God wanted instrumental music before, so why not now?

Question: I am a member of the Church of Christ and have been for over 20 years. As I have read your article on ‘Can Musical Instruments be Used to Worship God?’ with an open mind I hope you will do me the same honor of reading mine. I take it (although not stated in your…

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Is it wrong for a child to correct his parents?

Question: Hi. Your website has been very helpful and I hope that you keep it up. Thank you for putting all the time into it as well. I am a 16-year-old male (I am saying this so you understand how I am thinking) and of late I have been taking Christianity much more seriously. As…

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Finding Liberty in Silence

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/FindingLibertyInSilence.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton   I.         It was one of those interesting coincidences. I received two correspondences dealing with separate issues, but both seeking justification in the same manner.             A.        In attempting to justify the use of instrumental music, Gary Mattingly, a preacher for the Christian Church wrote: “First and foremost, we must see that there…

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Is it OK to play hymns at home without singing?

Question: My question is regarding instrumental music. Is it okay to play hymns on the piano at home, without singing, for fun? Also, how do I answer someone who says that instrumental music predates the Mosaic law and, therefore, is okay in worship today? Thank you so much for your time! Answer: God commanded Christians to worship Him…

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Why do churches seem to pick and choose what they practice?

Question: I am a married woman who has a general question regarding the Stone-Campbell Movement churches, of which I have been a part of (the ‘fiddling’ branch) since the day I was born. I understand that “where the Bible speaks, we speak,” and that is the reason why we celebrate the practice of communion each and…

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How do you know that musical instruments are bad?

Question: Music instruments. Psalms 33:2-3 “Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.” Lucifer was highly gifted with musical talent before he rebelled. Ezekiel 28:13 (Speaking of Lucifer) “the workmanship of thy tabrets and…

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Give Me that Good ODD Religion!

by Steve Klein Churches of Christ are typically viewed as “odd” by denominational folk. Two of the main reasons for this view are that churches of Christ don’t use instruments of music in worship and they don’t celebrate December 25th as the birth of Christ. While these things seem odd to members of modern denominations,…

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If God gives us talent, then can we not use that talent to worship God?

Question: I witness the following conversation between two brothers and it went like this: Brother A stated, “We are not to worship or praise God on this side of the cross with instrumental music.”  Brother A went on to state “This applies to the first day of the week during corporate worship or praise and…

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Where in the Bible Is Instrumental Music Forbidden?

by Jerry Fite Nowhere in the Bible does God explicitly forbid the use of instrumental music in worship. Some find implicit condemnation in Amos 6:1-5, where the prophet writes, “they invent for themselves instruments of music, like David.” But upon a closer contextual examination, one must conclude that the self-indulgent and insensate idolator is condemned,…

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Did Amos curse those who introduced instrumental music into Hebrew worship?

Question: Is it true that Amos pronounced a curse upon those who, like David, introduced instrumental music into Hebrew worship? Answer: David did not introduce instrumental music into Israelite worship, God did. Long before David lived God commanded the Israelites to blow trumpets as part of their worship (Leviticus 23:24; Numbers 10:10). Prophets used instrumental…

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If something is used to praise God, then it can’t be wrong, can it?

Question: In God’s worship, should everyone be in one accord, like everybody doing the same thing? I ask because I know there shouldn’t be musical instruments in the church. I play the piano and people have told me that I was wrong because I didn’t play in a church — something about me not using…

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What Is the Difference?

by Irven Lee via The Graphic Evangelist, Vol. 21, No. 8, April 19, 1981. An instrument of music was introduced into the worship at Midway, Kentucky, in about 1858. This innovation moved slowly among churches in the North and finally came to the South in about 1900. Of course, the church support of the missionary society…

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Is the use of instrumental music in worship a salvation issue?

Question: Is the use of instrumental music in worship a salvation issue? For example, regarding the division between instrumental and non-instrumental churches of Christ, if in the end when Christ returns both churches are still divided and convinced of their own views on the issue, will all of them that otherwise have remained faithful to…

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Paul, Barnabas, and Us!

by Greg Gwin We received an email communication from a man named Joe. He is a member of the First Christian Church. He has been using the Internet to search for “people of like-minded faith.” In his letter, Joe explains what he sees as the necessary conditions before he can call someone his “brother.” “If…

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Why did God let David play music?

Question: I have had plenty of discussions with people about praising God. The problem with a lot of people is that they don’t see the wrong in praising Him with their own personal praise that God didn’t command in His worship. I’m not trying to be confusing. A discussion I had once where a man…

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Can’t instruments be an aid to singing?

Question: In one of your articles, you present the question: “Where in the Bible is instrumental music forbidden?” I’m pretty sure I understand the meaning behind the question and believe I have an answer. This is all based on King David and his musical worship with the lute. See, David played a mechanical instrument for…

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Did God command the use of instrumental music under the Old Law?

Question: Do you think there was a time in the old law that God did command the use of instruments in worship to Him? Such as II Chronicles 29:25-28. Seems like there are split thoughts on this idea. Just wondering about your thoughts. There is no doubt that instruments were used in the Old Law…

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Is playing an instrument for a person’s own enjoyment scriptural?

Question: Is playing an instrument for a person’s own enjoyment scriptural? For example, can I play the guitar and piano, and write my own songs — not in worship to God, but for my own enjoyment? I feel somewhat at odds because I think about how we are to give thanks to God and in…

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I’m not certain if we are ready to raise children

Question: I have just spent some time reviewing your site and it is incredible. I am having some issues right now and was hoping you could help me, not sure where to turn because I don’t want anyone in my church to think horribly of me. Anyway, here goes. My husband and I met six…

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Are drums of God or the devil?

Question: I wanted to know if the drums are of God, or is it from the devil. Did God make drums for one of his instruments? Answer: God tells us that it is men who invented instrumental music, not Satan. “His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the…

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What is your opinion about instrumental music in the church?

Question: I was having a heated conversation with a very close friend of mine about musical instruments in church. It is very hurtful to know the word of God and try and explain it to someone, but they refuse to listen. I know that the Bible does not specifically say “thou shalt not have musical…

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If it is wrong to use instrumental music because the New Testament doesn’t mention it, then it would be wrong to use electricity.

Question: My brother was a member of the Church of Christ which is why I know something about their beliefs. They didn’t use musical instruments when singing songs because, as he told me, musical instruments were not mentioned in the first-century church. Neither was electricity, but that sure didn’t keep them from having electric lights…

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Why are there musical instruments in Revelation?

Question: If the New Testament forbids the use of musical instruments in the worship service, why are there musical instruments in the Book of Revelation? Answer: Before answering your question, let’s get a bit more precision. The New Testament doesn’t forbid the use of instrumental music in worship; that is, there is no direct or…

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Can instrumental music be used during weddings held in a church building?

Question: I have searched your website and didn’t find any information on this so I am submitting this question: Is it scriptural to have recorded music (not vocal) in a wedding ceremony that is held in the church building? There is a young Christian couple that has asked to have recorded music played only as…

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Why did Catholicism start and when did it happen?

Question: Why did the religion Catholicism start and what year did Catholicism start? Answer: Why Catholicism started is fairly straightforward. Man has a difficult time leaving something alone. There is a strong desire to modify things with the goal of “improving” things. This tendency is encouraged by Satan who wants to destroy the works of…

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The Amazing History of Instrumental Music in Christian Worship

by Allen Webster “I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (I Corinthians 14:15). In the average person’s mind, gospel singing and organ music go together like “rock” and “roll” or “blues” and “rhythm” or “hip” and “hop.” It is assumed, expected, even celebrated. Most would be genuinely surprised…

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