Pleasing God in Worship: Why We Sing a Cappella (1)

Introduction:
“Why do you not use instrumental music in worship?” This is a good and legitimate question—in need of a bible answer. The New Testament indicates that God’s people praised God vocally. Churches of Christ are not alone in singing a cappella. The reason for our abstinence from using the instrument is that we see no example of them being used in NT worship. See Mt. 26:30; Mk. 14:26; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; Eph. 5:18-19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:11-12; Js. 5:13; 1 Cor. 14:26. Note all music mentioned in the NT is vocal.

I. A look at history.
    A. 150 years ago—singing was __________________ in most “churches.”
    B. Notable quotes by Adam Clarke; John Wesley; John Calvin; John Girardeau; Martin Luther; Ben Franklin
    C. A Cappella defined: “without the use of ____________ _________.” Literally, “___ ____ ___________.”

II. A Simple Explanation as to why we do not use Instrumental Music:
    A. Our goal is to __________ ______. Because He has not indicated He would be pleased—we do not use it
    B. See 2 Cor. 5:9; Eph. 5:8-10; Col. 1:9-10; 1 Thess. 4:1-2; 1 Jhn. 3:21-22; Heb. 13:15-16; 1 Tim. 2:1-3
    C. Many make put the primary focus in worship upon pleasing ____________.
        1. Worship often measured by how it makes us feel _____________ & how pleasing it is to ______.
        2. We should ask, What can be done in worship to please ____________? Heb. 13:15; 2 Tim. 1:3
    D. Just because something pleases _______ does not mean it pleases ____________!
        1. We cannot know what pleases ______ unless He tells us! 2 Cor. 2:11
        2. 1 Thess. 4:1-2—we can know what pleases Him by looking to the __________________.

III. God has specified ________________ as the acceptable mode of praise.
    A. Heb. 13:15—_________ _____ _________. Expressed by __________ & ____________! 1 Cor. 14:15
    B. Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:18-20; Acts 16:25.
        1. ______________….to God.
        2. __________ & making ______________ in your heart to the Lord.
        3. They were ____________ & _____________ to God.
    C. We are to praise Him with words of praise; adoration; and ___________________.
    D. Because God has not specified that He wants to be praised with an __________; we do not use them.
        1. Unless God has indicated that he is pleased with instrumental music—all the ________ ________
            in the world that he would be pleased w/them is NO GUARANTEE that He will be!

Conclusion:
    A. This is a simple explanation of why we sing a cappella.
    B. Tonight—we’ll look at some common arguments made in favor of musical instruments.
        1. And, we’ll discuss whether all of this matters in the big picture.
    C. We’ve spent a great deal of time talking about pleasing God. Are you living in a way that is pleasing to
        Him? If not why not?
        1. We can help you get on track living a god-pleasing life.



Pleasing God in Worship: Why We Sing a Cappella (1) Introduction: “Why do you not use instrumental music in worship?” This is a good and legitimate question—in need of a bible answer. The New Testament indicates that God’s people praised God vocally. Churches of Christ are not alone in singing a cappella. The reason for our abstinence from using the instrument is that we see no example of them being used in NT worship. See Mt. 26:30; Mk. 14:26; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; Eph. 5:18-19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:11-12; Js. 5:13; 1 Cor. 14:26. Note all music mentioned in the NT is vocal. I. A look at history. A. 150 years ago—singing was __________________ in most “churches.” B. Notable quotes by Adam Clarke; John Wesley; John Calvin; John Girardeau; Martin Luther; Ben Franklin C. A Cappella defined: “without the use of ____________ _________.” Literally, “___ ____ ___________.” II. A Simple Explanation as to why we do not use Instrumental Music: A. Our goal is to __________ ______. Because He has not indicated He would be pleased—we do not use it B. See 2 Cor. 5:9; Eph. 5:8-10; Col. 1:9-10; 1 Thess. 4:1-2; 1 Jhn. 3:21-22; Heb. 13:15-16; 1 Tim. 2:1-3 C. Many make put the primary focus in worship upon pleasing ____________. 1. Worship often measured by how it makes us feel _____________ & how pleasing it is to ______. 2. We should ask, What can be done in worship to please ____________? Heb. 13:15; 2 Tim. 1:3 D. Just because something pleases _______ does not mean it pleases ____________! 1. We cannot know what pleases ______ unless He tells us! 2 Cor. 2:11 2. 1 Thess. 4:1-2—we can know what pleases Him by looking to the __________________. III. God has specified ________________ as the acceptable mode of praise. A. Heb. 13:15—_________ _____ _________. Expressed by __________ & ____________! 1 Cor. 14:15 B. Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:18-20; Acts 16:25. 1. ______________….to God. 2. __________ & making ______________ in your heart to the Lord. 3. They were ____________ & _____________ to God. C. We are to praise Him with words of praise; adoration; and ___________________. D. Because God has not specified that He wants to be praised with an __________; we do not use them. 1. Unless God has indicated that he is pleased with instrumental music—all the ________ ________ in the world that he would be pleased w/them is NO GUARANTEE that He will be! Conclusion: A. This is a simple explanation of why we sing a cappella. B. Tonight—we’ll look at some common arguments made in favor of musical instruments. 1. And, we’ll discuss whether all of this matters in the big picture. C. We’ve spent a great deal of time talking about pleasing God. Are you living in a way that is pleasing to Him? If not why not? 1. We can help you get on track living a god-pleasing life.