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Most religious people use mechanical instruments of music in their worship and have for hundreds of years. Only a few people (‘like you folks’) will not use them in worship.

It is true that most religious people do have instruments of music in their worship. It is also true that many groups have done so for hundreds of years. However, this does not authorize the use of them in the worship offered to God by Christians.  Truth is not determined by the majority who practices a thing.  A long time ago God commanded Israel: “thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil…” (Ex. 23:2).  The voices of the majority prevailed over Pilate’s voice and Jesus was delivered to be crucified. (Mt. 27:11-26; Mk 15:1-20; Jn. 18:39-19:18)

In Mt. 7:13,14 Jesus said: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad in the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at; because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” NOTE: Many people (the majority) will enter into the wide gate and will travel the broad way that leads to destruction! Only a few people will enter into the strait gate and travel the narrow way which leadeth unto life.   Truth is not determined by what the majority believes or practices. It is determined by the word of God. (James 1:21,25; II Tim. 3:16,17; Jn. 17:17; I Pet. 1:22; etc.)  NOTE: In the view of the fact the word of God is our standard by which we must live, it behooves all of us to carefully examine our beliefs and practices and make sure they are authorized in God’s word. Remember that Jesus said: “All power is given to me in heaven and in earth” and “...the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (Mt. 28:18 & Jn. 6:63).

The fact most religious people have been using mechanical instruments for hundreds of years certainly does not make it right. Although the use of instrumental music in worship goes back to hundreds of years, it does not go back to the early Christians in the first century. If we can find in the scriptures where the Christians in the first century were authorized (by command, statement, approved example or necessary implications) we would not oppose it.  Historical evidence points to about the 6th century as to the time when instrumental music was first introduced in what we know was the apostate church.

-the elders

It is a charge almost as old as man himself.  It is defined as “an evil, unlawful, treacherous, or surreptitious plan formulated in secret by two or more persons; plot.” Conspiracy theories range from the believable to the absurd.  They involve ideas of governmental involvement, mob activity and various schemes involving money laundering, drugs, gambling and other such devious designs. Modern conspiracy theories involve matters from the John F. Kennedy assassination, to the death of Princess Diana, to Roswell, New Mexico, to the attacks on September 11. Although many historical incidences simply evolve into theories and unconfirmed stories of conspiracy, there have been many proven conspiratorial acts (i.e. Abraham Lincoln’s assassination). Throughout history, many governments have been overthrown through acts of conspiracy.

The Bible contains stories of intrigue, suspense and, yes, even conspiracy. David was the target of one such plot at the hands of his own son. Second Samuel 15 records Absalom’s attempt to overthrow his father’s government and claim his throne. The chapter begins with Absalom’s attempts to steal the hearts of the people and gain momentum for his cause. He played the role of the consummate politician; from sympathizing with the people’s cases, to “campaign speeches,” to kissing those who came before him (note II Sam. 15:2-6). His ploy was successful and his conspiracy strong when at last his plan took shape. He forced David to flee his capital and abandon his throne (II Sam. 15:14); and, the chapter that began with Absalom’s attempts to garner the favor of the people ended with Absalom’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem (II Sam. 15:37).

Ultimately, however, the conspiracy cost lives, including the life of Absalom (cf. II Sam. 16-18). David’s grief over his son almost cost him the honor and respect of his people (II Sam. 19:1-8). In speaking particularly of the tongue James stated, “Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” (Jas. 3:5). What is true of the tongue is obviously true of other matters as well, as this Bible story of conspiracy readily reveals. -Eddy

Last week, on the campaign trail for his wife in South Carolina, on a day filled with sparring with reporters, former president Bill Clinton was asked the most imposing (and ironic) question of the day, not by a seasoned reporter, but by a 5-year old. McKenna Chance asked Clinton, “What do you do when you get married?” In light of the many known “indiscretions” by Clinton, the room erupted with laughter- a sad commentary within itself. However, the question is indeed most profound…and vitally important.

When you get married…you make a vow to God, your spouse, yourself and all others. You pledge your life to your mate. You vow that you will have no other in an intimate way. You pledge that you will keep yourself for your mate alone, providing his/her needs in every avenue. You promise your allegiance to one, and only one, as long as you both shall live. (cf. Mt. 19:3-9; Rom. 7:1-3).

When you get married…you declare a separation from mother and father (Gen. 2:24; Eph. 5:31). This is not to say, of course, that you have no more association with them, stop loving them, stop asking for occasional advice from them or refuse to care for them in their old age. It does say, however, that a new home has been formed and that it must survive on its own. The confidences of the new home should remain as such. Father and mother have no authority over the home of son or daughter. The authority of the home is first Christ’s (I Cor. 11:3), and then the husband’s (Eph. 5:23). If one is not prepared to leave the home of mom and dad, he/she is not yet ready to form his/her own.

When you get married…you promise to think of another more than of yourself. Paul’s message in Ephesians 5 emphasizes this very thought. Wives are to submit to and reverence their husbands (Eph. 5:22, 33). Husbands are to love, sacrifice for and be willing to lay down their loves for their wives (Eph. 5:25, 28, 33). Selfishness is at the center of most marital problems.

When you get married…you pledge a life of love, devotion, care and concern for a lifetime, regardless of the troubles that come your way. Most wedding vows include the traditional “for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health.” However, for far too many marriages that is all these are- tradition! Regardless of whether these or similar words are in one’s wedding vows, the pledge made by these is inherent within marriage itself. Trials and troubles will come our way in life (cf. Job 14:1).