“ Comprehensive and useful messages ” This series of sermons on the doctrine of providence propound a detailed approach to the topic. It promotes beneficial and rich understanding, with useful illustrations. Highly beneficial; well appreciated. Thanks
“ Great Sermon! ” Thank you brother for this spiritual meal.God's love for me is the buoy that keeps me from drowning in my doubts and fears. I think this is the toughest lesson in life to learn. In everything may God get the glory
“ Great Sermon! ” Very powerful message, Robby. This has been one of my favorite Psalms, yet you brought out more of its depth to me -- AND with such quiet power. Loved the fruit of your sermonic labors. Very good scriptural reasoning. Amen!
“ Our high priest ” Thanks. Surely, the Priesthood of Christ ALONE replaces the Old covenant rituals. He made possible the new priesthood unto God abolishing the old order. "he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us, Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man," Eph 2:14-15 In this I trust, and probably you too. May God be blessed.
“ Great Sermon! ” Good sermon I agree with all said ,except the preacher address God in prayer as you ,when it should be thee and thou .Respect for who you are speaking too .
“ Final response to Mr McCausland ” The Priesthood of believers does not "override" the OT priesthood. The Priesthood of Christ ALONE replaces the Old covenant rituals! Our "Priesthood" only has meaning in its relationship to His unique role! If you were right on this then not only would that mean all believers could use instruments in worship but also that no-one would have the right to stop them doing so! I believe you need to think this one over dear brother. On the point of Miriam, I don't think we she use her as an example or we might end up in trouble! May the Lord guide us all into His truth more and more for His own glory and honour. M.
“ Answer B to Mr Fitzpatrick's response ” The flowing of ‘rivers of water’ Jesus mentioned, speaking of the indwelling Spirit, with all the traits involved of joy, peace, etc, gently derive in the epistles as ‘making melody in our hearts unto the Lord” in the context of personal devotion. What it is in the heart it comes out. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Math. 12:34 Because of this, there seem no reason why it cannot flow along this melody in the heart external instrumental harmony. Technically speaking in music, a melody is always, audibly or not, supported by some sort of a harmony.
Instrumental accompaniment in singing seems a non-questionable and non-condemned practice throughout the Psalms. Also it appears the obvious explanation regarding Miriam’s singing praise with her timbrel at the Red Sea. Ex.15:20-21. We do not hear of Miriam being reproved for this.
Believing enough evidence has been provided for either view of the topic in question, there should not be need for further insistence, unless a new wing of understanding is required. “Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemns not himself in that thing which he allows”. Rom. 14:22
“ Answer A to Mr Fitzpatrick's response ” Brother, I believe in the universal priesthood of the believers. “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; Rev. 1:5. “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:“ I Peter 2:9. “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” I Peter 2:5
This priesthood over rides the types and settings of the ceremonial priesthood in the OT. In the light of this, the questions presented appear none existent in my understanding.
“ Response ” Thank you Mr McCausland for your kind and clear response. Indeed there is as you refer to an antecedent of instrumental worship in the OT. But along with this are clear rules of who are to be the instrumentalists, the Priests and Levites. Also there is a clear connection with the Tabernacle and the sacrifices. There is silence with regard to instruments in the NT and the place to make melody is in the heart! Your position raises these obvious questions. Who are authorized to play? Who decides? What instruments etc? The Abolishing of the Temple, its sacrifice, worship and the Priesthood demands the ending of all their exclusive ministry which includes instruments in the worship of God. Sincerely, MF.
“ Mark Fitzpatrick ” Thank you, Sir. The adding of water would openly contradict or violate the teaching of Christ and Paul in Scripture where only two elements were established for the Lord's Table. This should be considered as adding to Scripture, with no antecedent. However, we can perceive an antecedent of the use of instruments in personal worship in the Psalms. Perhaps you could kindly help me in this, but I do not perceive an open contradiction otherwise. I would be pleased to have your aid in this.
Without wishing to be contentious, comments presented aim to check or expand mutual understanding. I am concerned about the use of instruments as much as you would perhaps, but for different reasons. Perceiving a potential risk of detraction from simple devotion in worship, and coming from a different angle, I suggest different arguments, than the ones presented in R. McCurley's circles.
I trust this eases your miss-givings. I would willingly answer further personal queries at the address provided above.
12/4/16 7:04 PM
