The Cross of Christ is Our Foundation n Why is it that we do not use instruments of music in our worship?

The Cross of Christ is Our FoundationThe Cross of Christ is Our Foundation

Why is it that we do not use instruments of Why is it that we do not use instruments of music in our worship?music in our worship?


Why is it that we do not use instruments of Why is it that we do not use instruments of music in our worship?music in our worship?

The foundation of all we do is the cross of The foundation of all we do is the cross of Christ. Christ. (Gal 2:20)(Gal 2:20)


Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) - I have been - I have been crucified with Christcrucified with Christ; it is no longer I who ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the live, but Christ lives in me; and the lifelife which I now live in the flesh I live by faith which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.Himself for me.


When you have personally been crucified When you have personally been crucified then whenever you hear of “the cross of then whenever you hear of “the cross of Christ” it is significant. Christ” it is significant.


When you have personally been crucified When you have personally been crucified then whenever you hear of “the cross of then whenever you hear of “the cross of Christ” it is significant. Christ” it is significant.

There are many within churches who have There are many within churches who have never been crucified and, as a result, are not never been crucified and, as a result, are not Christians and have no understanding or Christians and have no understanding or real Christianity. real Christianity. (Gal 6:14)(Gal 6:14)


Galatians 6:14 (NKJV)Galatians 6:14 (NKJV)- But God forbid - But God forbid that I should boast that I should boast except in the cross of our except in the cross of our Lord Jesus ChristLord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has , by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.been crucified to me, and I to the world.


The stand of the cross will not be popular The stand of the cross will not be popular with other religious views. with other religious views. (Gal 6:12)(Gal 6:12)


Galatians 6:12 (NKJV)Galatians 6:12 (NKJV) - As many as - As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these these wouldwould compel you to be circumcised, compel you to be circumcised, only that only that they may not suffer persecution they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christfor the cross of Christ..


The cross will bring clarity between the will The cross will bring clarity between the will of Christ and the desires of worldly of Christ and the desires of worldly religion.religion.


The crucified man will stand where the The crucified man will stand where the “worldly Christian” will seek a place to “worldly Christian” will seek a place to hide for the sake of “peace” and hide for the sake of “peace” and “unity.”“unity.”


The crucified man will stand where the The crucified man will stand where the “worldly Christian” will seek a place to “worldly Christian” will seek a place to hide for the sake of “peace” and hide for the sake of “peace” and “unity.”“unity.”

I beg you to be crucified! You will be I beg you to be crucified! You will be surprised where it will lead you.surprised where it will lead you.


The crucified man will stand where the “worldly The crucified man will stand where the “worldly Christian” will seek a place to hide for Christian” will seek a place to hide for the sake of “peace” and “unity.”the sake of “peace” and “unity.”

I beg you to be crucified! You will be surprised I beg you to be crucified! You will be surprised where it will lead you.where it will lead you.

The question of our worship to God is clearly a The question of our worship to God is clearly a cross issue. Finding fellowship with God cross issue. Finding fellowship with God and knowing His will is entirely defined by the and knowing His will is entirely defined by the Cross.Cross.

The Covenant of Jesus Christ was The Covenant of Jesus Christ was dedicated at the crossdedicated at the cross

God has always used the word “covenant” God has always used the word “covenant” to describe all relationships to Him.to describe all relationships to Him.


God has always used the word “covenant” to God has always used the word “covenant” to describe all relationships to Him.describe all relationships to Him.

diatheke - 1) a disposition, arrangement, of diatheke - 1) a disposition, arrangement, of any sort, which one wishes to be valid, the last any sort, which one wishes to be valid, the last disposition which one makes of his earthly disposition which one makes of his earthly possessions after his death, a testament or will possessions after his death, a testament or will 2) a compact, a covenant, a testament 2a) 2) a compact, a covenant, a testament 2a) God's covenant with Noah, etc. God's covenant with Noah, etc.


Why was a covenant so significant to Why was a covenant so significant to Noah? Noah? (Gen 6:18)(Gen 6:18)


Genesis 6:18 (NKJV)Genesis 6:18 (NKJV) - But - But I will establish I will establish My covenant with youMy covenant with you; and you shall go ; and you shall go into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and into the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.your sons’ wives with you.


God has always required a “shedding of God has always required a “shedding of blood” in order for a relationship to exist blood” in order for a relationship to exist with Him. with Him. (Heb 9:18, 22-23)(Heb 9:18, 22-23)


Hebrews 9:18 (NKJV)Hebrews 9:18 (NKJV) - Therefore not - Therefore not even the first even the first covenantcovenant was dedicated was dedicated without blood. without blood.


Hebrews 9:22-23 (NKJV)Hebrews 9:22-23 (NKJV) - And according - And according to the law almost to the law almost all things are purified with all things are purified with bloodblood, and without shedding of blood there , and without shedding of blood there is no remission.23 Therefore is no remission.23 Therefore it wasit was necessary that necessary that the copies of the things in the the copies of the things in the heavens should be purifiedheavens should be purified with these, but with these, but the heavenly things themselves the heavenly things themselves with better with better sacrifices than thesesacrifices than these..


As the Jews has a covenant that defined As the Jews has a covenant that defined their relationship with God, we as their relationship with God, we as Christians have a better covenant based Christians have a better covenant based upon the blood shed at the cross of upon the blood shed at the cross of Christ. Christ. (Heb 8:6)(Heb 8:6)


Hebrews 8:6 (NKJV)Hebrews 8:6 (NKJV) - But now He has - But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better covenant, which was established on better promises.promises.


Did you remember the “blood of the Did you remember the “blood of the covenant” when you partook of the Lord’s covenant” when you partook of the Lord’s supper? supper? (Mt 26:28-29; 1 Cor 11:24-25)(Mt 26:28-29; 1 Cor 11:24-25)


Matthew 26:28-29 (NKJV)Matthew 26:28-29 (NKJV) - For this is - For this is My blood of the new covenantMy blood of the new covenant, which is , which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”kingdom.”


1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (NKJV) - and - and when He had given thanks, He broke when He had given thanks, He broke itit and and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner Me.” 25 In the same manner HeHe also also tooktook the cup after supper, saying, “the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the This cup is the new covenant in My bloodnew covenant in My blood. This do, as often . This do, as often as you drink as you drink it,it, in remembrance of Me.” in remembrance of Me.”


The covenant is extensive and complete. The covenant is extensive and complete. Both the shedding of Christ’s blood and the Both the shedding of Christ’s blood and the delivery of the covenant was a “once for delivery of the covenant was a “once for all” event. all” event. (Heb 9:26-28)(Heb 9:26-28)


Hebrews 9:26-28 (NKJV)Hebrews 9:26-28 (NKJV) - He then would - He then would have had to suffer often since the have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, foundation of the world; but now, onceonce at at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27And away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27And as it is appointed for men to die as it is appointed for men to die onceonce, but , but after this the judgment, after this the judgment,


28 so Christ was offered 28 so Christ was offered onceonce to bear the to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.from sin, for salvation.


How many of you would fall for one that How many of you would fall for one that claimed that a new sacrifice for our sins claimed that a new sacrifice for our sins needs to be made?needs to be made?


How many of you would fall for one that How many of you would fall for one that claimed that a new sacrifice for our sins claimed that a new sacrifice for our sins needs to be made?needs to be made?

There are three things in this verse that are There are three things in this verse that are “once for all,” that is, they will never “once for all,” that is, they will never be repeated or added to. be repeated or added to.


The delivery of the covenant was also a The delivery of the covenant was also a “once for all” event. “once for all” event. (Jude 3)(Jude 3)


Jude 3 (NKJV)Jude 3 (NKJV) - Beloved, while I was very - Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was earnestly for the faith which was once for once for allall delivered to the saints. delivered to the saints.


It is in this body of truth, “the faith,” that It is in this body of truth, “the faith,” that will obey the Lord. will obey the Lord. (Acts 6:7)(Acts 6:7)


Acts 6:7 (NKJV)Acts 6:7 (NKJV) - Then the word of God - Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests many of the priests were obedient to the were obedient to the faithfaith. .


What about those who contend for an What about those who contend for an ongoing delivery of God’s will?ongoing delivery of God’s will?

The Cross of Christ demands that we abide The Cross of Christ demands that we abide in His covenant alonein His covenant alone

God has clearly revealed the place and time God has clearly revealed the place and time where the old covenant ended. where the old covenant ended. (Col 2:14-17)(Col 2:14-17)


Colossians 2:14-17 (NKJV)Colossians 2:14-17 (NKJV) - having - having wiped out the handwriting of requirements wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. triumphing over them in it.


16 So let no one judge you in food or in 16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17which are a shadow of things or sabbaths, 17which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.to come, but the substance is of Christ.


This plainly shows the scope of a covenant. This plainly shows the scope of a covenant. Worship and service are central issues to a Worship and service are central issues to a relationship with God.relationship with God.


This plainly shows the scope of a covenant. This plainly shows the scope of a covenant. Worship and service are central issues to a Worship and service are central issues to a relationship with God.relationship with God.

As the Old Covenant was removed at the As the Old Covenant was removed at the cross, the New covenant was now in cross, the New covenant was now in force. force. (Heb 9:16-17)(Heb 9:16-17)


Hebrews 9:16-17 (NKJV)Hebrews 9:16-17 (NKJV) - For where - For where there there isis a testament, there must also of a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament a testament isis in force after men are dead, in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the since it has no power at all while the testator lives.testator lives.


Without this knowledge we would have Without this knowledge we would have great confusion as we read the Bible.great confusion as we read the Bible.


Without this knowledge we would have Without this knowledge we would have great confusion as we read the Bible.great confusion as we read the Bible.

Our eternal salvation depends upon out Our eternal salvation depends upon out understanding this distinction. understanding this distinction. (Gal 5:1-4)(Gal 5:1-4)


Galatians 5:1-4 (NKJV)Galatians 5:1-4 (NKJV) - Stand fast - Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. he is a debtor to keep the whole law.


4 You have become estranged from Christ, 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who you who attempt toattempt to be justified by law; you be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.have fallen from grace.


Many Jewish Christians gave into pressure Many Jewish Christians gave into pressure and tried to force Gentile Christians to be and tried to force Gentile Christians to be circumcised according the Old Covenant.circumcised according the Old Covenant.


Many Jewish Christians gave into pressure Many Jewish Christians gave into pressure and tried to force Gentile Christians to be and tried to force Gentile Christians to be circumcised according the Old Covenant.circumcised according the Old Covenant.

This was not a matter of traditions or This was not a matter of traditions or conveniences, but the Cross of Christ conveniences, but the Cross of Christ itself! itself! (Gal 5:11)(Gal 5:11)


Galatians 5:11 (NKJV)Galatians 5:11 (NKJV) - And I, brethren, - And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.cross has ceased.


How many religious practices are based How many religious practices are based upon the Old Covenant alone?upon the Old Covenant alone?


Where in the New Covenant do we read of: Where in the New Covenant do we read of: tithing, a separate priesthood (clergy), the tithing, a separate priesthood (clergy), the burning of incense, or the use of burning of incense, or the use of instruments of music in praise to instruments of music in praise to God?God?

What does the Cross of Christ teach us What does the Cross of Christ teach us about worship?about worship?

How should we approach the Lord’s How should we approach the Lord’s Supper? Supper? (Mt 26:26-28)(Mt 26:26-28)


Matthew 26:26-28 (NKJV)Matthew 26:26-28 (NKJV) - And as they - And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke broke it,it, and gave and gave itit to the disciples and said, to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27Then He took “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave the cup, and gave thanks, and gave itit to them, to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.shed for many for the remission of sins.


We must remember the reason for why we We must remember the reason for why we eat.eat.



Does the outward form matter? Suppose we Does the outward form matter? Suppose we substituted hamburger and coke for substituted hamburger and coke for the “fruit of the vine” and “bread?” the “fruit of the vine” and “bread?”



Does the outward form matter? Suppose we Does the outward form matter? Suppose we substituted hamburger and coke for substituted hamburger and coke for the “fruit of the vine” and “bread?” the “fruit of the vine” and “bread?”

Do we change the instructions of the Do we change the instructions of the covenant because of human wisdom or covenant because of human wisdom or convenience? convenience?


Could we use “bread” and “fruit of the Could we use “bread” and “fruit of the vine” but add some peanut butter to it?vine” but add some peanut butter to it?



How should we praise God in our worship?How should we praise God in our worship?



How should we praise God in our worship?How should we praise God in our worship? Under the Old Covenant God gave specific Under the Old Covenant God gave specific

instructions that included both vocal instructions that included both vocal and instrumental music. and instrumental music. (2 Chron 29:25-26)(2 Chron 29:25-26)


2 Chronicles 29:25-26 (NKJV)2 Chronicles 29:25-26 (NKJV) - And he - And he stationed the Levites in the house of the Lord stationed the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, with stringed instruments, and with cymbals, with stringed instruments, and with harps, with harps, according to the commandment of according to the commandment of DavidDavid, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the , of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet; for thus prophet; for thus waswas the commandment of the the commandment of the Lord by His prophetsLord by His prophets. 26 The Levites stood with . 26 The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets.the trumpets.


Why not simply look at every verse in the Why not simply look at every verse in the New Covenant and see what God New Covenant and see what God wants?wants?


Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music?Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music? Matthew 26:30 (NKJV)Matthew 26:30 (NKJV) - And when they - And when they

had had sung a hymnsung a hymn, they went out to the , they went out to the Mount of Olives.Mount of Olives.


Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music?Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music? Acts 16:25 (NKJV)Acts 16:25 (NKJV) - But at midnight Paul - But at midnight Paul

and Silas were praying and and Silas were praying and singing hymnssinging hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. them.


Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music?Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music? Romans 15:9 (NKJV)Romans 15:9 (NKJV) - and that the - and that the

Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will as it is written: “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, confess to You among the Gentiles, And And sing to Your namesing to Your name.”.”


Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music?Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music? 1 Corinthians 14:15 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 14:15 (NKJV) - What is the - What is the

conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. and I will also pray with the understanding. I will singI will sing with the spirit, and I will also with the spirit, and I will also singsing with the understanding. with the understanding.


Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music?Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music? Ephesians 5:19 (NKJV)Ephesians 5:19 (NKJV) - - speakingspeaking to one to one

another in psalms and hymns and spiritual another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, songs, singing and making melody in your singing and making melody in your heartheart to the Lord, to the Lord,


Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music?Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music? Colossians 3:16 (NKJV)Colossians 3:16 (NKJV) - Let the word of - Let the word of

Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teachingteaching and and admonishingadmonishing one another in one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heartssinging with grace in your hearts to the to the Lord. Lord.


Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music?Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music? Hebrews 2:12 (NKJV)Hebrews 2:12 (NKJV) - saying: “I will - saying: “I will

declare Your name to My brethren; In the declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly midst of the assembly I will sing praiseI will sing praise to to You.”You.”


Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music?Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music? Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV) - Therefore by - Therefore by

Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lipsthe fruit of our lips, , giving thanks to His name. giving thanks to His name.


Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music?Vocal Music ? Instrumental Music? James 5:13 (NKJV)James 5:13 (NKJV) - Is anyone among - Is anyone among

you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him cheerful? Let him sing psalmssing psalms..


These questions are made much simpler These questions are made much simpler when seen in the shadow of the cross.when seen in the shadow of the cross.


These questions are made much simpler These questions are made much simpler when seen in the shadow of the cross.when seen in the shadow of the cross.

These questions are made much simpler when These questions are made much simpler when seen in the shadow of the cross.seen in the shadow of the cross.

Is the blood of the New Covenant sufficient Is the blood of the New Covenant sufficient for you? for you? (Heb 13:20-21)(Heb 13:20-21)


Hebrews 13:20-21 (NKJV)Hebrews 13:20-21 (NKJV) - Now may the - Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, from the dead, that great Shepherdthat great Shepherd of the of the sheep, sheep, through the blood of the everlasting through the blood of the everlasting covenantcovenant, 21 make you , 21 make you complete in every complete in every good workgood work to do His will, working in you to do His will, working in you what is well what is well pleasing in His sightpleasing in His sight, through , through Jesus Christ, to whom Jesus Christ, to whom bebe glory forever and glory forever and ever. Amen.ever. Amen.


The people who submit to the Great The people who submit to the Great Shepard will be very different from the Shepard will be very different from the world.world.


The people who submit to the Great The people who submit to the Great Shepard will be very different from the Shepard will be very different from the world.world.

Are you ashamed of the Cross or boldly Are you ashamed of the Cross or boldly carrying it? carrying it? (Gal 6:12, 14)(Gal 6:12, 14)


Galatians 6:12 (NKJV)Galatians 6:12 (NKJV) - As many as - As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these these wouldwould compel you to be circumcised, compel you to be circumcised, only that only that they may not suffer persecution they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christfor the cross of Christ. .


Galatians 6:14 (NKJV)Galatians 6:14 (NKJV) - But God forbid - But God forbid that I should boast that I should boast except in the cross of our except in the cross of our Lord Jesus ChristLord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has , by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.been crucified to me, and I to the world.

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The Cross of Christ is Our Foundation n Why is it that we do not use instruments of music in our worship?