Comments on: Some Reflections on the 2011 Florida College Chorus Tour

By: Andy Sochor

Andy Sochor — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 04:16:29 +0000

I think you’re exactly right, Carlos.

By: Carlos Raymer

Carlos Raymer — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:07:32 +0000

I think that Colossians 3:17 would come in play here, we need authority on all that we do if we want to be pleasing to our God, Hebrews 11:6, if we sing praises to our Lord at home it better be the way we sing praises to Him in the assembly.
Carlos Raymer

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Plain Bible Teaching » Top 5 Articles on Plain Bible Teaching in 2011 — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:02:41 +0000

[...] Some Reflections on the 2011 Florida College Chorus Tour (03.26.11) [...]

By: Andy Sochor

Andy Sochor — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 04:22:20 +0000

Jeff, if a song fits in the category of “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,” then it is bound by the rule found in the above verses. I can find no Biblical exception to the rule for these types of songs when they are sung in a home, in a chorus performance, for our own enjoyment, etc.

If we’re singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, we need to sing them the way the New Testament authorizes. If we want to perform in a chorus, sing along with instruments, or sing for our own enjoyment, we can sing non-religious songs.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:49:04 +0000

Andy, Good point.I noted the place for the purpose of distinction.We can do something at home that is like we do at the assembly but is not offered the same way.Pass the grape juice,please.I don’t think its the type of song that is the issue but how it is “offered”..Are they being “offered “as worship to God?Can we listen to someone else sing or play them for our own enjoyment?Can I sing them with or to my family for our own enjoyment? Are you saying that when these songs are sang they are automatically put in the”for God only and we have rules mode”?If “type” of songs being sung is the issue,we are going to need the list of songs that are out there that are bound by the rule.Need to be careful,some out there think everything we do is worship.

By: Andy Sochor

Andy Sochor — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 03:07:41 +0000

Jeff, the differences in the spelling of ‘home’ and ‘church’ are noted. Now, which of those words appear in the following verses:

“Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).

Where in those verses (or the surrounding verses) is there any mention of a church assembly? Neither the church nor the home are singled out. These verses address the singing of spiritual songs when two or more are together (”to one another”). This could be in a church assembly, in a home, or other places. These verses do not establish a rule based upon the PLACE where singing is done, but on the TYPE of songs being sung (psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs). Therefore, when we sing these types of songs, we are bound to the rules set forth in these verses.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:37:01 +0000

In the article as well as the comments,we read the words uncomfortable,reluctantly agreed,and uneasy.If something violates your conscience Paul tells us not to do it.It could be alright in of itself but,if you think its wrong and participate,you sin(Rom.14:23).Sacred Selections is not going to be one of the books open on the last day.This is no different than playing a piano and at the same time singing “How Great Thou Art”at home.Notice the spelling..HOME…..CHURCH….Two different places.If it is “offered” as worship at home,on a stage with a chorus singing,then there is a problem.Worship has a start time and a finish time.Entertainment seems to go on all the time.

By: Andy Sochor

Andy Sochor — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:52:21 +0000

Worship is that which is directed toward God. Entertainment is that which pleases the audience. The way God instructs us to sing spiritual songs, there shouldn’t even be an audience, because we are to speak to one another (Ephesians 5:19).

By: peter

peter — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:48:47 +0000

I wonder who gets to decide what is entertainment vs worship, and what God would consider worship.

By: Andy Sochor

Andy Sochor — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 03:23:19 +0000

Dan, I agree with part of what you said. We cannot construct our own gate or pave our own road. We must follow the path that Christ has left for us. That path is not hidden, or indiscernible, but is clearly shown to us in the Scriptures. This is why Timothy was told, “Retain the standard of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13). To depart from this pattern is to follow the broad way, thus jeopardizing our souls. This is why we contend for the faith, even in matters in which our own brethren are in error.

As to your question about baptism, the New Testament clearly teaches that baptism is necessary for salvation (Mark 16:16; John 3:3,5; Acts 2:38,41,47; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27). In fact, Peter very plainly states, “baptism now saves you” (1 Peter 3:21). I don’t question why God requires this or anything else, I simply accept His word by faith. I encourage you to do the same.