1 Corinthians 7:17-19
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17 [/SUP]Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches. [SUP]
18 [/SUP]Was any man called
when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised.
[SUP]19 [/SUP]Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but
what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.
[SUP]20 [/SUP]Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called.[SUP]
21 [/SUP]Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. [SUP]
22 [/SUP]For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. [SUP]
24 [/SUP]Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that
condition in which he was called.
Music with Instruments is nothing and Music without Instruments is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.
Yeah, I know that's not what it literally says, but I think that it is a reasonable application. There is no indication that anything changed regarding instruments being used in Worship. If you believe that it is wrong, then it is wrong - FOR YOU. But why is another man judged by your conscience.
However, I believe it to be wise to consider whether or not your choice is guided by your own desires or to glorify God and edify one another. I believe that there are those on both sides of the argument that have poor motives. I also believe that instrumental music should not be overwhelming (too loud, too many instruments, etc.). Worship service is not for entertainment, but for lifting up.
I currently attend an assembly that does not use instrumental music. I don't think that instrumental music is required or excluded in the New Testament. Leave it alone - We have real problems that need to be addressed.
Ephesians 5:6-21
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. [SUP]
7 [/SUP]Therefore do not be partakers with them; [SUP]
8 [/SUP]for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [SUP]
9 [/SUP](for the fruit of the Light
consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),
[SUP]10 [/SUP]trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; [SUP]
12 [/SUP]for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. [SUP]
13 [/SUP]But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. [SUP]
14 [/SUP]For this reason it says,
“Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you.”
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15 [/SUP]Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
[SUP]16 [/SUP]making the most of your time, because the days are evil. [SUP]
17 [/SUP]So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
[SUP]18 [/SUP]And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, [SUP]19 [/SUP]speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; [SUP]20 [/SUP]always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; [SUP]21 [/SUP]and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Colossians 3:12-17
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12 [/SUP]So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved,
put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; [SUP]13 [/SUP]bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. [SUP]14 [/SUP]Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. [SUP]15 [/SUP]Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. [SUP]
16 [/SUP]
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. [SUP]17 [/SUP]Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
I honestly don't understand how anyone can get "Thou shall not use instruments" from these verses. These verses tell us to speak and to admonish one another, with songs, and to be thankful, compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient, and forgiving! It did not say to argue about things that are not relevant.