8/14/13

From Gary... Off the leash

We took the dogs to Price Park again. When we arrived at the park, Buddy made a noise that seemed to express his joy at being there and after awhile it was very obvious that both dogs were enjoying themselves to no end. Since there was no one else in the dog-walk enclosure, we let go of the leashes and they ran and ran until they were exhausted. Every tree had a new marking, every inch was investigated again and again. They were free; they were off the leash and really, really free!!!! Even though it is 90+ degrees today, we still stayed there the better part of an hour and the dogs did not want to leave- I am not sure how I know this, but I do. The picture and the video tell the story, but I wish you could look into their eyes- because that says volumes more. Anyway, this little episode reminded me of Jesus and the following statement...

Matthew, Chapter 11

28 “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

It is a difficult thing to be a Jew. When we were first married, both Linda and I worked in the kitchen for the Jewish home for the aged, located in Troy, New York. Over time, we came to know some of the residents and gained a respect for their commitment to God. Rules, regulations, and the like were plainly a chore. And then one day, someone mixed a meat dish in with the dairy and the commotion that followed was something to see!!!! Jesus came to give rest from such things and his burden of rules and regulations is almost nothing compared to Judaism. The freedom we have in Christ means we should not make up rules that we think other Christians should follow, but rather try to understand and work with others to grow closer to God. Please do NOT MISUNDERSTAND, I am not saying that anything goes, but rather our understanding of doctrine should be coupled with mercy and grace. We should HELP others grow to where we are spiritually and NOT force them to be like us. Once in awhile, it is very good to be off the leash, but be careful of what you do with your freedom.

From Jim McGuiggan... Keep your mouth shut—maybe

Keep your mouth shut—maybe

Efficiency expert spoke at a large corporation to younger executives. When he was done he said, almost in passing, "Be sure you use this information well and don’t try it around the home." One of the men later asked him why he said that and the expert told him this. "I did a study of my wife’s routine while fixing breakfast. She made a lot of trips to the refrigerator and the stove, the table and cabinets—most often carrying only one item at a time. So I said to her, ‘Honey, why don’t you try carrying several things at once. That’d make more efficient use of your time.’ " The expert finished putting the rest of his papers in his brief case, as if he had finished, don’t you know. The curious man finally asked him, "And did it save time?" The expert told him, sort of sheepishly, "Actually...it did! It used to take her twenty minutes to get my breakfast. Now I get it myself in seven."

I hear a lot about "constructive" criticism and I believe in it. But I notice it works better when people assure you they want it, assure you, with a blood oath—say, by opening one of their veins right there in front of you and bleeding long enough for you to say in a matter-of-fact tone, "Okay, I think you mean it." It’s even more assuring when they open an artery. But even then, when you’ve waited long enough that it requires a major transfusion of blood (like seven or eight units—make that a couple of pints), offer your criticism with the right tone. As if every word that escaped your lips was dragging a hefty piece of your liver with it and you were reluctant to turn it loose. Furrow your brows and look as if you were excavating a deep mine shaft to try to come up with something negative. And add caveats by the barrel full. Use phrases like, "But on the other hand..." Or, "Many experienced and wise people would take issue with me here..." Or, "I’m only saying this to keep you from getting the big-head..." (This one has more power when you’re able to generate what sounds tolerably like a light-hearted laugh. At least you should be able to hide the nervousness that belongs in it.)

I want you to understand that there’s nothing in this piece that relates in any way to my wife Ethel. I’m not just saying that because...well...I’m not just saying it because...well, I’m not just saying it, but she doesn’t need to change to any degree in any way. She’s perfect. Why, that woman can—well, never mind, she’s impeccable. And sometimes she reads what I write. And when she’s flying down our hallway behind me she can get up to some speed in that wheelchair of hers and those metal footrests can tear strips out of those solid door-frames when they make contact. (That’s not a criticism!!!! I love the beat-up look of the door frames. Gives them a lived-with look.)

The only piece of advice I’m giving here (and not everyone would agree with me, don’t you understand—in fact most would be against me)—I’m just saying, it might be best to keep your mouth shut!

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland.... Not Seeking My Own Profit (1 Corinthians 10:31-33)

                 "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS"

                  Not Seeking My Own Profit (10:31-33)

INTRODUCTION

1. In his writings, the apostle Paul often offered himself as an
   example...
   a. To the brethren at Philippi - Php 3:17; 4:9
   b. To the brethren at Corinth - 1Co 11:1

2. His call to imitation in 1Co 11:1 has reference to his attitude
   mentioned in the previous chapter...
   a. To do all things to the glory of God - 1Co 10:31
   b. To give no offense to Jews, Greeks, or to the church of God - 1Co 10:32
   c. To not seek one's own profit, but rather the salvation of others
      - 1Co 10:33

[We find in these verses (1Co 10:31-33) a principle that governed
Paul's actions in dealing with others. To fully appreciate that
principle, it helps to first understand...]

I. PAUL'S MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION

   A. THAT ALL MEN MIGHT BE SAVED...
      1. Mentioned in 1Co 10:31
      2. As expressed to the brethren at Colosse
         a. His desire and labor to present every man perfect in Christ
            - Col 1:28-29
         b. His anguish for the spiritual growth of all men - Col 2:1-7

   B. COMPASSION PROMPTED BY HIS SAVIOR...
      1. For Paul was allowing Christ to live in Him - Ga 2:20
      2. And Christ was certainly one who had compassion for the lost
         - Mt 9:35-38

[Thus Paul developed a Christ-like obsession of concern for others,
which in turn motivated him to apply the magnificent principle in his
dealings with others...]

II. PAUL'S MAGNIFICENT PRINCIPLE

   A. AS EXPRESSED IN OUR TEXT...
      1. "not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they
         may be saved" - 1Co 10:33
      2. This is not to say that Paul would compromise on matters of
         truth
         a. E.g., his stand for truth regarding circumcision - Ga 2:3-5
         b. E.g., his stand for truth regarding the truth of the gospel
            - Ga 2:11-14
      3. But he would not allow his personal feelings, preferences, or
         opinions hinder...
         a. The salvation of souls outside of Christ
         b. The spiritual progress of brethren weak in faith

   B. AS EXEMPLIFIED IN OTHER TEXTS...
      1. In regards to eating meats sacrificed to idols - 1Co 8:7-13
         a. Paul makes clear the possible consequence of abusing one's
            liberty
         b. Thus the application of his magnificent principle ("not
            seeking my own profit")
      2. In regards to reaching the lost - 1Co 9:19-22
         a. He had made himself a servant to others, that he might save
            some
         b. Again, applying his magnificent principle ("not seeking my
            own profit")
      3. In regards to brethren whose faith was weak - Ro 14:13-23
         a. Making every effort not to put stumbling blocks in a
            brother's way
         b. Again, applying his magnificent principle ("not seeking my
            own profit")

   C. AS EXPLAINED IN OTHER TEXTS...
      1. To the brethren at Rome - Ro 15:1-3
         a. The strong should bear with the scruples of the weak
         b. We should seek to please our neighbor for his good
         c. We should follow the example of Christ Himself
      2. To the brethren at Corinth - 1Co 10:23-24
         a. It is not enough that a matter be lawful; does it also edify
            (build up)?
         b. We should not seek our own, but one another's well-being
      3. To the brethren in Galatia - Ga 5:1,13
         a. We may be free in Christ (free from the Law, from sin, etc.)
         b. But we must use our liberty to serve one another in love!

   D. AS EMPLOYED IN OUR LIVES...
      1. It requires that we possess Paul's magnificent obsession
         a. That is, to save souls (both the lost and the spiritually
            immature)
         b. Otherwise there will be insufficient motivation to sacrifice
            personal preferences, opinions and feelings, our liberty to
            save and serve others!
      2. It requires prayerful evaluation and discernment
         a. We must examine ourselves honestly
            1) Regarding our impact as individuals in daily contact with
               others
            2) Regarding our influence as a congregation in our work and
               worship
         b. We must consider whether or not our actions...
            1) Keep people from becoming Christians
            2) Hinder brethren from their spiritual growth in Christ
            3) Destroy the peace and unity that ought to exist in the
               church
      3. It requires understanding the parameters of our conduct
         a. We must never compromise the truth of the gospel
         b. We must be willing to refrain our personal liberty in Christ
            - cf. 1Co 8:13; Ro 14:21
      4. Some modern-day circumstances that call for Paul's magnificent
         principle
         a. You may thinking nothing of certain recreational activities;
            but if you know it would cause a brother to stumble, what do
            you do?
         b. You may think your ideas for a congregation are better; but
            if you know it might cause division, what do you do?
         c. You may have different ideas as to what constitutes modest
            apparel; but if you know it might encourage lust in others,
            what do you do?

CONCLUSION

1. We know how Paul would respond...
   a. "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the
      things by which one may edify another." - Ro 14:19
   b. "It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by
      which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak." - Ro 14:21
   c. "Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again
      eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble." - 1Co 8:13

2. Or as he summarized it in our text...

   "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all
   to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the
   Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in
   all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that
   they may be saved." - 1Co 10:31-33

We know that Paul's attitude ("Not Seeking My Own Profit") was because
he imitated Christ (1Co 11:1).  Are we willing to do the same for the
sake of saving and serving others...?

From Mark Copeland... MUSIC IN NEW TESTAMENT WORSHIP (II)

                 "MUSIC IN NEW TESTAMENT WORSHIP (II)"

                   Music In The New Testament Church

INTRODUCTION

1. In our last lesson, we noted various types of worship...
   a. VAIN worship - Mt 15:8-9
   b. IGNORANT worship - Ac 17:22-23
   c. WILL worship - Col 2:20-23
   d. TRUE worship - Jn 4:23-24
   -- The last one being the only one acceptable to God!

2. We then considered what was involved in "TRUE" worship, what Jesus
   meant when He said "worship in spirit and truth"...
   a. It is more than just worshipping with the right attitude and in
      the right way (for such was true with regards to OT worship)
   b. It is a SPIRITUAL worship which is in harmony with the TRUTH
      concerning God's nature (God is Spirit) and the location of the
      TRUE tabernacle (in heaven)
   c. Contrast this with OT worship with its FLESHLY ordinances which
      served only as a SHADOW until the TRUE came along

3. In this lesson, we shall consider the MUSIC God wants in the worship
   of the church; in doing so...
   a. We shall notice that it is indeed a TRUE, SPIRITUAL music unlike
      that found in the OT
   b. Also, that our understanding of the kind of music to be used in
      the worship of the church is supported by what many historians,
      reformers, and scholars have said on the subject

[Let's begin with a look at...]

I. THE MUSIC IN "TRUE" WORSHIP

   A. THE ONLY MUSIC COMMANDED IN THE NT WAS "VOCAL"...
      1. The example of Jesus and His disciples - Mt 26:30; Mk 14:26
         (they "sung a hymn")
      2. The example of Paul and Silas - Ac 16:25 ("singing hymns")
      3. Other references
         a. Ro 15:9 - "sing to Your name"
         b. 1Co 14:15 - "I will sing with the spirit, and I will also
            sing with the understanding"
         c. Ep 5:19 - "singing and making melody in your heart"
         d. Col 3:16 - "singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord"
         e. He 2:12 - "I will sing praise to You"
         f. Jm 5:13 - "Let him sing psalms"

   B. THE MUSIC IN THE NT EMPHASIZED THE "SPIRITUAL"...
      1. Ep 5:19 - "singing and making melody in your heart to the
         Lord"
         a. "making melody" (PSALLONTES) - In the OT this had reference
            to the playing of musical instruments
         b. But notice that now (in the NT) the "making melody" is to
            be done "in the heart", not with mechanical instruments!
         c. Notice the contrast: the heart (SPIRITUAL) vs. mechanical
            instruments (PHYSICAL)
         d. Since this music is to be offered "to the Lord", we had
            better regard Him as Holy and offer exactly what He
            specified (cf.  Nadab & Abihu)!
      2. Col 3:16 - "singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord"
          a. This passage is parallel to Ep 5:19
          b. Notice again that the emphasis is SPIRITUAL: "in your
             hearts to the Lord"

   C. REVIEW THE CONTRAST BETWEEN OT MUSIC AND NT MUSIC...
      1. OT music
         a. Performed by a professional choir
         b. Accompanied with various mechanical instruments
         c. EMPHASIS: How it sounds to the human ear (appealing to the
            PHYSICAL side of man)
      2. NT music
         a. Sung by all in the congregation ("speaking to one another
            in psalms...")
         b. The melody to be made in the HEART, not on the HARP
         c. EMPHASIS: How it affects the soul (the SPIRITUAL side of
            man)

[Music in NT worship, therefore, is to be SPIRITUAL in emphasis:

      1. Sung by all

      2. With emphasis not on how we sound, but that we are making true
         melody in our hearts to the Lord!

Lest people think that we are unusual in this view of using only vocal
music in NT worship, and choosing not to add mechanical instruments in
worship, consider some interesting references... ]

II. REFERENCES ON MUSIC IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

   A. THE VOICE OF HISTORY...
      1. "All our sources deal amply with vocal music of the church,
         but they are chary with mention of any other manifestations of
         musical art... The development of Western music was decisively
         influenced by the exclusion of musical instruments from the
         early Christian Church." - Paul Henry Lang, MUSIC IN WESTERN
         CIVILIZATION, pp. 53,54
      2. "Only singing, however, and no playing of instruments, was
         permitted in the early Christian Church." - Hugo
         Leichtentritt, MUSIC, HISTORY AND IDEAS, p. 34
      3. "There can be no doubt that originally the music of the divine
         service was everywhere entirely of a vocal nature." - Emil
         Nauman, THE HISTORY OF MUSIC, Vol. 1, p. 177
      4. "We have no real knowledge of the exact character of the music
         which formed a part of the religious devotion of the first
         Christian congregations. It was, however, purely vocal." - Dr.
         Frederick Louis Ritter, HISTORY OF MUSIC FROM THE CHRISTIAN
         ERA TO THE PRESENT TIME, p. 28
      5. "Both the Jews in their temple service, and the Greeks in
         their idol worship, were accustomed to sing with the
         accompaniment of instrumental music. The converts to
         Christianity accordingly must have been familiar with this
         mode of singing...But it is generally admitted, that the
         primitive Christians employed no instrumental music in their
         worship." -- Lyman Coleman (Presbyterian), THE APOSTOLIC AND
         PRIMITIVE CHURCH, pp. 368-369

   [It may seem odd that music was entirely vocal in the early church,
   when instrumental music was quite common in the worship of the Jews
   and Gentiles.  But not when you recall that the worship in the NT
   was to be spiritual in its emphasis.]

   B. THE VOICE OF VARIOUS RELIGIOUS SOURCES...
      1. CATHOLIC - "... the first Christians were of too spiritual a
         fibre to substitute lifeless instruments for or to use them to
         accompany the human voice." -- CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA
      2. GREEK ORTHODOX - "The execution of Byzantine church music by
         instruments, or even the accompaniment of sacred chanting by
         instruments was ruled out by the Eastern Fathers as being
         incompatible with the pure, solemn, spiritual character of the
         religion of Christ." -- Constantine Cavarnos, BYSANTINE SACRED
         MUSIC
      3. PRESBYTERIAN - "Musical instruments in celebrating the praises
         of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense,
         the lighting up of lamps, the restoration of the other shadows
         of the law.  The Papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed
         this, as well as many other things, from the Jews.  Men who
         are fond of outward pomp may delight in that noise; but the
         simplicity which God recommends to us by the apostle is far
         more pleasing to Him." - JOHN CALVIN, Commentary on the Book
         of Psalms, Vol. I, p. 539
      4. METHODIST - "I have no objection to instruments of music, in
         our chapels, provided they are neither heard nor seen." - JOHN
         WESLEY (founder)
      5. METHODIST - "Music as a science, I esteem and admire: but
         instruments of music in the house of God I abominate and
         abhor. This is the abuse of music; and here I register my
         protest against all such corruptions in the worship of the
         Author of Christianity." - ADAM CLARKE (commentator)
      6. LUTHERAN - "Martin Luther called the organ an 'ensign of
         Baal'." - MCCLINTOCK & STRONG'S ENCYCLOPEDIA
      7. BAPTIST - "I would as soon attempt to pray to God with
         machinery as to sing to Him with machinery." - CHARLES H.
         SPURGEON

[Why did these men object so strongly to instrumental music in the
worship of the church?  Because they properly realized:

   1. That such was a carry-over from the Jewish worship

   2. That as such it was out of harmony with the SPIRITUAL nature of
      NT worship

   3. That it rightfully belonged to the Old Law with its "shadows" and
      not the TRUE worship of the NT

Finally, let's consider...]

III. JUSTIFICATION OFFERED FOR THE USE OF INSTRUMENTS

   A. "IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A TRADITION IN OUR CHURCH"
      1. Not really, as history reveals the use of instruments to be an
         innovation introduced hundreds of years after the NT Church
         began
      2. In most cases, it has been used only during the last two
         centuries
      3. Even so, as "traditions of men" it qualifies as VAIN worship
         - Mt 15:9

   B. "I DON'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT"
      1. Then your worship is IGNORANT worship - Ac 17:22-23
      2. For you are not aware of the kind of worship God commands of
         you

   C. "I LIKE IT IN MY WORSHIP TO GOD"
      1. Then it becomes WILL worship - Col 2:20-23
      2. And you begin worshipping like Nadab & Abihu
         a. Offering that which YOU like
         b. But offering that which is profane, for God did not command
            it

   D. "IT IS FOUND IN THE OLD TESTAMENT"
      1. So are a lot of other acts of worship which were "imposed
         until a time of reformation" - He 9:10
      2. That time is come and God expects His people to worship
         differently - Jn 4:23-24
      3. The fact that God may have commanded it in the past does not
         mean that He approves its use now (especially when He has
         revealed what He DOES want)
      4. Consider the sin of Moses
         a. God first told him to STRIKE the rock for water - Exo 17:
            5-6
         b. Later, God at another time told him to SPEAK to the rock
            - Num 20:7-8
         c. But Moses struck the rock as before, and in so doing sinned
            and lost his right to enter the promised land - Num 20:9-12
      5. His sin?  He did not treat God holy by doing ONLY what God had
         commanded at the PRESENT time!
         a. God may have commanded INSTRUMENTAL music in the past (OT)
         b. But He now commands VOCAL music (NT)

CONCLUSION

1. Let's not make the same mistakes as did Nadab and Abihu, Moses and
   Aaron, forfeiting our inheritance in the Promised Land offered
   to Christians (i.e., Heaven)

2. As we approach God in worship, let us treat Him as Holy by
   worshipping as He has commanded: "in spirit and in truth"

3. In regards to our music ...
   a. Let it be singing with melody in our hearts to the Lord
   b. And not with melody made with mechanical instruments

In doing so, we KNOW we are on safe ground, and that our worship is
well pleasing to Him!

From Mark Copeland... MUSIC IN NEW TESTAMENT WORSHIP (I)

                  "MUSIC IN NEW TESTAMENT WORSHIP (I)"

                 Types Of Worship In The New Testament

INTRODUCTION

1. The example of Nadab and Abihu serves as a very important example
   for us today in regards to rendering worship to God - Lev 10:1-3
   a. When they offered in worship something the Lord had not
      commanded, it was taken by the Lord as a sign of disrespect for
      His Holiness
   b. Such examples were written for our learning - cf. 1Co 10:11

2. As children of God ...
   a. We are to be holy before the Holy One who called us - cf. 1Pe 1:
      14-16
   b. Therefore it is equally important that we treat God as holy!
   c. This we can do in our worship by doing exactly as He instructs in
      His Word!

3. To be sure that we do this in regards to our MUSIC in worship, I
   would like for us to consider what the NT has to say about:
   a. The nature of worship in general
   b. And especially about the music in NT worship

[In this lesson, we will investigate what the NT says about worship in
general. Beginning with the fact that there are different ...]

I. TYPES OF WORSHIP IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

   A. "TRUE" WORSHIP...
      1. Referred to by Jesus in Jn 4:20-24
      2. This is the type of worship expected by God today ("an hour is
         coming, and NOW IS")
      3. Since this concerns us personally, we shall deal with it in
         more detail later

   B. "VAIN" WORSHIP...
      1. Referred to by Jesus in Mt 15:7-9
      2. This worship is the result of:
         a. Following traditions of men and ignoring the commands of
            God on a particular subject
         b. Also, when worship is not done "from the heart"

   C. "IGNORANT" WORSHIP...
      1. Referred to by Paul in Ac 17:22-23
      2. This is worship offered in the absence of a knowledge of God's
         will concerning who He is and how He is to be worshipped

   D. "WILL" (SELF-IMPOSED) WORHSIP...
      1. Referred to by Paul in Col 2:20-23 (KJV)
      2. This worship, closely aligned with VAIN worship:
         a. Is the result of doing what WE like and WE think is good
         b. But not taught by God in His Word (cf. Nadab & Abihu)

[It should be evident, then, that not just ANY worship is acceptable to
God!  There are different kinds that can be offered, but only ONE is
acceptable.

Since God will only accept "TRUE" WORSHIP, we had better understand
what is involved ...]

II. THE MEANING OF "TRUE" WORSHIP

   A. AS DEFINED BY JESUS...
      1. "the true worshipers will worship the Father IN SPIRIT AND
         TRUTH;" - Jn 4:23
      2. But what is meant by the phrase "in spirit and truth"?
      3. Notice first the contrast being made by Jesus - cf. Jn 4:19-24
         a. The Jews had been worshiping correctly by going to
            Jerusalem
         b. But now the time was coming when place was not important
            (as it was in the OT)
      4. Thus the contrast is between OT and NT worship!
         a. Somehow, OT worship had not been "in spirit and truth"
         b. But NT worship would be!

   [The contrast becomes more evident now as we define what is meant
   to worship "in spirit and in truth"]

   B. WORSHIPPING GOD "IN SPIRIT"...
      1. Some understand this to mean "to do so with sincerity, from
         the heart"
         a. But this does not fit in with the idea that Jesus is making
            a contrast between OT and NT worship
         b. For sincerity was required just as much under the OT - Deu
            6:4-7; Isa 1:10-18
      2. A better interpretation is that to worship in spirit means to
         offer "spiritual worship"
         a. In contrast to worship that is physical or fleshly
         b. This contrast is in harmony with the context
            1) Jesus began by saying "God is Spirit"
            2) Therefore the worship of Him is to be "spiritual", that
               is, more in keeping with His nature
         c. This interpretation is in harmony with what we learn else-
            where about the contrast between OT and NT worship
            1) From He 9:1-10 we learn that OT worship consisted of
               FLESHLY ordinances; e.g.:
               a) A physical structure (tabernacle)
               b) Special clothing for priests
               c) Lampstands
               d) Burning of incense
               e) Instruments of music
               f) Animal sacrifices
               -- all of which appeal to the PHYSICAL senses
            2) But NT worship is geared more toward the SPIRITUAL side
               of man:
               a) God's temple is spiritual, made up of Christians -
                  1Co 3:16; Ep 2:19-22
               b) All Christians are priests, offering up spiritual
                  sacrifices - 1Pe 2:5,9; Ro 12:1; He 13:15
               c) Our prayers are sweet incense - Re 5:8
               d) Our music is making melody with the HEART - Ep 5:19
            3) The physical ordinances of the OT were to last until a
               "time of reformation" - He 9:9-10 (which has occured
               with the coming of the New Covenant)
      3. To "worship in spirit", then, is to offer up SPIRITUAL worship
         as taught in the NT and not the PHYSICAL as found in the OT.

   C. WORSHIPPING GOD IN "TRUTH"...
      1. What is meant to worship in "truth"?
         a. To worship according to the commands of God? (as so often
            interpreted)
         b. Certainly we should do this
         c. But again, this is no contrast to what God expected in the
            OT - cf. Deut 5:32-33
         d. Jesus admitted that the Jews were right in their worship
            - Jn 4:22
         e. So the contrast is NOT between "TRUE" and "FALSE" worship
      2. The contrast is between that which is "TRUE" (or real), and
         that which had been a "SHADOW" pointing toward the true!
         a. Many elements of OT worship were simply a "shadow" or
            "figure" of what was to come
            1) The Tabernacle was a symbol - He 9:8-9
            2) The Law with its worship was only a "shadow" of that
               which was to come - He 10:1
         b. Christ is now in the the TRUE tabernacle (heaven)- He 9:
            11-12,24
            1) Therefore we should expect the worship of the TRUE to be
               different from that of the SHADOW
            2) And we have already seen that to be the case:
               a) The OT worship, which was but a SHADOW, was PHYSICAL
                  in nature
               b) But N. T. worship, which God now expects of "true
                  worshipers", is according to the TRUE realities (God
                  is Spirit, Christ in heaven) and is therefore
                  SPIRITUAL in nature

CONCLUSION

1. We see that there are different types of worship, but only one is
   now acceptable to the Father

2. We see that this worship is "in spirit and in truth"...
   a. It is not the physical worship found in the OT which was only a
      "shadow" of what was to come
   b. But a spiritual worship which is the true substance of what God
      wants of us in worship

3. Our next study shall examine the TRUE, SPIRITUAL music God wants in
   the worship of the church, as revealed in the NT

From Mark Copeland... CONGREGATIONAL SINGING

                        "CONGREGATIONAL SINGING"


INTRODUCTION

1. In his web log, Ray Pritchard asked:  "Whatever happened to
   congregational singing?"...
   a. In visiting many (denominational) churches, he often found the
      practice lacking altogether
   b. In some churches that had it, he found the singing lackluster

2. He offered some reasons why such may be the case...
   a. Song leader chooses songs no one knows
   b. Style issues confuses people (Fanny Crosby vs. Hillsong)
   c. Architecture not always conducive to singing
   d. Not enough people (e.g., 70 in a building that seats 500)
   e. Too many new songs presented too fast
   f. Wooden worship leader
   g. Musical instruments so loud that singing is overpowered
   h. Songs with little sense of order or progression or theme
   i. Some congregations seem to not expect members to sing
   j. Choirs and orchestras to do their singing for them
   k. Lack of spiritual zeal
   l. Preachers and other leaders don't sing
   m. Entertainment culture leads us to expect to be entertained
   n. We have lost the theological truth that God is to be praised in
      the singing of His people

3. In churches of Christ, congregational singing has been held as a
   matter of principle...
   a. In opposition to instrumental music and choirs
   b. Yet some churches today are getting away from congregation singing
   c. In many churches that have it, the singing seems half-hearted at
      best

["Whatever happened to congregational singing?" is a question some may
do well to ask themselves.  In seeking to ensure congregational singing
its proper place in our worship, we first review...]

I. THE BASIS FOR CONGREGATIONAL SINGING

   A. THERE IS BIBLICAL PRECEPT...
      1. The Messianic age to be a time of singing praise - Isa 12:1-6
      2. Christians were commanded to sing to one another - Ep 5:19; Co
         3:16
      -- Prophet and apostle make it clear that we are to sing praises

   B. THERE IS BIBLICAL PRACTICE...
      1. Jesus and His apostles sang a hymn following the Last Supper
         - Mt 26:30
      2. Heavenly beings and the sainted dead fill heaven with their
         praise - Re 5:9-14; 7:9-12
      -- If such deemed it proper to join together in the praise of God,
         shouldn't we?

   C. THERE IS BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE...
      1. One purpose of singing is to praise the Lord (inherent in the
         meaning of "hymn")
      2. Another is to teach and admonish one another - Col 3:16
      3. A third is to be enriched by the Word and filled with the
         Spirit - Col 3:16; Ep 5:18-19
      -- Congregational singing reaches upward, outward, and inward!

[But not all congregational singing praises God, teaches one another,
and uplifts ourselves.  To help reach that goal, here are some
suggestions related to...]

II. THE PRACTICE OF CONGREGATIONAL SINGING

   A. WHAT SONG LEADERS CAN DO...
      1. Lead with enthusiasm
         a. The song leader generally sets the tone
         b. His influence goes beyond announcing the number and starting
            the song
         c. The song leader's demeanor should reflect the nature of the
            songs he leads
      2. Lead with familiarity
         a. People respond to songs they know and love
         b. Few people are able to catch on and sing songs that are new
            to them
         c. Too many new songs, and people get out of the habit of
            singing with fervor
         d. There is a time and place to learn new songs; not every
            service is the time or place
      -- Song leaders need not be accomplished, but they should be
         thoughtful of their function

   B. WHAT THE CONGREGATION CAN DO...
      1. Sing with their understanding - 1Co 14:15
         a. It is the words of the songs that express praise and provide
            edification
         b. Melody is enhanced when we pay careful attention to the
            words
      2. Sing with their heart - Ep 5:19; Col 3:16
         a. We are to make melody with our hearts, sing with grace in
            our hearts
         b. Thus we should let the words of the song influence our
            emotions
      3. Sing with their voice - Ps 51:14-15; Col 3:16
         a. The Psalmist wrote of praising God aloud with his lips,
            tongue and mouth
         b. We are to teach and admonish one another; how can we if we
            do not hear one another?
      4. Sing with their presence - Ps 122:1
         a. Practice makes perfect; sing with others whenever there is
            opportunity
         b. Sit close to those who like to sing; you are more likely to
            sing louder
      -- Praising God and edifying others should engage our whole being!

CONCLUSION

1. Congregational singing is a spiritual activity with great
   potential...
   a. Offering hymns of praise to God constitute spiritual sacrifices
      - He 13:15
   b. Teaching and admonishing one another in song is one way we exhort
      one another - He 10:24-25

2. Whether congregation singing fulfills its potential depends on us...
   a. Whether we appreciate the precept, practice, and principle behind
      it
   b. Whether we sing as God intended:  with our whole being (mind,
      heart, and voice)

May we as a congregation of God's people always have the attitude of
David when it comes to singing...

   Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will
   praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my
   being. - Ps 146:1-2

From Mark Copeland... Worship In Spirit And Truth (John 4:20-24)

                          "THE GOSPEL OF JOHN"

                 Worship In Spirit And Truth (4:20-24)

INTRODUCTION

1. At Jacob's well, Jesus and the Samaritan woman discussed the matter
   of worship...
   a. Samaritans and Jews differed as to where one should worship - Jn 4:20
      1) Samaritans believed they should worship on Mt. Gerazim
      2) Jews understood that it should be in Jerusalem
   b. Jesus said the time was coming for a different kind of worship
      - Jn 4:21-24
      1) Where worship would not be defined by its location (though Jews
         had been right)
      2) Where true worshippers would worship the Father in spirit and
         truth

2. What does it mean to worship the Father in spirit and truth?  Many
   say it means...
   a. To worship God from the heart ("in spirit")
   b. To worship God as He directs in His Word ("and truth")

3. Yet note the contrast made by Jesus...
   a. The Jews had worshipped correctly by going to Jerusalem
   b. But the time was coming when place would not be important
   -- A contrast is being made between OT worship and NT worship

4. Somehow Old Testament (OT) worship had not been "in spirit and
   truth"...
   a. Yet God required worship from the heart from the Jews - cf. Deu
      6:4-7; Isa 1:10-18
   b. And God required worship as directed by His Word - cf. Deut 5:32-33

[If "in spirit and truth" does not mean "from the heart and in harmony
with God's Word", then what does it mean?  Let's first consider...]

I. WORSHIPPING GOD IN SPIRIT

   A. MEANS TO OFFER "SPIRITUAL" WORSHIP...
      1. In contrast to that which is mostly physical
      2. This explanation is in keeping with the context - cf. Jn 4:24
         a. Jesus began by saying "God is Spirit..."
         b. The worship of God is to be "in spirit" (i.e., spiritual)
      3. Note these comments:
         a. "...men must offer a worship corresponding with the nature
            and attributes of God." - J. W. McGarvey
         b. "Since he is Spirit, he must receive spiritual worship..."
            - B.W. Johnson
         c. "A pure, a holy, a spiritual worship, therefore, is such as
            he seeks the offering of the soul rather than the formal
            offering of the body - the homage of the heart rather than
            that of the lips." - Albert Barnes
      -- A worship was coming that was more in keeping with God's
         nature!

   B. AS OPPOSED TO "CARNAL" ORDINANCES...
      1. OT worship consisted of carnal (fleshly) ordinances - cf. He 9:1-10
         a. A physical structure (tabernacle)
         b. Special priesthood, clothing for priests
         c. Lamp stands, burning incense
         d. Instruments of music
         e. Feast days
         f. Animal and meal sacrifices
         -- All which appealed to the carnal or physical senses of man
      2. NT worship is geared more toward the spiritual side of man:
         a. God's temple is now spiritual, made up of Christians -

            1Co 3:16; Ep 2:19-22
         b. All Christians are priests, offering up spiritual sacrifices
            - 1Pe 2:5,9
         c. Our prayers are as sweet incense - Re 5:8
         d. Our music is making melody with the heart, not the harp - Ep 5:19
         e. The Lord's Supper - Ac 20:7; 1Co 10:16-17; 11:17-34
         f. Spiritual sacrifices of praise and service - He 13:15; Ro 12:1-2
         -- The emphasis is on the spirit of man, not his physical
            senses!

[Physical ordinances of the Old Covenant were until "the time of
reformation" (He 9:9-10), which occurred with the coming of the New
Covenant.  As Jesus proclaimed, the new worship is more in keeping with
the nature of God ("God is Spirit..."), designed to relate more to the
spiritual side of man.  Now let's examine...]

II. WORSHIPPING GOD IN TRUTH

   A. MEANS TO OFFER "TRUE (REAL)" WORSHIP...
      1. To worship according to the commands of God?
         a. Certainly we should do this
         b. But this is no contrast to what God expected in the OT - cf.
            Deut 5:32-33
         c. Jesus admitted that the Jews were right in their worship
            - Jn 4:22
      2. What then is the contrast between worship that was and that
         which "now is"?
         a. Not between true and false worship
         b. But between that which is true (real) and that which had
            been a shadow
      -- A worship was coming that was more in keeping with truth and
         reality

   B. AS OPPOSED TO "SHADOW (SYMBOL)" WORSHIP...
      1. Many elements of worship in the OT were simply a shadow or
         figure of that to come
         a. The Tabernacle was a symbol - He 9:8-9
         b. The Law with its worship was only a shadow of that to come
            - He 10:1
      2. Christ is now in the true tabernacle (heaven)- He 9:11-12,24
         a. We should expect the worship of the true to be different
            from that of the shadow
         b. We have already seen that to be the case:
            1) Old Covenant worship, which was but a shadow, was
               physical in nature
            2) New Covenant worship is according to the true realities
               (God is Spirit, Christ in heaven) and is therefore more
               spiritual in nature
      -- The emphasis is on that which is true (real), not which was a
         shadowy symbol of things to come

[This explanation of worshipping God "in spirit and truth" is more in
keeping with the immediate context. Since God is seeking "true
worshippers" who worship Him accordingly (Jn 4:23), some thoughts about
our worship today may be appropriate...]

III. WORSHIPPING GOD TODAY

   A. NOT ALL WORSHIP IS ACCEPTABLE...
      1. There is vain worship - Mt 15:7-9
         a. Based on traditions of men, while ignoring the commands of
            God
         b. Offered without involving our "hearts" (spirits)
      2. There is ignorant worship - Ac 17:22-23
         a. Ignorant of the true nature of God
         b. Ignorant of the worship He desires
      3. There is will worship - Col 2:20-23 (KJV)
         a. Self-imposed, not God-directed
         b. What we like, what we think is good
      -- Just because we worship God, does not mean He is pleased with
         our worship!

   B. MANY OFFER CARNAL WORSHIP...
      1. When they appeal to the OT for their authority for how they
         worship
         a. For instrumental music, burning incense, clapping, etc.
         b. They seek to justify that which appeals to the flesh
            (senses), not the spirit
      2. When they offer that which appeals to their fleshly nature
         a. Preferring what is based on how it sounds
         b. Preferring what is based on how it feels
      -- Striving to be more spiritual, some revert to becoming more
         carnal, a reason to be concerned (cf. Ga 4:9-11)!

   C. GOD SEEKS TRUE WORSHIPPERS...
      1. Who worship God "...with their spirits" - Matthew Poole
         a. Seeking to engage the spirit (mind) more than the organs of
            the body
         b. Content with the simplicity of worship that stresses the
            spiritual side of man
      2. Who worship God "...according to the rule that he hath
         prescribed, in truth and reality." - ibid.
         a. Not desiring to return to the carnal ordinances imposed
            until a time of reformation
         b. Content with the worship ordained in the New Covenant
      3. Who can worship God anywhere, anytime, with true spiritual
         worship - e.g., Ac 16:25
      -- God seeks such worshippers, who seek to worship Him in spirit
         and truth!

CONCLUSION

1. Matthew Poole offered this explanation of our text in his
   commentary...

   "God...is a spiritual Being, the Father of spirits, and requires
   a spiritual service proportioned to His being; and therefore those
   that pay a religious homage to him, must do it with their spirits,
   and according to the rule that he hath prescribed, in truth and
   reality."

2. How can we be sure to offer spiritual and true worship acceptable to
   God...?
   a. Look to the New Testament for our authority in worship!
   b. Worship in ways ordained by Christ and His apostles! - cf. Ac 2:42

3. As God is Spirit...
   a. Our worship should be spiritual and not limited to special places
   b. The emphasis should be on the spiritual (e.g., meaning of the
      words), and not the physical (e.g., how it looks, sounds, feels)

Remember...

   "...the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will
   worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking
   such to worship Him."

(Jn 4:23)