Comments on: Amazing Grace: Scruples, Part 1 http://oneinjesus.info/2007/10/lessons-on-grace-scruples-part-1/ Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:04:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Jay Guin http://oneinjesus.info/2007/10/lessons-on-grace-scruples-part-1/#comment-824 Jay Guin Fri, 05 Oct 2007 21:44:27 +0000 http://oneinjesus.info/2007/10/04/lessons-on-grace-scruples-part-1/#comment-824 The argument that people "condone" the sin of those they worship with is as unscriptural as anything ever argued. I mean, the very premise is that we may only worship with the sinless or, at least, the doctrinally perfect, either of which is sheer arrogance. The argument that people "condone" the sin of those they worship with is as unscriptural as anything ever argued. I mean, the very premise is that we may only worship with the sinless or, at least, the doctrinally perfect, either of which is sheer arrogance.

]]> By: Jay Guin http://oneinjesus.info/2007/10/lessons-on-grace-scruples-part-1/#comment-823 Jay Guin Fri, 05 Oct 2007 21:42:42 +0000 http://oneinjesus.info/2007/10/04/lessons-on-grace-scruples-part-1/#comment-823 I heartily agree that the scruples of the a cappella congregation should be respected in a joint service. In fact, we once hosted a community-wide, cross-denominational service, and had visitors from all sorts of denominations. We proudly sang a cappella. The visiting preacher, an African-American pastor, declared: "I know they say the Churches of Christ don't use instruments ... but, friends, tonight, I heard some <i>trumpets</i>!" The joint a cappella singing was some of the best we ever had and was commented on very favorably--not that anyone changed their practices based on the experience. Nonetheless, I think much of the condescension we sometimes receive from instrumental congregations dissolved that night. I heartily agree that the scruples of the a cappella congregation should be respected in a joint service. In fact, we once hosted a community-wide, cross-denominational service, and had visitors from all sorts of denominations. We proudly sang a cappella.

The visiting preacher, an African-American pastor, declared: "I know they say the Churches of Christ don't use instruments … but, friends, tonight, I heard some trumpets!"

The joint a cappella singing was some of the best we ever had and was commented on very favorably–not that anyone changed their practices based on the experience. Nonetheless, I think much of the condescension we sometimes receive from instrumental congregations dissolved that night.

]]> By: Alan http://oneinjesus.info/2007/10/lessons-on-grace-scruples-part-1/#comment-822 Alan Fri, 05 Oct 2007 21:17:49 +0000 http://oneinjesus.info/2007/10/04/lessons-on-grace-scruples-part-1/#comment-822 Great post and insight. One mistake people make is thinking that they sin by attending a service where something they do not approve (eg. instrumental music) will occur. People often say that fellowship implies approval. I think this is a fundamental misunderstanding that leads to much unnecessary division. Romans 14-15 teaches the opposite: We must accept people who do things we do not approve. It might be appropriate for an instrumental congregation to leave out the instruments on an occasion so that a joint service could be held with an a cappella group, as a courtesy and to avoid the risk of tempting an a cappella brother/sister to sin. But OTOH a person with a cappella convictions should be able to worship at an instrumental church without sinning, as long as he/she does not play an instrument. In such cases that individual should keep what he believes between himself and God. Great post and insight.

One mistake people make is thinking that they sin by attending a service where something they do not approve (eg. instrumental music) will occur. People often say that fellowship implies approval. I think this is a fundamental misunderstanding that leads to much unnecessary division. Romans 14-15 teaches the opposite: We must accept people who do things we do not approve.

It might be appropriate for an instrumental congregation to leave out the instruments on an occasion so that a joint service could be held with an a cappella group, as a courtesy and to avoid the risk of tempting an a cappella brother/sister to sin. But OTOH a person with a cappella convictions should be able to worship at an instrumental church without sinning, as long as he/she does not play an instrument. In such cases that individual should keep what he believes between himself and God.

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