I have had various discussions with individuals on matters religious through the years. Some of these discussions have been with individuals and groups on Facebook. I try not to get involved in these discussions too often because I know they take up a lot of time if they are approached seriously, and I don't always have that kind of time to give. But I occasionally will join in a discussion.
Unfortunately, in these discussions you run across too many people who will not deal honestly with the truth. Jesus clearly described them when He said: "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God" (John 3:19-
Below is a transcript of a typical discussion I have had on a group that was made up of disgruntled members of the Lord's church. Many of them had left the church but some were intent on changing the Lord's church into their own image so they were willing to still call themselves members of the church of Christ.
I offer the following transcript to demonstrate how people will run from the truth. I did not copy the exact original question, but it had to do with the use of instruments in our worship of God in the church. Observe in this transcript how those who support using instruments avoid answering questions directly, though they are adamant that others should answer their questions, when they pose one. Observe how instead of answering the questions they resort to ridicule instead of facing the facts. Observe how they ridicule the question to attempt to make it sound foolish. But observe how they never answered the questions put to them, not one.
I have edited the transcript to take out extraneous information that Facebook automatically put in. I have also edited out some comments that were likewise extraneous. Again, the original question had to do with the use of the instrument in worship for I answered with the scriptural authority.
Eric L. Padgett: Ephesians 5:19 -
Ray Ray W: Yep, that's what those two scriptures say.
Ray Ray W: All music, be it melodic, harmonic, or percussive, is made in the heart whether it is played or sung.
K Armstrong: God has not authorized anyone to condemn musical instruments, yet people do not care about what God wants. They only care about what THEY want! If you don't like IM, don't use it. It is a sin against God to judge how others choose to worship Him if they are doing so in spirit and in truth.
D Campbell: Lol. 240 comments. Man! Well. I just can't go to bed until I know the answer. I mean, the bible is so specific on how we are commanded to worship in the worship service. You know, in the formal worship assembly? The one in the auditorium. I mean, I figure their ok in the bible class room and in the fellowship hall because the bible isn't specific on those and pretty much anything goes in those rooms.
Eric L. Padgett -
D Campbell: I'm not sure your question makes sense.
Eric L. Padgett: I can understand that you wouldn't
Tyeand Juliet -
Eric L. Padgett -
D Campbell -
Eric L. Padgett -
D Campbell -
Eric L. Padgett -
D Campbell -
Eric L. Padgett -
D Campbell -
Eric L. Padgett -
T F If the Bible was clear on an issue, there would not be so much disagreement on that issue
T F The Bible is clear on the divinity of Jesus
T F The Bible is clear on the issue of man-
T F If the word of God was specific on the music question, then there would not be so much disagreement on that issue
T F If the Bible was clear on the question of Jesus' divinity, then there would not be so much disagreement on that issue
Tyeand Juliet Power: None of us are, D Campbell.....evidently this logic is so profound only the commenter understands it.
Group Admin: Mr. Padgett, I would acknowledge that the Bible is clear on the divinity of Christ. However, I would deny all your other claims. The Bible makes no reference to man-
Since that claim is false, your entire argument collapses into incoherence. (The comment about the divinity of Christ is entirely irrelevant to your argument.)
D Campbell -
Tyeand Juliet: And not connected at all...strange. What is ironic is telling YOU to use logic. Lol
D Campbell: Let me give it a try: If the word of Gods specificity ruled out all of man's innovations then why doesn't everyone all agree that Chevrolet is better than ford?
Yeah! That's fun! You try it.
D Campbell -
Eric L. Padgett: I love humor. Jesus even used it to make a point. I use it often, though it is often misunderstood (I'm really a nice, funny guy!). But there comes a time you must either engage in the arena or it becomes apparent that you have no case.
Eric L. Padgett: Just as I thought
Eric L. Padgett: Why not try taking a stab at it anyway. Go back to your original question and apply a little logic,
(End of part one)
