A Capella singing in our service to God

Transcription:

One of the things often noticed about the churches of Christ is that we sing without the use of instrumental accompaniment.  A cappella singing is the only music used in our services.  Simply stated, we desire to worship according to the instructions or examples given in the New Testament.  Instrumental music was used in the Old Testament, but is absent in all 8 references to music and worship in the New Testament.

WHY WE SING
We sing; not because we simply “like it” but to praise God, who is worthy to be praised.  Additionally, Colossians 3:16 says we teach and “admonish” or gently help one another thru our songs.
Colossians 3:16 KJV  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
 
WHAT WE SING
We cannot sing just any song we want, but limited to psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
Ephesians 5:19 KJV  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
 
Psalm – a sacred or holy song
Hymn – a song of praise directed to God
Spiritual songs – from the Greek interpreted “songs of the breath of God”.  Songs that bring edification, exhortation and comfort to the Church.

PURPOSE OF SINGING
1 Corinthians 14:15 KJV  What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
 
We probably all enjoy what we consider “good” music that is by our favorite artist and every note is perfect.  However, when we worship how it sounds should always be of less importance than the ability for everyone to understand the intent communicated by the words of the song.
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CONGREGATIONAL SINGING
Singing together as a congregation brings together all believers in attendance to sing the song as one.  Combining our voices together in song can be a source of encouragement, teaching, rejoicing, unity and build faith.  The overall benefit of singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs is that God receives the glory as we declare to God, each other and the world “we believe this to be true”.