Is there a Biblical Way to Worship or is it Just Human Preference?

So, are you claiming that any church (or individual) that uses instruments in songs of worship is not “Christ’s church?”

I don’t believe there is anything wrong with being joyful, of course, and sometimes that may be expressed outwardly with dancing and songs of praise. Joy may also be expressed quietly, peacefully and reverently and it is no less joy for all that.

When in comes to “charismatic worship”, unfortunately we get into some very different issues. There are certain “manifestations” such as “Holy laughter”, being”drunk in the spirit”, “slain in the spirit” etc. that are in fact a loss of control, which is not Biblical. One of the “fruits of the Spirit” is temperance or self-control. The true Holy Spirit does not cause anyone to lose control of their bodies, bark like dogs, thrash around, spasm, laugh uncontrollably, scream or cry uncontrollably or lay motionless and paralyzed on the floor for hours.

I’m not sure if you were referring to these aspects of “charismatic worship” that occur in so many Charismatic churches, but, if so, we definitely have every reason, Biblically, to object to such things. The only record we have in Scripture of people losing control like that and being thrown around is demonic and the only record we have of a person acting like an animal (king Nebuchadnezzar) was a judgement and condemnation from God.

We also do well to remember the orderly worship taught in 1 Corinthians 14. And we also know that the “gifts of the Spirit” are for edifying and building up the Church, not to cause disruption or confusion and pandemonium. Indeed, God is not the Author of confusion, as the Scriptures say.

Unfortunately, much of “Charismatic worship” is in fact confusion, loss of control and hyper emotional experiences that end up being sought after to the point where sound doctrine is devalued and even ignored.

I have friends and family caught up in this, to the point they follow the self-professed “Holy Ghost bartender” who treats the Holy Spirit like some substance one can “drink” and get drunk on. This is blasphemous and heretical. The Holy Spirit is the third “”Person” of the Trinity, He is not “new wine” to “drink” so one can be “drunk in the Spirit.”

Anyway, when one refers to that kind of “Charismatic worship” (not saying you were of course) one does well to be concerned and to warn.

Forbid what specifically? And no, everything is from the bible.

Forbid what you say is forbidden - musical instruments.

Christ did not authorise them in His church. There is no mention of instruments or chiors when He or the Church sang hymns. The first church did not use instruments for 800 years. Many man-made churches branched off of the one Christ started. Making sure our worship matches the bible is the only way to identify if we are in His church or a man-made church. Josiah became king at eight years old. He found God's law, read it, and realized they had not been obeying it, and he ordered it to be put back into practise. If a church does not do the same with the doctrine of Christ, how can they be His church? "Why do you call Me Lord and do not what I say? God's says, not me but God, "They worship Me in vain, their doctrine is merely human rules." God does not accept worship that does not match the doctrine of Christ.

You are making an argument from silence. There is nothing in Scripture that forbids the use of musical instruments in worship.

How do you know that for absolute certainty? Instruments were used in the OT and no doubt still were in Jesus’ time on earth. When did He forbid them? When did any of the inspired Scripture writers forbid them?

Christ’s Church has always been His Church. All true believers are the “body of Christ.” The “gates of Hell” have never prevailed and never will. Are there false, manmade institutions, absolutely, but they aren’t the true Church.

Please provide Scriptural proof that musical instruments are in fact forbidden in Christian worship. If you cannot, then you may want to ask yourself if you are the one promoting a “doctrine of mere human rules.”

We are not under a “yoke of bondage.” We are free in Christ. God clearly accepted and was pleased by the use of musical instruments in worship in the OT, so what reason do we have from Scripture to believe He no longer is and that He no longer allows it?

Nor did he forbid them.

Jesus said to worship in spirit and in truth. Worship is a lifestyle that includes the position of my heart/mind/emotions/entire being.

As for music goes, God gave a lot of people the talent to sing/play an instrument. I play the violin. And I’m going to praise and worship my Savior by using the talent He gave me. I have been able to bless my local congregation with my talent. All glory to God!

Exactly. Therefore, it is not an unbiblical practice. When the Bible is silent on an issue (although we have OT examples), we should take caution. Do not become like the world or copy what the world is doing and put a Christian spin on it. That can be dangerous and can lead to a worldly type worship.

A question for non instrument folks:

Is the no instruments only for local assembly services? Or in everything? Like... do you buy music? If so, does it have musical instruments or just a cappella?

Just wondering

It doesn't matter, we have no authority to add personal preferences. It is called worship service for a reason- we are worshiping God the way He wants, not the way we want. There is only one audience of our worship- God. We are not there to entertain people. Why did Jesus get baptized? He had no sins to wash away. He did it because we are to follow His example.

Why are you adding "personal preferences" then? (Or why is your church and its leadership)? If the Bible is silent on something (though we have far more reason, from the OT to understand that God is not against instrumental music in worship of Him) then it would be a "personal preference" either way. It is your "personal preference" not to allow instruments and it may be another's to allow them. There is nothing anywhere in Scripture that forbids it.

So, where in Scripture are we told He no longer "wants" musical instruments being used in worship? If you cannot provide sound, Biblical doctrine on this matter, then, as I wrote earlier, you may want to ask yourself if you are guilty of the very thing you're accusing others of. (In this case, worshiping God the way they want as opposed to what He wants).

Not everyone who uses musical instruments in worship is trying to "entertain people". That is an intent of the mind and/or the heart, it has nothing to do with what tools we use to worship, whether it's our voice or musical instruments, or both. If a person's intent is merely to "entertain" they could do so just as well Acappella.

And? Where did Jesus forbid the use of musical instruments in worship?

Outside of the first day of the worship assembly, sure. That's like asking that if women must remain quiet during worship does that mean all the time as well? God tells us to use our bodies as living sacrifices, that this is our spiritual act of worship. So if I sacrifice my weekend there someone move, by lifting box after box, does that mean I should be lifting boxes in the worship assembly? Of course not. There is worship in and out of the weekly assembly. Everything, including scripture, can be used for good or evil, like instruments, your car, your pillow, clothes, movies, everything. But just because you can use something, even for God, doesn't mean you can use it in the worship assembly.

Wow, did I ever hit a beehive! I have to go get my grandkids, I'll try to answer these later...

Not at all. They were honest questions, respectfully asked.

GOD gives us liberty in all things. The CoC doctrine is just man-made legalism.

Jesus was baptized to fulfill the law by which priests were commissioned into service (Exodus 40:12-15).

But where in the Bible does it say we can’t/shouldn’t use instruments in a worship assembly?

Forgive me if this has been addressed.

Worship in my understanding through experience is what wells up out of my heart to God when I'm moved within through revelation about God by Holy Spirit.

The goodness of God leads us to repent of self and worship only He who is worthy of it.

I would add knowing we are warned in 1 John 2 as to the nature of the spirit of the antichrists as those who would seduce the believers to believe they do need a man to teach them( as that seen), even knowing the promised Holy Spirit, (not seen) would keep his promise as to Christ, a word meaning the anointing one,, who anoints or teaches men . as he teaches us we abide in him .Especially in these last days, when walking by sight as if the kingdom of God did come by observation has all but made the faith that comes from hearing God through the scriptures a oddity . Like the query in Luke 18 asks? When Christ comes on the last day will he find faith or those walking after the imaginations of their own hearts.. evil continually? like the days of Noah

The reference you offered should be our goal, but if we do not learn how God desires we hear him giving us his instructions .How could we respond to ….He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. a statement made in Revelation 2 and 3 after each new faithful lesson to His bride the church . He gives us ears or understand what he says to the churches that make up the one bride of Christ we "mix faith" the unseen understanding in what we do hear.

John 16:7Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Paraphrased as I would offer.....but if I depart, as in out of sight out of mind I will send him unto you.

No serving two masters, the flesh as that seen, and the unseen spirit. I would think as new creatures, in Christ.Christ in us not of us we simply do not wrestle against the things seen . No living hope in that.

He must increase as we decrease .

"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
John 4:24

Now compared to what Scripture has to say about this.
"Your justice is righteousness forever,
and Your Torah(Law) is truth."
Psalm 119:142


"For we know that the Torah(Law) is spiritual; but I am of the flesh, sold to sin. "

The Law is Both Spirit and Truth according to Scripture. And it is by this standard we are told we are to Worship.
Worship in Spirit and Truth, obey HIS Law that details explicitly how G-D wants us to worship/live our lives as a "Living Sacrifice".