The purpose of "Let the Bible Speak" is to teach God's word in as kind and gentle way as we can. We try to give a scripture for everything we say. Sometimes even this is offensive to some.
Some were also offended at Jesus Christ's teaching. "Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nign unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?" (Matt. 15:7-9, 12).
We appreciate all questions, comments or criticism. We think it is only fair to respond to public criticism publicly.
In the Sept. 29th Daily Press, Letters to the Editor, a lady wrote: "Let the Bible Speak Further," in response to the articles "Are Mechanical Instruments Authorized in Worship?" In the letter she did not give one passage of scripture. She says, "If your church does not believe in 'string instruments' that is fine." The subject we discussed was: "Does the Bible authorize mechanical instruments in worship."
The church of Christ has no man made creeds or discipline, only God's word, "And they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17). We know, therefore, when we worship in "spirit and in truth," it must be according to his word.
"For we walk by faith and not by sight" (I Cor. 5:7). We must understand, to walk by faith, is to believe the revelation of God's will as recorded in the Bible, and to submit to it. That which is not revealed in the Bible, cannot be done by faith. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). Mechanical music is not authorized in the New Testament, therefore, a practice without faith. "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23).
She said, "I believe it is Biblical," but gave no scripture for its use. Then she said, "I love to sing praises to my God and Saviour." To sing praises is what is commanded, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Eph. 5:19).
She also stated: "I will praise Him with my whole heart, and if that includes an instrument, so be it." It seems she doesn't understand that the heart is the instrument named. The American Standard Version of 1901 reads: "...singing and making melody with the heart to the Lord" (Eph. 5:19b).
Jesus says in Matt. 7:21, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven."
Please be as the noble Bereans that "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).
"If any man speak let him speak as the oracles of God" (I Pet. 4:11).
Don H. Noblin
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