into bondage to forbid instruments by calling it sinful when the Bible does not call it sinful. You are also deceiving people by saying the Bible doesn't say instruments can be used when the O.T. is full of instrumental music. If you don't want to use instruments then call it your preference, don't lie to people by calling it sinful when it clearly is not sinful according to God's word. It is very telling how convoluted your defense has to be to defend this position... you've turned a simple matter into a very convoluted matter. Btw: why are you quoting the O.T about the specifics of the Red Heifer sacrifice, while rejecting the OT on the issue of instruments. VERY TELLING

[@jesusprofessor314]

Where does the Bible authorize KZbin videos?

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

Matthew 28:18-20

[@jesusprofessor314]

@@jmcc-lt3lk Of course. Yes, the same verse authorizes musical instruments.

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

@@jesusprofessor314 you're sadly mistaken. The apostles taught everything Jesus commanded. The apostles taught us to sing and how to do it (with the spirit and the understanding- 1 Cor. 14:15). They told us what to use (the fruit of our lips- Heb. 13:15) They taught us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice which is our spiritualworship(Rom. 12:1,2). There is only one instrument that is living, that's the human voice. And they taught is where to sing (in the midst of the church- Heb. 2:12)

[@jesusprofessor314]

Is Jesus Yahweh? @@jmcc-lt3lk

[@AlanCanon2222]

@@jmcc-lt3lk But why should anyone care what's written in the Church of Christ Bible?

[@coolhandluke6438]

Ephesians 5:19 specifically mentions Psalms, they were almost always used with instruments 4:06 and the early church, especially the Paul and other 4:06 Jewish believers would have known this. Acapella should still be used. The doctrine of Christ in context is the doctrine of Who He is and what He has done, not necessarily the teachings of how we you live in Him. Also when they preached or sang, they didn’t use microphones or projectors!

[@N0PeNOTme]

Well I guess God made a mistake when he gave me a gift of playing the piano, this message is ridiculous. “ its not in the bible” 8:18 if it’s not in the bible then respectfully what the hell are you preaching then? Im sure during this preaching some people are depressed,anxious,worried and spritually immature. so why didn’t you focus on topics that would help your congregation grow.

[@JonathanGrandt]

Thank God for your talent and skill! Glory to God that you use it for His praise!

[@nwe2009]

God gave me music talent too and is showering me with Christian based music opportunities. The clowns in this video and in the comments are not only talentless, but are preaching false biblical 'truths' leading brothers astray. The people in the video I would consider wicked.

[@yuuiortega9092]

Didn't King David play the HARP for king Saul to drive out demons? God must've approved it if he worked that miracle through him.

[@keelie194]

King David also burned incense sacrafised lambs but you don’t do that. So how can you pick and choose what’s you do and don’t do what David did

[@jarvisprice1992]

@@keelie194 Exactly!

[@jamesfitch4569]

❤

[@JonathanGrandt]

@@keelie194 because we have a Lamb and a final sacrifice, genius. The psalms literally instruct the use of many instruments. Why on earth would Paul need to tell us to use something if it was already part of celebrations? Paul and the New Testament writers would have to expressly condemn something as they did regarding the other things you mentioned.

[@nwe2009]

@@keelie194 You realize Psalm means SONGS right? There is a book in the bible filled with over 100 song lyrics. God wants us to make music

[@vernasmith1108]

There are some Church Of Chirst that has instruments in the church.

[@lindahutchens8612]

Churches of Christ are autonomous and you are correct, some use the instruments but we are told to SING and NOT sing and play.

[@GibGuymer]

Those groups are called the Independent Church of Christ and the Christian Church and they do use instruments in worship.

[@omegatafkal]

If you do so, no problem. I'd also prefer acapella music any day over the modern "Christian" music. I however don't think the prohibition of musical instruments is biblical. Keep in mind, "Christian" rap does not use instruments either, they use computers. I believe real instruments may be used.

[@mikeballew3283]

Because music brings joy, and the last thing we want in worshipping the lord is JOY😮

[@gerrfleck]

Willie Williams has a great message on this also. North Colony church of Christ. Excellent points made with this lesson. Please watch it

[@makarov138]

There were no electrified public address amplifiers nor microphones in those days either. They are actually "instruments." So where is the scripture that limits or denies a particular type of instrument?

[@jonleonard1555]

Devices such as speakers and microphones are used to amplify and record the message presented. We are given multiple commandments and examples to help people hear the word. Making the message louder does not change the message. Adding musical instruments to the singing changes the presentation of it. Though there is no "Thou shalt not" play musical instruments in the New Testament for Christian worship, there are many examples of singing with heart and understanding. Using a microphone to make yourself louder doesn't change the message, but adding musical instruments with singing does change it.

[@makarov138]

@@jonleonard1555 A typical song sung in Church with a simple piano does not change the message.

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

@@makarov138 it changes the instruction. We don't have the authority to change the instruction.

[@RedleyOpasa]

And Pastor is still worshipping on the first day of the week..sunday. Please pastor, can you man up and tell your congregation to worship God on Sabbath..the seventh-day of the week as God commanded. Instruments or no instruments does not matter.. Heaven is a place of music, harp, trumpet and singing.. stop this misconception which is wasting of your congregation's time. Tell them about the seal of God..Sabbath..that determines whether you are saved or lost with the mark of the beast(sunday worship).

[@RayRice-lr8vi]

The NT specifically talks about people regarding different days differently and each one regarding them to the Lord, the Sabbath thing is just as crazy as the instrument thing....

[@richardallison8745]

The Church of Christ is so wrapped up in legalism that they take context of Scripture to make it their own instead of letting scripture stand on it's own. One thing he is right is that if you follow one part of the law, you have to follow all of it. Thanks Jesus from taking this burden from me. The singing is part of worship but instruments accompany singing as a background. Many of the precious hymns that traditional denominations are not sinful with music accompaniment. The same with Pentecostal music does nothing but exalt the Lord. Throughout the Psalms, especially of those of King David were were shofers, trumpets (which we will hear in the Second Coming), flutes, all kinds of harps, cymbals and drums were all used. Church of Christ has some doctrinal problems with Scripture and God will judge them accordingly.

[@nenemens]

Legalism adds burdens. How's it a burden to go to church and simply worship God by singing with your voice? It adds nothing to the word of God. The church of Christ does the minimum requirement of the word of God. If you're okay adding liberally to what constituted worship in the New Testament church that's up to you. Whereas you're talking of God judging us, I'll ask that God should have mercy on all of us including you for our additions to and subtractions from His word.

[@thundershadow]

* The Church of Christ is so wrapped up in legalism * The Churches of Christ reformed from denominational think, adopting the express purpose of unity by means of doctrinal validity. In other words what the bible says we will do. What the bible does not say we do not make it a point of faith. For you guys... what you do in the name of God does not have to be by faith. That is a catastrophic failure to understand. You say we are saved by faith but you do not act by faith. What we are doing by example is to worship using the principle of faith. We will go where we are led by the spirit of God through his word. You want instrumental music because it pleases you not because God commanded it.

[@jerroldshelton9367]

@@thundershadow You wrote: "In other words what the bible says we will do. " Well, it seems that what you really mean is "What we THINK it says, we will do" and going back to the original Greek text is apparently not something y'all are keen on. In 1 Corinthians 14:15, the word ψαλῶ is used in the original text. That word means "To twitch or twang, i.e., to play on a stringed instrument". So, the translation in whatever English-language Bible you people use could just as easily be "I will worship with music" in lieu of "I will sing." That wouldn't be an issue if y'all understood the message Paul was sending in his Epistle to the Galatians but, alas, the gospel of "Salvation by grace through faith in Christ plus circumcision" isn't much different than "Salvation by grace through faith in Christ plus no musical instruments in church beyond the human voice."

[@thundershadow]

@@jerroldshelton9367 * Well, it seems that what you really mean is * I meant what I posted. * going back to the original Greek text is apparently not something y'all are keen on. * I can discern when someone is being intellectually dishonest with me and themselves like you are. * the word ψαλῶ is used in the original text. * Ok. * That word means "To twitch or twang, i.e., to play on a stringed instrument". * You see... intellectually dishonest. I believe you are fully aware you are truncating the complete Strong's reference of the meaning of that word and why the translations render it sing. They arrived at that translation because of the surrounding context. * That wouldn't be an issue * Your condescension belies your ignorance. You don't know what faith is! This book we feast on is a trail of bread crumbs that we follow. If we develop a taste for something besides the bread crumbs then we deviate from the path that is left. No we are not told that we can't have anything else to eat but if we follow that instead of the trail we cannot end up at the destination indicated by the bread crumbs. Let's use another analogy... The lost Dutchmen mine. If someone found an authentic map to the mine... they would still have to follow the map and if they deviated by one step or alter a turn... the map is rendered useless by the finder's inability to follow it. Strait is the gate and narrow is the way to life. And it can only be found walking by faith.

[@jerroldshelton9367]

@@thundershadow Is attempting to engage in spiritual abuse in public a pervasive pattern of your behavior, or should I consider myself special because you attempted to engage in it here with me? Given that your response to my comment reads like the disordered DARVO rant of an individual with a Cluster B personality disorder, my question above is a rhetorical one. It is NOT dishonest to point out that the original Greek word used is "ψαλῶ " It is not dishonest to state what the true definition of that word is, either. It is, however, an example of psychological projection for you to frame that as being "intellectually dishonest" whilst you're engaging in intellectual dishonesty yourself by engaing in "Yabutt" as in "Yeah, that is the word, and that is what it means, but...." Go "gaslight" someone else. I'm immune to it. If you've got an issue with the original Greek language used, take it up with the Holy Spirit, because that's who you've really got the problem with. It is not some divine Gift of Discernment that led you to respond by saying "You don't know what faith is!" On the contrary, my Bible has a Hebrews 11:1 in it. That's where the Biblical definition of faith is found. You either believe in the True Gospel message of salvation by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior alone, or you don't. Put another way, you either believe that Christ's completed work on the cross was sufficient to redeem the sins of those who would acknowledge their sin, repent, and accept Him as Lord and Savior, or you don't. It really is that simple, "lest any man should boast." If you want to boast because you don't incorporate musical instruments in your worship, I won't stop you. Jesus didn't explicitly authorize musical instruments in worship, He doesn't explicitly authorize the use of microphones and amplification, electric lighting, HVAC systems, pews. or a long list of other things present and accounted for in "Church of Christ" worship services, either. So, if you're going to use "Jesus didn't say we could, so we don't" as your excuse to give you something to boast about where music is concerned, then you could at least be consistent about the application of that excuse, lest you come across as being hypocrites. Jesus isn't recorded as saying 'beware of musical instruments in worship" but He does have a lot to say about hypocrites. Mark 12:38=40. Matthew 23:13-15, Matthew 23:23-28, Luke 11:45-12:3 Boast on. The metaphorical Bareans in the audience, who know where to find Acts 17:11 in their Bibles and how to properly apply it in their lives will be immunized against it, and they'll be equipped to see the hypocrisy you're defending (and engaging in) for what it is, too., even if you can't see it yourself.

[@enochbeamahn5841]

I like where the young lady said, "When you go to heaven you will be disappointed to see harps" means she has acknowledge that you are children of God and for me, that is the most important thing. I don't follow things like this but it is heart that I see coz I a am young person and I am actually working on my Christian life not necessarily agreeing or disagreeing about our christian understanding. thanks for understanding me here.

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

How is your Christian walk going?

[@enochbeamahn5841]

@@jmcc-lt3lk May God help me... I am a keyboard player in my church and lot of people don't like it when I play because I don't play in a local way... the bad feeling when you do something with all your heart even when you are hungry you have to play the keybord and lead song service, when mistaken done something wrong and feel guilty you still have no choice...I am almost every time broken after church which I thought will give me happiness...May God help me

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

​@@enochbeamahn5841 My suggestion is to pray that God leads you to the place you need to be. Compare everything that's done in your worship assembly to what you read in the Bible. If it's not there, then don't do it. It is better to obey than to offer your sacrifices.

[@enochbeamahn5841]

@@jmcc-lt3lk thank you so much

[@LarryAndrews-pk2rn]

One of the first things people notice is that we do not use mechanical instruments of music in our worship. This seems strange because they are commonly used in other churches. So, people wonder why we do not use them. When I preached in Houston a visitor met me in the foyer after worship and offered to buy the church a piano. He thought we just could not afford one. But it is not because we cannot afford musical instruments or that we don’t have anyone to play them or that we do not like music or that we are just trying to be different. The reason we do not use mechanical instruments of music in worship is because we do not have authority from God to do so. What surprises many people is that no where does the Bible authorize the church to worship God with a mechanical instrument of music. You can search through out the Bible and you will not find even one verse that authorizes the church of Christ to worship God with a mechanical instrument of music. There is no example or even a hint that the church of Christ you read about in the Bible ever worshiped God with mechanical instruments of music. The idea of the church worshiping God with a mechanical instrument of music was entirely unheard of! It is a matter of historic record that the church of Christ did not use instrumental music in worship. “Let the pipe be resigned to the shepherds, and the flute to the superstitious who are engrossed in idolatry. For, in truth, such instruments are to be banished from the banquet [worship - RD]…the one instrument of peace, the Word alone by which we honor God is what we employ. We no longer employ the ancient psaltery, and trumpet, and timbrel, and flute” (Clement of Alexandria, died 215 A. D.). The American Encyclopedia, volume 12, page 688 states, “Pope Vitalian is related to have first introduced organs into some of the churches of Western Europe, about 670 A. D., but the earliest trustworthy account is that of the one sent as a present by the Greek emperor Constantine Copronymus to Pepin, King of the Franks in 775.” The Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia, volume 2, page 1702 states, “In the Greek Church, the organ never came into use. But after the eighth century, it became more and more common in the Latin Church; not, however, without opposition from the side of the Monks. The Reformed Church discarded it; and though the Church of Basel very early introduced it; it was in other places admitted only sparingly, and after long hesitation.” “For almost a thousand years Gregorian chants, without any instrumental or harmonic addition, was the only music used” (Catholic Encyclopedia, volume X, page 657). It may also surprise many to know that when the various religious denominations were formed, many of their leaders opposed the use of mechanical instruments in worship. “The organ in the worship of God is an ensign of Baal” (Martin Luther, reformer and founder of the Lutheran Church). “Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting of lamps, and the restoration of the other shadows of the law. The Papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things, from the Jews” (John Calvin, founder of the Presbyterian Church). “I have no objections to the instrument in our chapels, provided they are neither heard nor seen” (John Wesley, founder of the Methodists Church). “I am an old man and a minister; and I declare that I have never knew them [musical instruments - RD] productive of any good in the worship of God; and I have reason to believe that they were productive of much evil. Music as a science I admire and esteem, but instruments of music in the house of God, I abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of music; and here I register my protest against all such corruptions in the worship of the Author of Christianity who requires his followers to worship him in spirit and in truth” (Adam Clarke, Methodist scholar and commentator). “Staunch old Baptists in former times would as soon have tolerated the Pope of Rome in their pulpits as an organ in their galleries, and yet the instrument has gradually found its way among them with nothing like the jars and difficulties that arose of old concerning the bass viol and smaller instruments of music” (David Benedict, foremost Baptist historian). Charles Spurgeon, one the greatest Baptist preachers ever, quoted 1 Corinthians 14:15 and added, “I would as soon pray to God with machinery as to sing to God with machinery.” It can be readily seen that the church of Christ is not alone in its opposition to the use of mechanical instruments in worship to God, and that history shows without a doubt that instrumental music is an addition to the worship of God. Church fathers, encyclopedias, scholars, commentators, reformers and historians all agree. All of the passages that deal with music in the worship of the church use the words “singing”, “sing”, or “fruit of our lips”, except for Ephesians 5:19 which reads, “making melody”. This is a translation of the Greek word psallo. It was synonymous with the word “sing” and is translated so in all of the other passages where it is used. If there be any argument about this word, Paul tells us what instrument to psallo with: “the heart”. Since Paul is giving a command, if he had reference to playing a mechanical instrument of music we would all be obligated to do so. It would not be optional, but mandatory for every Christian. The early church did not understand it this way, as they never worshiped God with a mechanical instrument. Therefore, instrumental music in worship is an addition to the word of God. From passages such as Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32 and Revelation 22:18-19 we learn that God would not have us to add to His word. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:6, “Learn not to go beyond the things which are written” (ASV). In 1 Timothy 1:3, Paul admonishes, “teach no other doctrine”. Remember, “Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God” (ASV). Instrumental music in the worship of the church is: Not taught by Christ (Mat. 28:18; Col. 3:17; 2 John 9). Not taught by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13; 14:26; Rom. 8:14). Not taught by the Apostles (Mat. 28:19-20; Acts 2:42; Gal. 1:6-9; 1 Tim. 6:3-4). Not in the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). Not helpful (Acts 20:20). Not a good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Not of faith (Rom. 10:17; 2 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 11:7). Not of truth (John 4:24; 17:17). Not of righteousness (Rom. 1:16-17; 1 John 5:17). Not as the oracles of God (2 Tim. 1:13; 1 Pet. 4:11). Not bound in heaven (Mat. 16:19). Not pertaining to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). It is clear that there is no authority from God for the church to worship with a mechanical instrument of music. Such worship would be based upon the teachings of men and not the teachings of God. Jesus warned, “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Mat. 15:9). God made it abundantly clear to Israel just how He feels about such unauthorized worship in Leviticus 10:1-3. Nadab and Abihu took their censers to burn incense in worship to God, but on this occasion they offered “profane fire” before the Lord. What was profane about it? Just this, God had not commanded it! They had no authority to do what they were doing! There are some today who offer profane music to the Lord. What is profane about it? God has not commanded it! God’s command is to sing! We have no authority to worship God with any other kind of music! If God killed Nabab and Abihu for presumptuously offering profane fire in the tabernacle of old, what will He do to those who presumptuously offer profane music in His church today? In an effort to please God, churches of Christ seek to follow His word without addition or subtraction. We call all men to give up their human traditions and innovations, to come out of man-made churches and simply be Christians, members of Christ’s church you read about in the Bible. According to Acts 2, it began when about 3,000 souls having heard the gospel of Christ, repented and were baptized for the remission sins. When we hear that same gospel and respond in that same way we are added to that same church. According to Acts 20:28, Jesus redeemed this church with His own blood. This is the reason. We simply believe in following God’s instructions. In every instance in the Bible where people did not follow his instructions and added or took away from his instructions, they were punished severely

[@terry.stafford]

“Singing” doesn’t eliminate instruments. If I’m standing there with a guitar and say “let’s sing a song,” I don’t have to spell out “with an instrument.” And why redefine psalm when you have an entire book of them? This is classic eisegesis. Where does the Bible say you need specific authority for anything? Where is the authority for 4-part harmony? This divisive language is why Alexander Campbell’s well-intentioned unity experiment failed. Churches of Christ immediately started looking for ways to exclude people.

[@33Cigarettes]

This is not eisegetical, he’s not adding his own interpretation to the scripture. He’s simply stating that when it comes to worshiping God in fellowship, God does not decree or authorize the use of instruments, and that’s the truth. If God wanted us to use instruments would He not have told us to do so?

[@ljn1477]

@@33Cigarettes did he authorize race based congregations. did the jews and gentiles have separate meeting places?

[@AlanCanon2222]

Well said.

[@ChristopherSheridan-fe8ts]

brother, above the other just shared psalm 149 and 150 with you. And there is complete instruction that it is for all people. How are you still trying to ask “would he have not told us?” Why are you beating around the truth that he already has? And that it is good and beautiful truth. I understand when worldviews shatter (especially going to one that is more accepting than what you may have held to), that comfort says to just look the other way and keep arguing for the old worldview. I believe something inside you is being given grace to lay down the man made doctrines and be comfortable IN Gods truth.

[@FelipeCabanos]

Hi I'm brother Felipe cabanos aka Philip San Jose from the Philippines church of Christ GOD BLESS

[@totalloser23]

Starts with: “Be ready to give a answer for the hope that is within you…” = No instruments. Got it.

[@caughtupone]

I must say as a member of the church of Christ, this is very sad to me. With respect, silence is not prohibition unless there are other principles that apply. (The bible is silent on communion cups, pews, projection screens, even church buildings, would you say that the churches that have used these are outside of relationship with God?) Adding a prohibition when there is not one, is adding to the commands of God. Besides, the scriptures are not silent on instrumental music. You would have to agree that the Old Law was still effectual in the time of Christ until after the crucifixion, Jesus would not have opposed instrumental worship during His ministry correct, (being under the Law)? So the argument that the N.T. is silent is not exactly correct, unless you are not including the Gospels. Even then, I would argue the N.T. is not silent on the proper way of worship in song. The word Psallo (greek) in Ephesians 5:19 can be translated a striking of strings. I know this will be discredited as being untrue, I disagree with the argument opposed to this point. Also, If you go before the Law, Miriam used the timbrel to worship after Israel was brought out of Egypt (Exodus 15:20-21). Remember, this is before the Law and was acceptable to the Lord. I appreciate the plan of salvation being taught at the end, in this I that we would agree.

[@RunnerThin]

Bless you

[@robertmsimpsonjr7455]

Why would GOD give someone a gift in music and not want them to use it for him.

[@jarvisprice1992]

You can use them. But where do we have command or authority to use them in WORSHIP to Him. He said Sing. You can play an instrument at home all you’d like but He said what He said. Sing. He did not say play. If so, everybody is commanded to play right? That’s just a mess!!!

[@lindahutchens8612]

God says "sing" and we do as He says. God's ways are not our ways.

[@JohnMChew]

What does the bible say about sound amplification using microphone and speakers, and posting it on youtube?

[@danieleoduro3829]

What Church is it???

[@hectoralvarado9359]

To make a long story short.There are now some Churches that in the same church they now have both. One service with the Acapella worship while in the same building at another time,they have a service that uses musical instruments.

[@alexiszamora7811]

I respect his preaching, but honestly I do not share it. What about the psalm 150? what about David, he didn't belonged to the Levi tribe, He composed psalms and established the use of instruments... Eventually his son, Solomon put in place the singers in the temple, and also the use of instruments. As Bible says "commanded by David" and by The Lord. The book of psalms is prophetic, for example psalm 22, is about Jesus. How can We accept prophesies of Jesus to support our theology, but We can't accept the use of instrument that is commanded in the same book... Praising and worship with instruments are part of the Law? I dare to say, instruments, in that sense, are part of the Torah; the books of the bible that represent the Law, never says nothing about instruments in worship. The instruments came with David. Here is the point. Sacrifices of praises was not part of the Law, Israel had to sacrify "animals", shed blood, and burned them... The sacrifices of praising (fruits of lips that confesses his Name...) were prophetic... is a Shadow of what would be... Concern the new testament, one of the verse quoted is in Apoc. 15:2. Why an Instrument? why? If in the Heaven the voices will be enough, the choirs will be perfect, then... why? If you interpret that Harps are Symbolic, why is associated with singers... why having an Harp and not play it? It's so convinient to say that are symbolic, although is associated with worship and singer. Why singer are not symbolic also? Another point is reasoning... "if flesh and blood will not make it to the heaven, less the harps." Flesh and Blood both, are associated with sin, we have a corrupted nature... Instruments have corrupted nature? The "flesh", I mean the "wood" of the instruments is sinful? why can we think, that harps must be build with wood in Heaven? I don't undertstand a point... If my vocation is to be a musician, and I studied and got a college degree, that's mean that all the music that I can play and compose would not be direct to G-d, because is a Sin? To whom I will play? To men? If I don't have a perfect pitch, and I want to write a "vocal choir arrangement" for the church, it's mean that I can not use the piano, because is a Sin? and if I dare to use a Piano, then the composition wouldn't be sing in the church, because was composed or was conceived in sin? If the choir members, neither have perfect pitch, then we never ever can't learn to sing in parts, because, in order to sing what is written in the musical score, they would need an Instrument as reference or help, and that's is forbidden? For me, it's doesn't make sense. Do We know for sure that while the classical hymns were composed, their authors never used a reference instrument? Do We know for sure that what we are singing were composed, without any reference of an instrument?

[@John-3-36]

I have yet to find a piano are any other kind of instruments in the NEW TESTAMENT in WORSHIP!

[@AlanCanon2222]

Or air conditioners. Or cars.

[@John-3-36]

Air conditioner and a car is not musical instruments! What's wrong with singing acapella just like they did in the first century ( New Covenant) all a person has to do is read through there own New Testament and see what these inspired men commanded us to use for worship. Only the blood of Christ forgives sin! Not what any other man says! Christ is the head and the only Authority! Love you all.

[@AlanCanon2222]

@@John-3-36 What evidence do you have that anything described in the Bible actually happened?

[@clintonjameshuddleston-apo9385]

@@John-3-36 Nothing wrong with it. My church only sings acapella, but unlike the CoC they don't believe that has to be very church's standard. Also, the Church IS the new Israel.

[@randym.7238]

The Lord of the Old Testament, who enjoyed musical instruments in worship, is the Same Lord of the New Testament. We know that God doesn't change.

[@jarvisprice1992]

Show where GOD enjoyed it?????! Actually. STOP going to OT laws and acts trying to bind them on NT CHRISTIANS. It’s impossible!!!!! God said SING HE NEVER EVER SAID PLAY AN INSTRUMENT FOR ME IN THE NT NEVER God doesn’t change but guess what does?? His Covenant, testament, contract. We now have a better COVENANT. Law of Christ . We are commanded to sing not play. Even Jesus sang. Never ever did I ever see a Scripture where He played or commanded it to be used. Foolishness

[@randym.7238]

@@jarvisprice1992 psalm 150:4. There are many more. God would not have His anointed people and prophets tell us how to worship Him and with what instruments if He didn't enjoy them.

[@lindahutchens8612]

Why don't we have animal sacrifices? It's in the Old Testament LOL

[@randym.7238]

@@lindahutchens8612 Because when Jesus Sacrificed Himself for the Sins of Men, there was no need of any other Sacrifice. The Blood of Jesus was and is sufficient to satisfy God.

[@lindahutchens8612]

Do we still have animal sacrifices?

[@eliphasphiri4090]

Revelation 15;3 shows God himself giving harps to martyrs, so who is church of Christ yo ban guitar, piono or drums?❤

[@judithbramhall6353]

I personally do not want to go to any church that plays a bunch of instruments. I don't go to church for that! If you want all that, go to a concert.

[@christrescuedme2182]

How was the thief on the cross saved?

[@jarvisprice1992]

At the exact moment Christ told him he would be. Christ had NOT died.. Therefore the OT law was in affect. Thief believed in Christ, Changed his mind on the Cross, confessed Christ and Jesus said that He would take the thief to paradise. Remission of sins, happens when God cleanse you from sin by the Blood of Christ… It’s not the water, it’s the working of God in baptism.. Thief didn’t need baptism, He needed to believe on the One to come, and He did. Those after the cross, like you and I MUST obey the Gospel in order to be saved and live faithful unto death If you were going to talk about the thief on the cross.

[@christrescuedme2182]

@@jarvisprice1992 You admitted that we must obey the gospel, and the thief did obey the gospel, so why would we be saved any differently than him?

[@jarvisprice1992]

@@christrescuedme2182 Incorrect! He did not obey the Gospel. Also the thief was under the Law of Moses which did not require OR have the power to forgive and wash away sins. The Law of Christ, His teachings leads one to changing their minds and being obedient. Roman 10:17 - Faith comes by hearing and receiving the Word of God. If you cannot even do the simple things Christ asked, what makes you think you’ll obey God in heaven ? Jesus said Mark 16:15-16 He who believes and IS baptized shall be saved. If that’s not simple enough.. out of the Masters Mouth. Then idk what to say. I’m not fighting with you. Forgive me if I sound proud with pride. The Gospel is the Death Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.. Jesus didn’t give the command, or Great Commission to preach the Gospel UNTIL He resurrected. The thief was already dead by then and the thief was were Jesus said He’d be… paradise. Jesus told his disciples to PREACH the Gospel, after He died and rose the 3rd day. So the thief did not obey the Gospel. The thief knew nothing about the Gospel. Preaching the gospel leads to faith, repentance, confession baptism… Acts 2:38 They heard the Word of God and their sins were washed away in baptism.

[@christrescuedme2182]

@@jarvisprice1992 Are you saying God's eternal plan of redemption changed? Because according to Scripture, the gospel in the O.T. is the same gospel that we have today: “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them” (Heb. 4:2).

[@jarvisprice1992]

@@christrescuedme2182 - This is a spiritual, heavenly rest. The rest that was PREACHED to them was the PromisedLand, not the spiritual rest in heaven. Hebrews 4:1-3/6 4 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.[a] 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’” 6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, DISOBEDIENCE KEPT THEM OUT, On top of that, it wasn’t the Gospel of Christ as the Good News that was preached- The Gospel of Christ is the good news about his Death Burial and Resurrection… the good news preached to them, was the Promise Land, that flows with milk and honey. They were disobedient and did not enter because of it. Not because they believed God would give them the Land. They didn’t DO what God commanded! Believing ain’t enough. It’s a start though…. That’s the entire OT! Men of God turning away from God and the New Testament is God reconnecting us back to him through His son by preaching the gospel and obeying IT. Living faithful until we die. They had the good news of the Promised Land but not of the Christ.. Remember, the coming of Christ was even a mystery up until Jesus resurrected and THEN His disciples understood what this whole thing was about! It was NOT the same good news. What could they obey? The Gospel of Jesus Christ is to believe and repent and confess and be baptized.. They couldn’t do that… remember, after Jesus rose, the baptism he told his disciples to baptize with is for the removal or remission of sin.. Peter preached and told them that baptism cleans you from your sin and God then gives the Holy Spirit.

[@donwhitt9899]

Past: 2 Chronicles 5:11-14 God likes singing accompanied by musical instruments in worship to Him. ------ Now in the New Testament church: God is displeased with instrumental music accompanying singing in worship ? ------- Future: Revelation 14:2,3 In heaven, God is once again liking singing accompanied by musical instruments, harps. (This singing and playing was done by people redeemed from the earth, in V14. The question is, are these people who, when they were on earth, told everybody that it was wrong to use musical instruments in worship?)

[@ridodzulanetshiavha349]

Fut: In Rev 14. 2,3, that was a voice sounding like musical instruments, not actually instruments

[@donwhitt9899]

@@ridodzulanetshiavha349 And the people mentioned in Rev. 14:2,3 as playing harps and who were "redeemed from the earth" are not actually human beings?

[@ridodzulanetshiavha349]

@donwhitt9899 please not the word "as the" that a comparison of a voice and those instruments. Also, please note the meaning of "voice " it can only come from a person's larynx and uttered through the mouth.

[@marjorieanderson8626]

Wouldn't have been all that much trouble for God to say... "I know you all used instruments in the old testament... but I want you to quit now." I guess it was too much to ask. Instead God would rather have us waste our time arguing about something this silly until the end of times.

[@johnnynesbit8289]

There's a million things that you do that isn't authorized in the bible. Book of acts isn't the new commandments. The new commandment is love one another. Or Go make disciples

[@JonathanGrandt]

100%.

[@lindahutchens8612]

How do you make disciples? By baptizing them ; Matthew 28:18-20. Read Acts 8:35-39 and see what needs to be done when Jesus is preached. Also read Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16 and I Peter 3:21 says baptism doth also now save us and James 2:24 says one is not saved by faith only.

[@georgejunior2929]

The eastern orthodox church to this day does not use musical instruments. Why? Because they follow the ancient church worship.

[@sangpierremendy2804]

The new testament is the covenant of Jesus Christ while the old testament is that of Moses/Israel. "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased, LISTEN TO HIM".

[@jamesstrohl2016]

I am a member of the Church of Christ, on the Musical side. While the non-Instrumental love to quote verses that try to prove their point. Unfortunately, for them they fall short. Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; The non- Instrumental try to fit the Bible to fit their belief. Ask them why they violate the scripture when they say that worshipping can only be on Sunday?

[@SamlSchulze1104]

This has got to be the longest gaslight session I've ever heard.

[@jerroldshelton9367]

That's about what it amounts to.

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

If gaslighting means denying that something took place, even if there is evidence to prove it, then where is the biblical proof that mechanical instruments were used in the New Testament church?

[@churchboy8977]

If you want to sing without instruments its fine no problem but saying instruments isn't allowed is false, the bible says nothing that prohibits instruments, infact in the old testament thats how people worshipped God too. Just because in the new testament it isn't mentioned it doesn't mean it's prohibited 😅

[@andrewmccormack4295]

I'm sorry but singing is not the "only" way we can praise the Lord, I'm a drummer and have played drums/perc' for 50+ yrs in Church,I couldn't sing to save my life but playing the drums in service for Him is my way of praising and giving glory to God.

[@clintonjameshuddleston-apo9385]

Not a fan of drums, however, indeed, to believe that an instrument of itself was sinful is a form of gnosticism.

[@mikewood3309]

Let's face reality here fellow Christians - the world with all its bells & whistles & lights & smoke has infiltrated the church.. today's "worship" resembles a rock concert - the visual & audio aspects of it can and does illicit emotions rather than the Spirit... the rock concert style worship became popularized by the charismatic pentecostal type churches of the 60's because it drew bigger crowds.. it became mainstream.. just say'n

[@lindahutchens8612]

And God knew all this would happen; most likely why he said SING!!!!!

[@SirMillz]

It's not a sin. If you want to worship one-way, go for it.

[@jarvisprice1992]

Nadab and Abihu.

[@Hayahwassa-t9j]

you dont know that all heaven is rocking out with loud gongs cymbals trumpets and guitars. and dancing on the streets of Gold in one accord. singing scripture

[@cherylpetersen4573]

What about psalms 150: 1-6. Your saying the Old Testament doesn’t count?

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

Hebrews 8:13 says it is against us and it is done away with. However, we should learn from it. God has a pattern for worship and we must do as it is written. Exodus 25:40 And see that you make them after the pattern for them, which is being shown you on the mountain. Do as God says in his church.

[@sonlover62]

The Apostle Paul (in Acts 18) on his second missionary journey) went to the temple to observe the vow he had taken--which included worshiping with instruments. Was he sinning?

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

You have a gross misunderstanding of Acts 18. ‭Acts 18:4-5 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks. [5] When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. Paul wasn't there for temple worship. He was testifying that the Christ was Jesus. Teaching and observing are two different things. You have to rightly divide the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15

[@sonlover62]

@@jmcc-lt3lk ... I, in fact, was incorrect. Paul (Acts 18:18) did not go to the temple, but to the synagogue. The reason was that he had kept a vow (likely a Nazareth vow, related to letting ones hair grow). So, thanks for calling attention to my mistake. In keeping a Jewish vow was Paul sinning as a Christian?

[@collindavid9239]

We can worship Jesus....as we feel comfortable...with or without music....true worship in spirit and truth jn. 4:23 Music used in biblical times 1) Home coming of prodical son ..luke 15:25 2) banquets and feast ...isa.5:12; 24:8-9 3) laments......Mt. 9:23 4) coronation of kings....2chron. 23:11-13 5) temple ceremonies......1 chron. 16:4-6; 2chron.29:25 6) Pilgrimages.....2sam.6:5 7) trance...2ki. 3:15 8) military victory.....ex. 15:1; 2chron.20:27-28

[@clintonjameshuddleston-apo9385]

Agreed.

[@ElisabethJewell-b2j]

Does the Church of Christ not believe in the Old Testament, where it says a number of times, that we are to use man-made musical instruments in our worship?

[@lindahutchens8612]

@user-bw6pq5bb9o After Christ's death the Old Testament ceased, signified by the tearing of the temple curtain (Matthew 27:51). When Jesus died, He took away the Old Testament, "nailing it to the cross (Colossians 2:14). We still read the Old Testament but we do not have animal sacrifices, observe the Sabbath which is Saturday, stop eating bacon, etc., etc,, etc.

[@eliphasphiri4090]

Just because it's not mentioned doesn't mean it's sin, we use our conscience to determine if it's ok. So you are wrong to make a rule that when it's not mentioned then it's wrong.

[@masonkesslar8168]

Psalm 150:3-4 "Praise him with the sound of trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs."

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

Is there a difference between the temple in the Old Testament and the temple in the New Testament?

[@masonkesslar8168]

@@jmcc-lt3lk yes

[@clintonjameshuddleston-apo9385]

@@jmcc-lt3lk Indeed. WE are the temple. And we are the new Israel.

[@hectoralvarado9359]

A harmonica is played with the mouth using air.

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

The harmonica is not living. The Bible says to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, which is our spiritual worship. Rom. 12:1,2 Last I checked, a harmonica isn't living.

[@bryanroberts9920]

There is no Biblical authorization for the pitch pipe in worship, yet the COC uses pitch pipes. I thought that .... "we are silent where the Bible is silent".......

[@bederyourself2642]

😂

[@kac0404]

Pitch pipe is not an instrument. You serious??

[@bryanroberts9920]

@@kac0404 You are supposed to make melody in your heart... not with a pitch pipe !

[@kac0404]

@Bryan Roberts Seriously? A pitch pipe is not an instrument. That's just silly, man.

[@bryanroberts9920]

@@kac0404 If the Bible authorizes pitch pipes lets go with it..... if the Bible is silent on pitch pipes lets leave it alone... fair enough ??? You arent supposed to add or take away according to the Bible.

[@bhutchin1996]

The Eastern Orthodox Church doesn't use musical instruments either. They were 50% of the Great Schism in 1054 AD.

[@williameudy9205]

So much focus on sing sing sing, and we forget the context of the rest of those passages. Including one of the scripture that was read: Ephesians 5:19 of the mention of psalms, that’s your authority to use instruments. In the early church, if they heard the inspired speakers and writers state that, they would know that would be a reference to the worship that they knew of, with implementation of instruments in worship.

[@GibGuymer]

Because the so called Old Testament played such a minimal role in church of Christ theology, they typically did not look to that source for the meaning of Paul’s terms. Further because we read the “Old Testament” in English translation we were even further removed from the important information. Yet Paul’s readers in Asia Minor did not read English. Nor did they read a Protestant translation of the Hebrew Bible (like the KJV or NIV). They read, their Bible was, the Septuagint ( =LXX) It was the Greek translation of the Hebrew OT scriptures. In fact, the LXX was their only Bible. They in fact had the Septuagint read to them orally because Paul had told their preacher to “devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture” (1 Timothy 4.13) and these are the same Scriptures Timothy had known since he was a child that Paul said to that congregation was “good for doctrine” and “equipped” the people of God for “every good work” (2 Timothy 3.15-17). In (Eph 5.19) Paul makes two references to the “Old Testament” as it is represented in the LXX. These two references are significant and show Paul believed the Hebrew Scriptures taught the fellowship of the Messiah how to worship God. The first reference to the “Old Testament” is when he quotes the phrase “sing and make melody to the Lord…” In quoting this Paul points the readers of Ephesians back to the Scriptures he told them made them wise and equipped them to properly serving God. “Sing and make melody to the Lord” occurs repeatedly in the Book of Psalms. The exact phrase comes from Psalm 27 (in English) “I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, I will sing and make melody to the Lord {ᾄσομαι καὶ ψαλῶ τῷ κυρίῳ}” (Psalm 27.6 = 26.6, LXX) “Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous. Praise befits the upright. Praise the Lord with the lyre; make melody {ψαλῶ} to him [the Lord] with the harp of ten strings” (Psalm 33.1-2) “Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody {ψαλῶ} to our God on the lyre” (Psalm 147.7, we recall that Paul mentions thanksgiving as well in 5.20)

[@follow_the_way]

Is it a sin to worship God in the assembly with musical instruments?

[@clintonjameshuddleston-apo9385]

According to CoC, yes.

[@approvedofGod]

Your conviction is not based on solid biblical facts! The New Testament states, "speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord," (Eph 5:19). Notice the use of psalms! If you sing with psalms and it tells you to use musical instruments (such as psalm 150), you would be disobeying God. You cannot sing psalms without instruments. That would be hypocritical to sing and not obey. This is the New Testament!

[@4ljc433]

Why do you reject the Apostle to the Gentiles over the 12?

[@NoriDavis]

2 Chronicles isn’t “the law of Moses.” The law of Moses is found in Exodus-Deuteronomy. If it’s not in one of those 4 books, it’s not “the law.” You could say that was in the old covenant, but any commandment outside of the first 5 books of the Bible is not what the NT is referring to as “the law.” The NT also specifies what parts of the old covenant are “done away.” God didn’t “do away” with thou shalt not commit murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, etc etc. those standards were not “done away with.” We are still obliged to not murder, commit adultery, and steal. The law being “taken out of the way” is not a permission for us to completely disregard EVERY commandment gave in the Old Testament. You can’t preach against ANY sin if that’s the case.

[@clintonjameshuddleston-apo9385]

Amen.

[@nfcboys1984]

The Bible also says gluttony is a sin yet your obese brother… So let me see.. You can openly disregard Gods command to not eat to much (that’s pretty clear in the scriptures) food, but your talking about guitars in worship? That’s the problem with legalism. There’s no bottom to the madness.

[@duanedavis27]

Why is this guy using chapters and verses? Chapters and verses were not part of the original manuscripts, they were added later. And God specifically warns against adding stuff.

[@gregtyler4002]

Coming in to listen with objectivity I see your clear argument. I can’t find a scriptural means to refute your claims. It makes a lot of sense to me that we sing with our mouths as we’d be making works in the flesh as a means to worship our Father. These works don’t justify us in our sin, but bear the fruit of Christ. Someone else playing an instrument is that person worshipping. Not me. In private I can believe there’s no risk in playing an instrument for the Lord. But that’s the nature of our personal relationship with the living God.

[@jadeowenhamblyn4405]

Be ready to give a reason for the hope within us is not "be ready to explain why we reject musical instruments". We are not told to do a lot of things in the bible, doesn't mean they're forbidden. Yes, the old testament gives us instruction just the same as the new testament.

[@speakeasyarchives8764]

Why does the preacher have a light and a microphone and probably air conditioning and heat? These are all not mentioned in the Bible for the furthering the gospel.

[@timothytufts3093]

So by "silence of scripture" you mean silence in the NT? There is silence in the NT about driving cars, about using credit cards, about making announcements during worship services, about using sound/visual equipment in worship... Therefore, we shouldn't do any of those?

[@GSLAIN]

Psalms 150:1-6 1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

[@IansDrumsandBass]

Exactly. End of story.

[@johnearley9924]

Most churches today believe sacrifice is worship and they are willing to sacrifice their hearing during the very loud service.

[@clintonjameshuddleston-apo9385]

The CoC too belongs to those most churches. Church is an assembling, not a building. We can assemble on a campfire also.

[@gregorywootton3870]

Do you have a. Christmas tree up in your church

[@lindahutchens8612]

Romans 16:16 Jesus purchased the church with His own blood; Acts 20:28.

[@StillYHWHs]

Psalm 150:3-6 KJV Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: Praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: Praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: Praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath Praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. KJV: King James Version

[@johnroyster1014]

You can sing with instruments

[@clintonjameshuddleston-apo9385]

Certainly so.

[@Mark-sj3xb]

If you know the nature of God (and actually read the Psalms) , you’ll understand that instruments are permissible in a church. However I do believe all music should be directed upwards for his praise and glory and should not be a performance for the congregants.

[@clintonjameshuddleston-apo9385]

Absolutely.

[@TheresaVincent-g4i]

God bless

[@garylcarrier]

If I say, “We’re going to have a singing.” It is understood that we are going to sing, and it is assumed we will have accompaniment with instruments! You’re stretching the Scripture to say something it doesn’t say!

[@jmcc-lt3lk]

God doesn't deal with assumptions. He's clear on what He wants. He said to sing. Why do more than what he said?

[@sheribickmeyer5564]

That is a lot of mental gymnastics to exclude instruments from worship.

[@lindahutchens8612]

There is not a musical instrument mentioned in the New Testament.

[@jonathanjoestar2153]

@@lindahutchens8612You’re going to be pretty disappointed when the angels blow the first trumpet then

[@lindahutchens8612]

@@jonathanjoestar2153 Disappointed how?

[@dirrecgaming]

Also THE HARP IS ONE OF THE OLDEST INSTRUMENT KNOWN AND ONE OF THE EASIEST TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY! So with that, the harps represent individual worship that is combined. Just as we are in the place of worship inside the building today. Each one is offering themselves to the Lord! One cannot hide in the church and think by sitting and just listening while others sing unto the Lord and learn that by you just being there justifies you in worship! No! Everyone has to carry their own “harp” meaning you are responsible for worshipping the Lord as you are included in worship as well. AMEN

[@kathydemara3245]

Psalm 98. 98 O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. 2 The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. 3 He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 4 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. 5 Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. 6 With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King. 7 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 8 Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together

[@joykeebler1916]

- for that of the string instruments and the stretch skins of adulations

[@GibGuymer]

Ephesians 5.19 and the Psalms: Let's take Ephesians 5.19 as today’s example. For years we have gone to battle over the meaning of ψάλλω. It is an inconvenient truth that all admit the word “at one time” included instruments. But the argument is, that, when Paul used the word it had changed and no longer included it. Debaters will say that in TODAY’S Greek the word does not include instruments. But there is a two thousand year leap. What did the word mean to the Jew and Christian whose Bible was the LXX (Septuagint)? And then there is Josephus, a contemporary of Paul, who uses the word multiple times to describe Levites singing and playing on harps in the temple. But the claim is that Josephus is imitating classical Greek rather than koine. It really is quite complex in fact (and then you have those folks that say you don’t have to have a PhD to read and understand the Bible but then they mark arguments on ψάλλω that are so complex that many PhDs cannot follow them!). All lexicons will tell you the word means to play in the LXX which is also koine Greek but debaters will not tell you that! Standard lexicons like Liddel and Scott will say the word includes instruments. Finding evidence for ψάλλω including instruments is not difficult to do. But while we fought over ψάλλω, I missed something vitally important, largely because we did not know the “Old Testament” like Paul and the first century church. We know that Paul told the believers to sing … Psalms. This is why in the Church Fathers we find such devotion to the Psalter. Paul did not direct that disciples just sing. Paul commanded that we sing the PSALMS. Down through the history of the church there are numerous examples of believers holding the opinion that the only “authorized” words to give back to God in praise was the book of Psalms itself. The Regulative Principle forbade the use of “humanly made words” in the worship of God. Most have not taken this position but it is not a rare one (many in the Reformed tradition have held this position especially, they rejected humanly authored songs just as they rejected instrumental music). What we missed for a long time, was that Paul’s entire directive comes from the Psalter itself. That is Paul literally quotes the Book of Psalms. Paul does not say just sing Psalms. Paul says, “sing and make melody to the Lord in your heart …” “sing and make melody [to the Lord]” is a directive that occurs in the Psalter no less than five times. The exact Greek phrase, “sing and make melody to …” occurs no less than three. Here they are. “I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, I will sing and make melody to the LORD {ᾄσομαι καὶ ψαλῶ τῷ κυρίῳ}” (Psalm 27.6 = 26.6, LXX) “Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous. Praise befits the upright. Praise the LORD with the lyre; make melody {ψαλῶ} to him [the Lord] with the harp of ten strings” (Psalm 33.1-2) “Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody {ψαλῶ} to our God on the lyre” (Psalm 147.7, we recall that Paul mentions thanksgiving as well in 5.20) Other parallel texts but not the exact Greek but very close … “O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make melody … (Psalm 57.7) “My heart is steadfast; I will sing and make melody …” (Psalm 108.1) What is noticeable is how closely associated the word ψάλλω is to the phrase Paul quotes and its use in the Psalter. Is there any indication that Paul uses ψάλλω in a manner differently than in source material he quotes?? It clearly, and unambiguously, can quite naturally include playing instruments in these texts. These last two texts, Psalm 57.7 and 108.1, also mention Paul’s other debt to the Psalter, “the heart.” The “heart” is one of the most common words in the Psalms occurring a whopping 105 times. It is beat out by “hesed” (steadfast love in NRSV). “You have put gladness in my heart” (Ps 4.7) “God is my shield, who saves the upright in heart” (Ps 7.10) “Come,’ my heart says, ‘seek his [Yahweh’s] face!” (Ps 27.8) “The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him” (Ps 28.7) “My heart overflows with a goodly theme; I address my verses to the king” (Ps 45.1) “I give thanks to you, O LORD my God, with my whole heart and I will glorify your name forever.” (Psalm 86.12) “I will praise you with an upright heart” (Psalm 119.7) We can multiply these quotations but this is sufficient to make the point. Paul is not giving the Ephesian congregation some new “spiritual” directives for worship of God. Paul is literally channeling the Book of Psalms. The Psalms proclaim loudly, and clearly, that the values of a human being, the loves, the desires, the grateful worship with thanksgiving comes from the heart and are expressed in singing joyfully with music to the Lord. So some conclusions: When Paul instructs believers to sing the Psalms he uses language from the Psalms themselves to do it. This testifies to how deeply ingrained they are in his own heart. When Paul tells us to “make melody to the Lord” he is quoting the Psalter itself. We “make melody to the Lord” (Psalm 27.6/Eph 5.19) Making melody, as we have seen, is the sound of “thanksgiving” being offered to the Lord as we see Paul say the next verse in Ephesians 5.20, this too comes from the Psalms. That sound included instruments in the very texts Paul quotes to the “Ephesians.” When the apostle conceived of a life of song, a life of praise, a life of thanksgiving, a life of worship, he framed it according to the Hebrew Bible and specifically the Book of Psalms. The “Old Testament” taught the “New Testament” church how to worship the God of Israel. This is also why all the words that the New Testament uses for “worship” come straight out of the Septuagint … there are no exception to this. The apostle that wrote these words in Ephesians 5.19-20, and the manner in which he did, is exactly why we can see this very same apostle going to the temple in the book of Acts to “worship” (Acts 24.11, cf 21.26-27) and declares to the anti-Semitic Roman believers that “the worship” belongs to the Israelites (Romans 9.4, a passage that is routinely silenced in Protestant churches). We know that Paul mentioned singing Psalms in Ephesians 5.19. The significance of that never sunk into our consciousness however. But what we did not know for many years, was that Paul quotes the Psalms, when he tells us to sing the Psalms from the heart and given thanksgiving. The reason we did not know was because we had not studied one of the most important books in the first century church, the Psalms.

[@doranconroy]

Interesting. You say that there is NO AUTHORITY for musical instruments in New testament Church meetings YET you have NO PROBLEM using electronic amplification. Zero consistency

[@toddstevens9667]

The CoC claims not to be a denomination, but they all believe the same thing. I’ve never seen a CoC church with musical instruments. Isn’t that what a denomination is?

[@RayRice-lr8vi]

I am writing this at the 7:45 mark. This is not biblical in any way shape or form. I am super sorry for you guys who go along with this....

[@ronmann2755]

Christians don't oppose musical instruments in worship they just obey the NT teachings in the bible concerning worship.

[@KM-leons]

There was no New Testament or new covenant until Jesus's death. Jesus used the Old Testament as scripture. Now the question: was it wrong for Jesus to use the accompaniment of instruments while singing (Matthew 26:30), as David did, from whom Jesus descended?

[@ronmann2755]

@@KM-leons Matt 26:30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. The scripture said they sang a hymn but didn't say anything about them playing musical instruments. If you sing while showering do have musical instruments?

[@KM-leons]

@@ronmann2755 You couldn't refute what I said. Jesus was not taking bath. Can someone play a musical instrument while shepherding sheep out in the field?

[@ronmann2755]

@@KM-leons The Law of Moses was for the Jews only. In the OT God was the God of Jews and no other race. Yes, those Jews played mechanical instruments of music and they danced but they were Jews. Non-Jews had no access to God until Jesus came and died on the cross. And in Christ's church there are no mechanical instruments for the playing of music.

[@AjiDn1]

@@ronmann2755 Yahova is the name of the creator God revealed to Israelites and only they knew the true God. Read the story of Noah. God asked people (not Jews) to repent. In the NT we have freedom in Christ not restrictions in Christ.

[@double-h-farms]

Your voice is an instrument GOD created to give him praise and so are instruments, it says in scripture "bring your harps, lyres, tambourines, and give praise to the LORD" your taking a carnal perspective of the scripture and not the spiritual meaning. The doctoring of Christ is both old and new testament, and is complete authority so they did use instruments in the old testament and there is the authority..

[@thefirstround7164]

Revelation 5:8 harps in heaven. There is No scripture stating instruments are outlawed

[@rickynotestine9963]

1 Samuel 16-14:23

[@IansDrumsandBass]

This is crazy, the Bible is very clear about us being able to use all manner of instruments.

[@lindahutchens8612]

No mention of instruments in the New Testament.

[@IansDrumsandBass]

@@lindahutchens8612 Throw out the Ten Commandments? And the rest of the old testament? Use discernment. Pray for it.

[@timmyalley6621]

@@lindahutchens8612n revelation they had harps of God in their hands

[@lindahutchens8612]

@@timmyalley6621God has not commanded the use of any musical instruments as He did in the days of Moses and David.Therefore, we have no authority to bring them into the worship of His church. The complete silence of the New Testament on musical instruments is a most compelling argument that they are not to exist in the church. Only singing is commanded (I Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). Some will say that the New Testament command to sing implies the use of musical instruments. But we must understand that singing and the playing of musical instruments are two entirely different acts. Each can be performed independent of the other.Singing can be done without the use of any musical instruments and it is in no way dependent upon them. In the Temple worship, it was very clear that both were commanded. In the New Testament, it is very clear that only singing is commanded. Obedience in worship consists in doing God's will, nothing more and nothing less. "Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it" (Deut. 12:32). In the New Testament, God has commanded singing with the voice only, and any addition to God's will is disobedience.

[@timmyalley6621]

@@lindahutchens8612 Psalms says to worship with instruments and it’s not apart of the Law. Also they had harps of God in revelation at the throne of God.

[@thomasstrother3420]

I was in darkness as a CofC member for about 40 years. I Never saw anyone bow their knees in the worship to the Lord Jesus Christ! Never!! Would the speaker here say this is also symbolic in Revelation as he said of the harps? The CofC is really saying “Hey y’all up in heaven, do up there as we do on earth and don’t use instruments, bow down or clap your hands!” Rarely if ever did I see anyone “lift holy hands in prayer” as commanded by Paul!I I Never saw any sick person anointed with oil and prayed over by the elders as commanded in James!! Never!! The CofC uses OT examples of the law that have no bearing on the NT. The NT doesn’t really give much of a prescription for worship except to the Corinthian church when there was an issue with spiritual gifts. The CofC makes rules when there are none, and still refuse to follow many that are explicit. There has always been much finger pointing and not much mercy and grace in this denomination.

[@nfcboys1984]

Amen! I’m married to a former COC preachers daughter and she won’t darken the door of a COC! Thank God because legalism is truly a mental illness. Jesus hated legalism!

[@thundershadow]

* The CofC is really saying * Strawman.

[@lindahutchens8612]

Sounds like by your comments your the one pointing fingers.

[@randym.7238]

I was born into the COC in 1952. I left years ago and now I am a firm believer that the Reformed Doctrine is the the correct understanding of Scripture. The Main thing I was taught is that The members of COC were the only people that were going to Be Saved. No one else from any other Denomination. I was taught that My Salvation depended more on Me than the Finished works of Christ and that I could Lose my Salvation, but regain it by "Rededicating" my life to Christ in front of the congregation. Saved now but lost tomorrow, then re-saved but lost later, depending on my Behavior. So Glad God pulled me out of all that and now I know that JESUS truly is "The Author and Finisher of my Faith."

[@thundershadow]

@@randym.7238 No one is born into the Church of Christ. Reformed doctrine disavows what the bible says about God choosing the hearing of his word being the method of our salvation. It is an improper understanding that the churches of Christ hold that only the members of any one denomination to the exclusion of all others will be saved. The proper position is that narrow is the way and straight is the gate that leads to life and few there are that find it. My own understanding is that not one person will be saved by being in a denomination. God did not establish any of them. We are saved by being in Christ who was made the ark of our salvation on the cross. You err. Our salvation does depend on us. It depends on us hearing the Gospel. It depends on us believing that Gospel and it depends on us obeying that Gospel. You may think that I only mentioned us in that but notice that I also mentioned the Gospel those three times. Jesus is that truth. * that I could Lose my Salvation * Note the phrase: 'have your name blotted out'. That phrase was not created by men. * regain it by "Rededicating" my life to Christ * James 5:20 (amplified bible). * Saved now but lost tomorrow * That is hyperbole. * depending on my Behavior. * Judgement begins at the household of God. * So Glad God pulled me out of all that * in that day look up for your salvation draweth nigh. Luke 21:28