David, Instruments, and Singing

Seriously? You Hear The Strangest Things About The Church Of Christ (#2)

“What a beautiful Saturday morning,” Joe thought as he pulled into Fedoya Park for his daughter’s soccer game. (The coaches had requested the girls all be there a bit earlier than usual for warm-ups.) As he parked and his wife and daughter piled out of the car with soccer equipment in tow, he noticed that his co-worker, Chuck, and his family were already there. Chuck was the “church of Christ guy” from work whom Joe always enjoyed talking to about the Bible because Chuck seemed to know it so well.

After Joe collected the two lawn chairs from the rear of his truck, he waved his wife over and then approached where Chuck was sitting. He had been particularly perturbed lately and at a loss to understand something he had heard about the churches of Christ. Hoping for an answer, he went over and set up his and his wife’s chairs beside where Chuck and his family were sitting.

Eventually, after the introductions and obligatory weather comments had concluded, Joe said, “Hey Chuck; I got a question for you… I’ve heard it said recently that churches of Christ don’t have music… is that true?”

Chuck smiled and responded jovially, “No, that’s not true at all – not even remotely. We enjoy some of the sweetest worship music ever sung. Every Christian there – young and old alike – seeks to pour out their musical praises to God with all their heart, mind, and soul just the way God commanded His faithful New Testament church to do so long ago.”

“That’s not quite what I meant,” Joe responded wryly. “I meant, is it true that you guys don’t use instruments? All the other churches do. Are you saying they’re wrong?”

praiseband

Worshipping with the Band?

Without missing a beat, Chuck said, “What I’m saying is this… Let’s suppose your wife, whom you love deeply, has made it abundantly clear that she wants one particular pearl necklace from you for her special day. She has placed a picture of it beside your alarm clock so it’s the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. She has pasted a picture of it on your medicine cabinet mirror so when you go in to shave you can’t miss it. Coming down the stairs for breakfast, you see she has slid a picture of it halfway under your breakfast plate – as well as one under your coffee cup. Leaving for work and getting into your car, you see she has slipped a picture of it in front of your speedometer. And finally, picking up your cell phone to text her that you got the message already, you see that she has posted a picture of it on there as your wallpaper! That’s six, different, unmistakable messages, indicating exactly what she wants on her special day. And so the question: Do you love her enough to give her what she asked for? Or, do you suppose it would be “just fine” with her if you got her a necktie instead? After all, they both go around the neck.”

“Not if he knows what’s good for him,” Joe’s wife instantly interjected from the seat beside him. “He might have something else wrapped around his neck at that point – and I’m not talking about his loving wife’s arms either!” she continued rather quickly and quite convincingly.

“Exactly,” Chuck continued. So; how many times do those who truly love and want to please and submit to the Lord alone, have to be told by Him precisely what type of worship music He wants before they decide to honor His wishes instead of their own? He has told us all very clearly, not once, not twice, not three, not even six, but a total of eight different times in the New Testament, exactly the type of worship music He wants: singing – and singing only. What makes us think, as feeble human beings, that we therefore have the authority to give Him something else – something we might prefer or even see as better – over what He has so thoroughly indicated?

Completely caught off guard by the absolute simplicity of such sound and logical biblical reasoning, all Joe could stammer was, “But… what about David? He used instruments!”

“He also danced uncovered before the Lord and offered up animal sacrifices too,” Chuck said, chuckling, “but that doesn’t mean that those Old Testament practices are a part of New Testament church worship. It’s like this… Let’s go back to the pearls example. Suppose your first wife loved puzzles. She had a huge puzzle collection. Every holiday you sought to purchase her a new and unique puzzle. She eventually passes away and you remarry. Your new wife makes it extremely clear that she loves pearls – not puzzles. What would you get her when you want to celebrate her special day? Puzzles… or pearls?”

“If I’m the second wife, it better not be puzzles!” Joe’s wife chillingly chimed in once again from her nearby lawn chair.

“Well, it’s the same way with God. Under the Old Mosaic Covenant with the Israelites, sure, they used instruments. It was a very ‘physically-oriented’ system. However, under the New Covenant of Christ, which is a much more ‘spiritually-oriented’ system, we see that God insists, not on some talented few playing their instruments in worship to Him while the rest look on, but on every single and grateful saint in the congregation singing His praises and putting their whole mind and spirit into it; teaching, admonishing, and encouraging one another while singing and making melody to the Lord with thankful hearts and cheerful lips! This is what the eight, exclusive New Testament messages or passages from God on the type of music He desires tell us. Our preacher posted quite an in-depth bible study on this to our website. If you really want to learn more about worshipping as God wants, then maybe you ought to check it out. It’s at http://www.clevelandcoc.com/?page_id=161.

And as far as who’s right or wrong Joe… we in the churches of Christ absolutely believe that the only way to be sure that a person is going to heaven, is to be as close to being right with God as they possibly can. And that the only way they can do that, is simply to study everything out, “book, chapter, and verse,” and then do everything exactly the way God said, period. …Don’t you Joe? Well…don’t you?”

 

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Transgendered Issues

While homosexuality has been the hotly-debated political issue for Christians over the last few years, the agendas of godless activists have continually been pushed behind the scenes in ways we might have predicted but certainly didn’t expect to see so soon. Consider the issue of transgendered people, those who are born a certain sex but decide they are psychologically the other. The argument made is that there is a difference between your sex (determined by the actual body parts with which you are born) and your gender (determined by which one you decide you are). While the homosexual battle has been fought for decades now, the advocates of “anything goes” sexual norms were much smarter about their push for transgendered acceptance. They simply did all the work behind the scenes and revealed it all at once, as has happened in the last year or two. Consider a few examples.

boygirl

The Question: Boy or Girl?

The June 9 issue of Time magazine features a cover story on Laverne Cox, who was born a boy but made the decision to become a woman, saying “I just thought I was a girl and that there was no difference between girls and boys. I think in my imagination I thought that I would hit puberty and I would start turning into a girl.”

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has stated that sex-reassignment surgeries will be covered by taxpayer dollars under Medicaid because they are “medically necessary.”

Laws have been passed in cities in California, Colorado, and even Texas to ensure the rights of transgendered people to use the public restroom of their choice, including full legal protection against any person who might have a problem with the presence of someone of the opposite sex in the restroom.

Here’s what Christians need to know about transgendered issues:

1. As with homosexuality, nobody is “born that way”

We’ve often pointed to the fact that, despite millions of dollars and great efforts put in by those who wanted to believe in it, a gay gene was never discovered. Even gay historians have conceded that the 21st century argument that homosexuality is innate is something all of human historical understanding contradicts. The same can be said for transgender people. Similar to homosexuality, transgenderedness was medically considered a mental disorder until recently – chemically more a matter of gender misidentity than gender identity. The factors that make a person choose the opposite gender have long been understood as tied to uncertain childhood environments and confusion as a child, something Lavern Cox even pointed to in the Time interview. Modern sexual acceptance doesn’t change those facts.

2. God doesn’t make mistakes

In the creation account we can see exactly what God intended for mankind when Genesis says, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them… Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good” (Gen. 1:27, 31a). One cannot believe in God’s sovereignty, biblical inerrancy, and the created order of male/female relationships and still buy into the idea that people were put in the wrong body. Sure, the schools (one of the first places transgender restrooms were debated) and our culture in general will try to educate young people to tolerate those who are not content living as the person God made them, but we must continue to speak the truth and hold the line where God’s Word created it. Additionally, the Bible also speaks out against those who are effeminate (1 Corinthians 6:9), proving that God expects people to live as they are created.

3. We need to be prepared

Just as homosexuality is beginning to hit the church, with lawsuits occurring in other countries that won’t be far behind here, transgender people will want to be accepted unconditionally by churches as well. While we should treat all people equally – as sinners like us in need of God’s love – parents should be very wary of the people around their families as transgendered restroom use opens the possibility of all kinds of new dangers.

We live in a world that needs God as much as it ever has and a country that is as far from Him as it ever has been. That doesn’t mean our cause is hopeless. The one positive lesson we can learn from the homosexual and transgender communities is that consistent, tireless, coordinated efforts to spread their message have worked out perfectly according to plan. Until we are so dedicated to our goal of turning our culture back to Christ that we put aside all distractions and work together with one goal and one mind, we’ll never enjoy the success they have. With God’s guidance and a lot of prayer we can do it, though. Let’s win this battle. Soldiers of Christ, arise!

 

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The Root of Pride

“But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, ‘Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.  Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?’ So he turned and went away in a rage” (1 Kings 5:11-12).

Pride

Pride destroys.

I know a little bit about anger and pride.  It is a set of sins that I have struggled with for many years.  I am fortunate that, over the years, I have had some good brothers help me with these issues.  Some have helped me out of real concern; others, not so much, but God has been working all that time, and I accept His correction in whatever form it comes.

The root of pride is the ego, and the ego is based in the flesh.  Consider Jesus words in Mark 7:21-23: “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”  Paul tells us that these are all works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21).

Pride is deceitful and insidious, and it is easy to be deceived by pride.  We tend to rationalize our behavior, and practice self justification.  This is what Naaman did.  After he went away from Elisha, he rationalized his anger by telling himself that he was worth more than what God had to offer him: a seven-fold baptism in the Jordan river.  He thought he was increasing his value by comparing himself to the prophet’s hand waving gestures, and his own homeland.  He really only cheapened himself.  A person is so much more valuable than an impressive showing, or a clean river.

This is why pride is such a problem: it reduces persons to things, and causes us not to love ourselves as God loves us, and God loves us much more than we will ever know.  After all, He gave the life of His Son for us (John 3:16).  How much was the son of God worth?  Telling ourselves that we are worth less than what God tells us we are worth is the worst kind of self-deceit, because we can’t properly love our brother if we don’t love ourselves.  Jesus said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39).  We can make an effort at it, but we will not get very far before we become discouraged with ourselves and give up.

The flesh is deceitful making us think that we are worth some worldly object.  This is why the apostle Paul told us not to be deceived by it: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Galatians 6:7-8).  Pride sows to the flesh, and it will destroy us if it goes unchecked.

I have often had this question asked to me over the years: “Is there such a thing as good pride?”  Recently a friend told me that he never read such in his Bible.  I’ve never read such either.  I have read this verse: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).  I’ve always read this verse as if the words “destruction” and “fall” were very bad things, and it does depend upon what kind of destruction and fall one has, but more recently, I’ve learned that “destruction” and “falling” can be very good things if directed in the right way.  Paul wrote, “And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).  There is always hope, but let us not think that we can sin that grace may come (Romans 6:1).

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Rejoice! Jesus is Coming!

When the apostle Paul wrote the letter of 1 Thessalonians he did so intending, in part, to correct some false teaching and understanding concerning the Second Coming of Jesus. Paul assures the brethren that those who die before Christ returns will not miss out on His coming and in fact would be given preference in meeting Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). Then he goes on to explain that the coming of Jesus in judgment would be unexpected, like a thief in the night, and that they as Christians should not be ignorant of these truths or unprepared for its occurrence (1 Thessalonians 5:1–10).

Jesus is coming back

Jesus is Coming Back.

While many who claim to be Christians today acknowledge the promised return of Christ in judgment many it seems live as though it has either already occurred or will not. We continue to live in sin and suffer the consequences and guilt of rebellious doubt and disobedience. It is true that because “the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil” (Ecclesiastes 8:11). Jesus warned in the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins that “while the bridegroom was delayed, they all [the five foolish, TLD] slumbered and slept” (Matthew 25:5). This is Paul’s admonition to the church for all ages, that is, to be sober, watchful, prepared, and encouraging.

One of the wonderful things about 1 Thessalonians 5 is that Paul follows his teaching and admonition with practical application. While we often look at individual or sets of verses in the later half of this chapter the beauty is found in its context. Paul says we can be prepared and can rejoice in the pending coming of Jesus in judgment if we (vv 16–22)…

Rejoice always. Joy is a staple of New Testament teaching and living! Even in the midst of a sin-filled world, even when persecuted for righteousness, the Christian has something to rejoice in. Jesus is coming… rejoice!

Pray without ceasing. Pray helps keep us focused on heaven and on God. We are totally dependent upon Him for all physical and spiritual blessings. Without Him, His grace, His mercy, and His love the Second Coming of Christ is a horrifying reality. Prayer helps keep us focused so we can rejoice.

Give thanks. The focus on God and heaven help us to live thankful lives. Giving thanks entails far more than just thanking God in prayer. Giving thanks is a way of life. Paul said that whatever state he found himself he had learned to be content (Philippians 4:11). This cannot happen without living a life of thanksgiving.

Do not quench the Spirit. Much has been written and speculated upon concerning this statement, yet in its context we must conclude that the instruction here simply relates to our response to the Spirit’s work. While the Spirit was miraculously guiding the church in the first century the emphasis is on the Spirit’s work on our behalf in revealing unto us the will of God (Ephesians 3:1–13). We need to be humbly submissive to the Word of God and not live in rebellion to it.

Do not despise prophecies. This goes hand-in-hand with the idea of quenching the spirit. We must embrace the inspired revelation of God in our lives if we are to live joyful, expectant lives.

Test all things. When we have done the preceding things we must then put everything to the test. Many false prophets and teachings have emanated from the simple truths taught by Christ and the apostles. We need to put everything to the test (1 John 4:1) as to not be moved (Galatians 1:6).

Hold fast what is good. When we have tested all things and have separated the precious truths from the false ways of evil through purification we must hold on to those truths with vigor and valor.

Abstain from every form of evil. We cannot live joyful lives if we hold on to the good but attempt to keep the evil around as well. We must desist from every kind of evil in this life. Jesus said simply, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). You cannot hold on to the bloodstained hand of Christ with one hand and the world with the other!

In conclusion Paul writes that if we do these things the “God of peace” will sanctify us “completely!” And the entire “spirit, soul, and body” will be preserved blameless, hear it, “at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v 23). We then can live joyful lives, knowing that Jesus is coming and that He is faithful and will do what He has promised (v 24).

What is keeping you from living a joyful life in earnest expectation of His coming? Simply focus on doing the things Paul has laid out for us in this beautiful text, live joyful, expectant lives. God loves you, He sent His Son to die for you! He’s coming back to receive those waiting for Him with those who have gone on before. Will you be ready? Obey Him and be faithful!

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A Growing Church

The early church grew (Acts 2:41-47, 4:4; 5:14; 6:7; 11:21), and Christ desires for His church to grow. In fact, He expects it to grow (cf. Dan. 2:44-45). Nevertheless, the manner by which we grow is a concern in the church today. For the sake of increased attendance, many have resorted to such things as entertainment, pop psychology, overemphasis of social issues and such like, many of which have led to changing that which God has not authorized in the church. Thus, for the congregation, we ought to see what God says in the greatest manual for church growth—the Bible!

Growing Church

A Growing Church Grows Properly.

A growing church is a gathering church: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).

A growing church is a gifted church (Matt. 25:14-30).

A growing church is a giving church: “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come” (1 Cor. 16:2).

A growing church is a glad church: “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:46-47).

A growing church is a glorious church: “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Eph. 5:27).

A growing church is a godly church: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12).

A growing church is a going church: “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).

A growing church is a good church: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).

A growing church is a gospel church: “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

A growing church is a gracious church: “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Col. 4:6).

A growing church is a great church: “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building” (Heb. 9:11).

A growing church is a greeting church: “But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name” (3 John 1:14).

Therefore, let us strive to be a growing church, but to do so according to the pattern that we find in our New Testament!

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