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  • "PSALMS" - Understandest thou what thou readest?

    • Posted May 5, 2005 9:00 AM

      "PSALMS" - Understandest thou what thou readest?


      YOU GUYS HAVE REALLY GIVEN MEANING TO THESE 2 SCRIPTURES


      1Co:1:19: For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

      1Co:1:20: Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?



      This one goes out to all you out there who are trying your best to justify the use of the piano, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drums, flute, harp, saxophone, harmonic, pipe organ, kazoo, bagpipe, piccolo, violin, oboe (and whatever else you can come up with to play and entertain yourselves with);

      (Including that guy who emailed me, here is your requested response)

      This is for all you who are trying to stuff the right to play all musical instruments into one little teeny-weeny word;



      PSALMS



      Ok, here we go!

      Re: Kimberly's response

      Not one of you has addressed the definition of PSALMS. Look it up and let me know what you find and how you justify it.

      You forgot part of the definition when you went on to explain this. Music can improve worship especially for those of us that cannot sing Music is also a universal language and when you have people in your congregation that are learning english, it informs and teaches to them as well.

      You are so closed minded. On Sunday we did not use instruments due to reason other then yours, and it caused me to ponder. Not just anyone can get up there and play instruments, as well as not just anyone can afford them to learn on them. They are also big and cumbersome to carry at times. So maybe there were other reasons the early church did not mention the use of instruments as you seem to think, (Psalms are mentioned repeatedly but no one wants to address the definition) Maybe there was no mention because if God made it mandatory there would be many people who would feel left out because there was no one in there small church who could play. Come on people you are making this a salvation issue? Your language and the hatefulness in your hearts would concern me more if I were you.



      Ok, let us look-up the definition of PSALMS;

      Psalms - a sacred song or poem of praise, especially one in the Book of Psalms in the
      Bible - Encarta Dictionary

      Psalms - a book of the Bible made up of 150 poems and hymns to God, traditionally believed to have been written by King David: Encarta Dictionary


      Nothing mentioned about any musical instruments in the definition found in this dictionary.

      Now boys and girls, let us see how the word "PSALMS" is used in a sentence.



      (And this time let us look at the verses VERY carefully.)




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



      Speaking to yourselves in "PSALMS".



      You know, I have heard a lot of musical instruments in my day, but I have NEVER
      heard a musical instrument SPEAK to me, have you?

      How can you come to the conclusion that this word "PSALMS" is defined as a musical instrument(s) in this passage?


      Now let us look at the next verse;



      Col: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.


      TEACHING and ADMONISHING one another in "PSALMS";.


      Come to think of it, I have never known a harp or piano to TEACH me any thing either.


      If I ever come to the point where a harp, guitar, piano or ANY other instrument starts speaking to me and teaching me, I will immediately go and seek professional help.


      Musical instruments do not speak to you (or at least I hope they donot) or teach people in your congregation the English language like you stated above, and they definitely can not edify you.


      (If your musical instrument is speaking to you or teaching you English, you just let me know and I will send you some references so you can get psychological help.




      Re: Kimberly's response

      1Pe:4:11: If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

      And to those he gives the gift of talent to play a musical instrument. that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

      I do not have a good voice. In fact it is terrible. I also have no talent in playing a musical instrument. I do have a gift of dance and if I use it to glorify God .... if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth:



      God also gives different people the talent to play football, hockey, baseball, basketball, ping pong, Donkey Kong, and so on and so on. Just because God has blessed us with a talent it does not mean we are to use it in a worship service to him (and I left out sword-swallowing, you have got to have a lot of talent to do that. Hey snake-charming, now that requires a lot of talent too!)

      Now you like to dance for God. Well, Janet Jackson is a very good dancer; hey, and so is Madonna; and there is Brittany, and J Lo, and Michael. Hey they are all very TALENTED and GIFTED. Maybe you can invite them for service I am sure they would love to dance too. But do not try to tell them how to dance for God. They kinda like to do things their own way, sorta like you. (On 2nd thought, do not invite Michael I think he might be tied-up.)




      I am sorry that you do not have a good singing voice; just do the best that you can
      and hopeful God will understand.





      Re: Kimberly's response

      I do have a gift of dance and if I use it to glorify God .... if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth:



      I guess you consider yourself as the "Dance Minister". (Your congregation will probably be looking for one of those in the near future the way things are going now. You had better get some practice in for you can be ready for the auditions. Hopeful Michael J. will choose not to show up or you just might lose out.



      Re: Kimberly's response

      So did your church magically appear or was it constructed by the hands of men?


      Ac:17:24: God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
      Ac:17:25: Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;


      You think that the Church is a physical building; don't you?

      1Co:3:16: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

      Honey. the Church is not a physical building.

      If it was a physical building then how can it salute someone?


      Ro:16:16: Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

      If it were a physically constructed building, then how can a building be edified.

      1Co:14:12: Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

      I guess here is an example of a Constructed building coming together in one place!


      1Co:14:23: If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?


      We as members of the body of Christ make up the Church (or the Church of Christ) spiritually. Our bodies are the temple of God (not made with hands). Remember that God is a spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

      Ro:12:5: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another
      Col:1:24: Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
      Col:1:18: And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.


      That is one reason why Jesus said;

      M't:18:20: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

      There is no need for Christians to meet in a physical building in order to worship God because we worship him in spirit. You can meet outdoors, in a home, or even under a tent. It does not matter, as long as you are worshiping God in spirit and in truth.


      Re: Kimberly's response

      Well we have all been taught many different traditions sir, so if it is in your heart not to use instruments then by all means you should not. You should not judge those of us that see it differently.



      2Th:2:15: Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.


      This letter was written to the Thessalonians. This letter is not referring to the traditions that were taught to you by your parents or grand parents or great-grand parents. We are instructed to follow the examples of early Christians like the Thessalonians.

      I am not judging you. The word of God is judging you.


      Re:
      You forgot part of the definition when you went on to explain this. Music can improve worship especially for those of us that cannot sing Music is also a universal language and when you have people in your congregation that are learning english, it informs and teaches to them as well.



      And all this time I thought people were learning from the words (lyrics) of the songs.

      Let us have a show of hands,


      How many of us have learned English words by listening to a guitar or piano solo?

      How many of us have been INFORMED or TAUGHT the gospel from a musical instrument solo?



      Re:
      You are so closed minded. On Sunday we did not use instruments due to reason other then yours, and it caused me to ponder. Not just anyone can get up there and play instruments, as well as not just anyone can afford them to learn on them. They are also big and cumbersome to carry at times. So maybe there were other reasons the early church did not mention the use of instruments as you seem to think, (Psalms are mentioned repeatedly but no one wants to address the definition) Maybe there was no mention because if God made it mandatory there would be many people who would feel left out because there was no one in there small church who could play. Come on people you are making this a salvation issue? Your language and the hatefulness in your hearts would concern me more if I were you.

      Also none has given me any bible reference to the use of tuning forks, individual communion cups, pews, alters, ect... that you seem to find ok in your worship but are not mentioned anywhere in the bible. Help me understand this.




      2Tm:2:23: But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes
      2Tm:2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
      2Tm:2:16: But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
      2Tm:2:17: And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
      2Tm:2:18: Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
      2Tm:2:19: Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.



      I am not too concerned about hurting your feelings at this point. When Christians attack the Word of God and the Church of Christ with the ferocity that I have seen in your situation, I will take the spiritual Sword that God has provided us with and cut those ungodly opinions and philosophies that I have seen written above to shreds.
      Nothing personal,
      But I must do my Christian duty.




      Heb:4:12: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

      I must follow the examples that Paul was inspired to write:

      Eph:6:10: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
      Eph:6:11: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
      Eph:6:12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
      Eph:6:13: Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
      Eph:6:14: Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
      Eph:6:15: And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
      Eph:6:16: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
      Eph:6:17: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
      Eph:6:18: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
      Eph:6:19: And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
      Eph:6:20: For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.


      Let us recap the biblical facts, again:

      1. God does not need, want, or even value our opinions on how to worship him. We are instructed to hear his beloved Son.
      2. If we are to speak, let us speak as the oracles of God.
      3. We are to continue steadfastly in the doctrine and tradition of the early Christians.
      4. God is not to be worshipped with the hands of men.
      5. God is a spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
      6. We are instructed to teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
      7. All things should be done for the edification of the Church.
      8. Mechanical Instruments can not edify anyone.
      9. We are not commanded to follow the worship examples of an Old Testament Church; there never was one.


      We should let God tell us how to worship God.

      If you have any problems with these biblical facts then complain to God about them; I have only presented the facts so that the sincere in heart would be able to read and understand the truth. To all you who do not want to know the truth, who only want to have their own way with God's Church, I will pray for you.

      Ga:1:9: As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
      2Tm:4:2: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
      Ga:1:11: But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
      1Co:2:4: And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
      1Co:2:5: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.



      Again, I will leave you with the WORDS OF KING JESUS.


      Lu:4:4: And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.


      In Jesus'name.
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