Dear Sir: I am presently working here in Saudi Arabia and would leave the kingdom in the next few days. I used to be a member of Church of Christ (using Musical Instruments in Worship) when I was still in the Philippines. But when I arrived here in [city withheld by Editor] I found out about the Church of Christ (Non-Instrumental) which teachings I embraced for the truth sake. Now that I am leaving and wil be re-united with my family, my father who is an elder of the former church, but would love to convert them to the truthness of biblical authority in worship. I stand firm in the teaching that it is sinful to use musical instruments in worship. The question now is, will it be expedient if I will have fellowship with them having my purpose of trying to convert them and preach to them the biblical authority in worship? I know that my father will give me the slot to speak before them during the Bible Study and during the Sermon and I am thinking that it is but expedient to have fellowship with them with the purpose of preaching them the truth. Correct me if I am wrong, in the Book of Acts Paul upon returning to Jerusalem went into the Temple being asked by th Elders and worship as a Jew. [name withheld by Editor]
You are correct to seize opportunities to speak to persons in biblical error about the truth, as the apostle Paul did. The only modification of your representation of the scenario is that neither the apostle Paul nor you would be extending religious fellowship (partnership, unity) to those in error. Comparable to the Catholic wedding I attended a few years ago for my wife’s niece, we were and you would be respectful but not participate in the religious error. We did not sing with the songs accompanied by instrumental music and we did not participate in the responsive readings. In your case, of course, it would be counterproductive for you to sing with the accompaniment of instrumental music and then proceed to preach against it. It would probably be best if you not Amen the prayers, partake of the Lord’s Supper or give to the collection; otherwise, you will give the impression that they are at least enough right that the instrumental music is inconsequential.
Criticism, even by Christians toward Christians, seems to be a chief occupation of mankind, and someone will criticize the best efforts. Often the biggest critics are doing nothing to save souls and would prevent brethren from saving souls either. However, one must make sure that to the best of his ability that neither brethren nor those to whom we go preaching the Gospel misunderstand the reason for which we speak in a denominational assembly or church in error. Beyond those best efforts, any problems either have if we conduct ourselves respectfully and are loyal to God is their problem and not ours. I wish you well in your godly efforts.
