Teaching The Word

By Paul 0 Nichols
People who accept the Bible as God’s infallible word agree that His ways are always right and cannot be improved upon. We do not always understand why the Lord commands something, but that does not lessen our responsibility to accept it as truth. Remember, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” ( Isaiah 55:8). And the apostle Paul said, “0 the depth and the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out” (Romans 11:33). Reason as we may, there are some things in the scriptures that we, as human beings, cannot reason out or rationalize to our own satisfaction. Such things must be accepted by faith. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Some things in the Bible may seem foolish to the carnal mind, but even “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25).

I am sure the children of Israel could not see, by human reason, how that looking at a brazen serpent on a pole would cure snake bites, but those who wasted no precious time rationalizing, but quickly obeyed, were the ones who were cured and lived. And what about Naaman? While he reasoned that the rivers close to home were just as good and more desirable than the river of Jordan he almost made a fatal decision. If he had failed to obey the voice of the prophet of God, he would have died from the ravaging disease of leprosy. And, again, was there any reason why the blind man should think there was a cure for his congenital malady in the water of Siloam? His desire to see was greater than his desire to know why the command. His obedience to Jesus gave him sight. He obeyed even though it was not “reasonable.” And when we want to please the Lord more than we desire to know why, and try to rationalize his commandments by human reason before we will accept them, then we will respond in obedience. We will “walk by faith, not by sight.”

THE SUBJECT
Teaching the word is the subject under consideration. In order to understand any subject in the Bible, one of the first things necessary is to have the right attitude. Be honest. Have a sincere desire to know the truth. Jesus said, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Study the scriptures for the commandments and the examples God has given in His Word. Try to determine what is applicable to us today. Remember God’s ways are always best, regardless of what we think.

CHILDREN
The main responsibility for teaching children has always been that of the parents. Children are wards of the home, and those who bring them into the world are responsible to God to teach them. The Jews in the Old Testament were told, “And these words which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children...” (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7). “Therefore shall ye lay up these words in your heart and in your soul.. And ye shall teach them your children” (Deuteronomy 11:18,19). Where was this to be done and how often? “And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 11:19). Solomon said, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

In the New Testament, as well, the parents are given the responsibility of teaching their children. Paul says, “And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). The church as an institution was never given the commandment to teach children. If so, where is it? The commandment of Jesus to the apostles was to preach the gospel to those who could obey it and become Christians (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:19-20), and to further instruct them to keep the commandments of the Lord. After the converts were taught the will and the ways of the Lord, it became their responsibility to train their children in the way they should go.

THE DIVINE ARRANGEMENT
In the Old Testament children were allowed to be present when the scriptures were read and explained. We are told in Nehemiah 8:1-3, “All the people gathered themselves together as one man And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding ... And he read therein ... before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.” In Joshua Chapter 8 we are told that Joshua “read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law. There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women and the little ones, and the strangers, that were conversant among them” (Joshua 8:34-35).

These are classic examples of all being taught and learning in one undivided assembly. And everyone present got the teaching needed and was able to comprehend -- men, women, and the children. In Nehemiah 8:7-8 we are told certain men explained the reading and “caused the people to understand the law” and “gave the sense.”

Here is another example in the Old Testament. Moses said, “When all Israel is come to appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your Cod, and observe to do all the words of this law: And that their children, which have not known anything, may hear, and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as ye live in this land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it” (Deuteronomy 31:11-12).

The three preceding examples of God’s word being read and taught to men, women, and children in the same assembly proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is not necessary to classify people in order to teach them the word of God. The Lord knew best and gave divine instructions how it was to be done.

In all those years preceding the coming of Christ this was the arrangement that was authorized; just one undivided assembly. And in such an arrangement all could learn.

THE PRACTICE OF CHRIST
AND THE APOSTLES
In the New Testament we are informed that the same arrangement was used by Jesus and the apostles. In Luke chapter four we are told concerning Jesus, “And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read.. And the eyes of all them were in the synagogue were fastened on Him .. . And all bare Him witness .. And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath” (Luke 4:16, 20, 22, 28). All the people were together when Jesus read the scriptures and taught them “as His custom was.” Other scriptures could be cited to prove that this same arrangement was used to teach multitudes on other occasions.

This arrangement was used by the apostles when they taught the multitude on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), and upon many occasions after that. In fact, this the only way they taught the crowds who came to hear. And not one time can we read where they divided up the people into classes to teach them.

HUMAN vs. THE DIVINE
Dividing into classes for teaching the scriptures is an invention of man. The arrangement has absolutely no Bible authority. It is true that it has been widely adopted, but so has instrumental music and other religious innovations and inventions of men. How popular a thing is makes it neither right nor wrong in itself. Something is right if it is authorized by God and can be found in His word.

There are several ways that people may be classified, but none of these can be found in the Bible. Students may be classified by physical age. Or they can be classified according to spiritual age. But, of course, they cannot be classified by both at the same time. It is either by one or the other. Also students could be tested and classified by I.Q. One other method could be used to classify, and that is by knowledge. Of course, this method would require a test to determine how much each one knows about the scriptures. Whichever method is used, it is to the neglect of the other three. When several obey the gospel at the same time they are all the same spiritual age, but they may not all be of the same physical age. Should they be classified by physical or spiritual age in order to have their needs met? And what about their knowledge of the scriptures? If they are classified by knowledge they surely cannot be classified by either physical or spiritual age. Also some of the same physical age or spiritual age are not of the same I.Q. And if a group is classified by I.Q. the would not be classified by knowledge or by age, either physical or spiritual. In fact, there is no way people can be classified by all of these methods at the same time.

The Lord’s arrangement for teaching people the scriptures in an undivided unclassified assembly is the best in the world. It always has been an and always will be. God says, “My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distill as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass” (Deuteronomy 32:2). This same type of figure is used by Isaiah the prophet. “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10-11).

When an assembly of people is taught the Word of God, each person, young or old, babe in Christ or mature Christian, high I.Q. or low I.Q , knowledgeable or not, gets what he needs and can absorb, if the preacher or teacher does his job as he ought. This is God’s way, and no one can improve on it. The apostle Paul says, “Ye may all prophesy (teach) one by one that all may learn and all may all be comforted” (1 Corinthians 14:31).



A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

If you have any comments or questions --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please contact me at BibleTruthsToU@gmail.com or 253-396-0290 (cell). Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor. .
--— 998 Terrace Drive, Oakdale, CA 95361

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The Lord's Day

by Irvin Barnes
Introduction

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10)
The term "Lord’s" is translated from the Greek word Kuriakos. Vine defines the word as “ pertaining to a lord or master” Thayer says, “of or belonging to the Lord.” Thayer also states that in Revelation 1:10, the Lord’s day, is “the day devoted to the Lord, sacred to the memory of Christ’s resurrection.”

The same term is used in 1st Corinthians 11:20, regarding the Lord’s supper or communion. The church at Corinth had defiled the Lord’s supper to the point that Paul in so many words says, “You should be coming together to eat the Lord’s supper, but because you have defiled it, what you are doing when you come together can not even be called the Lord’s supper.”

Most Christians have a clear understanding of the relationship between Christ and the Lord’s supper. To separate Christ from the supper would render the supper void and useless. The connection or attachment between Christ and the communion cannot be overstated.

According to the statement made by the apostle John, (Revelation 1:10) there is also and inseparable union between Christ and one of the days of the week for it is called the Lord’s day. Lord’s day, Lord’s supper --- they are equal as far as relationship to Christ is concerned. Just as the supper pertains and belongs to the Lord so does the Lord’s day pertain to and belong to the Lord.

The Sabbath Is Gone When John was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day could it be that he was in the Spirit on the 7th day of the week which was the Jewish Sabbath? The answer is no! The Sabbath is gone according to the scriptures. There is no Sabbath. There is no 7th day Sabbath, no 1st day Sabbath, no Sabbath at all!

“When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn?
and the Sabbath, that we may set forth wheat ...” (Amos 8:5).

At the time of this writing by Amos the prophet, Israel had a mind for rebellion and disobedience. They desired to “buy the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of shoes" (Amos 8:6). They wanted to cheat in the weights and measures for selling grain and other produce.

They hoped for a time when they would not be restricted against selling or doing business on the monthly feast days and on the Sabbath. So, they asked, “When will the Sabbath and the new moon be gone.” Amos tells them that the land shall tremble for this evil. He warns that great destruction will come upon the people as a penalty for their sins. However, he also answers the question, “When will the Sabbath be gone?”

“And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day,” (Amos 8:9).

When will the Sabbath be gone? When the sun goes down at noon and the earth is darkened on a clear day. Did this ever happen and if so when? The words of the prophet were fulfilled at the crucifixion of Christ

“Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour...” (Matthew 27:45).

The sixth hour, Jewish time, corresponds with our 12 o’clock noon. The ninth hour corresponds with our 3 p.m. Therefore, when Jesus was on the cross the sun went down at noon and the earth was darkened on a clear day. From that moment forward the Sabbath was no longer binding on God’s people, for Jesus took it out of the way and nailed it, along with the rest of the law of Moses, to his cross.

“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross” (Colossians 2:14).

The Sabbath Will CeaseThe prophet Hosea also foretold the end of the Sabbath:

“I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her Sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts,” (Hosea 2:11).

Feast days, refers to yearly festivals such as the Passover, Pentecost, feast of atonement, feast of tabernacles and of the trumpets (Leveticus 23). New moons refers to the monthly observances and Sabbaths refers to the weekly Sabbaths. All these the writer
says, will “cease.”

After Paul, in Colossians 2:14, explains how that Christ took the ordinances of the law of Moses out of the way and nailed them to His cross, he went on to say:

“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holiday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days,” (Colossians 2:16).

Meat and drink refers to the daily sacrifices, holiday refers to the yearly feasts, new moon the monthly feasts, and the Sabbath days to the 7th day observance.

Hosea said all these observances would cease. Paul says since Christ died on the cross, they have ceased. Since Christ nailed these ordinances to his cross no man has a right to judge a Christian because he no longer observes these old Jewish holidays.

What Day Is the Lord’s Day?Since the Sabbath is gone, the Lord’s day spoken of by John in Revelation 1:10, cannot be the 7th day Sabbath. The only other day of the week upon which importance is placed in the scripture is the first day of the week. The first day of the week has a unique relationship to Christ as set forth in the following points of scripture.

Jesus Resurrected on the
First Day of the Week The first day belongs to, and pertains to, the Lord because He was resurrected on the first day of the week. The importance of the resurrection of Christ cannot be overstated. The resurrection of Christ is called, “... the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe ...,” Ephesians 1:19.

“When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had driven seven demons,” (Mark 16:9--NIV).

This passage should settle the question as to what day Jesus was raised from the dead. However, since the KJV says, “Now when Jesus was risen,” some who desire to keep the 7th day claim that Jesus was already risen when the women came to the tomb and therefore, they say, He was raised from the dead on the 7th day of the week.

Luke 24 offers absolute proof that Jesus was raised on the first day. Jesus himself stated that He would be raised on the third day following His crucifixion (Luke 24:46). While walking on the road to Emmaus, Cleopas told Christ, “today is the third day,” since Jesus was delivered, condemned to death, and crucified (Luke 24:13-21). Verse 13 declares that the journey to Emmaus was on the same day the women went to the tomb. So Jesus was raised the day the women went to the tomb, the same day Cleopas went to Emmaus which was the 3rd day since Jesus had died. What day was it? Luke 24:1, says the women went to the tomb on the first day of the week. The women did not go to the tomb on the Sabbath day nor was the Sabbath the 3rd day following the death of Jesus. Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week, which is our Sunday.

The Church Started on the
First Day of the Week According to Acts 2:1-4, the baptism of the Holy Ghost came upon the 12 apostles. This was on the first Pentecost day after the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus had promised that the Holy Ghost would come to the apostles Acts 1:2-9. The Holy Ghost could have been dispatched from heaven on any day. It is significant that Christ saw fit to send the Holy Ghost to the apostles on the first day of the week.

When the Jews heard the preaching of Peter and the other apostles on the day of Pentecost, 3000 responded in repentance and baptism and the Lord added to the church such as should be saved (Acts 2:36-47). This is the first time in the new testament that the word church is used in the existing sense. Previous to this time you will find the word church mentioned in the future tense, such as; “upon this rock I will build my church,” Matthew 16:18. Upon the obedience of the penitent Jews the church was thus started.

Pentecost was one of 5 Jewish celebrations commanded in Leviticus 23. Beginning, at a specific Sabbath, the Jews were to number 7 Sabbaths complete. Seven times 7 equal 49 days. The day following the 7th Sabbath was the “fiftieth” day which is the exact meaning of the word Pentecost. Since Pentecost or the 50th day followed a Sabbath or 7th day, the day of Pentecost always fell on the fist day of the week. The church, then had its beginning on the first day of the week.

First Day Worship The first day of the week is also distinguished from the other days of the week in as much as Christians are taught to assemble for the communion on the first day of the week (Hebrews 10:25 & Acts 20:7). It should be remembered that as the Lord’s supper pertains to the Lord, the Lord’s day also pertains to and belongs to the Lord.

Paul commanded a collection to be taken on the first day of the week (1st. Corinthians 16:1-3) Those who practice Sabbath keeping claim this was a special collection that would not be continued after Paul came to take it to Jerusalem. Please note the passage does not say, “that there be no more collection ever again, after I come,” but says simply that they were to take a collection each first day so the funds would be ready when Paul or others arrived. Nothing is said to prove that they would not continue the first day collection every first day of the week after Paul departed Corinth for Jerusalem. The first day is distinguished by this act of giving in the assembly on each first day of the week.

Conclusion It is my sincere hope that this short publication will renew in those who read it a greater appreciation for the first day of the week. Let us as Christians put the Lord back into the Lord’s day. Let us use the first day of the week for worship, reflection, thanksgiving, Bible study and visiting. “This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it,” Psalms 118:24.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOU Following the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body [collectively called the “churches of Christ” Romans 16:16),] assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile any differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

If you have any comments or questions --- or would like to study the Bible on these or other topics --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please contact me at BibleTruthsToU@gmail.com or 253-396-0290 (cell). Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor.

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Acceptable Worship

"Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. Moses then said to Aaron, 'This is what the LORD spoke of when He said:

"Among those who approach Me
I will show myself holy;
in the sight of all the people
I will be honored.".

True Worship Jesus said, “... true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (John 4:23). The term “True worshippers” suggests that we could be false worshippers (read what Jesus told the woman at the well in John 4:5-24, esp. vs. 19-22 indicates the Samaritans were worshipping unacceptably to God, not because of their lack of sincerity --- but because of their lack of Biblical authority for what they did --- wrong mountain for temple; wrong priests). Jesus rebuked some who worshipped falsely, “You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophecy of you saying, ‘This people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men’" ” (Matthew 15:7-9).

Their worship was unacceptable because it was insincere, and because they had substituted man-made traditions for God’s pattern of worship. We need to beware of human traditions.

Three Elements The statement of Jesus in John 4:23 reveals that acceptable worship has three elements:

1) Right object - God;
2) Right manner - in spirit;
3) Right way - in truth.

Right Object --- God
God wants us to worship Him. We must be careful to keep God as the focal point of worship. Worship can become entertainment, but entertainment does not satisfy the soul. We must worship God.

"Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us
and not we ourselves;
We are His people
and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him and bless His name."
Psalm 100:2-4

Right Manner --- In Spirit
The early Christians were urged to assemble in order to stimulate one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25). The Lord’s Supper reminds us of the greatest love (1 Corinthians 11:23-29). Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs sung in praise to God, stimulate us to good works (Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16). In prayer we draw closer to God, ask for forgiveness, remember the needs of others, and thank God for His blessings. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is beneficial (James 5:16). Giving of our means is an expression of gratitude (2 Corinthians 9:7). Gratitude is a key ingredient of acceptable worship. The Scriptures should be read and explained in the assembly: “... give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13). Through this knowledge our faith grows stronger (Romans 10:17).

Right Way --- In Truth
The early Christians, following the instructions of Christ’s apostles observed the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week. The disciples at Troas were gathered together for the Lord’s Supper when Paul preached to them (Acts 20:7). History indicates the practice of weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper. John Mason, church historian. wrote “weekly communions did not die with the apostles and their contemporaries. There is a cloud of witnesses to testify that they were kept up by succeeding Christians with great care and tenderness for above two centuries” (Letters on Frequent Communion, pp. 34-38).

Can we obey Jesus as Lord and ignore His instructions? We must be careful not to add, or subtract from, the instructions of Jesus.

Sincerity
A young girl was sitting next to an older woman during the Lord’s Supper. Tears streamed down the cheeks of the young girl as she thought of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. The older woman looked down on her and calmly said, “Don’t take it so seriously my dear.” But, worship should be taken seriously! We must center our minds upon our Creator. We should try to make our worship, both individually and collectively, pleasing and acceptable to God.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOU Following the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile our differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

For the location of a congregation belonging to Jesus Christ near you, or for questions or comments please contact Dennis at BibleTruthsToU@gmail.com or 253-396-0290 (cell).

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The Offering, Contribution, Or Giving

by Richard DeGaugh
The Church of God is engaged in the greatest mission under heaven. Money is an absolute requisite in carrying on its great work and hence the proper use of money becomes an important theme in the New Testament and assures an important place in the Christian’s life. The first sin in the Jerusalem church that we are told of was the sin of Ananias and Sapphira in the matter of giving money to the Lord. (Acts 5:1-2) So, Christians, in making money and giving, must “provide things honest in the sight of all men,” as well as glorifying God. Every Christian is a steward of God’s things and, therefore, must be faithful as a good steward for we shall one day give account of our stewardship. (I Peter 4:10, I Corinthians 4:1-2, Romans 14:12)

The Lord has presented a plan for financing the work of the Church in the New Testament scriptures. As in the case of every other plan God has given, it must be put into operation by faithfulness upon the part of Christians. The obligation is an individual one, and is sufficient when it is followed as the New Testament directs us.

The Bible says of the early church, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42) This constituted their worship to God on the first day of the week, the “Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10) When the apostolic church met for “breaking bread” on this day (Acts 20:7) it is reasonable to assume that, at that time, they also attended to the fellowship, or contribution, as one of the things the disciples continued in, with the apostles. To confirm the first day of the week being the time for attending to the contribution, we have the apostle Paul (when a certain contribution was to be made for the poor saints in Judea) directing the Corinthians to attend to it on the “first day of the week,” that being the day of their assembling to worship. (I Corinthians 6-14, Hebrews 10:25, Acts 20:7)

This was not a one time offering or contribution which ceased, for Paul exhorted them to “perform the doing” of what they had begun the year before. (2 Corinthians 8:10-11) In other words the collection for the saints was to be done on each first day of the week. MacKnight renders it, “On the first day of every week let each of you lay somewhat by itself, according as he may have prospered, putting it into the treasury....” (new translation, I Corinthians 16:2) Again, they “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship...” (Acts 2:42)

THE MANNER OF GIVING
First, giving is personal. Paul said, “Let everyone of you lay by him in store...” This responsibility is given to every Christian. Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom...” Again, “. . .it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Luke 6:38, Acts 20:35) The question arises, How much should I give? Paul gave some guidelines to the Corinthians, saying, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give...” and, to give “...as God hath prospered him.” (2 Corinthians 9:7, I Corinthians 16:2) Unlike Israel of old, we are not under the law of tithing. This was determined by a percentage required of them to give to the Lord what is justly his. In Malachi 3:8-9 God accused Israel of robbing Him in “tithes and offerings.” May we consider that things written aforetime were for our learning. (Romans 15:4) Paul said, “for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Again, “...he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” (Galatians 6:7, 2 Corinthians 9:6) Our giving is the free will offering of a willing heart and an open hand, “not grudgingly nor of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

MOTIVE FOR GIVING
First, the heart is the motivator in our giving. Paul said, “ For if there first be a willing mind ...” Of the Macedonians Paul said, “...but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” This is impressive when we consider those Christians were in deep poverty and affliction that “abounded unto the riches of their liberality.” (2 Corinthians 8:2-5,12) But, the greatest motive for giving is the sacrifice that Jesus our Lord made for us, “. . .that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) Surely this will stimulate us to give freely of our means, and of ourselves, as a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1)

THE PURPOSE FOR GIVING
First, Paul’s order to the churches of Galatia, Macedonia and Achaia concerning the collection for the poor saints in Judea, was to give relief to those Christians. While the church was in her infancy there were those in need. The faithful who had possessions sold them and met that need. (Acts 2:44-45, 4:34-35, I John 3:17-18) Another need arose because of a great dearth throughout the world, and that need of the brethren in Judea was met by the disciples. There is no indication that the contribution, the “laying by in store” ordered by Paul to the churches was ever used for the world. It was a collection of the saints for the saints. (I Corinthians16:1-2)

Second, the preaching of the gospel was supported by the church. The responsibility to preach the gospel is given to the church. (Ephesians 3:10, I Timothy 3:15) Paul said, “Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” (I Corinthians 9:14) When Paul was at Corinth preaching, other churches supported him. (2 Corinthians 11:7-9) While in Thessalonica the church at Phillipi met his needs. (Philippians 4:14-17) May every Christian give liberally, and ever be ready unto every good work. To “do good and to communicate,” remembering that with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (Hebrews 13:16).



A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

If you have any comments or questions --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please contact me at BibleTruthsToU@gmail.com or 253-396-0290 (cell). Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor. .

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“Singing And Making Melody In Your Heart" vs. Playing On An Instrument

By Johnny Elmore
The religious leaders of Jesus' day were well aware that every religious practice must be authorized. They viewed it as a challenge to their authority when Jesus went into the temple and cast out the money changers, which it was. They said to Jesus: "By what authority doest thou these things? And who gave thee this authority?" (Matthew 21:23). Jesus promised to tell them where He got his authority if they would answer only one question: " The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men?" (Matthew 21:25). Now the questioners were trapped in a dilemma. If they said John's baptism was from heaven, that is, authorized of God, they knew that Jesus would ask them why they had not received it. On the other hand, if they said that John's baptism was from men, they feared the people, so they said, “We cannot tell" (vs. 27). They knew there were only two sources of authority for religious practices— God or men. That is true with our religious practices. It is fatal to simply have the authority of men for religious practices, for Jesus said, "Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up” (Matthew 15:13).

IS SINGING — FROM HEAVEN OR OF MEN?
Is "singing and making melody in your heart" from heaven or of men? The way to determine the correct answer to that question is to appeal to the scriptures. It is easy to establish authority for singing, because we can read commands and examples of singing in connection with worship under the New Testament economy. Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn at the close of the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26). Paul and Silas sang praises to God in prison (Acts 16:25). In connection with the worship of the church, Paul said, "I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also" (I Corinthians 14:15). The apostle Paul commanded: "But be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:18,19). Also: "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" (Colossians 3:16). Other passages are James 5:13, Romans 15:9 and Hebrews 2:12.

PLAYING AN INSTRUMENT — FROM
HEAVEN OR OF MEN?
Is playing on an instrument in worship from heaven or of men? To ask that question is to answer it, because it must be obvious to all that there is no biblical authority for the use of instruments of music in worship under the New Testament economy. There is no command to play on an instrument, no example of anyone doing it in Christian worship, and no place where it may be necessarily inferred that instruments of music were used in worship. Yet the apostle Paul commanded, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him" (Colossians 3:17). “In the name of” means "by the authority of ." When the sheriff bangs on a door, and says, "Open up in the name of the law," he means "by the authority of the law." Our worship to God, as well as other religious activity, must be authorized by God. It is not enough for people to say, "Oh, I like instrumental music!" What we like does not necessarily meet the approval of God. The question we should be asking about instrumental music is: "Has God authorized it?" If the question is answered affirmatively, I ask: "Where has God authorized it?" It is obvious that God has not authorized it in the New Testament.

THE OLD TESTAMENT
Sometimes people acknowledge that there is no New Testament authority for instrumental music, but cite various passages in the Old Testament in which instrumental music was used, apparently with God's approval. But surely we recognize that the Old Testament is not our authority. It was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14), and " we are delivered from the law," (Romans 7:6). Yes, Psalms is included in the law, for Jesus said, "Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, ye are gods’?" (John 10:34). The only place you will find that quotation is in Psalms 82:6, so Jesus identified Psalms as part of the law. If the law is our authority, then it opens the door for many practices, including infant membership, burning of incense, animal sacrifices and polygamy.

But some argue, "Why did God change his mind?" We might ask, "Why did God change his mind about infant membership, incense, and polygamy?” I don't profess to know the answer to that question, but I do know that the Old Testament is not our authority for New Testament worship. I want a religious practice that IS approved, not one that USED TO BE approved.

OTHER ARGUMENTS
Recently, it has been argued that there is no authority for congregational singing and that all of the passages which mention singing in the New Testament involves individual singing. I submit that even if that were true, it would not authorize and justify instrumental music in worship. Those who make such an argument practice congregational singing, therefore, they are condemned by their own practice. A little consideration of Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19 will show that the command to sing involves reciprocal action. Ephesians 5:19 commands "speaking to yourselves"— reciprocal action. Colossians 3:16 commands " teaching and admonishing one another," so this is not solo singing or simply individual singing— it is something we are to do to each other. There is no validity to the contention that all the passages in the New Testament on singing refer to individual singing.

It is also argued that the Greek term for "make melody" in the original text means to sing to the accompaniment of a harp. Some who know only enough about lexicons to be dangerous have looked up the original word and noticed “harp” in its ancient etymology and have jumped to the conclusion that the etymology is the meaning. But the etymology of a word is not its meaning. James D. Bales gives an example showing that the word "lyric” once meant “adapted to the lyre or harp,” but that is not its meaning today. It now means: “A lyric composition or poem.” The 101 scholars of the ASV did not think it meant “sing to accompaniment,” because they rendered it “make melody,” as did the 47 scholars of the KJV.

There is no New Testament authority for playing on an instrument in worship. We can not “speak where the Bible speaks, and be silent where it is silent” and use instrumental music. We cannot “walk by the same rule” and “mind the same thing” if we refuse to be governed by the authority of the New Testament.br>


A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.

If you have any comments or questions --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please contact me at BibleTruthsToU@gmail.com or 253-396-0290 (cell). Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor.

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The Lord's Supper

Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”(NAS, NIV, NKJV, Amplified) (1 Corinthians 11:24-25; Luke 22:19)

1) How many loaves did Jesus take? (Matthew 26.26)
2) What kind of bread did Jesus take? (Matthew 26:17; Exodus 12:15, 19-20)
3) What drink did Jesus take? (Matthew 26:27-29)
4) Did Jesus drink of the “fruit of the vine”?
(Matthew 26:29, Mark 14:24-25)
5) How many cups did Jesus take? (Matthew 26:27)
6) How many cups did Jesus give to His disciples? (Mark 14:23)
7) What did the disciples do ? (Mark 14:23)

What do the symbols of the Lord’s Supper represent?
1) What does the bread represent ? (Matthew 26:26)
2) We are “one body” because we all ______ of the _____ loaf
(1 Corinthians 10:16)
3) Is the church, the spiritual “body of Christ”?
(Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1 ;22-23)
4) What does the one loaf here represent?
(1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
5) When and how do we illustrate the unity of the church?
6) What does the fruit of the vine represent? (Matthew 26:28)
7) Is the blood of Christ the same identical thing as the New Covenant?(Hebrews 9:15-20)
8) If the fruit of the vine represents the blood of Jesus, what represents the covenant? (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25)

The relationship between the Passover and the Lord’s Supper.
1) What was to be killed and cooked and eaten whole (unbroken)?
(Exodus 12:3-20, 43-49; 13:6-9)
2) Was the Passover Lamb a “type” or “shadow” of Christ?
(John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7)
3) Was Christ’s body physically whole (unbroken)?
(John 19:32-36)
4) What Scripture do you think this fulfilled?
5) When was the Lord’s Supper instituted? (Luke 22:7-8)
6) How many loaves must be used to figuratively represent Christ’s body?
7) Was any “leavening” or yeast (which represents sin) allowed during the Passover week?
(Exodus 13:6-9; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8)
8) Could the bread or the “fruit of the vine” have contained leavening or yeast, then?

Fill in the following summary of the spiritual representations contained in the Lord’s Supper:
1) _______________________ represents the body of Christ given for us.
2) _______________________ represents the blood of Christ shed for our sins.
3) _______________________ represents the New Covenant established upon Christ's death.

What is the purpose of the Lord’s Supper?
1) What is it’s purpose? (1 Corinthians 11:24)
2) Was Christ’s body physically “broken”, or figuratively “broken” by death? (John 19:32-36)
4) What else does the one loaf represent?
(1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
5) Do we illustrate the unity of the church by partaking of the one loaf as Christ directed?
6) What would we illustrate by using multiple loaves and multiple cups in the Lord’s Supper?

The importance of partaking properly of the Lord’s Supper.
1) Can we bring judgment upon ourselves if we partake in an improper manner?(1 Corinthians 11:29-30)
2) What are we to do before we partake of the Lord’s Supper?
(1 Corinthians 11:28-32)

Do we have authority to change the Lord’s Supper?
1) If some element of the Lord’s supper has a spiritual meaning, can we alter that particular element in any way?
2) If Jesus said. “Do this ... in remembrance of Me.” can we change what He did in observing His Supper and still honor Him?

When are Christians to partake of the Lord’s Supper?
1) For what purpose did the disciples come together?
(Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11;18-22, esp. 20; 10:16)
2) On what day did they do this?
(Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Revelation 1:10)
3) Remembering the purpose of the Lord’s Supper, Acts 2:41-42, the day of Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:1-2; Luke 24:1-6), Jesus’ appearances on the “first day” (John 20:19-20; Luke. 24:13-15), can it be necessarily inferred that the disciples met to partake of the Lord’s Supper every “first day” as part of the worship service (from Acts 20:7)?
4) When, then, should Christians partake of the Lord’s Supper?

Who breaks the bread in the Lord’s Supper?
1) Who breaks the bread in the Lord’s Supper?
(1 Corinthians 10:16-17)
2) Is each person, then, to break off a piece as they partake of the loaf?
3) Is the cup also to be passed to each person as they partake of the grape-juice? Mark 14:23

Compliments of the Church of Christ at Pacific WA
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The Benefits Of Singing

By Don French I. What Is Singing.

Ephesians 5:19 “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”

When God, in the New Testament, talks about singing, he does not talk about the requirement for sounding beautiful, but rather the emphasis is always on the heart, or thinking about the words that are being sung and meaning the words that you are singing. As we notice here in Ephesians, Paul, speaking by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, does not even use the Greek word for singing, but rather he uses the Greek word, laleoo, which is translated in the King James Version as Speaking. According to Thayer, the word laleoo means to utter a sound. In Psalms the writer uses the phrase , “a joyful noise” stressing again the fact that God is not concerned about how the words sound to the ears as men do, but rather God is concerned about how the words proceed forth from the heart.

In Ephesians 5:19, all three Greek words that are used to describe the songs being commanded, refer to songs that are sung acappella, or only using the voice. The Greek word translated here Psalms when used in the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Old Testament used in Jesus day and time, does include songs that are sung with the accompaniment of instruments, but by Jesus day and time, the word, psalloo, Strong’s number 5568, had changed in meaning and according to Greek Scholar’s meant songs that were not accompanied by instruments only. There were Greek words in general use at the time that meant songs that were accompanied by the use of instruments. God did not see fit to use them, rather he chose words that indicated songs that were not accompanied by instruments.

Therefore when I use the term, singing, in this book, I am always referring to songs that are sung without the use of mechanical instruments of any type. But it is not enough to sing only without instruments of music in order to be pleasing to God, but the song has to be sung also with the spirit and understanding also. Every song that is sung, must be sung with words that the user understands and they must come from the heart.

Matthew 15:18-20"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication's, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man."

The words that come forth from the lips come forth from the heart. Therefore, God is not pleased with a Christian just mouthing words that they have memorized. Do you want to please God or man? If we want a choir accompanied by instruments of music, we are concentrating on what is pleasing to men. Songs sung by trained singers with natural talent accompanied by various instruments of music are pleasing to men, but are they pleasing to God? No where does the Bible even hint that instruments of music are pleasing to God.

II. Why We Sing
When we understand how much we have received from God and we begin to appreciate the love that God has for us, then in natural response to that we begin to feel thankful which in turn leads to gratitude. A natural outcome of gratitude is a joy that is expressed through singing. Therefore any time we realize how great God is, how great a love He has shown for us, we will want to burst forth in songs which express our feeling.

Singing is one of the many ways that we as human beings have of showing our thanksgiving, our love, or feelings and emotions. If we want our singing to be pleasing to God, we need to know what is pleasing to God. So that is our purpose in this chapter, to see what the Bible, the word of God, says about singing, to please God.

Psalms 13:6 “I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.”

A natural outgrowth of receiving blessings from God is that we should be thankful to him and a natural way of human expression of thanks is singing. When we recognize how much we have received from God, we sing and this pleases God. Singing is one way we show appreciation to God and God wants us to recognize what He has done for us and He wants us to appreciate the sacrifices that his son made for us and he is pleased when the human heart cannot be quiet, but must burst out in praise and thanksgiving to our heavenly Father.

I Chronicles 16:9 “Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all His wondrous works.”

The realization of the many works the Lord has done for us, causes us to want to sing. The more we realize how much we depend upon God, the more we desire to sing praises about God and his spectacular works. This is a natural response if we appreciate all that God has done for us, but only if we truly appreciate the love that God manifested towards us.

Exodus 15:1-2 “Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for He hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation: He is my God, and I will prepare Him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt Him.”

Here is a perfect example of how appreciation for what God has done causes people to sing. If you remember God has just delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, the children of Israel were trapped with the Egyptian behind them and the Red Sea before them and miraculously they were delivered. The Egyptian army, which was coming to take them back, had just been drowned in the Red Sea.

Moses and the Israelites make up a new song and go about camp singing and thanking God. “I will sing unto the Lord, the horse and his rider hath He thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and song, He is become my salvation.” Only when someone truly understands what God has saved them from, will they want to sing it out and tell others.

Romans 15:9-10 “And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name."

Another reason we sing is so that outsiders would know about God and sing praises unto His name also. We sing because we understand what God has done for us and so that others will know the mercy of God and will glorify God because of the greatness of His mercy.

Acts 16:23-25 “And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.”

Here Paul and Silas, even after they have been beaten, are singing praises unto God. Singing praises to God, helps fill us with the Holy Spirit and helps see us through trying times. Singing praises to God also teaches outsiders about God and differentiates Christians from non-Christians.

III. How We Sing

Psalms 92:1-2 “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night.”

Oursongs should show forth thanksgiving to God for what he has done for us. Which means that we should be thinking about all that God has done for us, we should be remembering how Christ suffered and died in our place then we should have no trouble singing, knowing that our songs should be showing forth praise to God, telling others how we feel about God. Our songs should and do show unto others what we think about God, so we need to stop and think before we start singing and examine ourselves as to where our hearts are.

1 Corinthians 14:15 “What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.”

Our songs should spring forth from the heart and should express our feelings for God. We should also understand the words we sing and think about what the words mean as we sing. So to sing with the spirit and understanding basically is saying to sing words that we understand and they should be thought about, so that we mean what we are singing. While singing with the spirit does not mean just singing with emotion, one cannot sing with the spirit without having emotions involved.

Ephesians 5:18-19 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;”

Here being filled with the Spirit of God is being contrasted with being drunk. A person who is drunk has their inhibitions lowered so that basically they react emotionally without control, where being filled with the Holy Spirit while our emotions are involved, does not take away our will at all. A person who is filled with the Spirit of God, will be willing to express that feeling, but they have control over their thoughts and emotions. Here in Ephesians, God does not just tell us to be filled with the Holy Spirit, but he goes on and tells us how to do this, the first thing he says is “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” So we see that being filled with the Spirit of God is something that we as Christians have control over. Do you want to be filled with the Spirit of God? Then stop and start counting your blessing and as you realize how much God has done for you, just burst out singing praises to God, tell God in song how much he means to you, thinking about the words as you sing, make sure they are coming from your heart, make sure that you are “plucking the strings of your heart”, that you are putting your feelings into your heart. If we do our part, God will do his part, because he always keeps his promises. You will be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Just remember that there is more involved in being filled with the Spirit than just singing, Paul, through the inspiration of God, goes onto say “ Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” So we see that we always are in control of our spirits, as the Bible says, “The Spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”

But if you want to be a Christian who is filled with the Holy Spirit, you need to be a person who first of all is in submission to God. Then secondly, you need to be a person who is in the habit of going about singing praises to God from the heart, understanding the words that you are singing, meditating on them. You need to be a person, who takes time to count their blessings and who takes the time to go to God in prayer, thanking him for the many blessings that you have received from him. You need also to be a servant to others, helping them to grow as Christians, and helping them in whatever things they have need of.

To sum it up, a Christian who is filled with the Holy Spirit is a baptized believer, who is a singing, appreciative servant to God and to his or her fellow Christians. We should be teaching each other and the visitors to our assembly how we feel about God, Jesus Christ, and one another through our songs.

IV. The Blessings We Receive From Singing Properly

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.”

When we sing in the proper way, we grow in spiritual wisdom. When we sing in the scriptural manner, we are taught about spiritual things. When we sing as God would have us, we are admonished and encouraged. But for all of this to happen, we must sing with grace in our hearts to the Lord, or to put it simply, we need to be singing in such a way that our songs rise up before God as a sweet incense, as our gift back to God to show our appreciation for all that he has done for us.

Ephesians 5:18-21 “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

We, as Christians, are told not to be drunk with wine, wherein is excess, rather, we are told to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Bible then goes on to tell us how to be filled with the Holy Spirit: by speaking to ourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, by teaching each other by the way we sing and with our singing, by teaching visitors about the love we have for each other, by being a prayerful, appreciative people, and by being submissive first to God and then because we are in submission to God, we are submissive to each other. These things, if done properly, cause us to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 2:11-12 “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.”

If we sing in the scriptural manner, we declare unto everyone that we are brothers and sisters in Christ. If we sing in the scriptural way, we declare the name of Christ to everyone in attendance, especial our fellow Christians and if exalt the name of Christ, He exalts us.

1 Chronicles 16:23 “Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day His salvation.”

When we sing unto God in the way that he has instructed, we show that we are saved. When we sing unto God in the way we are commanded, on a daily basis, His salvation grows in us and is shown through us.

Exodus 15:2 “The LORD is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation: He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt Him.”

When we sing unto the Lord God in the scriptural manner, we are preparing our hearts as a habitation for God. When we sing in the way God has intended, we lift up the name of God and we exalt Him. When we sing in the proper way, we show forth the salvation of God and we declare him to be God.

Isaiah 35:10 “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

When the ransomed of the Lord return to the house of God and sing spiritual songs with joy in our hearts, we obtain joy and gladness, all sorrows and sadness will vanish away When you are sad and depressed, sing unto the Lord as if you were happy and you will become happy and joyful.

V. How The World Has Changed The Singing Service
The world has changed and corrupted the singing service of the worship service probably more than any other part of the worship service. From the year 666, when the Catholic Church introduced the organ into their services until now, the changes that have been made to the singing service has proven once again the wisdom and truthfulness of God when He revealed to us through the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 2:15-16 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul tells us to study in order that God will approve of the things that we do and so we can correctly understand the scriptures.

Paul continues in verse 26 and warns us to avoid profane and vain babblings for they are ungodly and once we start down that path, they will increase unto more ungodliness. Profane simply means anything not found in the Bible and vain babblings are talking about human wisdom or as the religious world loves to say, theology. Theology is simply trying to understand and comprehend about God and spiritual things from human reasoning which we know from many places in the Bible is impossible. In the Old Testament in Numbers 24:13 “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?”, the prophet Balaam lets us know how God looks at mankind’s additions. Even if I think that I have a good idea, I am not to be adding to what God commands.

The first major change was the addition of musical instruments under the guise of convenience and improvement. As if mankind can improve on anything that God has given. The next, as far as I can tell, is the addition of the choir. Both of these are supposedly justified by how they are an aid and not an addition, but I have visited at churches who have both and every time what I see tells me different. Every church that I have seen that has musical instruments has at times during their services played their instruments with no singing, but I have never seen them even for a moment have singing with no instruments playing, the same being true for a choir, I have never seen the congregation singing but always the congregation sits and listens while the choir sings. Which is more important to them? Clearly their instrumental music and choir has become their entertainment and is more important than the beauty and simplicity that the Bible pictures in the word of God. Otherwise if as they claim, these things are just conveniences, they would be having congregational singing by itself and the instruments of music and the choirs would be silent.

The religious world has gone so far astray that you can not in many cases tell the difference between the concerts that you can go to in the world and the abominations that the religious world refers to as their worship service. So far the only difference that I see is that I have not seen the insanity referred to as "The Mosh Pit” yet being justified as worshipping God, but I would not be surprised anymore by anything that people do and the extremes that they will go to in order to justify the things that they do. Anything that people do that works them up into a frenzy has become what the denominational world refers to as “worshipping God.”

VI. SUMMARY
1. Christians sing to show their appreciation and thankfulness for what God has done for us.
2. Christians sing to tell others about what God has done for us.
3. Christians sing to tell others about the Greatness of God.
4. Christians sing to tell God what they feel about him.
5. Christians sing to tell others about the Mercy of God.
6. Christians sing to tell others about the salvation enjoyed by Christians.
7. Christians sing to show our joy because of God's Grace.
8. Christians should sing from our hearts with feelings.
9. Christians should show forth the love of God when we sing.
10. Christians should understand the words they sing.
11. Christians should mean the words they sing.
12. Christians should sing and make melody in our hearts to God.
13. Christians should sing in such a way that we teach and admonish one another about:
13a. The love we have for God.
13b. The love we have for each other.
13c. The Greatness of God.
13d. The Mercy of God.
13e. The Glory of God.
13f. The Existence of God.
14. When we sing in the proper manner, for the right reasons, we receive:
14a. Spiritual Wisdom.
14b. We are filled with the Holy Spirit.
14c. We are taught and admonished by our fellow Christians.
14d. We are exalted by Christ.
14e. We grow in salvation.
14f. Our sorrows and sadness turns to Joy and Gladness.

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