What is so different about the Laings (Ohio) Church of Christ than any other church? Well, the first thing people seem to notice about it is that we do not use instruments in our praise and worship to God. When people see this, they think that we do not praise God or do not have any type of music. This is far from the truth, because the churches of Christ have the best music and the largest chorus in town (everyone is included).
The type of music that we use is very biblical, and it is how the first century Christians also praised God. The type of music we use is called congregational singing or a cappella music, which means in the likeness of the church, vocal music or without instrumental accompaniment. The meaning of a cappella comes from the historical way that the Christians in the New Testament sang to God. The church has not always had instrumental music. Although instrumental music has been around since Genesis 4:21, instruments were not brought into the church assembly until hundreds of years after Christ built His church (Matthew 16:18). This means that this was a new practice humans brought into the worship assembly, rather than something introduced by Christ. If Christ had authorized instrumental music, He would have taught about the use of instruments in worship.
In reading the Bible, we can see why the first century Christians were known for their a cappella music and why it is important for us today to sing without instruments. The Bible would have us to sing without instruments because: It is the sacrifice of praise to God, which comes from the fruit of our lips (Hebrews 13:15); it shows our spiritual emotion (James 5:13); it shows our unity (Romans 15:5-6); it is not only done with the mouth but with our minds (1 Corinthians 14:15); it shows that the Holy Spirit dwells in us (Ephesians 5:19-20); it is a way to encourage one another (1 Corinthians 14:26); and it shows that we are heartfelt in our faith, and the way to teach one another the faith (Colossians 3:16-17). These verses teach us why we are to sing with our mouths and minds because it is to be done to honor God, show our faith in Him, give thanksgiving to God and to show our love for God.
Not only is a cappella music biblical, but the Bible says, God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). That means He lives in MY PRAISE, not in the instrument nor can someone else do my singing for me, just as others cannot be baptized for me. As I worship God I must give Him my heart, mind and soul. If we do not praise Him, the Bible says that the rocks will cry out in praise (Luke 19:37-40). God wants to hear us! One of the many problems with the instrument is that the people who use the instrument in worship will let the instrument worship for them. You can’t do that with the voice because God inhabits the praises of His people. God wants us to praise Him, rather than to sit there and let a piano do it while we mutter a few words in between. The Lord wants us as Christians to sing from the bottom of our hearts and souls with the fruits of lips that Christ is our Lord and King!
