One of the things people most frequently notice about churches of Christ is that we sing without the use of mechanical instruments of music — a cappella singing is the only music used in our worship.

Simply stated, here is the reason: we are seeking to worship according to the instructions of the New Testament. The New Testament leaves instrumental music out, therefore, we believe it right and safe to leave it out, too. If we used the mechanical instrument we would have to do so without New Testament authority.

In everything that the churches of Christ do, a primary objective is to stay strictly within the bounds of what the Bible teaches, using only the Bible as our authority, since it is the only instruction given by God to us. We are told not to add to nor take away from the Word, therefore adding instruments to our worship would be without the authority of the Word.

There are only 8 verses in the New Testament on the subject of music in worship. Here they are:

“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Matthew 26:30).

” about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God …”(Acts 16:25).

“Therefore I will praise Thee among the Gentiles, and sing to thy name” (Romans 15:9).

“. . . I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also” (1 Corinthians 14:15).

“. . . be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart” (Ephesians 5:18,19). Read the rest of this entry »