Posts Tagged ‘instrumental music’
Is it wrong to use instrumental music during a talent show at the building?
Question: I know musical instruments are not to be used in the worship setting. But our leadership is too biblical at times. Some are so biblical that they rather call an event a Gospel meeting and not a revival. I know that we must obey those who rule over us, but you being a leader in the…
Read MoreGod 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…
Read MoreIs 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…
Read MoreI like this church, but my dad doesn’t because it doesn’t have a piano. What do I do?
Question: I’m having some issues right now. We just moved into a new area, and are trying to find a church. There’s one that we went to today that I really like, and feel like I really connect to, but my parents don’t like it. My dad says that he doesn’t like it because there isn’t a piano…
Read MoreFinding 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…
Read MoreLearning from the History of the Instrumental Music Controversy Among Brethren
by Mark Roberts Could one issue really divide brethren who claimed allegiance to the idea of just going by the Bible, doing Bible things in Bible ways, and following the Bible alone? As the Civil War finally came to its end and life began to return to normal in the United States some brethren actually…
Read MoreIs 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…
Read MoreHow do I teach my fiance that dancing in worship, instrumental music, and women preachers are a big deal if you want to please God?
Question: I’m getting my fiance to come to a church of Christ from being a Baptist. She had decided to study with me and learn the Word together, but it seems still a little hard to do so. For one, her mother is always in her ear and to be honest she would be mad…
Read MoreWhy 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…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreGod didn’t reverse His position on using instrumental music, so why can’t we use them today?
Question: It is funny that in your condemnation of musical instruments in “worship” you fail to address that while the use of them was clearly permitted in the Old Testament, there is no clear reversal of this in the New Testament. If I was going to change my position it would only seem reasonable to…
Read MoreIf you don’t use instrumental music, then should you not use hymns composed on pianos?
Question: In doing some research for a book, I came across your web site. I was really surprised by the bluntness of your home page. I grew up in several different churches of Christ, Christian, and restoration movement churches. The instrumental churches and non-instrumental churches have always puzzled me. I’ve spent the last 1 1/2…
Read MoreCan instrumental music be used for worshiping God on days other than Sunday?
Question: I was also speaking with her regarding instruments in worship. She claimed that since it is only the first-day assembly, which is that worship was done together in one place, then to go to a place where they have instrumental music on a Wednesday night is not sinful. She went on to talk about…
Read MoreGive 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,…
Read MoreIf 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…
Read MoreWhere 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,…
Read MoreDid 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…
Read MoreIf 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…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreI’m so disappointed with the older people in my church. They oppose the use of RNB, hip-hop, and Reggaeton in church. What would you advise?
Question: I read your blogs and, I don’t know, maybe if you read this you could help me. My church is filled with elderly people (40+). This year the number of our youth has been growing. God has been good and has been blessing us with incredible services. But a lot of members criticize all…
Read MoreIs 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…
Read MorePaul, 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…
Read MoreWhy 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…
Read MoreCan’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…
Read MoreCan I go to a show and sing along with the hymns that are being sung with instrumental music?
Question: Can I go to a bluegrass show and sing along with hymns that are being sung with instrumental music? Can I play and sing hymns at home with instruments? Answer: When something is offered up to God, then it ought to be done in the manner in which God asked for it to be…
Read MoreSince I Corinthians 14:7 mentions instruments, doesn’t that justify instrumental music in the worship?
Question: In I Corinthians 14:7 Paul states “And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?” Is this referring to having instruments in the church? Answer: “Follow after love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but…
Read MoreHave I been worshiping in vain all these years by using instrumental music in worship?
Question: I have enjoyed your questions and answers on your web site. Thank you for your time in addressing matters that concern people. Now I would like to ask you, as many others have asked, about the restriction that your church has placed upon “instrumental music” in the worship of the Lord. This is an…
Read MoreDid 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…
Read MoreDo you have something on the use of instrumental music under the Old Law?
Question: Do you have any articles or sermons on the instrumental music used to worship under the Old Law? I understand that the Old Law has been done away with and we don’t use instruments in today’s worship, but I am just curious about the use of instrumental music in worship under the Old Law.…
Read MoreIs 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…
Read MoreI’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…
Read MoreAre 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…
Read MoreIs it okay to listen to instrumental “Christian” music outside of worship?
Question: Someone asked me this question and I would like your opinion. I looked on your great web site but didn’t see it addressed. A young lady asked me if it is okay to listen to “Christian rock” or instrumental (“Christian”) songs outside of worship. I would appreciate your opinion. Thanks for the good work…
Read MoreWhat is the source of the quote from Martin Luther in McClintock and Strong’s Cyclopedia?
Question: Having been raised a Lutheran and knowing their pride in using a pipe organ for hundreds of years in their worship service, and after I became a Christian in 1974 I did not find it quizzical that Lutherans are inconsistent with Luther on many points, including instrumental music. When I read “The organ in…
Read MoreWhat 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…
Read MoreIf 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…
Read MoreWhy 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…
Read MoreCan 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…
Read MoreWhy 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…
Read MoreThe 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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