When Were Musical Instruments First Used in Christian Worship?

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton When Christianity arrived in the world, it drew followers from all nations. “And many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways And that we may walk…

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Why Aren’t Instruments Part of the Pattern?

by Edwin Crozier Sometimes I fear we have become a people of rules for rules’ sake. No doubt, God has given us a law (I Corinthians 9:21). Certainly there are rules we should follow. But our God is not a capricious and arbitrary God. He has not established a pattern simply to see how well…

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Why Do Churches of Christ Not Use Instrumental Music?

by Allen Webster Churches of Christ love music. Singing is a prominent — and favorite — part of each service. Most congregations dedicate a Sunday night each month to learn new songs and to sing old favorites. Annual singings can draw thousands of people. Many Christians sing daily as they go about their tasks (James…

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Can I name my band “The Levites”?

Question: Good Evening Minister. I trust this meets you well. I would like to ask a question: I am a singer in my church and I am trying to form a Christian band. Can I use The Levites as a band’s name? Regards. Answer: All Christians are to sing in worship, not just a few…

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Singing to the Lord

by Michael Hickox via The Sincere Milk of God’s Word “Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,…

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Instrumental music was not replaced, so it must continue

Question: I came across your answer to instrumental music quite by accident and I found it revealing. I wouldn’t call blunt rude, but it was near the line. I hope to be treated in your response less close to the line, but I have a different take on this issue and wish to explore your…

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Is it wrong to sing and play with unbelievers?

Question: My friend studied music in a university, graduated, and joined the state music band, which means he will always play in state events. However, He was disfellowshiped by the church on the grounds of playing instruments and singing with unbelievers. Is this right or wrong? In addition to this, I have another friend and…

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Departing from the Pattern

by Matthew W. Bassford The biblical plan for the New Testament church is simple. There are a few things we are supposed to do in our assemblies, a few more that we are supposed to do with our money, and that’s it. The scope of the Biblical pattern is extremely narrow. It is unsurprising, then,…

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Why does God allow sinful things to worship Him?

Question: If your opinion of using musical instruments in the New Testament is sin, why does God allow sinful things to be used to worship Him, either symbolically or physically or metaphorically or whatever in His presence? In the Old Testament sacrifices and musical instruments are used to worship God; in the New Testament sacrifices…

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