When trying to understand what the Bible says about a subject, understanding the difference between aids and additions is critical. For example, the Lord told His follower to take the unleaven bread and the fruit of the vine to remember His death (Matt. 26:26-28). If we added chocolate cake to this remembrance, would that be an aid or an addition? The two foods (unleaven bread and fruit of the vine) were specifically called out in the verse, so adding chocolate cake would be an addition. What if we placed the unleavened bread and fruit of the vine on a table during this process? The verses say nothing to include or exclude a table – it is merely helpful to accomplish what the verses focus on. The table is an aid. Do you see the difference?

Consider the command to use music in worship to God. Music can be vocal, instrumental or both. Which did God command? The inspired word of God states that we are to sing using our voices, so singing is clearly acceptable (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19). What if instruments were also used during the worship though?

To answer this, let us revisit the example of the Lord’s Supper. What would be the harm if we added chocolate cake to the Supper and also kept the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine? Cake is still not authorized as only unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine were specifically called out. Chocolate cake is not required. Instruments are not required to fulfill the command to sing during worship, nor is there any authority to add them.

Like the table in the Lord’s Supper, song leaders and books are aids to singing. An instrument is not an aid because it is a different form of music. Other ways to create melodies, like whistling and humming, are also additions because they do not use “words” as commanded.

Keep in mind that as we look at musical notes in hymnals, we also look at the corresponding words of praise. However, playing an instrument involves no words. There is a difference between singing praises to God making melody in our hearts to the Lord (Col. 3:17), and using a mechanical instrument.

                                                                                              Chuck

Let’s think this through

I do not know how many times over the past month I have heard people say, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.” I like this statement, and it is thought provoking. From a Christian standpoint though, the opposite is also true. We could say “It is insane to do things differently and expect the same result.” Allow me to explain.

God’s people have been given a teaching that is unchanging (Rom. 6:17). This means we cannot add to it or take away from it (Gal. 1:6-9). Those who abide in the gospel are walking by faith (Rom. 10:17).  Now here is the clincher – without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). Therefore, it is insane to do things differently than what God has authorized and still expect the same results as those who follow His word.

Everyone needs to understand that a person “doing things for God” is not automatically approved by God. If God does not approve of these things, then who are they truly being done for? If you insist that God approves of something (or if you think He should approve of it) and are unwilling to confirm this in His word, then you are really doing it for yourself. The Bible is filled with examples of this behavior Consider Cain (Gen. 4), Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10) and those Jesus called out (Matt. 15:7-9).

Read on to understand why some vainly do things differently than God’s word describe and yet expect the same outcomes as those who faithfully follow His word.
 

Is it the thought that counts?

If God does not care how we serve Him, then why give the gospel? Why warn of punishment for those who do not obey His word or abide in it (II Thess. 1:8; II John 9)? If all that counted was the thought, John 4:24 would have been written to say, “God is Spirit, they that worship Him, must worship Him in spirit.” But we all know it continues on to say, “and in truth.”

Do the differences matter?

Our Lord commands that we sing (Eph. 5:19). Someone says, “We sing and play instruments in worship – it’s the same!” This is not the same – God’s word did not mention instruments. Our Lord commands that we belong to the church Christ built (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47; 20:28; Rom. 16:16). Someone says, “We belong to a denomination – it’s the same!” This is not the same – Jesus founded His church, not the denomination. Our Lord commands we have authority for everything we do (Col. 3:17; II Tim. 3:16-17). Someone says, “We don’t have Biblical support for everything we do, but it is still the same!” No it’s not – without God’s word, you are establishing your own religion.

Should we focus on God’s love and not His wrath?

Most people are annoyed when someone tells us what should or should not bother us. Imagine how God feels when people insist that certain behaviors should not upset Him even though His word teaches on these subjects! God’s love and wrath co-exist. We know this because God loves everyone and does want anyone to perish (John 3:16; II Pet. 3:9). Does that mean love overlooks sin? Of course not, which is why many will be lost (Matt. 7:13-14).  For some reason, those who are in religious error always think the lost are somehow different from them. In reality, they themselves are lost.

Let us be rational thinks and not insane – if we do things differently than are described in God’s word, we should not expect the same outcomes as those who abide in His word.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Chuck

What pleases God?

There is true joy when we do something for someone and know that they are really going to like it. This is why parents want to be around when they give their child a gift. The same is true when you see soldiers come home early to surprise their loved one – to see their reaction. Knowing that someone is going to be really pleased is what makes it a joy to give to others. Here is a list of things the Bible says will please the Father:

1. Walking by faith (Heb. 11:6).

2. Not being a man-pleaser (Gal. 1:10).

3. Preaching the gospel (I Cor. 21).

4. Having Jesus reconcile man to the Father (Col. 1:19-20).

5. Singing praises to God (Heb. 13:15-16).

6. By obeying our parents (Col. 3:20).

7. Keeping His commandments (I John 3:22).

8. Being in the Spirit rather than in the flesh (Rom. 8:8-9).

9. Having all members in the body of Christ/the church (I Cor. 12:18).

10. The body we gain at the resurrection (I Cor. 15:38).

Again, we should enjoy doing these things because we know they please God the Father. We should not assume that God is pleased because we like something. It is the other way around – we should find joy in things that we know please Him. The question for all of us is this – are we pleasing the Father?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Chuck