The important thing is not what this or that church says, but "WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?" How does the Bible answer your questions?
Christ says he has "all authority" and the disciples were to teach the things He had commanded.(Matthew 28:18-20) No where in the New Testament did the apostles teach or show an example of the use of instrumental music in worship of the church.
ALL of the verses in the New Testament that talk about music in the church the music is singing. To use another type of music can not be done from authority found in the New Testament because the New Testament no where authorizes its use. The authority to use instruments in the Christian church therefore does not come from God. If used it must be authorized by men. If we follow a man's authority (teaching), does Christ have "all authority"?
One of the verses that teaches about music is Col. 3:16. This verse specifically tells us to sing. The very next verse (verse 17) says, "Whatever you do in word or deed, DO ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS." "In the name of" means by the authority of, or according to the instructions. Jesus and the apostles did not authorize the use of mechanical instruments in the New Testament church. You cannot play an instrument by the authority, according to the instructions of, or in the name of Christ because he did not instruct it. The New Testament did specify "singing" as the type of music we are to use in worship.
To do anything else is to follow the commandments of men rather than God. Such makes worship vain. (Matt. 15:9)
Why not be satisfied to worship in the way God's word has authorized?
When God told Noah to use "gopher wood", other types of wood were excluded. When Naaman was told to dip in the Jordan River, he knew other rivers were excluded (2 Kings 5). God has been specific about the music in the church, singing. Why add to his word?
Interesting, many of the founding fathers of denominations that now use instruments were opposed to their introduction. Among those against instrumental music were John Wesley, Adam Clark, John Calvin, and Martin Luthur.
So one should not question why we don't use them, the question should be "By what authority do you add them to your worship"? Why not be satisfied to simply worship as God's word instructs?
Some point out that David used instruments. As for David’s harp, He lived under the Law of Moses (Old Testament). We are now under the Law of Christ (New Testament).
If you bind one part of the Old Law today, you are subject to keep the whole law. In Galatians 5:3, some were trying to bind circumcision, an Old Testament commandment. Paul said if they bound this one item, they were “debtor to keep the whole law”. In James 2:10, if you keep the whole law, but miss one point, you are guilty of all.
If you try to bring over authority for David’s harp from the Old Testament, you must with the same authority bring over all of the animal sacrifices, feasts, Passover, the Sabbath day observance, yearly trips to Jerusalem, and the allowance of polygamy. We must keep the whole law if we keep any part.
If we try to justify ourselves by the Law of Moses, we have “fallen from grace!” (Galatians 5:4)
Also by the close of the Old Testament, it says, "Woe to you... who sing idly to the sound of stringed instruments, and invent for yourselves musical instruments like David." (Amos 6:3-5)
This leads some to believe that God only tolerated instruments. In any case, by the end of the OT, God here expresses that this is not the music He wants in worship!
God is not worshiped with men's hands (Acts 17:25) but with the heart. This verse talks about God not living in a temple made with hands, but it also applies this to hand-made worship, yet many say they worship on an instrument that was made with hands and played with the hands. The instrument God wants is our heart. Ephesians 5:19 instructs us to make melody in the heart.
Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16-17 also say the purpose of music in worship is to speak and teach. An instrument cannot do this. In fact, it is more difficult to speak where there is background noise, therefore an instrument may interfere with these scriptural purposes of music in worship.
Here is a list of every verse in the New Testament that talks about music in the church. If you want to know what God authorizes, see these verses:
Matthew 26:30
Mark 14:26
Acts 16:25
Romans 15:9
1 Corinthians 14:15
Ephesians 5:19
Colossians 3:16-17
Hebrews 2:12
Hebrews 13:15
James 5:13
(For the church of Christ thinking they are the only church, see the links below.)
2007-07-10 11:35:55
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answer #1
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answered by JoeBama 7
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Do they believe these other Protestants are going to hell if they aren't a member of the Church of Christ?
Some church member may, some may not. The CoC's biggest concern is that people are not deliberately defying what the Bible teaches, which is not smart if you believe its God's instruction book.
If there is no governing body, how do the churches maintain a level of consistency since the Bible is open to a certain level of interpretation?
If you don't add to the Bible and don't take away, you're being pretty consistent. There is always room for interpretation, but the outcome of the interpretation has to fit with the rest of the teachings of the Bible.
Is Church of Christ a dying denomination?
No many church membership is growing. But remember these verses:
Matthew 7
13. Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby.
14. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.
15. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
16. By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17. Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20. Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works?
23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
They preach unity, but don't seek unity with other Christians in the world. Do they not believe that the others are actually Christians?
Again depends on the church. Conservative congregations no, liberal ones yes. But our beliefs in the end don't really matter, what matters is what God believes. So for myself I just try to talk about the truths in the word. From there its up to the individual
A few more questions: I understand that the CofC wants to take the Bible as literally as possible. So what about when important verses contradict each other? What happens then?
I would need examples. In general we would try to understand the contradiction and seek answers in other Bible verses.
And how does the CofC adapt to a changing world?
The world may change but the word doesn't
Hebrews 13
8. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and to-day, yea and for ever.
So we may interact with people differently today than they did 2000 years ago, but God's laws are still in effect and haven't changed.
For example, CofC's don't use instruments, but they use projectors. The Bible didn't say to use projectors in worship.
Projectors are a touchy topic even within the church. The thought is that the projector is the same as printed material which has been used for centuries. In most churches the projector is used to project Bible verses or songs which are also available in paper. Instruments were not used in church services for close to the first 900 years. Instruments did not become a large part of church worship until the 13th century when town's began to build cathedral's to show they were more holy than other town's. Church leaders then decided they needed more elaborate music to fill these elaborate buildings. Then in the 17th century it became a real competition which is why Bach, Handel, and Haydn were often being drawn away for more money to another church. I have done lots of research on this topic and have found Catholic leaders denouncing instrumental music in the early years. The whole music thing gets blown out of preportion. It is clear that historically at the beginning of Christian worship instruments were not used because they took away from God's instrument (the voice you were given at birth). And the belief is God would rather hear the instrument he made than the inferior instruments that we've made (FYI Acoustically the voice is able to produce sounds that no machine can come close to and scientists cannot yet understand how certain frequency combinations in the voice even occur)
Hope this helps.
2007-07-11 18:00:15
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answer #2
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answered by Matt 3
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The C o C believes that if you are not a member of the church you are going to hell. The church is builded on these premises, communion every week, no music, elders leadership, no choir, no tithing. using only the bible as their guide. It does not mean that all have to speak the same things. There are different level of understanding and each congregation is allow to find their own way. I can tell you this: I have visited many congregation and the COC is one of the only ones I would recommend for true bible teaching. Even though they do not always understand the natural of COC in the bible, they do no add nor take away from scriptures and each member is allowed to read and understand the bible on their own without confusing.
Each congregation is independent; yet work together for the common good. There is no central headquarter, and no central head. No one imposes their understanding of the bible on other congregations and members are free to start their own ministries without interference.
2007-07-10 05:51:17
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answer #3
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answered by I Wanna Know 3
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The CoC follow the bible as best they can.
They believe they do not need a governing body as the bible is their guide.
No they don't believe all other protestants are going to hell, they let God judge that. They will tell you though your error if it goes against the bible.
They think Musical instruments were not a part of worship service yes. No they don't think you'll go to hell for having instruments in your worship service.
And the projector thing...um I don't know.
no I'm not CoC but was baptized CoC. I am now Christian Church member.
†
2007-07-10 05:40:02
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answer #4
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answered by Jeanmarie 7
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I couldn't tell you a thing about the Church of Christ. I don't know their theology, but I heard their first rule is to love the Lord with all your mind soul and body and soul so guess they are on the right track.
I'm sorry but your question itself shows your lack of biblical knowledge and understanding. I wish people would quit claiming to be Christian when they are too lazy to study the word. In preference listen to the world. The world lies. The bible has no none nada nary not one contradiction or lie in it. The fault is in your failure to study.
That man up there, you know the one who had the guts to study learn and share, could probably answer your questions better than most if you lose your pride and ask first God then him for knowledge.
If you are going to fly with the eagles you are going to have to learn discernment. If you want to be wise walk with the wise.
I hope this seed grows into something good for you and that God blesses your effort to learn.
2007-07-18 05:15:06
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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(I had a Church of Christ education from 7th grade through college)
The Church of Christ is indeed non-denominational, so there is no governing body. And while they do agree on many things, such as the fact that only COC members go to Heaven and Instrumental Music will land you in Hell, neighboring churches do disagree with one another on minor issues.
2007-07-10 05:36:07
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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i don't think so, i have never been to a church that didn't use musical instruments. i grew up baptist and now i go to a methodist church.psalm150 speaks of praising God with music and song, drums, cymbals, guitar, organ, stringed instruments, tamborine, harp.
2007-07-18 05:18:29
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answer #7
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answered by ? 7
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Leaders of every other religion always say the their religion is the only true one and all the others of fronts of the devil.
2007-07-17 03:23:22
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answer #8
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answered by akoypinoy 4
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Wow some people really need to get a life on here. Peace out......
2007-07-10 05:37:01
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answer #9
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answered by powerliftingrules 5
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