I remember seeing an interview on TV years ago between someone from the news and a famous singer. I recall the singer stated that her kids would take advantage of her when they knew she had to sing that night. They knew she couldn’t yell and raise her voice for fear of straining her vocal chords.

Obviously this kind of entertainer wanted to sound perfect when she sings. This begs the question, do Christians entertain God when they come together to worship Him? Do people think that our Creator wants His children to be like court jesters and magicians to amuse Him? Such thinking is ridiculous. This requires more of our attention since we live in an entertainment-infested society.

Take for example when Paul and Silas were cast into prison for being accused by the Jews for causing trouble (Acts 16:20). We are told that their clothes were torn off and they were beaten with rods. They were also put in the inner prison with their feet fastened to the stocks (vrs. 22-24). It would be odd to think they didn’t cry out in pain when many stripes were given to them (vr. 23).

Why did I bring up these men of God? Reason being, in verse 25, we are informed that it was midnight and these two were praying and singing. I wonder how “beautiful” their voices sounded. I don’t mean to be funny, but were they like the musical group, Simon and Garfunkel, that had perfect pitch and harmony? I think it is safe to assume that wasn’t the case. Nor should we conclude that they were trying to entertain the other prisoners and the Lord, even though they were heard by all.

The very reason you have religious groups bringing in all kinds of innovations is to help “improve” their worship for God. When saints are commanded, yes, commanded to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:17), just where does that leave the person who can’t carry a tune in a bucket? Are those with a tin ear doomed to shut up and just listen to those better able to “perform” for God? Of course not! May we learn the lesson that we sing from the heart and God loves those who do such in spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:24).

Chuck

Lord willing, this coming Saturday will be our annual singing. Brethren from many congregations have been invited, as have members of the local community. But what is the value in having a singing? Let’s take a closer look at this as we prepare for our coming event.

I think James put it best when he wrote, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms,” (5:13). The idea of singing is to voice what we know to be true. The Corinthian brethren were told, “What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding,” (I Cor. 14:15).

It is a glorious time when children of God gather to blend voices together in praise. The Proverb writer stated, “By transgression an evil man is snared, but the righteous sings and rejoices,” (29:6). Saints praise God to acknowledge the greatness of the Creator. There is no lack of things to be grateful for in song. When there is joy in the heart, our lips will flow with songs of praise.

Even though our opening text mentioned that the cheerful sing, those who are facing difficulties in life can find strength and comfort in singing too. Paul and Silas, after they were beaten and cast into prison, prayed and sang hymns to God (Acts 16:25). Even at midnight, the other prisoners heard them singing. These servants of the Lord were unashamed of praising in song and you can be sure it helped them through this very difficult time in their lives.

We are specifically told what kind of singing our Father is pleased with. We know that singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs is acceptable (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs can also help us teach and admonish each other. Coming together to sing praises is far from a waste of time. All who can attend our singing will leave strengthened. We hope to see you there.

Chuck

What if I like having
instrumental music in worship?

When discussing the subject of instrumental music in worship, most people are quick to defend the practice by simply saying that they like it. Interestingly, God likes it too! Yes, you heard me right. God not only likes instrumental music in worship, He demands and commands it. Let’s take a closer look at this subject.

You cannot find a clearer passage of scripture to reveal God’s expectations for worship than Colossians 3:16. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

This verse is plain and clear – Christians are commanded to use a specific instrument for music in worship, namely their voices. This helps us understand why psalms and hymns and spiritual songs were listed. These forms of music contain words that we can use to praise the Lord and teach and admonish one another with. In contrast, the notes made by mechanical instruments cannot teach, admonish or offer praise.

Remember, the purpose of this article is to determine what is expected out of saints when they worship the Lord musically. Consider also Paul’s argument in I Corinthians 14:16. “What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”  Here again we see that we must understand what we are singing – merely offering music as general praise is not enough. Clearly, 1 Cor. 14:16 is not an admonition to “play” some sort of mechanical instrument with understanding.

Just as we need Biblical authority to use our voices as instruments to please our God, we should also seek Biblical authority to use mechanical instruments in worship. The fact is, the only instrument authorized is the voice. Many religious groups today will play instruments during prayer or when a teacher is winding down his lesson. Just as there is no scripture to support mechanical instruments for praising God in song, there is no Biblical support musical accompaniment during prayers and preaching either.

The verses of the New Testament feature a consistent pattern of acapella singing. When Paul and Silas were cast into prison and started to sing, is it logical to assume that they also started to play instruments (Acts 16:25)? Of course not. If we were hypothetically commanded to both sing and play instruments, then it would be sinful to sing without instrumental music. On top of that, it would be sinful if everyone was just singing and not playing an instrument.

“Is it wrong to sing praises to God without mechanical instruments?” Every time I have asked this question to someone advocating for instrumental music, the answer has always been “No!”  I then ask how they can be so sure it is not wrong.  My purpose is to get them to realize that Biblical authority is necessary and that anything else is just an opinion. I recall attending a denominational church years ago where a man got up and played a “spiritual song” that consisted solely of musical notes. There were no words at all. How does this match the instructions of 1 Cor. 14:16 or Col. 3:16? We need to listen to our God and walk by faith to please Him (Heb. 11:6). Only those who listen to His words and abide are walking by faith (Rom. 10:17).

                                                                                               Chuck