AIDS AND ADDITIONS
Introduction:
1. We are often asked, "How is it that you have song books and tuning
forks, but refuse the mechanical instruments of music in worship?"
2. This questions suggests a lesson. The Difference between Aids and
additions in the work and worship of the church.
3. NOTE: Generic authority---general Noah--wood
Specific authority--specifies --Gopher wood
I. MUSIC: Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16.
l. Music is a generic term; Sing is specific
2. Had Christ said, "Make music," we would have been free to do
whatever we desired to do, any kind of music would be O.K.
3. The command to sing includes all that is required to carry out
the command. Song leader, books, notes, pitch, etc.
4. "Why isn't the instrument allowed as an "aid" on the same
grounds as books, leader, etc.?"
5. The book, tuning fork, etc., do not add to the specific
command to "sing," for when all is said and done, only vocal
music is used in the worship.
6. When the instrument is used we have two kinds of music, thus
an addition and not an aid has been added.
7. Here is a difference then between an aid and an addition.
8. Cf. A cane is an aid to walking.
A wagon is an addition, something else.
II. FOOD is also a generic term
1. If Christ had simply said "food" on the Lord's table, we could
have put anything we desired without violating scripture.
2. But, He designated "fruit of the vine and unleavened bread,"
Matt 26:26; l Cor 22:
3. Anything else would be an addition, not an aid to L.S.
4. Communion cups, trays, table, etc., are aids to carrying out
the command to partake. They do not to nor change the Supper.
5. Mormons--use water. Thus, an addition, a change.
III. PRAYER may also be called a generic term, since there are prayers
to God, departed saints, false gods, Mary, etc.
1. But Christians are to pray by the authority (through) Christ.
Other prayers are additions and thus unscriptural.
2. Prayer involves posture. But since the Bible puts no
restriction on the posture, any position will do, and could
not be an addition, unless made mandatory.
3. Some say offering incense is an aid to prayer. But, remember
the Bible states that PRAYERS are to be offered, which
eliminates offering up anything else.
4. Prayers to Mary, etc., would be an addition to the TYPE of
prayer; and incense would be an addition to the KIND of prayer
IV. GIVE (or get money) is also a generic term, but to give by laying
by in store on the first day of the week as God has prospered, is
a specific type of giving. l Cor 16:1-2.
1. This eliminates the begging campaigns, raffles, cake walks,
etc. to raise money for the church. Selling apartment
buildings, renting the parking lots, Las Vegas Nights, etc.
2. But in taking up the collection certain aids are needed.
Plates, hats, etc., to put the money in.
These collections plates do not add to the command to
contribute; while other means of raising money are additions.
V. DO GOOD WORKS may also be called a generic term; in that it does
not specify through what means the good works are to be done.
1. But upon further study, we learn that our good works are to be
done in the name (by The authority of) of Christ, and
collectively through the local church. There is no example nor
command for the church universal to function.
2. This eliminates all other agencies through which the church
may do its work.
3. Benevolence calls for aids, means, etc., things necessary to
carry out the command, but we are not at liberty to make
additions. The orphan home uses aids, but the Orphan Home
itself is an addition. It is something else, other than the
organization designated by the Lord to do His work.
VI. PREACH AND TEACH are also generic terms:
1. There are aids incurred in obeying the command--radio, TV,
press, pulpit, etc.
2. But what is preached is very specific, "Preach the word."
3. Any literature that contains more than the Word of God is an
addition thereto, and is not permitted.
4. A congregation can use aids in carrying out the command.
Newspaper, radio, etc., But they are not permitted to add
another organization through which they are to preach such as
a Missionary Society, Sponsoring church, etc.
VII. EDIFY --Build up the members--generic term.
l. Specific--teach them, spiritual food, classes, etc.
2. Ball teams, fun and frolic, these would not be aids, but they
become additions.
VIII. The Word of God is very specific about the TERMS OF OBEDIENCE to
the GOSPEL.
1. Faith, repentance, confession, Baptism---
2. There are aids that can be used in Baptism--baptistry, creek,
etc. But, sprinkling is not an aid to baptism, it is an
addition.
Conclusion:
1. There is a positive and definite difference between Aids and
Additions to the work and worship of the church.
2. We need to study and be careful that we make the right
distinction with reference to these thoughts.
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