Instrumental Music In Worship

By Johnie Edwards

To use instrumental music in worship or not to use, it is the question. This has been a source of problems among the people of God for centuries. The divisions which have resulted over this question are unnecessary for the Bible is clear on the matter.

Five Ways To Settle The Question

The question concerning instrumental music in the worship of the New Testament church can be solved by looking at and understanding these five ways:

(1) Realize that we today live under the New Testament. As one discusses the question of instrumental music with those who use it, they soon turn to the pages of the Old Testament for their authority in using it. We, today, do not live under the authority of the Old Testament, but of the New. Paul said that Jesus abolished the law. “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances . . . .” (Eph. 2:15). Other passages teach the same thing (Matt. 5:17-18; Rom. 7:6; Gal. 2:21; Heb. 7:12; Heb. 10:9-10).

(2) By knowing that there are two kinds of music. There are only two kinds of music – vocal and instrumental. That is all there is!

(3) Ask, “Which has the Lord commanded to be used? Vocal or instrumental?” Then read and see what the Lord has authorized in the New Testament for us to engage in. It is that simple. By reading the sum total of the passages that deal with music in the New Testament you will find that the only kind of music used was that of vocal music. Read them: Matt. 26:30; Mk. 14:26; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15;.Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:12; Heb. 13:15; Jas. 5:13. To use the words of the Apostle Paul, we learn that each one is to sing, “speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).

(4) Did the First church use instrumental music in worship? As one reads the pages of the New Testament after the Lord’s church was established in Acts 2 only vocal music was used. Read the New Testament to see if you can find a church in the New Testament using instrumental music in their worship. The apostle to the Hebrews summed it up when he said, “. . . in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee” (Heb. 2:12).

(5) Realize how the Bible teaches a thing. The Bible teaches a thing by: (1) A statement of fact; (2) A direct command; (3) An apostolic example; or by (4) Necessary Inference. Since there is no statement of fact, direct command, apostolic example or necessary inference authorizing instrumental music in worship, then there is no divine authority for its use in the worship of the church of God. It is not a matter of finding a matter of finding a passage of Scripture which tells one not to use instrumental music in worship but rather finding one that tells us to use it.

These five things will forever help one to understand what the Bible teaches about the use of instrumental music in worship.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 16, pp. 266-267
April 19, 1979

You Cannot Afford To Drink

By Irven Lee

The cost in dollars for the drinks for a life time for an alcoholic is a very great figure. Let the young man or woman think of the cost per drink and use a little simple mathematics to see what the total would be for a life time. Please do not forget that it takes more and more alcohol as time passes and liquor becomes king. Make another estimate (Please!) as you consider the natural progression as the body demands more.

Not only is there a large amount of money to be given to the liquor dealer, but as King Alcohol becomes more demanding one is less able to earn. There are days when the drinker cannot go to work. Many lose their jobs and take one for a smaller salary if they can find it. This is demonstrated by a few million people each generation so there is no excuse for a failure to realize this.

There are many other prices that must be paid for the habit. Repairing or replacing the wrecked cars is very expensive. Court fines and hospital bills may reach to heights not expected early in life. Funeral costs are high for the drunkard who kills himself or others in wrecks or drunken brawls.

The cost in dollars of the drink habit only touches the hem of the garment. There are costs for which no monetary value can even seem sensible. The lives of children may be scarred seriously, and no price tag can state the amount of damage done in this realm. The children did not ask to have you for a father or a mother. They have an inherent right to sober, kind, and loving parents who do not allow alcohol or anything else to wreck the home and to bring on divorce. All understand that many divorces are related to alcohol, but the divorce is only part of the story as far as the injury to the children and the marriage companions is concerned.

Some who drink become irritable, others go to sleep, and others become funny or silly according to one’s point of view. Alcohol works on the brain of man which is a very important part, of his fearfully and wonderfully made body. Temporary impairment of mental ability is the result of each drink at first. There may be permanent and miserable damage before the end of life (See Prov. 23:29-35). The liver and other parts of the digestive system may be permanently and seriously damaged. The heart may be affected. How much is your health worth? Have you considered the possibility of being shot or stabbed with a knife at some drinking party? You have heard of such, have you not? Is there any possibility that you, in some period of intoxication, might shoot or stab a friend?

One’s soul is worth more than the world about us, and the Bible is very plain in telling us the eternal destiny of the drunkard (1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Gal. 5:19-21). Do you believe the Bible? Oh, but you are not a drunkard since you drink only small amounts! All drunkards began that way. None ever intended to be a slave to the habit. Are you sure how much it takes to displease the Christ who died for you and the God who gave you your wonderful body that should not be defiled? “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Prov. 20:1).

The alcohol habit puts one in company with others who drink, and that same habit gradually cuts one off from the close ties of friendship with sober people. Evil companionships add to the evil effect of alcohol. Sin tends to grow in clusters. Stealing, fornication, enslavement to other drugs, disrespect for law, and other evil things tend to follow as night the day. Drinking cuts one off from prayer, Bible study, and the hope of a Christian, and it leaves man alone in a dark world when the reaping of corruption sets in as promised (Gal. 6:7, 8). To be without hope and without God in the world is not the good life (Eph. 2:12).

Every man has an influence, and that influence goes the way he goes. His children are likely to follow in his steps, but if he is a Christian he may bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It has never been easy for me to understand why children of alcoholics drink, but it seems to be their usual course of life.

The Bible speaks of drunkenness, and it does not speak well of the habit. People tell us that an alcoholic is a sick man. If we see him while he is vomiting, or going through delirium tremors, we can easily see that he is sick. When reason has been dethroned and we hear him talk, we can easily see that he is deranged. If he had never taken the first drink he would never have- known that he was an alcoholic. His sickness can be healed by giving up the habit by means of a strong will. Doctors of the right kind can often help in his fight to conquer the habit. Tens of thousands of drunkards have thrown off the yoke of bondage and are free men, so it is evidently a possibility: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13).

There are two ways that one may travel in this life. There is the narrow way that leads to eternal life, and there is the broad way that leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13, 14). There is no reason for starting down the wrong road. Surely none plans to go onto destruction! The farther one goes down hill the harder: it is to get back to the high plane. God knows and has, recommended that which is best for man. He loves the world enough that He gave His Son to pay the price for our salvation and to speak the wonderful words of life. Christ left us an example that we should follow in His steps.

Young people, you cannot afford the cost of alcoholism, so stay completely away from the danger. Do not take the first step in the wrong direction. To older people who are slaves of the habit, we say in all humility that the Lord would call you to repentance. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9). You have already paid a dear price for an unfortunate habit, but there is more to pay beyond the river of death. Repent and help rescue those you are carrying with you on the low road. Many need the help of the man who has had enough of sin so that he has returned to his Father. Think of the prodigal son of Luke 15. All that he spent in riotous living was wasted. It was a great day when he decided to go home. Your friends may have forsaken you, but your Father has not.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 16, pp. 265-266
April 19, 1979

The Lord’s Church in the Upper Midwest (2)

By Steve Wolfgang

Nebraska

We should mention the fact that during several meetings in Sioux City we received much encouragement by the attendance of several brethren from the faithful church in Omaha, Nebraska. This church is now in need of a preacher, and additionally will need to have other sources of support located when one agrees to move to Omaha to work with the church there. Interested parties should contact David Bement, 1750 Gaeth, Fremont, Nebraksa 68025, home phone (402) 727-4243 and office phone 2716577; or Robert I. Hooe, 13629 Washington Circle, Millard, Neb. 68137; or Wally Bates, Rt. 1, Box 298, Plattsmouth, Neb. 68048, phone (402) 269-3250. See Jimmy Tuten’s article in Truth Magazine (18:27, May 9, 1974, p. 430) from an earlier report.

Additionally, Brother Terry D. Johnson is attempting to begin a new work in Lincoln, the state capitol and location of the University of Nebraska. Terry can be contacted at 13509 S. 129th, Papillion, Neb., 68046, phone (402) 253-2942.

I understand that there is a faithful church meeting in Beatrice, Nebraska, where David Odom is the preacher. Brother Rodney Miller was able to hold a meeting during the summer of 1978 for a group in Fairbury, Nebraska; Rodney may be contacted regarding the results of this meeting at the Par Avenue church (35 West Par Avenue, Orlando, Florida, 32804).

Minnesota

Iowa’s neighbor to the north is the beautiful state of Minnesota. In June of 1977, Steve Balou and I worked in a meeting with the church in Rochester, Minnesota. (For other information and assessment of the church in Rochester, see James R. Cope, Truth Magazine, 19:45 [September 25, 1975], p. 710; and Gary Hargis, in Gospel Guardian, [26:26] October 31, 1974, p. 413). Rochester is a pleasant city of approximately 60,000 citizens, and is the home of the world-famous Mayo Clinic as well as a major IBM facility and other well-known industries. The church meets on Gates Drive in Rochester and, at the time we were there, numbered about 30 saints, though several have received business transfers since that time. From 1973 until 1977, Gary Hargis worked with this church before moving west to begin anew the work near Grand Forks, North Dakota. The Gates Drive church is now seeking a preacher to work with them, and I believe would prove to be a profitable work with an experienced man there.

During our meeting in Rochester, Steve’ and I were accompanied by Russell LaGrone and David Crawford, from the H,uffman church in Birmingham, which supported Brother Hargis while he worked in Rochester. These two young men assisted in knocking on doors and distributing literature, led singing each night at the services, and were a great asset to the work. Members to contact in Rochester include AI Sagadalen; (507) 282-5336; Ron Roe, (507) 289-8463; and sister Ethel Welch, (507) 289-1724. The address of the meeting house in Rochester is 2309 Gates Drive (zip code 55901).

Many of the brethren in the Rochester church do not live in Rochester itself but are scattered across the lush Minnesota countryside and drive several miles to attend services. Several members of the Gates Drive church began meeting several, years ago on Sunday evenings near their home in Lewiston, Minnesota, about 35 miles from Rochester, not far from the Minnestoa/Wisconsin state line. Several persons have been converted in that area, and now there is an assembly of saints meeting there regularly each Lord’s day. Brother Bob Lehnertz has been a leader in this group and speaks for them regularly. The group assembles in private homes with perhaps twenty in attendance for services. Brother Lehnertz may be contacted at Rt. 1, Box 178, Plainview, MN 55164, phone (507)534-2905.

Brother Charles Nicks came to Minnesota from Florida several years ago and after attempting to work with the church in Spring Valley for a short period, moved to Redwing (on the Mississippi River at Minnesota’s eastern border) to begin a work there. A good location (an older but quite functional and spacious building given up by a denominational. group to build a newer structure) has been found and the church there shows good promise for steady growth. Brother Carl Curry has recently moved to Redwing, also. Brother Curry recently completed the training program for young preachers at the Downer’s Grove, Illinois church where Truth Magazine staff writer Dan King preaches.

One of the oldest works in the state of Minnesota is the Summit & Grotto church in St. Paul, the state capitol. Begun in 1950, the church today has about a hundred members, and is a racially integrated church. Ron Howes, a former schoolmate of this writer and frequent contributor to Truth Magazine, now works with this good church. I am to be in a meeting there in 1979. This good church conducts an excellent lectureship each August. Ron’s address is 12901 Harpers St., N.E., Blaine, MN 55434, phone (612) 755-8151.

St. Paul’s “twin city,” Minneapolis, also has a faithful church. Brother Fred McKinney preached there until recently. About 40 miles north of St. Paul, the Wanous family now labors with the church in Pine City (phone [612] 629-2749). Brother and Sister Wanous and their family have been able workers in Wisconsin and Minnesota for a quarter century or more-, and much of what has remained faithful to the Lord in these areas is due to their work. Further north, in Duluth, there is also a group of saints meeting in that place. Efforts are being made to begin a work in St. Cloud, near the center of the state. In nearby Collegeville, Brother Ed Harrell spent a year working on his book on “faith healers.” See the article by Brother Harrell which appeared last week containing some sober reflections on the Lord’s work in places like Minnesota. For a good account of some of the history of the church in the upper Midwest, see Brother Leslie Diestelkamp’s book, Here Am I, Send Me, available from Truth Magazine Bookstore; and Ron Howes’ article in Truth Magazine (21:45), November 17, 1977, p. 714.

North Dakota

Minnesota is bordered on the far west by the states of North and South Dakota. Just across the Red River (which serves as the Minnesota/North Dakota border) is the city of Grand Forks. This town of about 50,000 was the scene in the late 1960’s of circumstances which have been repeated all over the country before and since – several conscientious brethren objected to the liberal and institutional tendencies of the church there and finally were forced for conscience sake to separate themselves, thus beginning the Airbase church (named for the Grand Forks Air Force base, ten miles west of town, at which several of the members were stationed at that time). This small group disbanded after a period of time due to transfers and/or several of the members entering full-time preaching work. Among these was a young brother named Don Bonner, who for the last few years has worked with the church in Jamestown, North Dakota (see Ron Howes’ article in Truth Magazine, November 17, 1977, p. 714ff).

Several years ago, through the efforts of Brother Bonner, Albert Wanous, and an Air Force couple who had been transferred to Grand Forks Air Force Base, a group faithful to the New Testament pattern began meeting in the Grand Forks area (actually in Emerado, near the entrance to the air base). Gary Hargis moved there nearly two years ago, and the church has grown considerably to perhaps 60 or 70 members. Steve Ballou and I were there in 1977 and were impressed with both the quantity and the quality of the work which is taking place there. J.T. Smith and James R. Cope have preached meetings at the Emerado church, also.

In 1978, two families from California moved to North Dakota with the intention of settling there permanently and assisting the growth of the church there in teaching and preaching. Steven L. Lewis, converted from Mormonism three or four years ago, and, after working for a period of time with the church in Carmichael, California, moved, with the endorsement of the elders there, to work with Gary Hargis t Grand Forks. To the best of my knowledge Steve still n:eds support in order to work there and provide for his family. He can be contacted through Gary Hargis, Route 1, Box 60, Mekinock, N.D. 58258, phone (701) 594-4007.

At the same time, Brother Dan Copeland, having lived in California (Sacramento area, I believe) for several years after moving there from Montana, also moved to North Dakota and is now working with Don Bonner in the church at Jamestown. Both of these men are dedicated, willing to sacrifice, and have great potential in the work in North Dakota. They have the support of their families, and have indicated that they hope to make the North Dakota work their life’s work, planning to remain on a permanent basis. There is work needing to be done, and now there are men able and willing to do it. As I understand the situation, these two men plan to move into areas where there are no faithful churches, after a period of training and familiarization with the situation in North Dakota while working with brethren Hargis and Bonner. Fargo, east of Jamestown and south of Grand Forks, is a major metropolitan center (contiguous with Moorhead, Minnesota, comprising a combined population of around 100,000), without a faithful church. There are other population centers (such as Minot, Williston, Dickinson) without a congregation faithful to the New Testament order of worship and work, to my knowledge. Brethren Bonner and Copeland can be reached c/o 1220 8th Avenue, S.E., Jamestown, N.D. 58401, phone (701) 252-3441.

Early in 1977, ,a small band of. disciples left the institutional church in Bismarck, the state capitol, and began meeting in Bismarck’s sister city, Mandan. There were a variety of causes for the separation, but among them was the feeling that there were some unscriptural teachings and practices engaged in by the Bismarck church. After preaching in Mandan in 1977, Steve Ballou and 1 were invited to hold a ten-day meeting in Mandan the past summer; and found a faithful group willing to study and apply scriptural truths regarding the work of the church, the question of fellowship, and Biblical teaching on divorce and remarriage. Albert Wanous has been invited to make periodic trips to Mandan, and does so as often as possible, driving from eastern Minnesota and spending a week and usually two Sundays preaching, teaching, and studying with the brethren. Ron Howes and Jerral Kay (from Rapid City, South Dakota) also have invitations and/or appointments to preach in Mandan, and Steve and I hope to return in the near future. (See “The Call of the Dakotas,” by L.R. Wilson, Gospel Advocate, 97:37 [September 15, 1955, p. 825].)

Truth Magazine XXIII: 16, pp. 262-263
April 19, 1979

Bible Basics: Congregational Discipline

By Earl Robertson

Perhaps there is no Bible teaching more minimized and completely rejected than the words of God touching upon the subject of discipline within churches. It appears that many brethren know more about what God requires for heaven than God Himself knows! Churches of Christ which refuse to respect the Lord’s teaching in this matter are, to this extent, apostate. The high-handed attitude that will allow an ignoring of this teaching within a congregation is sufficient to cause that church to lose its identity with the Lord.

The Bible uses discipline as a noun and a verb. Much New Testament teaching uses the word as a noun: the training suited each disciple. It also demands corrective action be taken against a disciple that refuses instructive discipline. So, the discipline of the New Testament is both instructive and corrective. Paul told the elders of Ephesus to “feed the flock” (Acts 20:28) and Peter says “feed the flock of God which is among you” (1 Pet. 5:2). The word “feed” of Acts 20:28 is the present infinitive poimainein and means to tend or shepherd the sheep. Also, the same word is used in 1 Peter 5:2, but here is it 2nd person plural and commanding in voice. Every disciple must be fed (disciplined) in the truth. Each congregation must be actively engaged in a complete teaching program to accomplish what the Lord wills in the lives of Christians.

However, when and disciple of the Lord refuses to live as he has been taught from the word of God, the church must exercise corrective discipline. The Lord wants a pure church (Eph. 5:25-27; 2 Cor. 11:2, 3). Spots, wrinkles, and blemishes within the body of Christ will cause it to be rejected by the Lord! For churches to harbor sin within them will make them just as guilty as the offending member. “Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” (1 Cor. 5:6). The church must be saved from the filth of incest, drunkenness, adultery, and such like (Gal. 5:19-21). At the same time this action not only keeps the church clean but it will also save the sinner. The withdrawal of fellowship (2 Thess. 3:6) is to save the guilty (1 Cor. 5:5). This is what the word of God says about the matter even if there are only a few who believe it. When this action has been taken every Christian must respect it (1 Cor. 5:9-13). This means that Christians cannot have social intercourse and fellowship with such an one. The action is drastic, but is God’s way of saving the sinful child of God.

Truth Magazine XXIII: 16, p. 261
April 19, 1979