Comments for Preacher's Study

Comment on Important Religious Research by Akishya

Akishya — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:42:54 +0000

This is a wonderful article to read. Providing us useful information about religion is a big help. And a lot of people will benefit from this. Thanks for post.
Akishya recently posted..Knowing Your Black Arowana Of South America

Comment on Important Religious Research by gabby

gabby — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:58:40 +0000

Thank you for sharing your beautiful post. I love your insights about religion. But most of all we need is our faith in Him and everything will be just fine.
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Comment on Church of Christ Music: What’s the Big Deal About a Piano Anyway? by Bryant Evans

Bryant Evans — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:08:59 +0000

Thanks to all for the discussion. I think it is clear that to use the instrument requires one to move beyond what God has clearly said. At the very best such an attitude places on on thin ice. At its worst it is presumptuous sin. Would it not be more glorifying to give God precisely what he directs? When we add our earthly opinions would it not remove some of God’s glory and give it man instead? I am not willing to do so.

As the administrator of this blog I am closing comments on this post. We have reached a point of recycling comments and I doubt little is left to say. I do wish to thank you all for your thoughts and the kind way you have participated. Please continue to visit the blog here often and comment on the other articles.

Comment on Important Religious Research by Henie

Henie — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:02:58 +0000

Thanks for the idea you have provided us here…I am sure this can be a big help too…
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Comment on Church of Christ Music: What’s the Big Deal About a Piano Anyway? by Doug

Doug — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:56:14 +0000

Olan,
Your error #1: Paul specifically says those disputable things are not of the kingdom, so again you are wrong by trying to force the disputable matters of eating and drinking as kingdom issues, like trying to square peg in a round hole. Again, you reject the very clear statement made by brother Paul (Rom.14:17).
Your error #2: We are not talking about singing without an instrument. We are talking about singing with the heart – a figurative instrument.
Your error #3: Sorry, there is specific legislation to sing and pluck the strings of your heart to the Lord. There is nothing else to say on the matter. I am not making my argument, I’m merely repeating what Paul said to do BUT you don’t like that! You desire to go beyond what is written (1 Cor.4:6; Acts 15:24) and that, my brother, is playing the Pharisee (Matthew 15:9).

Comment on Church of Christ Music: What’s the Big Deal About a Piano Anyway? by Olan Hicks

Olan Hicks — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:41:33 +0000

RESPONSE TO ARGUMENTS ON INSTRUMENTS

Error #1: To declare that Romans 14 has no bearing on worship is to veto what God said. Verses 3 and 4 say that what a child of God does he does to God. Verse 6 says that if he does not do a certain thing he “gives God thanks” and if he does do a certain thing he does it “and gives God thanks.” The very point of the chapter is liberty in things we do toward God.

Error #2: When one sings without an instrument he is singing. When one sings with an instrument he is singing. It is not reasonable to think of musical instruments as a substitute for the act of singing. An instrument does not displace singing it complements it.

Error#3: It is not responsible exegesis to interpret Paul as saying that “the heart is a form of instrument with which to accompany singing.” The part played by the heart is clearly stated by Paul in Col. 3:23, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” The point is we should put our heart into our singing. But the heart makes no sound. It does not accompany in that sense.

The bottom line: I said that in the New Testament we have no specific legislation ordering us to play instrumens or not to play instruments. No one has disputed that. This then is a disputable matter, something not divinely legislated. Many arguments are offered pro and con. But they are just that, arguments, not God given statutes. When you argue for making it a law you are arguing for division over a disputable matter, the very thing Romans 14 forbids. Also you make a law where God has not given one. It might be wise to remember that Jesus said “teaching for doctrine the commandments of men” constitutes vain worship. I would say that is a serious error.
Olan Hicks

Comment on Who Shares the Gospel of God? by Suzanne Grey

Suzanne Grey — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:37:08 +0000

I think everyone has the responsibility to share God’s Gospel to his neighbor.
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Comment on Church of Christ Music: What’s the Big Deal About a Piano Anyway? by Ewell

Ewell — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:36:21 +0000

Doug and Bryant are absolutely correct.

Comment on Church of Christ Music: What’s the Big Deal About a Piano Anyway? by Ewell

Ewell — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:33:51 +0000

More New Hermeneutic comes forthe with the “expicit scriptures only” idea. God gave us a mind to reason, commands us to reason, and explained very plainly by John’s gospel why an EXPLICIT scripture is NOT possible on every given subject or situation.
John 21:25, 2nd Tim. 2:15
The NT is not a doctrine of “thou shalt” and “thou shalt not” – it is a guide for reason and logic, and proper application. Unity is NOT possible with those of doctrinal error.

Comment on Church of Christ Music: What’s the Big Deal About a Piano Anyway? by Bryant Evans

Bryant Evans — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:30:56 +0000

Thank you all for your approach and comments.

I agree with Doug here. This is not about silence but about substitution of human judgement for what God has clearly said. Singing along with the instrument is not the same as simply singing. Indeed, even the non-religious branches of music understand there is a difference, hence the term A Capella.

Had God instead said simply make music we might then be free to make any kind of music. But is specified singing which is a form of music.

The Restoration Movement remains irrelevant here. I appreciate their courage and studies but do not base my faith upon them. Olan, you are left with the fact that you must assume it is acceptable to go beyond what is clearly written. That is far more than I will support.
Bryant Evans recently posted..Who Shares the Gospel of God?