The New Testament of Jesus Christ authorizes us to sing, and nothing else.  We are not to add to or take away from God's word.  Instrumental music in worship to God is an addition to God's word.

     Singing is a corporate act.  The church is to be together when we sing.  Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 both emphasize the mutual act of singing.  We are to speak to one another in our singing.  Speaking to one another demands we are together when we speak.  All we are authorized to do is to speak or sing - we have no authority for more.

    Singing is also an individual act- each one of us is to sing, each one is to speak.  Listening without singing does not fulfill the command.  The purpose is stated in the command (Colossians 3:16).  We teach and admonish one another when we sing.  This makes it necessary for the songs we sing to be consistent with the doctrines taught in the Bible.  We should not sing (teach) things the Bible does not teach.  Because we teach of God, Christ, the Spirit, the church, redemption, salvation, repentance, judgement and heaven, songs must be scriptural.

     Not only do we teach but we also admonish one another. To admonish is to give a gentle or mild rebuke. We encourage each other to come home if necessary.  We admonish each other to remain faithful.  We also remember Christ's great sacrifice on Calvary.  We praise God when we sing.  How great it is when God's children assemble together and sing of His greatness, power, love, mercy, forgiveness, holiness, and redemption.  We praise God with the fruit of our lips (Hebrews 13:15).

     Like every act of worship, singing is spiritual in nature.  It is a reflection of our sincere hearts poured out in song unto God.  The melody is made in our hearts, not on some mechanical machine.  Paul speaks of grace in Colossians 3:16 and says that grace is in our hearts.  This completely removes the common human temptation to make spiritual things about physical sensation.  You receive no glory for playing well because you are not authorized to play anything.  There is no choir for our best voices, because everyone is to sing to one another. No. God's way is everyone sings!  Sing out loud, sing praise to Him, golrify Him, teach and admonish one another.  It does not matter how well you sing, it matters how sincerely you sing.

     When the church is singing one to another, what are you doing?  Are you fulfilling God's purpose in singing?  Sadly, some folks don't sing, others are asleep, still some are passing notes or feeding chilf\dren.  What a privilege is ours to sing praises to God, the shame and loss is ours if we refuse.