We live in a world that hears the word “church” and the image that explodes into the mind of the world is a building with a steeple. The world sees the building as holy. It is almost impossible to change the mindset of 7 billion, however, it needs to be realized that the church is different. As we explore this idea, notice that the church is different due to her worship.
The church is different when we see her worship and especially in the area of acapella music. Most folks will see this point of worship as a dividing line between the religious world and the church of Christ. This is not the case. Acapella singing is the difference between following the Bible and following selfish desires. The Bible is very clear about the type of music God requires in the Gathering of His children. Notice these verses: Matthew 26:30, Mark 14:26, Acts 16:25, Romans 15:9, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 2:12, Hebrews 13:15 & James 5:13. When a man reads these scriptures, he is confronted with the fact that God expects mankind to worship Him in a certain prescribed manner. In every verse where God addresses worship to Him, His method of music is acapella singing only.
So why is there so much confusion over these verses? It is all due to how mankind WANTS to see these verses. Mankind WANTS to sing and play. Mankind WANTS to play without singing. Mankind WANTS others to sing for them. The unfortunate fact is this: While we may want mechanical instruments, choirs, or any other deviation, those changes will never please God.
If you and I take the time to look at the etymology of the word “acapella”, we are hit with the crushing weight of this word. Today, we use this word to indicate that the music heard is without instruments. When you and I explore the original use of the word, we find this meaning: “in the style of the church”. We can compile the facts that the style of the church is music without instruments. The word acapella means the same today as it did in its conception of the style of the church without musical instruments.
Singing praises unto God is an important part of God’s worship. Jesus would state, “God is a spirit. They that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”(John 4:24) We worship God with the proper attitude of the heart. We also worship God with the proper actions of worship. Let us all sing with the understanding and our hearts fully included.
May God be praised by our singing unto Him…
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