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Question on Music #1

On March 10, 2009, I receive the following e-mail that asked a question along with my answer:

"Nice website. I have a question for you. I do NOT mean to be argumentative in any manner, but maybe you could explain something to me.
I noticed you had a link to a music star on your site.
Doesn’t Church of Christ practice no music playing in the church during the singing? Is there a difference in practicing music in church versus music not in church?  Thank you."

Dear

I would like to thank you for taking the time to visit my web site.

I appreciate that you have interest in spiritual matters to ask a question.

There is nothing wrong with instrumental music in and of itself, just like there is nothing wrong with baseball, basketball, walking, football, etc. However, the important question is what kind of music God desires when we worship Him. Jesus said in John 4:23, "23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

In answering that question, we need to look at the following verses:

Matthew 26:30 - And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Mark 14:26 - And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Romans 15:9 - and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name."
1 Corinthians 14:15 - 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.
Ephesians 5:19 - speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
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.
Hebrews 2:12 - saying: "I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You."
Hebrews 13:15 - Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
James 5:13 - Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.

After reading these passages, I can only come to the conclusion that we are to praise God by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. God wants us to sing without the accompaniment of instruments of music such as guitars, organs, pianos, etc. whether it is in the assembly (church) or outside of the assembly (church). The instrument that we are to play is our hearts when we sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

Since secular music does not fit into psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, the Lord’s prohibition against instrumental music does not apply.

I hope that this will answer your question. If it does not, please feel free to ask further or ask any question that you might have.

Sincerely,
Stanton See

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