[Biblemat] A>Choice and Tradition

[Craig Thomas]

“Choice and Tradition”
Craig Thomas

I recently visited a “church of Christ” web 
site.  On their homepage they introduced and 
explained themselves to the community and told 
visitors what to expect if they came to worship 
with them.  One item they noted was “a cappella” 
music (i.e., music without instrumental 
accompaniment).  That is to be expected for those 
claiming to be a “church of Christ” (Rom. 16:16) 
for God’s word so instructs (Eph. 5:19; Col. 
3:16).  However, the reason stated for such a 
practice was “This is a choice and tradition in 
churches of Christ
”  How sad it is when brethren 
become so ashamed of the gospel that they 
essentially apologize and refuse to “speak as the 
oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11).  One may rightly 
say our “choice” in music is dictated by 
tradition, but it comes through the “traditions” 
we have received from inspired teachers (2 Thess. 
2:15) as they spoke “not in words which man's 
wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches” (1 Cor. 2:13).

If we make our “choices” in worship based merely 
on our preferences, as implied on this web site, 
our worship becomes “vain” (Matt. 15:9) and not 
according to “truth” (Jn. 4:24).  Quite sadly the 
five or six paragraphs these brethren used to 
introduce and explain themselves to the community 
contained not even one scripture 
reference.  “Behold, the word of the LORD is a 
reproach to them; They have no delight in it.” (Jer. 6:10)


"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is
not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)
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    M            M    III     Craig V. 
Thomas 

   M M      M M    I      Just a Christian (Acts 11:26)
   M  M    M  M    I      350 Pineridge Lane
   M   M  M   M    I      Sandusky, MI  48471
   M     M      M   III     E-mail:  thomasc at msu.edu
                                  Phone: 810-648-5009 (home)
                                  Phone: 
810-404-3402 
(cell) 

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"Perseverance is that quality of character that sees a thing through
in spite of adversities and even though results are not immediately
visible." John Witt
"The greatest battles of life are fought out daily in the silent chambers
of the soul."  David O. McKay  
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