Tuesday, February 26, 2008

A Recent Post on Another Site about Current Events

I make the case for a cappella music in the assembly like Everett Ferguson makes it. He examines the NT passages, considers the life of the early church, and considers any theological significance to the practice.

The New Testament delivers and reflects apostolic teaching, and playing is not mentioned. For 600 years instruments were not used. Jesus alwasy led us to the heart of the matter and perhaps the theological significance of apostolic teaching reflected in the epistles is the heart involvement in singing.

I make this case. And I believe it. I believe and teach that instrumental music in the worship assembly is outside of God's will.

For many people, the case for a cappella music is strong and convincing. I am among them. Many of these people I have found have a heart for God, a great desire to please him, and their lives reflect their commitment to godliness.

For many people, the case for a cappella music is weak and unconvincing. Many of these people I have found have a heart for God, a great desire to please him, and their lives reflect their commitment to godliness.

Those who contend so vigorously against the case for a cappella music would do well to admit that those of us who believe it are not stupid, we are not all legalists, and we don't come to our conclusions without evidence.

Those who contend so vigorously for the case of a cappella music would do well to admit that simply on the basis of godly people who don't believe the argument, the case is not as cut and dried for some as it is for others. It is not like the works of the flesh that are obvious. Instrumentalists are not stupid, self-centered, nor
do they draw their conclusions without evidence.

At the end of the day, many of us are going to believe just as we believed at the beginning. Some of us are going to have been convinced to change our minds in both directions. And we are going to have to deal with the bigger question of what do we do with each other; and the answer is going to refelct what Jesus is going to do with both of us.

Father, please deal mericfully with me. I want to do right, but I'm sure I've got some stuff wrong. Father, please help me deal mercifully with other children of yours who disagree with me.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

6 comments:

TheFamDoc24 said...

Richard thanks for the great words. Right now, at this point in my life, I probably fall into the camp of disagreeing with you on the music issue. But, it is nice to know that we can study together as brothers (much like in the days of seeking out that M.A. from OC), and not go at each others throats.
Your post and your prayers are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Bobby

dagwud said...

Thanks for coming by my blog, Bobby. Great picture for your blogger ID by the way.

Are we saved people? That's the question. Whether I'm right or whether I'm wrong, Jesus has the authority to make me stand. Regardless of one's conviction regardling instrumental music, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. That doesn't shrink my desire to obey him, in fact his love compel's me. It just keeps my focus on him, and my trust in him. I'm glad I can depend on Jesus because I have entrusted him with my salvation. I'm glad you have, too.

Stoned-Campbell Disciple said...

May the Father give us the grace to love and tolerate each other when we both study and believe in the authority of the word and still come away disagreeing.

Good Post.

Seeking Shalom,
Bobby Valentine

Terrie said...

Richard what great words! I agree with you entirely! It also gave me some good words to give someone who doesn't believe as I do! I am so glad that I don't have to worry about whether my opinion on a subject is the basis for my Salvation! Christ alone is the Basis for my Faith and my Salvation!

Thanks,
Terrie

Anonymous said...

Wow! Guys, with disagreements in the days that the Lord will come? In regard the instrumental worship subject, just worship him with the noise or neither the noise. Worship God with your heart and spirit.

watch this!

John 4:23 "But the hour is coming, and now is when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and thruth; for the Father is seeking such to worship him"

Hardcore COC, Jesus Christ is Alive!!! Shout his name!!! be Glad and rejoice in him! use your hands for worship him, use your body when you worship him which is only for his Glory and mercy. Are you worship the most high seating down?. stand and be happy! because He rejoice seen his childrens in great rejoice.

Jerry Crabb said...

To those who believe in faith only, here's a verse that disproves your way of faulty thinking that baptism doesn't save , when in reality it does.Colossians 2;12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were [raised to new life] because you trusted the mighty power of God who raised Christ from the dead. When you were raised out of the water after being baptized. If you can't comprehend this in what it's saying about being saved after coming out of the water, then may God help you to see the truth by opening your heart.