by Barry Newton

A fairly common question asked by those first encountering our worship services is: Why do you sing without instruments? Perhaps a more interesting question would be, why did early Christians insist on going against the prevailing pagan culture and Jewish temple worship to deliberately exclude instruments? Scripture seems to provide a rather straightforward answer.

Both Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19 reveal that while our worship should contain an instructive and encouraging aspect toward one another, our worship is supposed to be directed "unto the Lord." We are worshipping God, not ourselves. Accordingly, God has the right to tell us what He wants. We must never lose sight of the fact that the fruit of our lips is one of the sacrifices God has requested from us. Hebrews 13:15 Our Creator and Savior has the right to describe the sacrifice He wants from us. The only descriptions or teachings we have in scripture for Christian worship involves a cappella worship.

Someone might ask, "but if what drives how we worship is determined by God's requests, has not God through the Old Testament already shown that He wanted instrumental music as a means to praise Him?" Psalms 150:3-5; 98:5-6

It is true that David's use of instruments in worshipping the LORD was commanded by God (2 Chronicles 29:25) and God did give regulations for instruments (Psalms 81:2-5). These verses also indicate that the use of instruments was not merely an aid for worshipping, but were used to worship God!

Nevertheless, Israelite worship is not our guide for worshipping God today. Why? Because that former mode of worship which included external regulations was to be in effect until the time of the new order! Hebrews 9:1,10 The incense, the physical layout of the tabernacle, the ark of the covenant and yes, the use of instruments are characteristic of the external directions under the Law. The Law with its regulations for worship were only a shadow of the reality which was coming. Hebrews 10:1

In contrast to a set of regulations dictating the type of incense which had to be offered, instructions about where to sacrifice, and the instruments which should be played, the new order of worship is characterized by being in spirit. John 4:20-24; Deuteronomy 12:13-15 The stone altar with its sacrifices has been replaced by Christ's sacrifice, God's people are now His temple and the instruments making music to praise God have become the instrument of our hearts. Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16

Without even weighing in on what God has done in the past when His people deviated from offering the worship He commanded, my question is simply this: "why would anyone want to take a step backwards to a worship built upon external things?" The old has passed, we have the new order! Let's worship God in spirit and in truth!

by Mitchell Skelton

Names like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods roll from the lips of those who talk about golf’s premier event, the Masters. One name that will probably never surface in a conversation about golfing legends is Doug Ford. Few people would have any idea that Ford won the 1957 Masters. He never won another green jacket and he hasn’t made the cut since 1971 (four years before Tiger Woods was born), but he is invited to play in the Masters every year. The Masters’ rules include a lifetime invitation to every champion of the event. Ford only won the tournament once, hasn’t qualified with his golf skills in nearly three decades, and hasn’t been able to break par in the event since 1958. Nonetheless, he gets to play in the tournament every year because on one single occasion he won the jacket. Our salvation is similarly linked to a single event. Christ’s work on the cross was a one shot deal. He died once so that all could live eternally. /1

There aren’t many things on this earth that we do “Once for all.” In Hebrews 9:23 – 28, the Hebrew writer examines a job that Christ accomplished “Once, for All.” Moreover, this was the most important task ever completed.

Christ’s Sacrifice

Christ’s sacrifice is final and permanent. “For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself” (Heb. 9:24 – 26). Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was complete perfection. In contrast with the sacrifices of the Old Testament, when Christ sacrificed himself it’s efficacy was such that it only needed to be performed once for all time.

Christ’s sacrifice took care of sin once, for all. “The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” (Heb. 9:13 – 14). Christ’s one act of redemption was so powerful that it cleanses our sins permanently. “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption” (Heb. 9:12).

Death and Judgment

The fact that Christ died and through his death we have eternal life should be a word of encouragement to all Christians. Yet the Hebrew writer continues with a curious statement that in no way sounds encouraging. “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people” (Heb. 9:27 – 28a). We will all die. We will all be judged. How can this in any way be construed as encouraging? Death and judgment have always been talked about with much fear and apprehension.

The encouraging word for Christians is that Christ took the sting out of death. “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:56 – 57). Christ’s victory over death equates to our victory over death. Judgment does not necessarily mean condemnation. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). For the Christian, there is no condemnation therefore death and judgment are events to look forward to, they signal a beginning instead of an end.

Christ’s Second Coming

The Day of Atonement was a special day to the Israelites. On this day, the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place to make sacrifices. Since no one except the High Priest is allowed to enter the Most Holy Place, the people waited outside to see if God had accepted their sacrifices. When the High Priest reappeared, the people shouted with the joy of salvation. In similar fashion, Jesus’ second coming assures our salvation. Those who are in Christ can look forward to the day Jesus, our High Priest, returns from the Most Holy Place. It is strange to think of the second coming of Christ as an assurance of salvation. The idea of salvation has many facets. Our salvation is past; Jesus died for our sins. Our salvation is present; Jesus continues to forgive. Our salvation is future; Jesus is coming again. /2

1 Houston Chronicle, April 10, 1998, p. 1B 2 Gary Holloway, “Certain Hope”; ACU Press, (Abilene) 1999.

by J. Randal Matheny

I hate pain. I definitely do not have a martyr complex nor am I a masochist. I do not go around inviting people to hit me. The idea of burning at the stake or some other morbid form of extinction does not excite me one bit.

Most of us avoid suffering, if we can help it. So we stumble at Jesus' words,

"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5:10-12, NASU).

We think we are being spiritual when we can say we rejoice in spite of suffering. Jesus, however, says to rejoice BECAUSE we are suffering for his sake.

There's a world of difference in those two perspectives.

Like the twelve apostles who, after being beaten, left the Jewish council "rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41).

Like Paul and Barnabas who prayed and sang hymns of praise to God after being imprisoned for having preached Jesus (Acts 16:25).

Like Paul who rejoiced in his sufferings for the body of Christ (Col. 1:24).

This is no high and holy attitude just for apostles. Again and again the New Testament tells us: Rejoice in your trials and sufferings (Jas. 1:2; 1 Pet. 4:13).

Why rejoice? Jesus gives us the key: participation in his suffering is part of kingdom living and necessary to enter heaven. And there's more:

• Suffering emphasizes the value of eternal glory (2 Cor. 4:1-18).

• Suffering discovers the power of God (2 Cor. 12:7-10).

• Suffering completes the afflictions of Christ (Col. 1:24-29).

Suffering for the name of Christ is a result (as well as a means) of preaching the name of Christ. Whoever shrinks from it is not worthy of the kingdom and does not know the price of salvation.

Above, all suffering makes us one with the Master (Matt. 10:24-25). If we preach that one must die with Christ in baptism, there will be a price to pay (Rom. 8:1-17). Thus, the latter half of Romans 8 is laced with our willingness to suffer with him and depend upon the power and grace of God.

We are "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him" (Rom. 8:17).

Pain is painful. But the greater pain is the thought of being separated eternally from God because we shrank from suffering shame and persecution for the name of Christ.

By Michael E. Brooks

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me” (Revelation 2:20).

The Jaipalgari district in West Bengal, India is known locally as “the Dooars.” This region lies in the extreme northeast area of India, not far from the countries of Bhutan, China and Bangladesh. Historically it was also near the tiny ancient kingdoms of Sikkim, Assam, and Nagarland, all now a part of India. This location made the region a natural gateway or door into a variety of nations and cultures, hence the nickname.

Life keeps all of us in proximity to a variety of opportunities. We are presented with choices every day. Some of these are material in nature, involving jobs, education, recreation, health, and similar physical matters. Other choices are emotional or spiritual. These may include relationships, attitudes, and religious or philosophical beliefs. Every one of us lives constantly at “the door”, and every presented choice demands a decision.

Jesus’ invitation, expressed in Revelation 2:20, is typical of our choices. We may accept it immediately or refuse it. If we open the door, he will enter. If we fail to open the door, he will stay outside. Notice that those are the only alternatives. It is easy to be deceived into thinking that there is a third option, that of delay. “Not now, but maybe later” is the “decision” many wish to make. In reality, however, it is plain that this is simply a refusal. The door remains closed, and he stays outside.

So it is with all our options. Opportunities knock, and we must either accept or refuse them. The state of Arkansas is filled with people who now talk about their chance to invest with Sam Walton back when Walmart was only a dream. Oh, if they had only said yes. Stock may still be purchased, but the opportunity for huge profit is long passed. Others “could have gone to college” and “made something of themselves” but time has passed and opportunity with it. I am reminded of the quotation several years ago from a famous athlete, known for his life of dissipation and consequent poor health. “If I had known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself.” Good choice, but way too late.

A favorite saying is, “good memories have to be arranged for in advance.” Life is most rewarding if we make our decisions promptly, while opportunity exists, and if we make them based on thoughtful consideration and proper priorities. Decide now where you want your life to lead. Evaluate every choice on the basis of those goals. Open doors that lead in the right direction, and open them at the right time. We all live in “the Dooars.” Let us take good advantage of such a strategic location

by Warren Baldwin

Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." When he had placed his hands on them he went on from there.

Matthew 19:13-15

You have to wonder about religious leaders who don't have room or time for children. Who are they serving? What are they serving? What is their vision for the future?

God has long been concerned about the needs of children. From Old Testament times he made it clear that children were to be cared for. Parents were to train their children in the ways of God (Deut. 6). The larger society was to see that the fatherless were taken care of. They were not to be caught up in an economic or social system where "only the strong survived" (Deut. 24:17).

Years later the prophets reminded the people of their responsibility to children. Isaiah reminds his listeners to "defend the cause of the fatherless" (Isaiah 1:17). Micah delivers a scalding judgment against those who prevent the orphan from inheriting his father's land (Micah 2:9).

This theme of caring for children is picked up in the New Testament. James defines true spirituality in terms we may not be comfortable with: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress" (Jas. 1:17).

The disciples of Jesus would not have argued with these verses. They probably would have thought of them more in line with providing for their physical needs, and that would be true. But these verses go beyond that, especially a number of passages in Deuteronomy.

God was concerned with the physical needs of children. But he was also concerned with their spiritual needs. He wanted them to be reared thinking about God, about his blessing in their lives, about his provision. Being well-fed highlighted those lessons. But being trained in righteousness was the core of the curriculum.

Christian people have debated for years on the best way to care for children who are orphaned or abandoned. Adoption? A Christian children's home? Which? I think God would say, "Yes." However we do it, let's just do it.

Taking care of children in need lies at the heart of who and what we are as followers of God.

There are a lot of children in need in our world today. Children who need food, who need clothing, who need adults who will take an interest in their lives. Adults who will take them to ball games, coach their teams, take them out for an ice cream. Adults who will pick them up and take them to Sunday School and other spiritual functions.

God calls all of us to a ministry to children. Please hear his call.