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Greetings, GACC Good News Ambassadors,

“What A Day, What A Day, What A Day!”

Why Acapella Music in The Church of Christ

Churches of Christ do not sing a Capella because we dislike other kinds of music. Most of us have as many songs on our playlists as the next person. Fact: We do not lack the financial means to purchase instruments or capable musicians to play them. So, you know, we are not just trying to be different or stubbornly upholding a long-standing tradition. The question is why, then do we not use instruments?

The practice is predicated on following the New Testament instead of the Old Testament.

The church is a New Testament institution, purchased on the cross and established on the day of Pentecost. (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:1-47; 20:28).

Its rule of faith and practice is the covenant Jesus delivered by the spirit (the New Testament), not the law delivered to Moses at Sinai (the Old Testament). These are the recordings of the New Testament transition. They Are:

• Hear Christ, not Moses (Matt 17:1-5).
• Preach the gospel to nations (Matt 28:18-20).
• Judged by Christ’s word (Jn 12:48).
• Loosed/delivered from the law (Romans 7:1-7).
• Christ is the end of the law (Romans 10:4).
• The law that was engraved on stones was abolished (2 Cor 3:7-14).
• Separating wall (law) removed (Ep 2:14-16).
• Old law nailed to the cross (Col 2:14; Matt 5:17-18).
• Priesthood changes required law change (Hebrews 7:12; 9:11).
• New Covenant operative after Christ’s death (Heb 9:16-17).
• Christ came to take away first to establish the second (Heb10:9).

Now that we have looked at the transitions between the Old and New Testament covenants, there are some (significant changes due to the establishment of the New Testament church. Christians no longer offer)

• Animal sacrifices
• Keep the Passover
• Observe the Sabbaths or new moons
• Avoid pork or catfish (cf. Col 2:14-17).
• Worship is no longer conducted by a special class of priest
• Blood is not sprinkled on a mercy seat
• Unusual ceremonies involving goats, red heifers, and burnt animals are not required.
• In the changeover, God omitted such things as the burning of incense, the golden vessels, the colorful tapestries, dancing before the Lord, bitter herbs, and musical instruments. However, He kept unleavened bread, the fruit of the vine, prayers, and singing.
• Jehovah has always been meticulous in planning His worship (Exodus 25-40; book of Leviticus). He spent more than 4,000 years completing His plan for the church (Ephesians 3:11; Galatians 4:4-5).
• Going back to the Old Testament for even one practice, such as circumcision or instruments of music, obligates one to keep all its cumbersome ordinances (Galatians 45:1-3). So, you know, we are talking about 613 commandments.

Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16

Purpose: The 1^st thought is what is the purpose of worship in song?

• Is to speak to one another. There is a conversation that is taking place. When we are singing together, there is synergy and unity.
• When speaking to one another, the music comes from the heart (MIND).

Purpose: The 2^nd thought is to show that we teach and admonish when we sing.

• Christians can counsel and encourage each other. What are we doing when we counsel and encourage each other? Advice; opinion or instruction given in directing the judgment or conduct of another. In other words, suggest or make recommendations.

• To sing praises unto God the Father being done. As a Christian, you can praise God directly by praying to Him. You can also praise God in several other ways, including through music and art, during group worship, or by telling others about His glory.
• Praise God that He is love (I John 4:7-8)
• Praise God that He is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8)
• Praise God that He is your solid Rock, your Fortress, your Rescuer, your Shield, your salvation’s strength, and your place of safety (Psalm 18:2). There is a clear meaning behind the idea of singing and praise unto the Lord your God.

Ephesians 5:19-It Reads: Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. The question is what is the meaning of a psalm, a hymn, and a spiritual song?

• Psalms are psalms that were based upon the book of Psalms.
• Songs of praise directed to God and Jesus.
• Spiritual Songs-Songs designed or intended to teach and exhort other Christians. Therefore, singing means singing words with the human voice.
• Many questions are posed about the word psalms. The Greek word for psalms is psallo is the Greek word for making melody. In its origination, the word means to pluck or strike.

Old Testament examples of singing

New Testament examples of singing.

Colossians 3:16-It reads 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.

Fact: Instruments cannot speak, cannot teach, cannot admonish.

Fact: They can provide an esthetic feeling which is physical and emotional.

Fact: The New Testament Teaches that we worship God In spirit and in truth.

Fact: Instruments of music can perform Psalms, Hymns, and spiritual songs. When this occurs, it is replicating, duplicating, and mimicking instrumental patterns and or melodies or the lyrics that are performed in musical compositions. In short, this is a physical component. Physical involvement of the hands, feet, and physical body is utilized. Vibrations of Oxygen or air are utilized to produce sounds. These are all physical elements implemented by physical motion. The plucking of the harp, guitar, or orchestral instruments is physical. Therefore, when a group or ensemble performs on instruments, a direction is given to play or perform, but not to sing. There are other terminologies that express singing when performing on instruments of music.

The question is what does the scripture say concerning singing in the worship of God?

Colossians 3:16-It reads 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.

Ephesians 5:19-It Reads: Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. The question is what is the meaning of a psalm, a hymn, and a spiritual song?

Again: The voice is utilized. No instruments. We are to worship God in spirit and truth. John 4:24- God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Finally, the big question is how can we teach and admonish each other in singing. It can only happen when everyone in the assembly sings loud enough for others to hear. We are not singing solo. Therefore, instruments cannot be added.

Lift your voice and SING!